As UMA celebrates 60 years of expanding opportunity across Maine, we continue sharing the stories of the people who bring that mission to life.

Rachel Dollahan knew exactly what she was looking for in a degree and just as importantly, what she was not willing to compromise. Working full-time and living out of state, she needed a program that could meet her where she was and stay true to her passion for library science. Through Ā鶹APP online Information and Library Science program, she found that fit along with something more lasting: a mentor who believed in her, a community that made distance feel smaller, and a sense of confidence she now passes on to the students she supports every day.

We asked Rachel to share more about his journey to UMA and what inspires him in the classroom.

How are you connected to UMA?

Alumni

What was your program of study, year of graduation, and official degree title?

Information and Library Science, graduated December 2021, Bachelor’s of Information and Library Sciences

Thinking back to when you enrolled, what made UMA the right fit for your life at that time?

I live in Illinois, so I was looking for an online program, because I work full-time and online learning works around my schedule. A lot of universities don’t have an actual ILS Bachelor’s program, because librarians usually get their Bachelor’s in something else; I didn’t want to study anything else! So I was already interested in the program, but what sold me was the tuition. Your tuition prices for out-of-state online students were just too good to be true. No other college was offering such discounted tuition for online students.

How did your UMA experience specifically help you transition into your career or the next phase of your life? (Did a certain internship, professor, or project pave the way?)

Dr. Jodi Kosakowski was instrumental in my current success. While I only had a handful of one-on-one video calls with her, her support and encouragement got me through those days when I thought I couldn’t do it. And I have tapped into those memories of encouragement whenever I’m struggling with imposter syndrome in my career. She very obviously cares about each student, and I will forever sing her praises!

How do you see the impact of your education showing up in your life todayā€”not just at work, but in your community or how you see the world?

So while I have an ILS degree, I currently work for the TRIO Upward Bound program, helping high school students prepare for college. I love to share my UMA experience with my students for several reasons: to show how great online programs can be, to show that the path to higher education is different for everyone (I got my degree in my late 30s), and to, of course, promote the ILS program to my library-curious students! But most importantly, I get to be a Dr. Kosakowski to these teenagers now, and that may be the most rewarding part of my job.

What is something surprising or meaningful you learned at UMA that has stayed with you long after graduation?

That education, and access to education, is for everyone, no matter their gender, race, religion, economic status, etc. Even as an online student, I met people from across the country! Different cultures, different religions, different dialects! And what we all had in common was a passion for learning and libraries. As I stated above, your tuition rates for out-of-state online students were insanely affordable. If I had not found your program, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go back to school. To me, that shows that UMA actually wants students to have access to education by making it affordable!

What advice would you give to current students (or those considering your field) to help them succeed?

I tell all my high school students about college: TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS! First off, they WANT to help you! That’s why they are there! Secondly, getting to know your professors will teach you things about the field that you won’t learn in your textbooks. These are experts in the field, and the wealth of knowledge they hold is worth every penny you pay in tuition.

When you look back at your UMA journey from where you are now, what makes you most proud?

Now this is a tough question. I am so proud to be a Moose, and I honestly can’t pick one reason. The support I was shown, the knowledge I gained, and the people I met (faculty and fellow students) have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I can’t say enough great things about UMA (trust me, my students get sick of it, lol)!

Is there anything else about your UMA experience that you would like to share?

Sometimes, being an online student can feel isolating. I was hundreds of miles from campus, and yet I felt so involved. You offered activities for online students, like an online scavenger hunt (I won a t-shirt!), or when you sent out hot cocoa bomb-making kits to everyone. I once got an online student care package with all kinds of goodies! I have never heard of a university caring so much about its online students, and it made me feel like I was part of the student body, not just an afterthought. I can’t express how much I valued that. And I should mention, most of those things were pre-COVID, so it’s not like you all started doing that when everyone had to be online, lol. You already had systems in place for an inclusive online learning experience.

For 60 years, UMA has focused on making education accessible; today, Rachel carries that mission forward by proving that the path to a degree is open to everyone, regardless of where they start.

As the Ā鶹APP celebrates 60 years of expanding opportunity across Maine, we continue sharing the stories of the people who bring that mission to life.

We asked Sammy to reflect on her time at UMA, the lessons that stayed with her after graduation and how those experiences continue to shape her perspective today.

