Every student in the Â鶹APP’s 2026 Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology graduating class passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) on their first attempt, resulting in a 100% first-time pass rate. 

First-time VTNE pass rates typically range from about 67% to 70%, making Â鶹APP perfect pass rate a notable achievement, well above the national average.

UMA offers both an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, and is the only institution in Maine to offer the B.S. degree in the field. The bachelor’s pathway prepares graduates for careers in veterinary practice, as Licensed Veterinary Technicians or veterinarians, biomedical research, and further education, with opportunities to tailor their studies through a self-directed concentration.

Based on UMA’s Bangor Campus, students learn in a modern teaching facility that includes a surgical suite, surgical preparation and treatment areas, modern laboratory facilities, separate feline and canine boarding rooms, and a digital radiology suite. A classroom and a large student area were renovated in 2023.

In addition to a variety of classes, ranging from Introduction to Veterinary Medicine to Surgical Nursing and Anesthesiology, students also complete two seven-week externships, one in a veterinary practice and another of their choosing which could be a research lab, wildlife rescue, large animal practice, or other speciality discipline. These experiences provide opportunities to apply classroom learning in professional settings, build relationships within the field, and prepare for a smooth transition into careers or further study.

“Veterinary technology is a profession that asks you to combine science with compassion every day,” said veterinarian Jennifer Freese, professor of veterinary technology at UMA. “Our students graduate with the technical skills to care for animal patients, the critical thinking to support veterinarians, and the communication skills to work thoughtfully with clients and their animals.”

In veterinary practices, technicians are essential members of the animal healthcare team, working alongside veterinarians to provide patient care, perform laboratory testing, assist with surgery, administer anesthesia, and educate pet owners. As veterinary practices across Maine continue to seek qualified professionals, graduates who are ready to step into these roles help expand access to veterinary care for animals and the people who depend on them.

Seven of eight graduates have accepted positions in veterinary medicine, while one is continuing their education. Skilled veterinary technicians are in demand across Maine, and this graduating class enters the profession prepared to care for animals, support veterinary teams, and serve communities throughout the state. 

The Full-Time President’s and Dean’s lists are issued once a semester and the Part-Time President’s and Dean’s lists are issued once a year.

For questions about the President’s lists, contact Tricia Dyer in the UMA Registrar’s Office at (207) 621-3144 or triciad@maine.edu.

Students are listed by county within the state of Maine, alphabetized by last name, followed by national and international students.

• Full-Time President’s List
• Part-Time President’s List
• Full-Time Dean’s List
• Part-Time Dean’s List

Full-Time President’s List

Androscoggin

Yasmeen Al-Hoshan, Lewiston; Jessica Anderson, Auburn; Jamie Banta, Lewiston; John Barbioni, Livermore Falls; Wendy Bays, Greene; Andrea Bosworth, Leeds; Ethan Boucher, Auburn; Chelsea Buiniskas, Lewiston; Madelyn Castonguay, Livermore; Emily Chase, Lisbon Falls; Nicholas Clough, Lewiston; Alison Conner, Auburn; Ben Couillard, Lewiston; Crystal Cyr, Turner; Luke Enright, Greene; Alicia Fiori, Lewiston; Meghan Howe, Greene; Hailey Hughes, Lewiston; Ashley Jellison, Lisbon Falls; Jessica Johnson, Lewiston; Caleb King, Lisbon; Saadaq Mahamed, Lewiston; Katanyna Marston, Lisbon; McKenna Muldoon, Lewiston; Sarah Sterling, Auburn; Kaeli Strout, Leeds; Chloe Tremblay, Lewiston; Noah Warszawski, Greene

Aroostook

Lillian Cox, Madawaska; Jadon Gentle, Houlton; Mackenzie Joslyn, Monticello; Hannah Landeen, New Sweden; Nicholas Lavoie, Frenchville; Lauren Paradis, Frenchville; Tazz Pelletier, Saint Agatha; Lateefa Ronco, Monticello

Cumberland

Taylor Anderson, Portland; Savannah Banana, Portland; Benjamin Brown, Portland; Max Burns, Westbrook; Heidi Cox, Windham; Eloisa DeGroote, Brunswick; Amalie DeSantos, Falmouth; Renee Ferrazzuolo, Freeport; Neal Hurley, Windham; Sharon Kennedy, Windham; Micah LaSalle, Gorham; Danielle McQuarrie, Windham; Sam Mingo, South Portland; Isaac Mireles, Windham; Grace Miskin, Gray; Bella Napolitano, Portland; Cody Ryan Pepin, Gray; Jade Pierce, Windham; Isabella Puleo, Portland; Matthew Searway, Windham; Dorothy Stickney, S Portland; Kayla Taylor, Raymond; Kelsey Valeriano, Bridgton; Luke Vashon, Windham; Daniel Whitman, South Portland

Franklin

Dana Erb, Farmington; Maggie Gross, Farmington; Anne Harvell, Jay; John Howard, Wilton; Sierra Shirley, Wilton; Kayli Walczak, Chesterville

Hancock

Sulaymaan Alezzo Aljneid, Dedham; Robin Campbell, Trenton; Shae Carter, Otis; Brooke Dyer, Penobscot; Sarah Gilfillan, Hancock; Taylor Grant, Bar Harbor; Emily Hanscom, Orland; Gage Hardy, Ellsworth; Ken Hebert, Bucksport; Monica Mobley, Waltham; Vaughn Pottle, Bucksport; Chris Seavey, Ellsworth; Kathleen Soper, Blue Hill

