The Alumni Newsletter, February 2026

A Portland shop window all dressed up for Valentine's Day. (photo: Oliver Griswold)

Greetings!

If you’ve spent enough winters in Maine, you know that February isn’t just another page on the calendar. It’s an accomplishment.

Especially this year, when December felt an awful lot like January, and January seemed like forever. Reaching February means the light is creeping back, Valentine’s hearts are popping up in shop windows, and we can finally imagine spring without tempting fate.

That sense of making it through, and marking meaningful moments along the way, runs through this month’s Alumni Newsletter.

Inside, you’ll meet alum Maryna Shuliakouskaya ’11, recently named PROPEL’s Entrepreneur of the Year, who reflects on values-driven leadership and the path from one Aroma Joe’s location to twelve. You’ll also find a long list of alumni accomplishments that remind us how many milestones our community reaches every day.

This issue is also full of opportunities to reconnect: from the Job & Internship Fair in early March, to Maine Voices Live with Maine Cabin Masters’ Ashley Morrill ’10, to the upcoming USM Women in Leadership event celebrating stories that inspire.

I’m also delighted to welcome Allison Boyce ’19, ’24G as the newest member of the USM Alumni Engagement Council. Allison joins us as our 15th council member, and we’re thrilled to have her voice, energy, and perspective helping shape alumni engagement at USM.



Whether February feels like a victory lap or simply a deep breath before the rest of winter, I hope this newsletter helps you feel connected to USM, to fellow alumni, and to the milestones we continue to reach together.

Warmly,

LEADER OF THE PACK

UPCOMING EVENTS

ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Jesse Blackburn ’18G began a new role as a Major Gifts Officer at the Island Institute.
• Tae Chong ’98, ’08G was recently interviewed for Maine Biz magazine, discussing his work at the non-profit, Furniture Friends.
• Bri Demaso '23 began a new job at the University of Maine Foundation as an Annual Fund Associate.
• Aidan Fraser ’20, Damariscotta native and ceramic artist, now serves as Program and Events Coordinator at the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, blending her creative background with community-focused work in the local arts scene.
• Heather Hastings ’13G celebrated the world premiere of her original piece, Golden Hour.
• Nate Henry '22 joined Maine Public to launch its new yearlong series, Life Passages, exploring how different generations experience the joys and challenges of each stage of life in Maine.
• Katrice Kelley ’14 has been promoted to Director of Business Analysis - Underwriting at MEMIC.
• Kaila C. McCracken ’16 was awarded Young Professional of the Year as part of PROPEL's annual Ignition Awards.
• Cacie Miller ’03 is using music to confront the climate crisis.
• Jeffrey Pardue ’16G, Falmouth Police Department Deputy Chief, graduated from the FBI National Academy.
• Curtis Pratt ’10 joined Hancock Lumber in a newly created Safety Director role.
• Travis M. Ramsey ’03’s FIRE! was selected for the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Season Opening Concerts.
• Andrew Rice ’11, a longtime reporter, will cover Portland City Hall for PPH beginning mid-January.
• Maryna Shuliakouskaya '11 was named PROPEL's 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year as part of their annual Ignition Awards.
• Mellisa Sorgi ’79 published a new book, "Open Windows," a young adult novel.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR USM ALUMNI

RECENT OBITUARIES

• Elizabeth G. Ames '98
• Sharon Berry '83
• Barbara "Barb" Winfield Coleman
• Gayle Durnbaugh '86G
• Keith Robert Edmonds '93
• Lawrence James Ferguson '71
• Beverly Garramore Johnson '66, '76G
• Robert “Bob” E. Greely '86
• Thomas Ray Heels '75G
• Charles "Chuck" Hinds
• Michael Kelley '75

• Barbara M. Krause '59
• Richard Murray Libby '64
• Rhoda Jean Libby ’99
• Vicki (Merriman) Lowe '67
• Mark A. Maclean ’70
• Beverley A. (Bailey) Roderick
• Cynthia A. Sabina '91
• Stephen M. "Steve" Seymour '03
• Sylvia (Clukey) Sherwood
• Russell Clark Soule '76
• Peggy (Adams) Strout

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