How are you connected to UMA?:

Alumni

What degree did you earn at UMA and what are you doing now?

I got a bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a concentration in Psychology. Currently, I am an Administrative Assistant CL3, in Enrollment Services at UMA

Thinking back to when you enrolled, what made UMA the right fit for your life at that time?

When I enrolled, UMA felt like the right fit because it offered flexibility, affordability, and a strong sense of community. I was at a point where I wanted to explore my interests while still working toward a practical degree, and Ā鶹APP class structure and approachable faculty made that possible.

How did your UMA experience specifically help you transition into your career or the next phase of your life? (Did a certain internship, professor, or project pave the way?)

My experience at UMA helped me build strong communication, organization, and critical-thinking skills. Professors were especially impactful as they encouraged me to think critically, ask questions, and take confidence in my abilities, which helped me transition smoothly into the professional world.

How do you see the impact of your education showing up in your life todayā€”not just at work, but in your community or how you see the world?

My education at UMA helped me understand that there isnā€™t just one ā€œrightā€ path, either professionally or personally. It showed me that people can be successful in many different ways, and that growth often comes from being open to new approaches and perspectives. Iā€™m more open-minded, adaptable, and confident in making a path that fits my goals, rather than feeling pressured to follow a single definition of success.

What is something surprising or meaningful you learned at UMA that has stayed with you long after graduation?

One meaningful lesson that stayed with me is the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. UMA showed me that growth doesnā€™t look the same for everyone, and that success can come from taking different paths. Learning how to revise my thinking, reflect on my work, and keep improving has stayed with me long after graduation.

What advice would you give to current students (or those considering your field) to help them succeed?

My advice would be to take advantage of your professors and campus resources because they truly want to help you succeed. Donā€™t be afraid to ask questions, revise your work, or step outside your comfort zone. Also, focus on building transferable skills like communication, time management, and adaptability since they will serve you well no matter where your career takes you. Most importantly, take chances and opportunities when you get them!

As UMA celebrates this milestone, what is your hope for the next generation of students entering your program?

My hope is that future students continue to feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to explore their interests. I hope they see UMA as a place where they can discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful careers and lives beyond graduation.

When you look back at your UMA journey from where you are now, what makes you most proud?

I am most proud of how much I grew, academically, personally, and professionally. I entered UMA still figuring out my direction, and I left with stronger confidence in myself and my abilities. Completing my degree while balancing other responsibilities showed me what Iā€™m capable of, and that sense of accomplishment continues to motivate me today.

Sammyā€™s journey reflects the encouragement and growth she found at UMA. Today, as part of the Enrollment Services team, she helps contribute to the supportive environment that welcomes students at the start of their own journeys.

As part of our 60th Anniversary series, A Tradition of Excellence, A Future of Opportunity, weā€™re proud to spotlight one of Ā鶹APP own: Ariel Cassista.

If you have connected with admissions, chances are you have met Ariel. She is often the first voice, the first email, or the first encouraging conversation in a studentā€™s UMA journey. But before she helped guide hundreds of others, Ariel was charting her own path here.

What began as a role as an administrative assistant with a high school diploma grew into a career shaped by purpose, perseverance and possibility. Along the way, Ariel earned two degrees from UMA and stepped into her current role as Assistant Director of Enrollment Communications and CRM Administrator.

Today, she helps open doors for students across Maine and beyond, sharing the opportunities higher education can create. And in many ways, her story reflects the heart of UMA: when access meets support, transformation follows.

How did you come to be a part of UMA?

I started working at UMA in 2006, hired as an Administrative Assistant with only a high school diploma. Even though I had held professional roles before, UMA was the first place where I could truly picture building a career. Nearly 20 years later, my role has evolved significantly. I now manage systems and data and help build strategic communications that support our students. Along the way, I also earned my associate degree in 2018 and my bachelorā€™s degree in 2025.

What role has UMA played in your story?