Kennebec

Amany Albahadly, Hallowell; Camille Arkas, Randolph; Zainab Babar, Farmingdale; Bryana Barrett, Windsor; Elsbeth Bates, Litchfield; Lexis Bayne, Oakland; Hannah Benner, Waterville; Sadie Bibber, Pittston; Jasmine Bickford, Augusta; Jazmynn Boston, Waterville; Dylon Bouchard, Winslow; Phoenix Bouhuijs, Augusta; Lia Brann, Winslow; Gabriel Brents, West Gardiner; Abigail Bucknam, Augusta; Kyle Burris, Augusta; Rocco Chang, Monmouth; Justin Cobb, Readfield; Madi Cochran, Chelsea; Jenn Conrad, Augusta; Christina Corriveau, Chelsea; Nickolis Cote, Clinton; Jantsa Dansranbavuu, Augusta; Talan Davis, Augusta; Bri Dowling, Chelsea; Desmen Drinkwater, Winthrop; Bella Dunn, Winthrop; Hayley Epperson, Augusta; Jonathan Farr, Augusta; Abbie Fielding, Augusta; Devin Fitzgibbons, Winslow; Andrew Fortunato, Augusta; Gabrielle Galbreath, Winthrop; Matthew Gallant, Augusta; Spencer Gibson, Oakland; Alexis Gibson, Winslow; Arian Gilman, Waterville; Cassidy Gowen, Augusta; William Haiss, Oakland; Hakizimona Hawyarimana, Waterville; Olivia Heath, Litchfield; Cylie Henderson, Clinton; Liz Hollis, Winthrop; Avery Howe, Readfield; Hannah Ireland, Pittston; Bobby Johnson, Manchester; Sequora Kelley, Augusta; Esra Khan, Augusta; Geoffrey King, Gardiner; Lexi Kramer, Sidney; Aliyah LaCroix, Winslow; Maleah Manson, Gardiner; Collin McGuire, Manchester; Grace Meikle, Waterville; Sarah Melden, Readfield; Molly Mercier, Augusta; Jackie Millette, Augusta; Haley Montgomery, Augusta; Zara Morang, China; Ben Ouellette, Winthrop; Naomi Overstreet, Sidney; Shannah Parsons, Monmouth; Emily Pellerin, Oakland; Lila Pottle, Oakland; Ava Prickett, Vassalboro; Sara Qamar, Augusta; Jed Rampulla, Gardiner; Jessica Reeve, Readfield; Mikayla Rioux, Winslow; Emilie Robbins, Chelsea; Mackenzie Roberts, Clinton; Lindsay Romanica, Augusta; Daniel Ross, South China; Bark S, West Gardiner; Sierra Samowitz-Bellows, Augusta; Emmalee Sanborn, South China; Kieran Scanlon, Pittston; Codey Seavey, Sidney; Dan Simons, Vienna; Austin Sirois, Chelsea; Mekenzie Soiett, Pittston; Allyson Spencer, Winslow; Brittany St Amand, Pittston; Braedyn Stockmar, Gardiner; Caitlin Terrio, North Monmouth; Elizabeth Tibbetts, Augusta; Anthony Tompkins, Waterville; Hannah Weeks, Pittston; Charles Welles, Waterville; Melissa Weymouth, Augusta; Vanessa Wharton, Augusta; Myranda Wohlford, Sidney; Molly Woodford, Readfield

Knox

Kimberly Billings, Warren; Dana Clark, Rockport; F Daly, Warren; Katie Delano, Friendship; Amanda Fagan, Rockland; Kaylee Field, Warren; Ryan Flanders, Rockland; Jemima George, Rockland; Nelson Hayes, Warren; Alex Ingram, Warren; Shailey Johnson, Warren; Dylan Ketcham, Warren; Kaylee Kurr, Warren; Alexander Leber, Rockland; Lily Lincoln, Rockland; Ed Philbrook, Friendship; Hannah Potter, Rockland; Kevin Simpson, Warren; Jocelyn Tapley, Washington; James Taylor, Rockland; Keaonna Turner, Camden; Jomo White, Warren; Michael Willman, Washington; Craig Woodard, Warren

Lincoln

Ammie Aitken, Whitefield; Caitlin Chaousis, Wiscasset; Adri Ford, Boothbay Harbor; Alyssa Grindle, Waldoboro; Kayla Guenard, Whitefield; Blake Morrison, Somerville; Nathalie Paulino, Edgecomb; Zach Rollins, Edgecomb; Lyda Stewart-Libby, Wiscasset; Zoie Wells, Newcastle

Oxford

Sam Cochran, Rumford; Ashley Dux, Rumford; Krystal Eicher, Norway; Tori Harrington, South Paris; Deannaka Holt, Bethel; Alyssa Litchfield, Buckfield; Julianne McLaughlin, Porter; Ivy Miller, Waterford; Christine Paradis, Norway; Erin Pealatere, Peru; Colby Volkernick, Rumford; Alana Young, Rumford

Penobscot

Alaina Adams, Bangor; Simon Allen, Corinth; Georgiana Baker, Newburgh; AJ Beach, Lee; Christopher Bishop, Bangor; Mo Blais, Milford; Jessica Bouchard, Bangor; Addie Bourgoine, Bangor; Janet Bradberry, Bangor; Tamara Brain, Hampden; Jordyn Bray, Springfield; Skyler Brennan, Lagrange; Emilie Briggs, Orono; Madison Butterfield, Glenburn; Chuck Cawthron, Lincoln; Meg Clark, Kenduskeag; George Clark, Bangor; Landon Cyr, Bangor; Ryan Driscoll, Bangor; Evan Dubay, Milford; Jill Dunton, Corinth; Jack Duplain, Glenburn; Lily Finch, Bangor; Sarah Fitzgerald, Bangor; Chris Fontes, Hampden; Marissa Grindle, Medway; Kaden Hannan, East Millinocket; Amy Harriman, Hermon; KC Hepler, Bangor; Kari Hersey, Millinocket; Norra Idano, Hermon; Logan Jipson, West Enfield; Shayla Kelley, Etna; Noah Lattig, Lee; David Lezcano, Bangor; Linny Mann, Stillwater; Beth Marshall, Bangor; Danica Migliore, Corinna; Brittany Morales, Levant; Briana Murico, Old Town; Patrick Murico, Old Town; Makenzie Rushlow, Corinth; Allie Salinas, Holden; Molly Schultz, Hampden; Olivia Searfass, Bangor; Zach Searles, Bangor; James Sharky, Hampden; Gabe Shaw, Bangor; Michael Smith, Charleston; Morgan Stevens, Bangor; Esther Susen, Orono; Shain Taylor, Carmel; Molly Therrien, Bangor; Simon Thomas, Hampden; Deegan Tidswell, Lincoln; Britney Toner, Brewer; Sarah Walker, Greenbush; Katy Walsh, Old Town; Kyla Welch, Millinocket; Caitlin Whitehouse, Levant

Piscataquis

Ingrid Berling, Guilford; Mars Miles, Sangerville; Lily Pelletier, Greenville; Alyssa Redman, Atkinson; Zac Wilson, Sangerville

Sagadahoc

Carly Fuller, Woolwich; Tony Lewis, Bowdoinham; Bane Slocum, Topsham; Emily Snowden, Richmond; Lorelei Zoulamis, Richmond

Somerset

Josh Baker, Pittsfield; Alonna Battis, Fairfield; Chelcee Boivin, Saint Albans; Rosadee Bouley, Fairfield; Megan Campbell, Skowhegan; Laci Churchill, Saint Albans; Kiera Clark, Skowhegan; Rylie Clark, Canaan; Amanda Cole-Brown, Skowhegan; Victoria Copp, Madison; Raegan Cowan, Madison; Lydia Dore, Cornville; Dale Doucette-Carl, Canaan; Dale Furno, Norridgewock; Natalie Gilman, Canaan; Mae Goldsmith-Nichols, Norridgewock; Brooklyn Goodridge, Skowhegan; Jenn Hall, Madison; Emily Hersey, Fairfield; Katelyn Holt, New Portland; Victoria Huff, Fairfield; Terri Johnson, Madison; Arabel Linkletter, Athens; Lexi Moran, Fairfield; Kallie Richards, Fairfield; Ashlyn Sorel, Embden; Morgan Sumner, Skowhegan; Alivia Ward, Pittsfield; Amanda Welch, Cornville

