The Alumni Newsletter, October 2025

SGM Sam Woodhead '96 plays the National Anthem at the Crewe Center for the Arts Ribbon Cutting Celebration on October 3, 2025.

Greetings!

What a wonderful time it is to be connected to USM! Earlier this month, we experienced an incredible Homecoming weekend filled with energy, school spirit, and meaningful connections. The turnout was outstanding, and the on-campus vibe was nothing short of inspiring—reminding all of us just how special it is to be part of the Husky community.

This fall has also been marked by some exciting milestones. In September, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Collab: ESPORTS Arena by Town & Country Federal Credit Union in the Brooks Student Center on the Gorham campus—a dynamic new space that blends innovation, collaboration, and competition. Then, in early October, we officially opened the beautiful new Crewe Center for the Arts in Portland, which will serve as a creative hub for students, faculty, and the greater community for years to come.

I’m also pleased to extend a warm welcome to our new Alumni Engagement Council members—Robert Curtis ’74, Lauren Livengood ’13, ’21, and Ellie Espling ’94. Their energy, experience, and commitment to USM will strengthen our work to keep alumni connected and engaged.

In this edition of the USM Alumni Newsletter, you’ll find stories about Maine leaders like Elizabeth McLellan ‘86G, founder of Partners for World Health, and the late Senator Bill Diamond ’68, ’72G, whose work and service have had profound impacts, both globally and locally. Among the many recent Husky accomplishments, you’ll read about Amanda Johnston ’13G, whose latest book, Praisesong for the People: Poems from the Heart and Soul of Texas, was just published.

Be sure to note two upcoming events: On October 30, join us for a screening of the new film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, The American Revolution, followed by a panel discussion with USM faculty. Then, on November 5, you’re invited to the second event in USM’s Forum on American Democracy series, featuring a conversation with Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.

It’s truly an exciting moment for USM, and your continued support helps make it all possible. Thank you for being part of this incredible community and for everything you do to advance the University of Southern Maine.

With gratitude,

LEADER OF THE PACK

FEATURED STORIES

Remembering Maine Senator Bill Diamond '68, '72G

FEATURED EVENT

ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Rachel Accurso, a native of Biddeford, Maine, was named Rolling Stone’s 3rd most influential creator of 2025.
• Trey Binette '15 has been promoted to Manager in the advisory practice at Baker Newman Noyes.
• Josie Chadbourne '22G was appointed to the role of Director of Special Services in the Kittery School District.
• Ben Clouse '24 was featured for his performance of the role of Laurie in Castle Craig’s production of Little Women in Meriden, CT.
• Anne Cyr '92G has her poem "The Shock of It" featured in the Portland Press Herald, after her work as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
• Tyler DeAngelis '25G was recognized as Graduate Student of the Year by the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
• Phoebe Elliott '24 was named athletic trainer at Middlebury College.
• Benjamin Ferrari '25 has been hired as the new Middle School and High School Music Teacher at Pine Hill at High Mowing School.
• Hailey Alexis Francoeur '24G, Tour Operations Manager for DCI's Boston Crusaders, led them to win their first national championship in corps history.
• Kathy Gillis '92, '13G received the Chris Kaufman Award from the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
• Ashley Haskell '19 has been promoted to Manager in the tax practice at Baker Newman Noyes.
• Lisa Hill has been promoted to Director of Sappi North America’s Pulp Business.
• Professor Alexander Katopis '07, '10G published his first book, The Essentials of Supervising Practicum and Internship Students in Counselor Education Programs.
• Peter King was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the Island Institute.
• Dori Leadbetter was featured for her academic pursuits and work with the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC).
• Amanda Savage (née Stevens) '07 is the first Mainer to join the American Nurses Association Board of Directors.
• Sigrid Sibley '21 and her fellow bandmates were featured on News Center Maine.
• Kathryn Smith '90, '99G was recognized as School Psychologist of the Year by the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
• Gail Spaien ’80 will exhibit her artwork at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art Biennial in Rockland, on view from October 4, 2025, through January 11, 2026.
• Richard St. Pierre '90 has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer EVP at Norway Savings Bank.
• Megan Vaughan was honored to win the 2025 Red Gendron Memorial Scholarship.
• Lindsey Welch was featured in an article about running the Beach to Beacon.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

RECENT OBITUARIES

• Jacob "Jake" Brown '20G
• Craig S. Church
• Kenneth S. Dolby '76
• Roger P. Dufour '71, '81G
• Nanci D. Fortin '78
• Jan (Tillson) Fraser '76
• Joseph "Joe" C. Gagliardi '20
• Prof. Roy A. Gallant
• Paula M. (Locke) Gaudet
• Mary Dianne Akeley Gordon '57
• Robert E. Gross '76G

• Virginia Gerry Hale '60
• Carol Ann White Hamblen '94
• Barbara Ann Kinney
• Jacqueline "Jackie" M. Langevin '23
• Dr. Ryan M. Long '14, '15G
• Carmel A. Morin '71
• Cheryl (Wotherspoon) Perino '79
• Richard Hyde Skillin '71G
• Marjorie Bough Sponsler
• Martha Ellen (McChahill) Sprague '12G

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