When I first joined UMA, I was a 25-year-old looking for a job with benefits and weekends off. What I did not know then was that UMA would become much more than a place to work. It became a place where I could learn, grow, mature, and find opportunities that helped shape the person I am today. As I look back on my journey, I am proud to say I am a first-generation college graduate, a respected professional, and someone who truly considers UMA home. UMA gave me something I never thought possible. They did not just hire me, they believed in me. They gave me the chance to prove to myself that I was capable of more than I ever believed. Professionally, UMA challenged me to keep growing and step into work I never imagined I would be doing. Personally, it brought people into my life who changed me, including my soon-to-be husband, and incredible students who are still in my life today. I have watched many of them grow, mature, build careers of their own, and even start families. UMA has opened doors I never imagined I would walk through, and those opportunities have truly changed my life.

What role have you played in UMA’s story?

I would like to think I have helped UMA grow, just as much as it has helped me grow. Being part of the shift from paper-based processes to digital systems that better support students has been a meaningful part of my work. Helping build the structure behind how we manage student information, data, and communication has strengthened connection and improved the student experience in real, measurable ways. But the part I am most proud of is the human side of that work. Connecting with diverse populations of students and encouraging them to realize their potential, while simultaneously realizing my own, is something I cannot quite put into words. I know this impact is real because I have lived it myself, and I see it every day in my role at UMA. I get to help people recognize what they are capable of, even when they do not see it yet. So many of them remind me of who I used to be, unsure of their path, questioning their abilities, and sometimes feeling just average. Some were even told they could not do it, just like I was. I hope to share my story over and over again, because if it helps even one person find purpose in their choices and take the next step forward, it is worth it. And when I look back, it feels incredible that a girl nobody thought would ever step foot on a college campus is now helping shape its future.

What is different in your life or the lives of others because of your time at UMA?

Because of my time at UMA, my life looks completely different than I ever imagined it would. I gained confidence, direction, and the belief that I was capable of more, both professionally and personally. Earning my degree changed the way I see myself, and it still catches me off guard sometimes to realize how far I have come. But the biggest difference is that I now get to be part of that same transformation for other people. In my role, I help remove barriers, create clearer pathways, and build communication that supports students who may feel unsure, overwhelmed, or like they do not belong in college. I have seen students arrive questioning everything, and I have watched them grow into graduates. Being able to support that kind of progress, and to believe in students before they fully believe in themselves, is something I will never take for granted.

Is there a special memory or anything else you would like to share about your time with UMA or where you are now?

There are a lot of moments I could point to, but the one that stands out most is walking across the stage at graduation. For a long time, I did not think it would be a big moment for me. I saw finishing my degree as something I simply needed to do. But it ended up being truly life-changing, and I still catch myself thinking, ā€œOh, I have a bachelorā€™s degree.ā€ Even more meaningful, I crossed the stage alongside three of my student ambassadors. Sharing that milestone with them is something I will never forget. Now I am taking the next step and starting my masterā€™s program, and it still feels surreal to say out loud.

As the Ā鶹APP (UMA) continues celebrating its 60th anniversary, we look back at the stories that define us. For Christine (McCormick) Knight, Ā鶹APP Director of Early College, the university is not just a workplace or an alma materā€”it is a thread woven into the very fabric of her familyā€™s history. Her journey is a testament to how education can transform lives across generations, meeting students exactly where they are.

The First Spark: A Motherā€™s Example

The story began in 1989 when Christineā€™s mother, Leslie, joined UMA as a staff member. Encouraged by a supervisor to use her employee benefits, Leslie, now a senior research analyst at UMA, began the challenging path of a non-traditional student. While raising a family and working full time, she persisted, earning her associate degree in 1996 and her bachelor’s in Business Administration ā€“ Management 1998. A very young Christine sat in those commencement audiences, watching her mother cross the stage. Those early memories left a lasting mark on her understanding of what it means to work for a dream. Reflecting on that moment years later, Christine described the experience as formative: ā€œThe celebration of her achievement was a lesson about the pursuit of education and the value and meaning it holds in our lives.ā€

Finding her Village in the Arts

When it came time for Christine to pursue her own degree, she chose Ā鶹APP Jazz and Contemporary Music program. It was an affordable path that offered her the freedom to take risks and learn from world-class educators. It was also where she found her village. She co-founded a jazz-funk fusion group called Sassquatch with five peers, touring the Northeast and recording albums. One of those bandmates, Matthew, eventually became her husband. Looking back, Christine often emphasizes the sense of belonging she found at UMA. ā€œUMA is a unique landscape where everyone just so earnestly wants to be part of these efforts and this community; you can find your people here.ā€