Waldo

Corey Cole, Winterport; Cody Condon, Burnham; Ella Dudley, Unity; Faith Fogg, Troy; Tyler Hall, Islesboro; Molly Jerkins, Swanville; Maddie Mooers, Winterport; Haylee Moore, Searsmont; Dallas Richards, Searsport; Rachel Richards, Morrill; Pierre Surpris, Swanville; Misty Ward, Belfast; Kendra Wood, Swanville

Washington

Cat Carter, East Machias; Rachel Keeton, East Machias; Mary McDonald, Jonesport; Jackie Mills, East Machias; Brianna Peck, Lubec; Zoe Reynolds, Addison; Kaytie Scully, Harrington

York

Cody Briggs, York; Karen Campbell, Saco; Katerina Crowell, Limerick; Angela Daggett, Cape Neddick; Sarah Dayton, Sanford; Bill Diffenderfer, Hollis Center; Dave Glidden, Biddeford; Laurie Grant, Waterboro; Felicity Haller, Berwick; Kayla Hansen, Arundel; Destiny Noonan, Saco; Cassidy O’Dee, Berwick; Kaitlyn Regan, Limington; L Umber, Limington; Olivia Wattles, Berwick; Kennedy Webber, Cape Neddick; Kylie White, Sanford

National

Patrick Adams, North Las Vegas, NV; Chenille Allen, Gilboa, NY; Sofia Arredondo, Sacramento, CA; Shakib Bhuiyan, Orlando, FL; Arjun Dhanoa, Superior, CO; Patty Dillon, Swanzey, NH; Cory Dreyer, Detroit, MI; Elizabeth Goehner-Testa, North Syracuse, NY; Madeline Goldman, Fort Worth, TX; Inara Gountis, Tijeras, NM; Will Henderson, Chattanooga, TN; Crassandra Hoover, Jacksonville, FL; Jeff Jones, Cromwell, CT; Kristine Julian, Parma Heights, OH; Tina Lamontagne, Graysville, AL; Aviyon Matthews, Seaford, DE; Kiersten McAdams, Osgood, IN; August Mead, Newburyport, MA; Michael Meyers, Winter Park, FL; Caitlin O’Regan, Quincy, MA; Jacob Plamondon, Manchester, NH; Margaret Power, Quincy, MA; Sierra Proper, Lempster, NH; Eric Sarrafian, Waipahu, HI; Donte Sharp, Enfield, CT; Olivia Tripaldi, Santa Rosa, CA; Lisa Wege, Apo, AP; Cassandra Weittenhiller, Prairie Du Sac, WI; Keila Williams, Port Crane, NY

International

Mason Geen, Harrowsmith, CAN; Guillaume Le Merour, Gouesnac’H, FRA; Margaux Veillon, Sizun, FRA; Yangzhuoli Yu, Chiba, JPN

Part-Time President’s List

Androscoggin

Abdullah Jashaami, Auburn; Amy Vallee, Poland; Caitlin Campbell, Auburn; Charlotte Mooney, Auburn; Danielle Hoppenbrouwer, Leeds; Haley Warden, Auburn; Michaela Higgins, Auburn; Molly Grant, Livermore; Nicole Belskis, Auburn; Tonya Burke, Lewiston

Aroostook

Angelica Crane, New Limerick; Deb Metzler, Mars Hill; John San Felice, Monticello; Miranda Foster, Houlton

Cumberland

Anna Drake, South Portland; Antonio Candelmo, Windham; Arthur Belanger, Windham; Brittany Moura, Westbrook; Christie Thetonia, Windham; Damjan Draskovic, South Portland; Dawn Brazalovich, Windham; Isabel Aguirre-Mutter, Westbrook; Jenny Whitter, Yarmouth; Jonathan Charron, Windham; Joshua Cridler, Portland; Joshua Shean, Brunswick; Krysten Townsend, Gorham; Leann Johnson, Windham; Letitia Locke, East Baldwin; Mike Potter, Windham; Miranda Moulton, Windham; Sarah MacMath, Portland

Franklin

Ashley Gowen, Weld; Walt Fails, New Sharon

Hancock

Andrea Kelley, Ellsworth; Chelsea White, Bar Harbor; Eliosandro Valencia-Jungo, Gouldsboro; Grace McEachern, Bass Harbor; Haily Hooper, Gouldsboro; Jaclyn Kane, Ellsworth; Katie Courchene, Bucksport; Nicole Austin, Lamoine; Payton Hicks, Franklin; Zachary Dow, Deer Isle

Kennebec

Alyssa Rovella, Farmingdale; Amber Michaud, North Monmouth; Aryn Marsella, West Gardiner; Ashley Dawson, Fayette; Ashley Russo, Waterville; Bill Milton, Gardiner; Cameron Santiago, Winslow; Camryn Elliott-Proctor, Augusta; Cassie Rich, Augusta; Chip Eastman, Augusta; Christie Duffy, Augusta; Cynthia Sullivan, Winslow; David Barron, Augusta; Diana Albanese, Augusta; Emma Perry, Hallowell; Faith Riddick, Waterville; Gabe Denbow, Oakland; Jake Shurman, Augusta; Jennifer Wehry, Oakland; Josh Stover, Augusta; Kara Greene, Waterville; Kendall Nelson, West Gardiner; Lauren Etter, Pittston; Lexi Perry, Oakland; Lisa Yankee, Vassalboro; Mariah Cobb, Clinton; Marianna Tremaine, Augusta; Matt Jandreau, Mount Vernon; Max Smith-Taylor, Sidney; Mindy Stitham-Brown, West Gardiner; Natalie Rohman, Augusta; Pam Smith, Monmouth; Regan Cote, Augusta; Sam Marshall, Clinton; Samantha De La Croix, Waterville; Sara Halsey, Augusta; Scott Bailey, West Gardiner; Scotty Harrod, Augusta; Shanley B, Farmingdale; Sharie Giguere, Readfield; Tiberious Bieker, Waterville; Trena Martin, Augusta; Wes Pease, Waterville; Yolanda Lane, Waterville

