Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Hundreds took part in an historic event, as the Class of 2009 was honored as the 100th graduating class of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, during the commencement ceremony held at Wieden Gymnasium May 16.
Photo courtesy of Heidi Rackliffe
DEGREE IN HAND, UMPI graduate Heidi Rackliffe took time for a photo op with her husband, Ryan Rackliffe, following commencement exercises at the college May 16. A social work major, she has already begun applying for jobs in the area that will allow her to put her new skills to use.
This year’s celebration focused on the accomplishments of the university and the nearly 200 graduates in attendance. Two honorary degrees were also presented — one to Congressman Mike Michaud, who addressed graduates, and the other to artist Bruce Brown, a leading proponent of art education and contemporary art in the state.
Barry McCrum, vice chair of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, acknowledged the commitment the university symbolizes, as he spoke on Saturday.
“Each (graduate) has worked hard to reach this stage. Today represents the achievement of these graduates,” said McCrum, noting that those achievements were made possible by the support of those around them.
UMPI President Don Zillman, said while the local campus was struggling like every other university during this downward market, it was a “remarkable time to review the last year.
“I would be delighted to put our record as a university this year up against others. In the future, we’ll look back at 2008-2009 and remember what a spectacular (academic) year we had,” said Zillman.
Zillman went on to list the top 15 accomplishments at UMPI, including:
• Endorsement of the strategic plan;
• Re-dedication of Folsom Hall;
• Sandra Huck’s leadership with the art exhibits, beginning with the Andy Warhol pieces;
• Successful completion of re-accreditation;
• Began a pioneering visit to China, with the goal of attracting students;
• Held a 1968 retrospective;
• Author Cathie Pelletier turned the basement of the President’s house into a film set;
• Journalist Daryl Dorgan and Astronaut Pamela Melroy appeared on campus as part of the Distinguished Lecture series;
• Moved ahead on the $750,000 Project Compass program;
• The university was honored with the $1.1 million contribution by alum Caroline Gentile;
• Shaped a partnership with the Nordic skiing enthusiasts, making UMPI the only Maine public university to compete at this level;
• University Day saw its largest participation to date;
• Young Professionals Institute, in its second year, continued its superb collaboration with Momentum Aroostook, Maine Mutual Group and UMPI;
• UMPI teams won four conference championships in the Sunrise Conference, with the men’s baseball team gaining recognition in the New York Times and other press for its extended road trips; and
• The wind turbine project was completed, putting UMPI in the forefront as a green campus.
Zillman said while those were the major events of the year, there were many more programs and activities that deserved recognition.
“We have excellent teaching and mentoring on campus. We have strong programs, including: Native American studies, China, creative writing,” he said.
Michaud’s address followed. As he congratulated the Class of 2009, he shared a bit of his own history, telling how he began his adult life working in a Millinocket mill and worked his way up to where he is today, serving Maine as a congressman in Washington, D.C.
“The future looks bright for the Class of 2009. All your hard work has paid off,” Michaud began. “As I look at you today, you are going forward to make a difference, not just in Maine but the country.”
He told the graduates, with respect to how their future turns out, “It’s not about a company or job, it’s about what you stand for — what sets you apart from others.”
Michaud encouraged the class, noting that one can accomplish great things if they have the support of loved ones and the determination to see things through.
“It’s not the norm for a mill worker to run for Congress. I realized I was making excuses, taking the easy way out because of my fear of failure,” said Michaud. “I wouldn’t be here without the encouragement of others not to give up.”
In his conclusion, Michaud offered words of wisdom.
“Never forget where you came from. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Never think you can’t do something. And listen to the views of others,” said Michaud. “Be true to yourself and you’ll go a long way and accomplish great things.”
For graduate Heidi Rackliffe, the recipient of the Student Social Worker of the Year award earlier this year, the job search has already begun, but not before receiving a prestigious award as a student.
“I received a letter by mail stating I’d won. I literally screamed in my house because I had no idea up to that point,” said Rackliffe, who received her bachelor of social work degree this year.
Rackliffe, of Washburn, was presented the award during the National Association of Social Workers Conference, held in Rockland. She was pleased to learn that one of her professors was also recognized.
“One of the cooler things, one of my professors, Jean Cashman, actually received the Social Worker of the Year for Maine. It was neat for both of us to get an award. I also received a plaque during a ceremony at UMPI,” said Rackliffe.
Originally a teaching major, Rackliffe said she had always worked with behaviorally-challenged children and decided she’d try another class.
“I wanted to know that my whole heart was in the major. I discovered teaching wasn’t exactly what I wanted it to be. I was sold on my first social work class. My eyes were opened to the world and I became even more passionate with the constant lectures from my three professors,” said Rackliffe, noting how inspired she was by her UMPI professors. “Each and every one of them took the time to know me on a personal level. I felt I was surrounded by constant support and that’s a feeling like no other.”
Graduating as a generalist practitioner, Rackliffe said she wants to, “experience it all.”
“I’ve been a behavioral health provider (BHP) for four years. I just left my job before graduation, hoping to take a break to find my career. Currently, I’m applying for positions, been on my first interview,” she said.
Rackliffe said besides her professors, her favorite memory of her experience at UMPI will be her classmates.
“My school, professors and classmates were literally my second family. I was lucky to graduate in such a tight, close class and know I’ll keep in touch with each and every one,” said Rackliffe, no stranger to caring about others, having served as Key Club president when in high school, the Kiwanis Club’s youth organization that promotes students taking active roles in their communities.
“I participated in a Social Work Day at the United Nations in New York City which was a wonderful experience. It gave me the opportunity to really view social work on an international level. I’d eventually like to branch out and experience social work internationally some day, but for right now, I think I’ll stay domestic,” said Rackliffe.
While some graduates get cards with money or gifts in recognition of their achievement, Rackliffe said her father gave she and her husband, Ryan, a trip to Las Vegas — a great location for a social work major to experience a wide variety of people and social situations. The couple planned to spend a week there, having fun and visiting some friends.
“I lived out that way before and have friends there. Ryan and I are excited. There’s so much to see and do. People there can be so interesting,” said Rackliffe. “It’ll be fun but I’m looking forward to coming home and finding a job so I can make a difference for others.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RECOGNIZED as the first ‘green’ class to graduate from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, members of the Class of 2009 are pictured lining up between the Campus Center and the library, with the newly-commissioned wind turbine towering in the background.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CONGRESSMAN MIKE MICHAUD is presented with an honorary degree by UMPI President Don Zillman during May 16 graduation ceremonies, as UMS Board of Trustees Vice Chair Barry McCrum looks on.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ARTIST BRUCE BROWN accepts his honorary degree during commencement exercises at UMPI on May 16.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GRAND MARSHAL Richard Kimball, professor of mathematics, and Student Marshal Erin Pelletier, president, Class of 2009, listen during the graduation ceremony as UMPI President Don Zillman shares some of the many accomplishments that made the news over the past year.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ASHLEY GAGNON, of Presque Isle, receives her bachelor of arts degree from UMPI President Don Zillman during the May 16 commencement exercises held in Wieden Gymnasium.