The Ultimate ā€œPay-it-Forwardā€

One of the most remarkable chapters of the McCormick family story began at Christineā€™s 2015 graduation. As is UMA tradition, all graduates received a ā€œPay-it-Forwardā€ certificate for one free class to share. Christine knew immediately who it was meant forā€”her father, Sean. A Maine plumbing and heating professional and fly-fishing guide, Sean had never had the opportunity to attend college as a young man. For the next ten years, he took one or two classes a semester while maintaining two careers. That decade of persistence culminated in Spring 2025. In a moment that brought the familyā€™s journey full circle, father and daughter marched together in the same ceremony, Christine receiving her masterā€™s degree and Sean receiving his bachelorā€™s in liberal studies. Christine later reflected on the moment with pride. ā€œI watched him with admiration as he finally took his turn crossing the very same stage to collect his hard-earned bachelorā€™s degree.ā€

Leading the Next Generation

Today, Christine serves as director of Early College Programs, helping high school students see that they do not have to wait to start their futures. Under her leadership, UMA became the first program in Maine to pursue national NACEP accreditation, ensuring these opportunities remain rigorous and transformative. She frequently shares her familyā€™s story with students, whether they are 16 or 61, as a reminder that potential has no expiration date. As Christine often tells them, ā€œA college degree means more than just what your concentration was on that piece of paper; itā€™s that network, community, and skills that forever stay with you.ā€

The Next 60 Years

As UMA looks toward the future, the legacy continues. Supporting Christine and Sean at their graduation were four generations of their family. Christineā€™s eldest daughter, Emmalydia, has already shared that she wants to graduate ā€œjust like Mommyā€ someday. The McCormick/Knight family story reflects the heart of Ā鶹APP mission: providing flexibility, encouragement and belonging so transformation can take root and flourish. For Christine, that impact is visible every day. ā€œWe watch people overcome challenges with the support of the UMA community,ā€ she observed. ā€œThat is the transformative power of education.ā€

As part of Ā鶹APP 60th Anniversary celebration, we are proud to spotlight Isabella Puleo, a senior in the Bachelor’s of Applied Science program.

Isabella is already making her mark on the aviation industry beyond the classroom. As a third-semester student in the Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS), she serves as a work-study student supporting program operations and gains hands-on experience as part of the line crew at MacJets. She is also an active member of the Women in Aviation International, Wild Blue Chapter, participating in outreach to empower other women in the field.

to hear Isabella describe the moment she discovered her future was in aviation maintenance.

As Amy Line, Director of Military & Veterans Services, retires from the Ā鶹APP, her impact can be felt across programs, spaces, and generations of students. Her career unfolded alongside Ā鶹APP own evolution, shaped by a shared commitment to meeting people where they are. Through times of growth and change, Amy consistently translated compassion into action, helping the university strengthen and expand its support for veterans and other students navigating transition. The structures she helped build and the culture of care she championed continue to shape how UMA supports students today, extending her influence well beyond her years of service.

That instinct first took shape during her 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. As an air crewman, Amy logged more than 5,000 flight hours aboard C-130 aircraft, flew P-3s for the Naval Research Laboratory, and served on helicopters. She did so at a time when women were still uncommon in those roles, earning responsibility through competence, steadiness, and trust. The work was demanding and mission-driven, but it was also deeply relational, requiring reliance on the people beside her.

When her military service concluded, Amy chose a new path, enrolling at the Ā鶹APP in 1998. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in mental health and human services and received the Distinguished Student Award that year.

Yet she has often reflected that the transition from military life to the classroom was not simple.
She was smart, capable, and successful, but after years of military intensity, she found herself restless. ā€œI might have made very different choices,ā€ she has said of that time, ā€œif not for the people who noticed, who encouraged me to get involved, and who understood what veterans were navigating.ā€

At the time, UMA did not yet have a formal military or veterans services program. What it did have were faculty, advisors, and staff who paid attention. They invited Amy into student government, the honors program, and campus life. They helped her feel anchored during a period of enormous transition. That experience would shape everything that followed.

After graduating from UMA, Amy earned her masterā€™s degree from Boston College, where she worked in research and practiced in the mental health and human services field. When she was invited to return to UMA as an adjunct instructor, she brought something especially powerful into the classroom. She paired academic knowledge with real-world experience, offering students insight grounded in both theory and practice.