Knox

Abdihamit Ali, Warren; Adam Berkenbile, Rockland; Amanda Doubleday, Rockland; Andrew Freeman, Warren; Ashley O’Brian, Rockport; Charissa Boynton, Warren; Christopher Smith, Warren; Ciara Murphy, Rockland; Crystal Beverage, North Haven; Dana Craney, Warren; David Brown, Appleton; Desiree Heath, Tenants Harbor; Devon Hargrove, Warren; Dustin Dyer, Camden; Edgard Anziani, Warren; Evan O’Neal, Tenants Harbor; Gang Majok, Warren; Hillary Fales-Haynes, Warren; Jaclyn Counce, Rockland; Jacquelin Smollett, Warren; Jami Fowler, Hope; Jason Ibarra, Warren; Jeanette Knowlton, Rockland; Jody Dinsmore, Union; Judith Sagato, Rockport; Kelly Callahan, Appleton; Kiarah Fetteroli, South Thomaston; Lauren Pinkham, Warren; Michael Babineau, Warren; Morgan Grinnell, Washington; Ralph Tripp, Warren; Sarah Steele, Warren; Scott Waterhouse, Warren; Simone McDonald, Rockland; Sydney Barnhart, Tenants Harbor; Townsend Thorndike, Warren

Lincoln

Ashlynn Leeman, Damariscotta; Autumn Overlock, Waldoboro; Brittney Chapman, Wiscasset; Emilee West, Wiscasset; Ian Lewandowski, Jefferson; Michelle Banek, Wiscasset; Susan Fleck, Dresden

Oxford

Andrew Hamilton, West Paris; Coleen Heiser, Canton; Erica Hodge, Peru; Grace Connors, Bethel; Greg Pealatere, Peru; Jenn Poliquin, Oxford; Jessica Duguay, Rumford; Julie Bouchard, Norway; Katrina Adams, South Paris; Kevin Frost, South Paris; Kristen Patenaude, Hartford; Peter Chase, Rumford

Penobscot

Addie Bugbee, Bangor; Ashley Archer, Hampden; Carl Mazzarelli, Bangor; Crystal Bagley, Eddington; Dakota Flagg, Levant; Erin Buhler, Glenburn; Gina Niles, Corinth; Gwendalyn White, Bangor; Jacob Sinclair, Newport; Jess Fielder, Bangor; John Okie, Charleston; Joshua Mayo, Charleston; Lindsay Gordon, Bangor; Lindsey Ruggiero, Brewer; Makayla Hartsgrove, Patten; Mercedes Perzanowski, East Millinocket; Rachel Provencher, Newport; Sarah Lattari, Bangor; Victoria Davenport, Levant

Piscataquis

Alicia Estes, Williamsburg Twp; Hannah McGinley, Dover Foxcroft

Sagadahoc

Abby Utecht, Richmond; Brandon Hyde, Bowdoinham; Emily Wormwood, Bowdoinham; Erica Ackley, Richmond; Jasmine Thibodeau Habeeb, Woolwich; Maureen Craney, West Bath; Taylor Lund, Woolwich; Tristan Chandler, Phippsburg

Somerset

Sara Greenwood, Fairfield; Jarred Kelsey, Skowhegan; Jessica Cote, Fairfield; Kim Landry, Madison; Mary Papa, Moscow; Megan Blaisdell, Norridgewock; Olivia Clough, Skowhegan; Stacy Higgins, Waterville

Waldo

Angel Hathaway, Searsport; Daniel Coleman, Belfast; Faith Boynton, Morrill; Felisa Dorr, Searsmont; Jacqueline Campbell, Belfast; Jada Scharff, Frankfort; Janessa Connor, Lincolnville; Jessica Young, Winterport; Kara Ware, Palermo; Kathleen Seekins, Searsport; Kristen Lamanteer, Searsport; Lacey Blakesley, Brooks; Leila Morton, Liberty; Olivia Lovejoy, Belfast; Sonia Koenig, Northport

Washington

Christine Bunker, Columbia; Emily Smith, Columbia Falls; Kenneth Treadwell, Machiasport

York

Chad Tope, North Waterboro; Cheryl Giroux, Saco; David Shapiro, Biddeford; Julie Letendre, Saco; Kim Genestreti-Walsh, Kittery; Lisa Houde, Berwick; Mariah Lang, Kennebunkport; Yiyang Jiang, Old Orchard Beach

National

Alisa Ames, Glen Burnie, MD; Allyson Clark, Ware, MA; Ashley Tenhave, Merrimack, NH; Ashlyn Black, Dublin, VA; Brooke Price, Lititz, PA; Cindy Chapman, Oneco, CT; Claire Horn, Kalamazoo, MI; Corey Marrero, Spring Hill, FL; Danielle Weeks, Johnsonville, NY; Elisabeth Carruth, Dafter, MI; Elizabeth Fravel, Tallahassee, FL; Gina Gworek, Berlin, CT; Jennifer Birmingham, Kirkwood, MO; Katherine Such, Mundelein, IL; Katie Chowanski, Roscoe, IL; Katie MacMillan, Watertown, MA; Kelly Mitchell, Canaan, NH; Kim Butler, Cary, NC; Kristen Timms, Holiday, FL; Marina Magalang, Saint Charles, MO; Mary Ashbeck, Brownsville, MN; Mateo Mercurio, Encinitas, CA; Rob Gaber, Laguna Beach, CA; Sherry Perra, Wayzata, MN; Victoria Hays, Torrance, CA; Yuko Braden, Kapolei, HI

Full-Time Dean’s List

Androscoggin

Aidan Norton, Leeds; Alida Volpe, Lewiston; Asa Leavitt, Livermore; Aubrey Peer, Lewiston; Carlee Decker, Livermore Falls; Gunnar Winslow, Auburn; Hani Issack, Auburn; Haylee Cyr, Sabattus; Helen Barton, Auburn; Jamyah Nicolas, Lewiston; Judith Ross, Auburn; Koby Lafata, Wales; Kyla Conroy, Sabattus; Leonie Quimby, Turner; Lindsey Crawford, Auburn; Madison Merrill, Auburn; Noorto Hamsa, Lewiston; Olivia Servidio, Lewiston; Pauline Maloy, Sabattus; Peighton Theriault, Sabattus; Quina Nunes, Lewiston; Samantha Withee, Turner; Shanoy Brown, Auburn; Shelly Carver, Lewiston

Aroostook

Allie Cyr, Madawaska; Ellie Smith, Mapleton; Emilee Shaw, Houlton; Evan Alward, Woodland; Hannah Brown, Dyer Brook; Kevin Hodde, Caribou; Nicole Henderson, Houlton

Cumberland

Anna Wilson, New Gloucester; Cadence Hebert, Windham; Chase Hall, Brunswick; Emma Boulanger, West Baldwin; Jaida Arris, Freeport; KK Teel, N Yarmouth; Nathan Couture, Gray; Thomas Stratis, Scarborough; Yusra Mugorewase, Portland; Yvon Goma, South Portland

