Grads told to follow their dreams
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SCOTT BELAIR, of Bridgewater, is presented his degree in environmental studies by UMPI President Linda Schott, during commencement exercises held May 18 in Wieden Gymnasium.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
STAGE PRESENCE — Posing for photographer Dick Harrison, coordinator of graphic design and photography at UMPI, are several individuals who appeared on stage during the 104th commencement event on May 18. Pictured in front, from left are: Sue Beaudet, mace bearer, professor of HPER; Keith Madore, director of alumni relations and development; Annie Charles, soloist, 2007 Aroostook Idol; Linda Graves, faculty marshal, professor of medical laboratory technology; and actor/playwright John Cariani, who served as guest speaker and is a former UMPI student. Second row: UMPI President Linda Schott; Michael Sonntag, provost and vice president of academic affairs; Steve Richard, chair, UMPI Board of Visitors; and State Rep. Robert Saucier, District 5. Third row: State Rep. Carol McElwee, District 4; Barb Blackstone, chair, Faculty Assembly, director and associate professor of athletic training; State Rep. Joyce Fitzpatrick, District 8; Sam Collins, vice chair, UMS Board of Trustees; and James Stepp, interim vice president for student affairs. Back row: State Reps. Alexander Willette, District 7, and Tyler Clark, District 6.
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS — UMPI Professor Jacqui Lowman’s service dog, Saint, accompanied Lowman to the 2013 commencement festivities in full cap and gown. Here the pair are pictured outside Wieden Gymnasium, awaiting the start of the graduation ceremony on May 18.
POSING FOR A PHOTO is Natasha Brewer Winslow as she received her degree from UMPI President Linda Schott.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Dreams do come true, though some require a bit more patience to reach fulfillment.
That’s been the case for Scott Belair, a member of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Class of 2013.
“I became a father at 17. My friends went to college, I went to work. College was something I dreamed about but didn’t become a reality until a few years ago,” said Belair, 37, of Bridgewater.
It was while dating a University of Maine at Orono student that Belair began considering his own college opportunities.
“Four years ago I was dating someone who was attending UMO. I saw her get her master’s degree. I saw others at graduation close to my age — I teared up thinking ‘that could be me.’ I realized what it meant to have an education. She encouraged me to go back to school, so I did,” Belair said, noting it’s “been about the best experience of my life.”
“It’s never too late,” he said.
“I have a favorite saying ‘If you don’t know where you’re heading, any path will get you there.’ I started school, got married eight months later,” said Belair.
“I moved from Jackman to Bridgewater, so I could attend UMPI for its environmental studies program. Upon graduation, I’ll be working for Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill as an environmental specialist, handling all their environmental stuff,” Belair said.
Belair credited campus staff for their support.
“Faculty has been wonderful. I graduated high school 23 years ago — my skills were long gone. I was apprehensive at first. But faculty reassured me — told me to stick with it, told me they were right there,” said Belair.
This year’s commencement speaker, John Cariani — formerly of Presque Isle and now living in New York City where he is an actor/playwright — reiterated Belair’s belief in the importance of dreams, sharing with the Class of 2013 ten things to reflect on.
“First, I don’t want all your dreams to come true. I don’t want your life to be limited. Keep going and keep dreaming,” said Cariani.
Reflecting on an article he’d read, he said the graduates were members of the “millennial generation” whom he encouraged to be “fearless and live fearlessly.”
“Don’t be afraid,” he said.
Third on his list, Cariani said he “hoped you never completely grow up.”
“Kids are always learning. No matter how much you know, you’ll only know a fraction of most things. Don’t be afraid to ‘not know.’ I hope you submit to the unknown,” said Cariani.
“Fourth, don’t let the banality of everyday life get you down. We’re obsessed with diversity but sometimes that just divides us. I prefer inclusion. Great things happen when people work together,” said Cariani. “Be part of a herd but don’t be sad about it.”
In his fifth recommendation, Cariani encouraged the grads to “put substance behind their specialties.”
“We’re all capable of greatness but we have to be ready for it. There’s greatness ready to erupt in all of us. Be ready for your moment,” he said.
For his sixth comment, he acknowledged the difference between his generation and that of the Class of 2013, in light of technological advances.
“I hope you spend as much time living actually as you do virtually,” he said.
“My seventh note to you: I hope you care for friends and family as much as the stars (entertainers),” he said.
Reaching back to our forefathers, Cariani’s eighth item spoke on entitlements.
“Students are obsessed with things they think they deserve. Our forefathers said we were ‘endowed with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ According to Jefferson, we’re only entitled to pursue happiness. Jamaica Kincaid (author) said happiness comes to you when you least expect it. Happiness is always one step ahead of you,” he said.
“Ninth, I hope you are alive. Don’t be afraid to cry and feel pain. It’s not all about being happy. I hope you make it your purpose to matter — to count and stand for something,” Cariani said.
Coming to the 10th item on his list, Cariani noted the difference between his generation and this year’s graduates.
“My generation’s cynics and crushed romantics. You’re fighters, dreamers and know how to make dreams a reality. But remember your time in northern Maine. Remember as you go elsewhere, there’s no night sky like here. New York City drowns out the stars, but people there know how to reach for them,” said Cariani.
“Go out and reach. You’ve seen them, know what they look like. Go out and reach for them. Do special things,” continued Cariani.
“Maine needs you. We need you. Thank you so much,” Cariani concluded, wiping tears away as he left the podium.
Still choked by emotion, Cariani was then presented with an honorary letter by UMPI President Linda Schott and Sam Collins, vice chair, UMS Board of Trustees.
A total of 219 students graduated from UMPI this year, with 145 participating in the ceremony held at Wieden Gymnasium.