She began teaching at UMA centers in 2004 and later on the Augusta campus, where students quickly recognized her authenticity and approachability. Amy was one of the few instructors who had lived the transitions she was helping students understand.

As her professional role at UMA expanded, so did the universityā€™s vision for serving military-connected students. During the height of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, many Maine National Guard members were deploying, returning home, or attempting to continue their education from overseas. It became clear that access alone was not enough.

ā€œWe realized UMA needed to do more than simply welcome veterans,ā€ recalled Jonathan Henry, vice president for enrollment management. ā€œWe needed to reach out to them wherever they were and make sure they knew UMA was here for them and their families.ā€

Working closely with colleagues across the university, Amy helped turn that understanding into action. She supported outreach to deployed troops, worked with families through mobilization and return, and helped build systems that allowed students to remain academically connected while serving. Those early efforts laid the foundation for what would become Ā鶹APP Office of Military and Veterans Services.

Under Amyā€™s leadership, the office evolved into a comprehensive support system rooted in care, professionalism, and respect. She guided veterans, service members, and military families through benefits navigation, academic planning, and moments of personal challenge. Students were not treated as transactions or cases. They were met as people continuing a life of service in a new form.

President Jenifer Cushman later reflected that Amyā€™s leadership helped shape the office into something far more meaningful than a set of services. Through intention and consistency, it became a community where military-connected students felt seen, valued, and supported.

Amyā€™s impact reached far beyond campus. She was instrumental in building a statewide network of partnerships that included the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Maine Bureau of Veteransā€™ Services, the National Guard, and the Maine Military and Community Network. Those relationships ensured that Ā鶹APP students had access to support across Maine, not just within the university.

Her ability to translate vision into tangible support was especially evident in her work to create dedicated space for veterans on campus.

As veteran enrollment grew following the expansion of post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, existing space in the Randall Student Center no longer met studentsā€™ needs. Amy played a central role in articulating why space matters for veterans navigating transition and community reintegration. She helped develop grant proposals that emphasized visibility, access to daytime services, and the importance of a shared gathering place.

That vision continued to grow. Earlier, in 2009, UMA had received a $100,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to strengthen veteran support, the only university in New England selected. Amy was hired to help implement the grantā€™s goals, which included peer support initiatives, entrepreneurial training, and the creation of Ā鶹APP first Veterans Academic Center.

As demand grew, Amy recognized the need for a more supportive and purpose-built space for veteran students. She led the effort to secure philanthropic support, and in 2016, the Ā鶹APP received a $50,000 grant from the Fuller familyā€™s Windover Foundation to help create the Veterans Academic Center in Katz Library. A Navy veteran and UMA alum, Amy shaped the vision for a space where veterans could connect, access services, and find understanding throughout the day. She is quick to acknowledge the role of Retired Capt. Robert G. Fuller Jr., JAGC, USNR, a Windover Foundation board member, whose personal commitment and veteran-informed insight helped guide thoughtful design and accommodations that support the veterans well-being and connection.

In 2017, the current Veterans Academic Center opened in Katz Library, made possible through the generosity of retired Captain Robert Fuller and shaped by Amyā€™s sustained advocacy, outreach, and planning. Today, the VAC stands as both a physical space and a symbol of Ā鶹APP commitment to those who have served.

Throughout her tenure, UMA earned recognition as a Military Friendly Institution for 15 consecutive years. Amy consistently emphasized that such recognition was not an endpoint, but a responsibility that required ongoing attention and care.

In 2022, she received the Quilt of Valor at the Maine Military and Community Network conference, honoring both her military service and her continued advocacy for veterans. For those who worked alongside her, the recognition reflected a lifetime of quiet, steady dedication.

Over more than 20 years at UMA, Amy watched students become graduates, graduates become colleagues, and early ideas grow into enduring institutions. Her impact is visible in programs and spaces, but it is felt most powerfully in the lives of those who found confidence, stability, and belonging during moments of transition.

When asked to reflect on her legacy, Amy returned to a phrase that has long guided her work. ā€œThe legacy of the past forges the future.ā€ It is both a reflection and a responsibility. The systems she built, the partnerships she nurtured, and the culture of care she modeled now belong to the entire UMA community. As Amy steps into her next chapter, the work continues, shaped by her example and strengthened by her belief that service, when grounded in compassion, creates lasting change.