Franklin

Addison Decker, Farmington; Casey Franklin, Wilton; Emma Casavant, Industry; Hailey DiStefano, Farmington; Josh Goulette, New Sharon; Kaleb Bays, Jay; Katherine Blauvelt, Jay; Madilyn Cote, Farmington

Hancock

Andrew Clark, Bar Harbor; Crystal Roberts, Hancock; Emily West, Orland; Heather Bridges, Birch Harbor; Kasha Smith, Bucksport; Kyle Peters, Bucksport; Los Villarreal, Blue Hill; Maddy Eaton, Deer Isle; Oceana Stansel, Ellsworth; Paige Anderson, Dedham; Suzie Felix, Ellsworth

Kennebec

Addison Carter, Pittston; Alex Clark, Readfield; Alex Morris, Windsor; Alissa Michaud, Manchester; Alivia Bennett, Hallowell; Alyssa Bennett, Augusta; Anna Norris, South China; Asher Stephenson, Augusta; Ashley Dineen, Waterville; Benjamin Lucarelli, Augusta; Bethany Seger, Winslow; Brandon Carter, Randolph; Brian Tardiff, Waterville; Brittney Fortin, Waterville; Cailie Libby, Augusta; Cameron Morey, Augusta; Cameron Sawyer, Waterville; Cassidy Randle, Winthrop; Chloe Wilson, Winthrop; Davis Kibler, Augusta; Denise Williams, Mount Vernon; Destiny Teel, Readfield; Dixie Szabo, China; Edmond Somers, Vassalboro; Elio Olivo, Augusta; Elizabeth Crommett, Albion; Emilee Brown, West Gardiner; Emma Benner, Benton; Felistas Niyobuhungiro, Waterville; Fray Bennett, Winslow; Gabe Withee, Augusta; Gabrielle Sienko, Sidney; Garrett Bell, Belgrade; Hannah Daigneault, Winslow; Hannah Reilly, Randolph; Ian Dowling, Chelsea; Isabelle Greenleaf, Augusta; Isaiah Schleis-Hooyman, Augusta; Israa Albarghash, Augusta; Jace Short, Clinton; Jacob Hanscom, South China; Jade Brusoe, Augusta; Jasmine Brannon, Winslow; Jasper Champagne, Waterville; Joey Nadeau, Winthrop; John Nawfel, Waterville; John Polepole, Augusta; Jon Pinnette, West Gardiner; Josiah Fitzgerald, China; Julia Davidson, Oakland; Kaite Sechrist, Manchester; Kali Porter, Sidney; Karissa Heath, Pittston; Karysta Nickless, Belgrade; Kaylie Estabrook, Augusta; Kristopher Mank, Augusta; Lily Corrigan, Readfield; Lin Reed, Augusta; Maisaa Alhorani, Augusta; Marcelino Chavez, South China; Marshall Cash, Mount Vernon; Matthew Morey, Augusta; Meadow Laflamme, Vassalboro; Megan Grenier, Oakland; Miranda Charest, Manchester; Mohamed Dakkak, Augusta; Nate Cagnon, Waterville; Nate Dennison, Pittston; Nathan Reichwald, Winthrop; Olivia Olson, Augusta; Owen Henry Dickey, Augusta; Paige Owen, Winslow; Phoenix Gatlin, Waterville; Sage Fortin, Augusta; Sage Poussard, Monmouth; Sam Basselet, Chelsea; Sam Bonner, Litchfield; Sarah Dearborn, Augusta; Sarah Marcoux, Winslow; Stephen Babb, Augusta; Tofi Habib, Augusta; Travis Letourneau, Winslow; Trinity Chrissman, Chelsea; Tristan Bieling, Augusta; Tyler Foster, Augusta; Whitney Churchill, Benton; William Floyd, Hallowell; Zahraa Alsubaihawi, Waterville

Knox

Addy Ruggieri, Warren; Aileen Studd, Hope; Ashley Lindsey, Union; Avery Martin, Union; Bailey Lash, Camden; Brady Proctor, Cushing; Cara Johnson, Union; Chloe Longobardi, Saint George; Grace Morris, Warren; Hope Mason, Union; Howard LaFlamme, Warren; Jane Hayes, Washington; Jesi Keene, Rockland; Julie Vigue, Warren; Kaden Harrison-Billiat, Appleton; Lydia Gurney, Appleton; Maddy Wilshire, Union; Margaret Gleasner, Appleton; Shae Darton, Washington; Stephen Carleton, Warren; Travis Fallin, Warren
Lincoln;Brooke Thayer, Whitefield; Hannah Roberts, Southport; Kat Aitken, Whitefield; Katie White, Whitefield; Kayden Ames, Southport; Kurt McNeil, Jefferson; Lucas Paradis, Wiscasset; Madalyn Mercer, Nobleboro; Melissa Abbott, Whitefield; Michaela Lewis, Waldoboro; Olivia Brann, Whitefield; Sabrina Roman, Waldoboro; Samantha Lewis, Dresden

Oxford

Amalia Feliciano, Bryant Pond; Andre Stutz, Denmark; Caralee Coburn, Otisfield; Daniel Day, Brownfield; Isabella Lane, Brownfield; Jayden Langelier, Norway; Noah Marston, Buckfield

Penobscot

Alexis Sweeney, Bangor; Angie Lewin, West Enfield; Arianna Ward, Dexter; Bailey Toner, Brewer; Ben Francis, Veazie; Breanna Harris, Bangor; Charlie Tucker, Orono; Christopher Martin, Dexter; CJ Cummings, East Millinocket; Claudia Hanlon, Dixmont; Danielle Blakeman, Eddington; Elizabeth Boothby, Hermon; Emily Field, Bangor; Emma Buck, Orono; Erynne Sauda, Bangor; Fern Weaver, Stetson; Fynn Dill, Old Town; Gabby Fields-Love, Indian Island; Hannah Sibley, Old Town; Joseph Leveille, Glenburn; Joshua Goncalves Radding, Charleston; Josiah Rodgerson, Patten; Josie Benner, Brewer; Kameil Nicolar, Alton; Kassidy Coker, Old Town; Kat Miller, Bangor; Kate Longtin, Brewer; Kearden Moncrieffe, Holden; Kristin Russell, East Millinocket; Mandy McCann, Glenburn; Maria Bowie, Millinocket; Mariah McGrath, Brewer; Mickenzie Landry, Patten; Mikayla Johnston, Bradley; Rhi Bousquet, Bangor; Sequoia Wachtler, Orrington; Taysia Maynard, Hermon; Veronica Otis, Veazie; Willow Russell, Corinth

