FORT KENT, Maine — The University of Maine at Fort Kent graduated 198 students and conferred 208 degrees during its 143rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10.
The ceremony, held at the UMFK Sports Center, also marked the first graduating class for its new master of science in nursing program.
UMFK Dean of Nursing and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Erin Soucy, RN, said in a news update on the university’s website that this class’s graduation represents the integrity, excellence and compassion for which the program strives.
“These graduates entered our program during a time of great change in health care,” Soucy said, “and they’ve emerged as leaders ready to transform the profession. Their success is a testament not only to their commitment but also to the faculty who guided them and the vision that brought this program to life. We could not be more proud.”
The program began in 2022 and offered two specialized areas of study: adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. Master’s students wore hoods during the ceremony.
Student speaker Anna McLaughlin, who received a bachelor of science in biology, graduated summa cum laude and was the valedictorian. McLaughlin’s accomplishments include receiving the 2024 USCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Year, the Dean’s Award, Student Senate Outstanding Student Award, Biology Award and the 20245 UMFK Outstanding Student Leader Award.
2024 Maine Poet Laureate Fellow Julia Bouwsma gave the keynote address. She is the state’s sixth Poet Laureate, and is serving a term from 2021 to 2026, according to the University website. Bouwsma works as a poet, homesteader, editor, teacher and is the author of three poetry collections. She is also the library director for Webster Library in Kingfield, Maine.
Bouwsma received the 2024 Poet Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets along with two Maine Literary Awards.
The University also presented St. John Valley native Don Raymond with the Distinguished Service Award. Raymond attended UMFK, majoring in education and French. He also worked as a work-study student during this time in the registrar’s office and served as interim when the last registrar left for California.
Raymond continued to work as registrar until his retirement 36 years later in 2011. He is involved with numerous civic and community organizations throughout the St. John Valley, and has produced more than 500 videos through his work at WFKT-TV, Fort Kent’s public access television station.
Kelly Martin, a University of Maine System Trustee, also addressed the graduating class.
Out of the 198 graduating students, 11 received an associate degree, 170 received a bachelor’s degree, 14 received a master’s degree, and two received a post-master’s certificate.