As UMA celebrates 60 years, weā€™re sharing stories from the students, staff, faculty, and alumni who continue to shape our community. We recently spoke with Jemima George about her challenges navigating an unfamiliar academic system, her decision to move into the dorms, her rise to SGA president, and her ambitions for the future. 

Q: Jemima, can you tell us about your program and what drew you to it?
Iā€™m a rising senior in the Criminal Justice program with a Pre-Law concentration. I also have a minor in psychology and Iā€™m taking certifications in mediation and paralegal studies.

I was already in college in Nigeria before I moved here, so I understood our legal system and how it worked. But coming to the United States everything was completely different. Nigeriaā€™s laws are rooted in colonial British rule, but the American colonies separated from the British and built something different. I see some similarities between the two systems, but now I can clearly see how different they are.

Iā€™d say my favorite part of the program has been learning about American legal history and constitutional law. Itā€™s pretty amazing seeing how different it is over here.

Q: What brought you to the Ā鶹APP?
I moved with my family from Nigeria to Maine, and I had no idea what the school in the U.S. was like or anything. My mom and I were looking for a college close to home, and we found the Rockland Center. So, I started there before moving to Augusta.

When I began, I didnā€™t know how the American education system worked. Everything was happening so fast, and I failed all my classes that first semester. My advisor, Katie, suggested I move to Augusta and take classes in person on campus. She said, ā€œYouā€™re young. You need to be out with other students.ā€ So I moved into the dorms and started classes on campus, and that changed everything for me.

Q: How did living on campus make a difference?
When I was taking classes at the Rockland Center, they were usually in the evenings and not really in person, so I rarely ever saw anybody.

Living in the dorms in Augusta was a whole other experience. Itā€™s a different feeling when youā€™re living on campus compared to commuting from home. At home, your parents are there saying, ā€œcome do this,ā€ or ā€œcome do that,ā€ but at the dorms you kind of have to figure out life yourself. You have to know what to do at what time and start, you know, becoming adultish.

Being on campus helped me meet more people my age and interact with other students. It gave me more structure and helped me focus on what I came here to do. I started learning how to balance things, manage my time, and just take responsibility for myself.

Q: How did connecting with Student Life influence your experience?
Iā€™ve never really been one to be interested in social activities or student engagement, but I made a new friend, and we went on a Student Life trip together. Thatā€™s where I met the Student Life crew. When we came back to campus, I was like, okay, Iā€™d like to work at Student Life.

While I was working there one of the leaders suggested I join the Student Government Association (SGA) and get involved. With her encouragement, I applied that fall. That was how I started. Now Iā€™m SGA president ā€” which still feels kind of crazy.

Q: UMA is known for its close community. What kind of support have you experienced here?
I tell people all the time, UMA is a community school. Itā€™s close, like family. You know who to meet when you need something, and you know who to talk to. Everyoneā€™s here to help you. Weā€™re small, so itā€™s easy to notice when someoneā€™s not doing well and make sure theyā€™re okay. Having that community making sure youā€™re doing well, means so much.

Even my advisor, Lynn Poore, was always encouraging and supportive. Sheā€™d see me in class and say, ā€œOh my gosh, Mima, you made it.ā€ That made me want to work harder. I started striving not just for Aā€™s and Bā€™s but for all Aā€™s.

When things get overwhelming, people remind me to take a step back. They will say, ā€œYou donā€™t have to put so much on your plate. Give yourself grace.ā€ That kind of support makes a big difference.

I like that I have that community here at UMA. If I were somewhere bigger, I donā€™t think Iā€™d have this kind of close connection. Iā€™m happy that Iā€™m here and making a name for myself.

Q: You were recently featured in an article about your academic internship in Washington, D.C. through The Fund for Americans Studies (TFAS). What was that experience like?
My , was eye opening. I got to meet with Senator Kingā€™s legislative assistant and interact with her team. I learned that, if I ever go into government, Iā€™d want to be behind the scenes ā€” not a senator or anything like that, but working with the people who help make things happen.

I found public policy really interesting, but itā€™s not something I see myself doing for a very long time. Itā€™s more about having the experience and being able to say, okay, I did this, I learned from it, and I can use it later. I like putting myself out there to see what I really enjoy before choosing a path.