Piscataquis

Eli Lane, Dovr Foxcroft; Kylie Larsen, Greenville

Sagadahoc

Audrey Nile, Bowdoinham; Ben DeMerchant, Woolwich; Cheyenne Hutchins, Bath; Christina Lilly, Bowdoin; Clara Wells, Richmond; Jacqueline Stahl, Bath; Kristina Jackson, Bath; Morgan Doten-Bagley, Topsham; Phillip Francine, Bowdoinham; Renea Vigue, Richmond

Somerset

Alicen Higgins, Fairfield; Alison Griffeth, Madison; Ashley Getchell, Norridgewock; Brooke Gallway, Pittsfield; Chad Turner, Palmyra; Doug Souza, Pittsfield; Gabrien Curtis, Skowhegan; Haleigh Mclain, Fairfield; Hillary Riedel, Palmyra; Isabelle Picard, Pittsfield; Jessika Bateman, Ripley; Joe Babbidge, Fairfield; Maize Post, Madison; Makayla Hargreaves, Madison; Nadia Morrison, Fairfield; Natalie Fletcher, Hartland; Rylan Richards, Fairfield; Skyla Dean, Pittsfield; Tasha Jencks-Ayres, Madison; Whitney Richardson, Athens

Waldo

Alyson Graffam, Liberty; April Del Greco, Winterport; Briana Waltman, Belfast; Caden Nickerson, Belfast; Chelsea Ketch, Belfast; Dawn Lucier, Belfast; Jesse Cowan, Belfast; Jullisa Blum, Troy; Kassie Coleman, Belfast; Keith Cloutier, Palermo; Liza Cookson, Searsmont; Olive Rowe, Palermo

Washington

Alex Mitchell, Calais; Ava Brennan, Calais; Irene Lewey, Pleasant Point; Lizmarlin Stokes, Steuben

York

Aidan Gagnon, Sanford; Andersen Indorf, Saco; Garret Smith, Old Orchard Beach; Joana Massanga, Old Orchard Beach; Maddie Gelinas, Lyman

National

Bella Petrocci, Schenectady, NY; Brennan Loewen, Barnstable, MA; Colby Taylor, Quincy, MA; Cynthia Greygor, Aldie, VA; Dominick Morey, Charlton, NY; Ethan Bove, Marlborough, CT; Gavin Abernathy, Tallahassee, FL; Jaesa Cornman, Kittanning, PA; James Redemann, Merrick, NY; Joshua King, Groveland, FL; Kuhle Madlokazi, Marlborough, NH; Leeann Bobadilla, Fort Benning, GA; Meghan Austin, Nashville, TN; Moe Perez, Fawn Grove, PA; Moriah Cowette, Orange Park, FL; Nathan Silliboy, Wichita Falls, TX; Nicholas Ceriello, Bay Shore, NY; Raven Ford, Linngrove, IN; Shawn Knudson, Abita Springs, LA; Walesca Lorenzo, Arlington, VA; Zach Fair, Udall, KS

International

Daniel Tewogbade, Felbridge, GBR; Marko Motolo, Belgrade, SRB; Oke Omaruaye, Abuja, NGA; Yu-An Lai, Taipei City, TWN

Part-Time Dean’s List

Androscoggin

Aleashia Judd, Leeds; Chelsea Holt, Sabattus; Chris Selmek, Wales; Debora Quinho, Lewiston; Heather Fugere, Poland; Julian Clements, Greene; Karla Mendoza Yanes, Auburn; Kirsten Cossar, Poland; Marwa Saeed, Lewiston; Norissa Alleano, Lewiston; Samantha Williams, Auburn; Sarah Stevens, Leeds; Virginia Keel, Auburn

Cumberland

Alyssa Setzer, Portland; Brittany Jackson, Scarborough; Christina Brink, Freeport; Dayna Staples, New Gloucester; Harleen Marwaha, Brunswick; Jenn Weed, Windham; Kristy Eyles, Naples; Kristy Lambert, Brunswick; Maggie Chipman, Yarmouth; Matt Fournier, Brunswick; Megan Brown, Westbrook; Nima Barkad, Yarmouth; Vania Pierre, Westbrook

Franklin

Amanda Goings, Farmington; Elizabeth Wilkins, New Sharon

Hancock

Amelia Silva, Blue Hill; Chris Fitch, Sullivan; Elizabeth Linnell Astbury, Mariaville; Hayley Landes, Bucksport; Ilona Rankin, Blue Hill; Jillian Guptill Knowles, Ellsworth; Kristina Hamblen, Bar Harbor; Misty Redman, Eastbrook; Nicholas Gray, Ellsworth; Tiara Lipton, Ellsworth

Kennebec

Aemilia Lester, Augusta; Alain Kanobayire, Winslow; Allie Young, Hallowell; Amenah Yaqoob, Augusta; Anesha Feeley, Augusta; Anju Ghimire, Augusta; Breanna Matusiak, Chelsea; Caroline Saucier, Monmouth; Casey Nadeau, Winslow; Caterina Bifulco, Waterville; Cooper Bernstein, Augusta; Dawn Faircloth, Winthrop; Hajar Al zoubi, Augusta; Hayle Warner, Monmouth; Izzy Martinez, Farmingdale; Jackie Mannochi, Chelsea; Jacob Williams, Farmingdale; Jim Morris, Vassalboro; Joanna Linscott, Windsor; Josh Trask, Augusta; Kate Rosenbaum, Winthrop; Lilly Spencer, Augusta; Liz Merriam, Waterville; Lyng Mata, Augusta; Maia Steinberg, Belgrade Lakes; Megan Bastey, Augusta; Meghan Rollins, Winthrop; Mina Bastola, Augusta; Molly Folsom, Fairfield; Morgan Anton, Waterville; Nolan Cartwright, Augusta; Sam Daniels, Sidney; Sam Wood, Litchfield; Sedra Hamadeh, Waterville; Shauntell Hassell, Augusta; Shay Yarns, Waterville; Timothy Grim, Augusta; Tisha York, Augusta; Zoey Bard, Hallowell

Knox

Abbey Shields, Spruce Head; Alexys Wilmot, Rockport; Danielle Ward, Warren; Davon Campbell, Warren; Dimitry Dubrovsky, Warren; Jillianne Waguli, Tenants Harbor; Joe Moore, Rockport; Makayla Swan, Warren; Mandi Karl, Warren; Matthew Pendleton, Warren; Nolan Myers, Warren; Reina Taracena, Thomaston; Roswell Furman, Warren; Taylor Yattaw-Dinsmore, Warren; Thomas Heaberlin, Warren

Lincoln

Christopher Brown, Jefferson; Haley Neal, Whitefield; Kim Peaslee, Somerville; Kurt Levesque, Nobleboro; Leah Hayes, Jefferson; Mary Hayden, Whitefield; Michael Meteer, Nobleboro; Rohan Glendinning, South Bristol

