The Alumni Newsletter, August 2026 | | USM's Next Chapter: Connect, Celebrate, Come Home | | |
Greetings!
Maine summers are famously short and sweet, and this one is no different. As I’m writing this, we’re between two especially meaningful USM moments. At Commencement, I had the joy of interviewing brand-new alumni about their experiences at the University. In just a few weeks, USM will welcome its newest students at move-in as they begin their own educational journeys.
Standing between those two milestones reminds me that being part of USM is a connection we carry with us long after graduation.
That spirit of connection is why I’m so excited to begin my new role as President of the USM Alumni Engagement Council. One of the things I love most about Maine is that wherever I go, I seem to find fellow USM alumni—people with shared experiences, fascinating stories, and a genuine commitment to our communities. I look forward to creating even more opportunities for us to connect with one another and with the University.
If it has been a while since you engaged with USM, I invite you to take a fresh look at your alma mater. Come see the beautiful new spaces, learn about the University’s deepening connections throughout Maine, and experience the visible momentum across our campuses. USM’s next chapter is unfolding, and there is a place in it for every one of us.
If you’re curious about how to reconnect in a way that feels meaningful to you, please reach out to Zoë Cumler, the Director of Alumni and Community Engagement, at zoe.cumler@maine.edu.
Warmly,
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Ellie Espling ’94
President, Alumni Engagement Council
USM Foundation
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Stay in touch!
Make sure we have the most up-to-date contact info so you never miss out on news, events and opportunities from us.
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Maddox Cahill ’26
Student-athlete, studio artist, and recent grad Maddox Cahill balanced early-morning track practices, studio classes, and a museum internship — then took that same discipline to a gallery show in Los Angeles. In a new Q&A, Cahill talks juggling training and creative work, staying grounded under pressure, and the advice they'd give any student-athlete chasing a passion outside the arena.
Q&A with Maddox
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Alumni Engagement Council Welcomes New Members
As one chapter closes, another begins. We're grateful to Kelly Barden ’07 (former AEC president), Nancy Griffin ’82 and Sarah Rodgers ’96, whose terms on the Alumni Engagement Council have come to an end, for their dedication and service to the USM alumni community.
At the same time, we're excited to welcome new energy to the Council. Please join us in welcoming Ellie Espling ’94 as our new Alumni Engagement Council President, along with new members Martin Foley ’92, Peter Harrison ’90G, and Krizstina Napolitani ’08, ’15G. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and continued momentum they'll bring in the seasons ahead.
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Mainebiz 2026 Outstanding Women in Business
Congratulations to Corey Hascall ’99, named to Mainebiz's 2026 Outstanding Women in Business — one of just six honorees this year. As President & CEO of the University of Southern Maine Foundation, Corey has driven record-setting fundraising and philanthropic growth, expanding what's possible for USM students, faculty, and programs. From alum to Foundation leader — a full-circle story we're proud to celebrate.
Read more about her recognition.
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University of Southern Maine Homecoming Weekend
September 25-27th
Come back to Gorham and Portland for a weekend of Husky pride, old friends, and new memories! Enjoy Fall Fest, cheer on the Huskies as Men's Soccer & Volleyball take on LEC rivals, join the Alumni Band Invitational, celebrate this year's inductees at the Husky Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and more.
See the full schedule of events.
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Raised to Rise:
Victoria Rowell ’05H on the Women Who Shape Our Lives
A USM Women in Leadership Event
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Reception at 4:45 p.m.| Program at 5:30 p.m.
McGoldrick Center Salons, Portland Campus
Join us for our second USM Women in Leadership event of 2026, featuring acclaimed actress, New York Times bestselling author, and honorary alumna Victoria Rowell '05H. In a facilitated conversation, Rowell will reflect on her journey from foster care to the American Dream alongside Linda Webb ’69, ’93G — the social worker and one of the women who raised her. The evening includes a reception, book signing, and a free copy of Rowell's memoir for the first 50 pre-registered guests to check in. Free and open to everyone.
Register in advance.
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Are You an Author? Let Us Know.
Have you written a book? We want to hear about it! We're showcasing alumni authors in our October newsletter in celebration of National Book Month.
Reply to this email or click the button below to share your book's title, publication date, and a short description — we'd love to feature you!
Share your book with us.
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Theatre Department Announces 2026–2027 Season
The USM Department of Theatre has unveiled its lineup for the 2026–2027 season! All productions will take place at Russell Hall on the Gorham campus. Tickets go on sale in late summer through PortTix — mark your calendars and start planning your season now.
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Osher School of Music Announces 2026–2027 Season
The Osher School of Music has a full season of concerts ahead, from student recitals to ensemble performances at the Crewe Center for the Arts. Check out the schedule — tickets will be available on PortTix soon.
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Job & Internship Fair Returns This October
USM's Job & Internship Fair is back on Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Sullivan Gym on the Portland campus. Over 90 employers will be on hand looking to fill full-time, part-time, and internship roles.
| | Brianna M. Allen (center) holds her book, The Momologue Collective, with Tess Van Horn beside her. Also pictured: actors Stephanie Clay, Reba Askari, Gabi Van Horn, and Keyla Alston-Griffin. | | "Mum's the Word" Stage Reading and Artist Slide Talk | On July 16, alumni and community members gathered at Corthell Hall for a reading of "MOMologues," created by Brianna M. Allen ’08 and directed by USM Theatre faculty member Tess Van Horn. The community play wove together anonymous confessions from self-identifying mothers, challenging expectations around motherhood through vulnerability and shared experience. The reading was followed by an artist talk, where Allen reflected on how her social art practice shapes her multidisciplinary work. | | 37th Annual Husky Golf Classic | |
Alumni, community members, and supporters teed off for the annual Husky Golf Classic, raising vital support for USM's 500+ student-athletes across 23 varsity programs. The day featured a full field of golfers, a lively raffle and auction, and a post-event banquet celebrating the impact of the community's generosity.
See photos from the event.
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Professional Development & Continuing Education
Interested in advancing your own skills or bringing your staff up to date? USM offers a wide spectrum of in-depth programs, including professional development workshops, test preparation, certificate and individual courses.
Check out your options here!
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
OLLI offers an extensive array of courses in the liberal arts and sciences for students aged 50 or older. There are no entrance requirements, grades, or tests; it's your experience and love of learning that count, no college background is necessary.
OLLI classes and programs open today!
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