This summer, I worked with the Consumer Advocate Network, which connected more with my psychology minor. I supported first citizens and returning citizens and did mental health outreach. It was both fun and meaningful, but now I want to come back to my major and get experience in the legal field next summer.

Q: What are your goals after UMA?
I want to go to law school, and my top three choices are Stanford, NYU, and Harvard.

My mom wanted to be a lawyer when she was younger, but she never had the money for it. She went into nursing instead and built her career from there. I could never do anything science related because I canā€™t stand blood or hospitals, so I chose law.

Iā€™ve always been the kind of person who isnā€™t afraid to speak up. I can be playful, but when Iā€™m serious, Iā€™m serious. There are so many people out there who need to be heard and seen, and I just want to give back to the community.

Q: What advice would you give to new UMA students?
Coming to college is a big step. You meet different people, professors, and classmates from different backgrounds. Take it all in and give yourself grace. Donā€™t rush into trying to do everything at once. Observe, learn, and get a feel for whatā€™s going on before deciding what you want to do.

I feel like your first year should be about soaking it all in, seeing what college is all about and what UMA is all about. Then in your second year, start putting in bigger effort, being out there, and making a name for yourself. When you start doing that, it can open doors you never even dreamed of.

Once you understand how the system works, youā€™ll excel. Give yourself grace and get involved in activities because thatā€™s how you meet people who can help you along the way. If I hadnā€™t asked questions or interacted with others, I donā€™t think Iā€™d be where I am today.

When Justin Young first arrived at the Ā鶹APPā€™s Bangor campus, challenging world records was the furthest thing from his mind. By his own admission, he was struggling to find his way. That changed when a supervisor took the time to invite him into the campus gym. The simple act of someone noticing and offering support set him on a path of self-improvement, endurance sports and now, extraordinary community impact.

Earlier this year, Justin attempted to set the world record for the most squats performed in 24 hours. The attempt fell short of the 30,000 squats needed for a world record, but Justin calls the effort a victory. ā€œBy hour seven my legs were cooked,ā€ said Justin, but he pressed on for a total of 15 hours and completed 16,520 squats. He raised over $3,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, turning physical endurance into meaningful support for a cause close to his heart. Along the way, he also experienced how a network of family, friends, colleagues, and supporters can transform a difficult challenge into something bigger than a personal goal.

More than 100 people came out in person and online to cheer him on. Friends, family, co-workers and colleagues from UMA pitched in by cheering him on, guiding his pacing, counting each squat and making sure he had the nutrition and recovery tools to keep going. Among them was UMA professor Dr. Kelby Myers, also an endurance athlete, who carefully observed Justinā€™s efforts and offered valuable recommendations for future training. Justinā€™s brother, Jesse Young, was also on hand, closely monitoring Justinā€™s condition through the punishing challenge. For Justin, all of these acts of encouragement and care combined into something far greater than any single gesture. ā€œThat support made all the difference and kept me going,ā€ he reflected.

This challenge may be over, but Justin is not done. He has set a new goal of raising $30,000 over the next two years, and he has mapped out a series of endurance events to get there. In 2026, he plans to run the Sugarloaf Half Marathon, organize and complete a Bangor-to-Augusta run, and take on a ā€œlast man standingā€ race with a goal of reaching 100 miles. In 2027, he will compete in a bike race before returning to the squat challenge for another attempt at the end of the year. Strengthened by lessons from this challenge, and by the encouragement of his community, Justin is determined to train smarter, build an even stronger support team, and keep pushing forward.

As we celebrate 60 years of transforming lives, UMA proudly recognizes Justin Young. His journey embodies what UMA stands for: the opportunity to become your best self, the resilience to keep moving forward even when challenges arise, and the community that lifts each other up through it all.

The Ā鶹APP (UMA) is proud to announce that Greg Jolda, coordinator of Ā鶹APP Aviation program and longtime instructor, has received the Federal Aviation Administrationā€™s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the highest honor the FAA bestows on a pilot.

Presented by John Bell of the FAA Safety Team out of the Portland Flight Standards District Office, the award recognizes airmen who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and safety for at least 50 years.

Joldaā€™s aviation career began in 1970 with the U.S. Air Force, where he logged more than 3,000 flight hours before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1991. He joined UMA in 2014 as coordinator of the Aviation program, where his leadership has helped strengthen Maineā€™s aviation workforce through accessible, career-focused education.