Oxford

Allison Gray, Rumford; Bailen Howe, Mexico; Bre Burgess, Mexico; Eli Johnson, Canton; Erin Child, Peru; Jade Garneau, Oxford; Lauren Henderson, Hartford

Penobscot

Allison Hincks, Bangor; Angela Rogers, Old Town; Ashley Labbay, Bangor; Bethany Cross, Newport; Birdie Sawyer, Bangor; Briana LeBretton, Bangor; Chelsea Putnam, Millinocket; Chris Fox, Hampden; Danyon Parsons, Carmel; Emily Austin, Levant; Emily Guy, Old Town; Fawn Dorr, Kenduskeag; Garrett Patchin, Bangor; Jeremy Bolduc, Millinocket; Joe Horvath, Carmel; Jordan Beach, Bangor; Karen Brown, Bangor; Kira Rock, East Millinocket; Noah St Pierre, Carmel; Patricia Allenwood, Bangor; Peter Curtis, Charleston; Rachel Richards, Brewer; Sam Gould, Dexter; Travis Morin, Hermon

Piscataquis

Amy Waugh, Dover Foxcroft; Katie Tirrell, Dover Foxcroft; Kenzi Pelletier, Derby; Mike Saunders, Dover Foxcroft; Taylor Renner, Sangerville

Sagadahoc

Adam Talbot, Topsham; John Lewis, Bowdoin; Nicole Glencross, Richmond

Somerset

Alexys Jones, Smithfield; Alysha Hassele, Canaan; Amanda Newell, Fairfield; Keegan Kapcar, Solon; Larrah St. Pierre, Skowhegan; Marlene Brackett, Norridgewock; Sarah Wheelock, Rockwood

Waldo

Ada Hunter, Frankfort; Bridget Bowen, Belmont; Katelyn Cloutier, Prospect; Katie Norsworthy, Belfast; Kelci Faulkingham, Belfast; Kristina Mitchell, Northport; Natasha Cornwall, Searsmont; Victoria Anderson, Liberty

Washington

Alison Crosby, Baileyville; Hannah Libby, Jonesport; Jacob Songer, Robbinston; Kerri Taylor, Steuben; Sara Bickford, Harrington

York

Barth Mayengo, Sanford; Bert Berry, Old Orchard Beach; Franklin James, Saco; Hayley Anne Campbell, Saco; Jessica Gagne, Biddeford; Kristi King, Sanford; Mary Ireland, Biddeford; Molly Brennan, Cornish; Nicole Pierrottet, Kennebunk; Sarah Lynn, Kennebunk; Trevor Prescott, Limington

National

Aiden Dow, Saint Robert, MO; Brian Masterson, Birmingham, AL; Erica Shanks, Tamworth, NH; Ernestine Daniels, Bainbridge, GA; Ethan Ross, Exmore, VA; Harmony Anderson, New Durham, NH; Hutch Hutchinson, Weare, NH; Ilena Martinez, Texas City, TX; Jess Reilly, Springfield, MO; Justin Hall, Kissimmee, FL; Ronald Mroz, Chicago, IL

The Â鶹APP’s Dental Assisting, Expanded Function Dental Assisting, and Dental Hygiene programs are celebrating a standout year. Students across all three programs completed rigorous coursework and secured job offers before graduation. Graduates of the Dental Assisting and Expanded Function Dental Assisting programs achieved a 100% pass rate on the national exams required to enter the profession. Dental Hygiene graduates earned a 100% pass rate on their clinical board exam. 

In Dental Assisting and Expanded Function Dental Assisting, all 17 students passed their board exams. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam, a nationally recognized credential that validates a dental assistant’s technical expertise, clinical knowledge, and commitment to patient care and safety. Passing the DANB exam is widely seen as a standard of excellence in the field and can open the door to expanded duties and higher earning potential for entry‑level assistants. 

“Because Â鶹APP dental assisting program is the only accredited program of its kind in the state, our students are highly sought after,” said Courtney Noonan, assistant professor of dental health. “All of our dental assisting students at both the Bangor and Lewiston locations received multiple job offers and secured job placement upon graduation.” 

The Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 posted similarly impressive results. 19 students were enrolled in the cohort, and nearly all completed their Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene degree requirements on time, with one student taking an approved incomplete for personal reasons and is set to finish by December 2026. 

All 19 students took and passed the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Simulated Patient Treatment Clinical Examination, earning a 100% clinical board pass rate. Four graduates are already planning to continue their education by enrolling in Â鶹APP Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program this summer and fall. Every graduate received at least one job offer before walking across the stage.

“Our 2026 graduates are continuing UMA Dental Hygiene’s strong tradition of excellence. In recent years our students have consistently achieved perfect clinical board‑exam pass rates, and most choose to stay and practice right here in Maine. This class is helping meet a critical workforce need and expanding access to essential oral health services across the state,” said Nancy Foster, Dental Hygiene program coordinator.

Maine faces a critical shortage of allied dental professionals, with demand rising as the workforce shrinks. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the state’s dental hygienist workforce declined by roughly 200 workers between 2019 and 2023, a trend described as a “critical shortage” in 2025 legislative testimony. The need has grown since MaineCare’s 2022 expansion added 200,000 eligible adults, while many dental practices continue to face hiring challenges.

UMA is helping meet that need as a central partner in Maine’s dental workforce strategy. Notably, UMA offers the only accredited dental hygiene and dental assisting programs at a public institution in Maine. Through allied dental programs and clinics in Bangor, Lewiston, and soon Presque Isle, UMA is expanding access to training, investing in facilities and student support, growing enrollment, and providing targeted scholarships and exam-fee assistance. With its latest graduates achieving 100% job placement, UMA is preparing more hygienists, dental assistants, and expanded function dental assistants to serve high-need communities across Maine.

For all three allied dental programs, the classroom and clinic achievements translated directly into employment, underscoring the close alignment between Â鶹APP programs and employer needs. As demand for oral health services continues to rise, and as the state looks to address ongoing workforce shortages, graduates of Â鶹APP dental programs are driving the future of patient care and strengthening access to dental care in communities across Maine.

UMA welcomed 75 high school students to its Bangor campus on May 12 for a Rural Workforce Medical Bootcamp, a day designed to give students a closer look at healthcare and human services careers in Maine.

Students from the Katahdin and Washington County regions spent the day with UMA faculty and staff discovering opportunities in nursing, veterinary technology, dental health, medical laboratory technology, and mental health and human services. They rotated through hands-on activities, asked questions, and learned more about the kinds of careers that support Maine communities every day.

The program gives students an up-close look at different career options, with the hope of one day helping fill workforce needs in some of Maine’s most rural communities.

“If you think about the healthcare team, it’s the whole team. It’s not just about getting a provider to an area. It’s about helping secure professions for students who want to stay in their rural communities but granting them the access to really explore what their options are,” said Shannon Gauvin, director of nursing at the Â鶹APP, in a WABI TV5 story about the event. 

The Bangor event followed a recent Medical Bootcamp in Augusta, where approximately 40 Oxford County high school students explored health care programs through hands-on demonstrations in nursing, medical laboratory technology, mental health and human services, and dental programs. The Augusta event was offered in partnership with through a grant.

Together, the two events show how UMA is working with partners across the state to introduce students to healthcare and human services fields earlier, and in a more hands-on way. For many students, a day like this can make these careers feel more real and more within reach.

UMA is grateful to the students, schools, faculty, staff, and partners who helped make the Bangor event possible, including and Executive Director Korah Soll, whose collaboration helped bring students to campus for the experience.

For more information, visit the Bangor Fitness Center web page.

Allison Simpson, MS, LVT, a long-time staff member of the Â鶹APP Bangor Veterinary Technology Program, was recently awarded the inaugural Maine Veterinary Technician of the Year award. Nominated by peers across the state, the award was voted on by members of the Maine Veterinary Technician Association.

Ally has been part of the UMA Bangor Veterinary Technology Program since ’08 and is also a graduate of the program, earning her AS in veterinary technology degree in ’06. She is incredibly proud of the program’s growth over the past two decades. She remains committed to supporting the next generation of veterinary technicians through education, mentorship, and hands-on clinical training.

Her dedication to veterinary medicine, technician education, and the professional community continues to make a meaningful impact on students, colleagues, and the veterinary field throughout Maine. Congrats Ally!

Annually, the Bangor campus recognizes individuals who have exemplified academic scholarship, service, governance, overcoming personal hardships, and contributions to campus life.

In addition to these, we are also accepting applications/nominees for the Bangor Rotary Scholarship and the UMA Bangor Scholarship.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations for any (or all!) of these awards before 12:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026.

In addition to these scholarships, the Bangor campus also recognizes individuals who have exemplified academic scholarship, service, governance, overcoming personal hardships, and contributions to campus life at their annual Graduate & Awards Banquet.

Nominations for these awards are solicited from students and employees with recipients being determined by the designated entity. Please review the information below and nominate anyone you feel should be considered before 12:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Questions about any of these awards or the nomination process may be directed to Alissa Gervais at alissa.gervais@maine.edu.

Spring in Maine can make people eager to get outside, even when the weather is still cold and muddy. At the Â鶹APP’s Bangor campus, community members have found a bright, welcoming way to stay active and connected: pickleball.

Every weekday morning, the fitness center hums with the sound of paddles tapping and sneakers moving across the gym floor. Laughter and friendly exchanges fill the air as people of all ages gather to play, building friendships and finding a sense of belonging along the way.

Pickleball’s appeal goes beyond the rules of the game. It is approachable, social and continually engaging, blending movement, coordination and strategy in a way that keeps bodies and minds active. For many players at UMA Bangor, the biggest draw is not just the sport itself but the community that forms around it.

Joy Steward, Â鶹APP coordinator of student life for wellness and co-curricular enrichment, has watched that community grow. “It started with just a few players,” Steward said. “Now it’s the most popular activity we offer. People love it because it’s welcoming, fun, and as competitive as you want it to be. There’s no pressure, just a great way to move and connect.”

Retired Newburgh resident Shirley Shannon treats pickleball as a lively part of her new routine. “I’m up at five every morning,” she said. “I play three times a week. If I were still working, I would resent my job,” she said. “This is my job now, and I love coming here. It gets my morning going, keeps me active and I feel great afterward.”

After years of full-time work, Shannon says pickleball gives her something to look forward to. For regulars like her, the game brings structure, motivation and a strong start to the day.

The energy on the courts is contagious. Newcomers are welcomed with smiles, helpful tips and lighthearted banter. That open atmosphere turns a simple game into a shared experience where neighbors, students and visitors become friends.

For Kim Johnson, the joy of pickleball is found in what players give and receive. “We’ve been playing for just over a year, and it’s amazing how inviting everyone is,” Johnson said. “We have players from 14 to 80, and everyone’s included. I usually play on Thursdays when beginners come in. Someone once did that for me, and now I get to do that for someone else.”

Those shared rallies and small moments of encouragement create bonds across generations and help everyone, regardless of age or skill level, feel that they belong.

Cheryl Dubois, who discovered pickleball in Florida, was glad to find that same spirit in Bangor. “Everyone here is so kind and encouraging. The staff is wonderful, the facility is spotless and I’ve made new friends,” she said. “We even go out to dinner sometimes. It’s great exercise and a wonderful way to stay active while spending time with some great people.”

Travis Wood, a documentary filmmaker (pictured at the top), first tried pickleball with his aunt’s encouragement and quickly became a regular. “The players here are top notch,” Wood said. “Everyone shows up ready to play, no matter their age or skill level. You’ll see teenagers and seniors on the same court, smiling together. It’s the mix of focus and fun that makes it so great. You play hard, and you leave happy.”

Together, those moments of challenge and camaraderie show what makes the courts at UMA Bangor a true community gathering place.

By opening its doors to players of all backgrounds, UMA Bangor’s fitness center helps strengthen community connections in the region. The public is invited to join, with memberships starting at $25 a month or $5 a day. Each morning, new and returning players fill the gym with activity, encouragement and connection. Whatever the season, pickleball offers a welcoming place to stay active, build friendships and enjoy being part of the community. 

Information about the fitness center, pickleball, membership, and more is available on the UMA Bangor Fitness Center webpage.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome to stop by and use the facility during regular operating hours.

For more information, contact Joy Steward at joy.steward@maine.edu.

At UMA, learning does not stop at the classroom door. It travels into schools, community events, and neighborhoods across Maine.

Â鶹APP Dental Club is a student-led example of what that looks like in action.

Throughout the year, club members volunteer at local outreach events, connect with families about oral health, and represent Â鶹APP dental programs in the community. Whether they are sharing preventive care tips with children, supporting local organizations, or collaborating with dental professionals, students are building skills that matter while making a difference that is felt.

For many members, the club is where confidence grows. It is where classroom concepts become real conversations. It is where future dental professionals begin to see themselves as leaders and educators, not just students.

Their work reflects what defines UMA: education that meets students where they are and prepares them to serve where they are needed most. Through hands-on service, Dental Club members strengthen their clinical knowledge, communication skills, and commitment to community health, all while reinforcing the importance of accessible, preventive care across Maine.

This kind of engagement embodies Â鶹APP mission to transform lives through high-quality education, student support, and civic engagement. It also reflects Â鶹APP belief that progress happens when we work together, building partnerships that make education more connected, relevant, and valuable.

In every photo, there is more than a moment. There is preparation for a career, connection to a community, and the steady growth of students who are already making an impact.