Gregā€™s passion for aviation and his commitment to teaching have strengthened Ā鶹APP role in preparing Maineā€™s aviation workforce.

Jolda maintains Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot credentials and continues to train students in Ā鶹APP fleet, including the Cirrus SR20 acquired in 2022. He has logged more than 5,000 total flight hours and 2,000 hours of instruction.

Colleagues at Maine Instrument Flight, Ā鶹APP aviation partner, praised his impact. ā€œGreg brings an energy that you donā€™t see very often,ā€ said Chad Morris. ā€œHe loves to teach, and his vision has advanced our program in ways that benefit every student.ā€

As UMA celebrates its 60th anniversary, Greg’s leadership reflects Ā鶹APP commitment to student success, academic excellence and community partnerships that support workforce-relevant education that empowers students and supports communities across Maine.ā€

When Dr. Kelby Myers packed her bags for the remote Himalayas of Nepal, she carried more than medical suppliesā€”she brought the kind of expertise that transforms lives, even across continents. A veterinarian and instructor at the Ā鶹APP, Myers was handpicked for an international mission that would prove how one skilled professional can create lasting change.

The mission was ambitious: help save endangered snow leopards while improving veterinary care in Nepal’s isolated Manang Valley. Snow leopards face a deadly threatā€”not just from habitat loss, but from diseases carried by domestic animals and fearful herders who kill leopards to protect their livestock. Myers joined a team sponsored by the Snow Leopard Conservancy and International Veterinary Outreach, knowing that better animal care could mean the difference between extinction and survival for these magnificent cats.

Myers was the perfect choice. After earning her doctorate at Oregon State University, she built a career spanning equine medicine, large animal practices, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. But it was her combination of medical expertise, teaching excellence, fitness as an endurance athlete, and adventurous spirit that made her invaluable.

Myers work in Nepal revealed the power of education to transform entire communities. The region’s veterinary technicians, typically the youngest and most inexperienced due to the isolation of these remote assignments, had been operating without adequate equipment, resources, reference materials, or experienced mentorship. Diseases that would devastate American agriculture were routine occurrences. “The technicians were in way over their heads,” Myers recalls. Without proper diagnostic tools or training support, even basic veterinary skills were challenging to develop.

Rather than simply treating animals, Myers and her team pivoted to what mattered most: education. They taught basic diagnostic skills, animal welfare, and disease prevention. They showed herders how to distinguish between wolf and cat kills, how to shelter animals safely, and distributed fox lights to confuse night-time predators. Most importantly, they demonstrated that compassionate care could replace dangerous and painful practices.

The breakthrough moment came on their final day. A horse owner arrived with his prized racehorse for castration, a procedure that local practitioners performed without anesthesia or pain medication, simply because they lacked access to better methods. “I told him I didn’t need the restraining ropes,” Myers explains. “I have medicine for that; he won’t feel a thing.” Using field anesthesia, she performed the operation while local technicians crowded around to learn. When the horse stood up gently, with no bleeding, the grateful owner had tears in his eyes.

That single procedure encapsulated everything the mission represented: how knowledge, compassion, and proper training can revolutionize care. The impact extends far beyond one horse: healthier livestock means fewer leopard kills, better-trained technicians can serve entire regions, and conservation efforts gain community support.

Back in Maine, Myers brings this global perspective to UMA’s Veterinary Technology Program on the Bangor campus. UMA’s Vet Tech program is the only one in the state offering both Associate and Bachelor degrees. Her students don’t just learn technical skills; they’re prepared to become part of a skilled workforce ready to serve Maine’s communities and beyond, wherever they choose to practice. With a near-100% job placement rate and state-of-the-art facilities, the program reflects UMA’s commitment to breaking down barriers between students and their dreams.

Dr. Myers’ journey from Maine to the Himalayas and back demonstrates how compassionate professionals who see a need and choose to act can create transformation in communities, and sometimes across the world.

Learn more about UMA’s Veterinary Technology Program and discover how you can join this tradition of excellence.

Check out this that explores the One Health One Welfare Initiative the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) embarked upon in the Manang District of Nepal together with its partners, International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), Animal Nepal, and Mountain Spirit.