Mark your calendar! The 2026 Plunkett Poetry Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at the UMA Augusta campus. This year’s festival includes a lineup of engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and vibrant programming designed to celebrate the art of poetry.

We are honored to welcome Claudia Rankine as our keynote speaker. Rankine is a New York Times bestseller, a MacArthur “Genius” Award Recipient, and an NBCCA winner for criticism. Her work is known for its innovation and candor, pushing the boundaries of form and exploring critical social themes of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Festival Highlights

Poetry Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions led by distinguished poets, Joseph Jackson, Samaa Abdurraqib, and Jeffrey Thomson. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to refine your craft and engage with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

Two Poets, One Poem: Listen to poets Danez Smith and Ian-Khara Ellasante in dialogue on poetry and craft, and join the conversation during the Q and A. Danez Smith has authored four poetry collections and is a recipient of the Lambda Literary Award and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award, as well as a finalist for the National Book Award. Ian-Khara Ellasante is a cultural studies theorist, author of the poetry series Diana, and a faculty member at Bates College.

Open Mic: Enjoy readings from both emerging and established poets, share your own poems, and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices in our poetry community.

Student Poetry Contest: Hear Maine high school and undergraduate contest winners read their work ahead of the keynote address.

For detailed information on the festival schedule, workshop registration, and open-mic sign up, please visit our official festival page:

Plunkett Poetry Festival

We hope you’ll join us for this community gathering as we celebrate poetic expression, the power of words, and the voices that bring them to life!

The Capital Center was buzzing with activity as UMA teamed up with the Capital Area New Mainers Project to host our Fourth Annual Eid Community Potluck.

Despite the damp weather outside, about 80 guests gathered to share a meal and learn more about the diverse traditions found within our local community. Since Eid al-Fitr marks “the festival of breaking the fast” at the end of Ramadan, it was the perfect occasion for the food to take center stage, and it was amazing!

Highlights of the Afternoon

A True Potluck: Attendees brought an incredible array of delicacies and special treats. The tables were filled with diverse flavors and helpful ingredient lists, ensuring everyone could enjoy the feast.

Community Connection: The event stayed true to the meaning of Eid—”celebration”—as students, staff, and locals connected over shared plates and conversation.

A Great Gathering Space: The Capital Center, home to our Nursing and Cybersecurity programs, proved to be an excellent venue for bringing people together to appreciate the cultural fabric of our region.

The afternoon was a fantastic reminder of the vibrant community we have here at UMA. To everyone who brought a dish or a story: thank you for making this fourth annual celebration a success!

The President’s Council on Transforming Lives in partnership with Wabanaki REACH will host the showing of the award-winning documentary “Dawnland,” A Documentary About Cultural Survival and Stolen Children – The Story of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The documentary film screening will take place as a hybrid event on Tuesday, April 14th 11:00am – 1:00pm. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. The in-person location on the UMA Augusta campus is TBD. Light refreshments will be served.

“In Maine, a historic investigation—the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission in the United States—begins a bold journey. For over two years, Native and non-Native commissioners travel across Maine. They gather testimony and bear witness to the devastating impact of the state’s child welfare practices on families in Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribal communities. Collectively, these tribes make up the Wabanaki people.” – Adam Mazo / Ben Pender-Cudlip, filmmakers

Dawnland follows the TRC to contemporary Wabanaki communities to witness intimate, sacred moments of truth-telling and healing. With exclusive access to this groundbreaking process and never-before-seen footage, the film reveals the untold narrative of Indigenous child removal in the United States.

A discussion will follow the film and will include Esther Anne, Passamaquoddy, and Penthea Burns, non-Native. Both are among the founders of the Truth Commission and Wabanaki REACH. “If we can work together in that good way [for the truth commission], in a system of mutual respect, to work for our children, then I think we can work together in anything because nothing is more sacred than our children.” – Esther Anne, founder, Wabanaki REACH

Wabanaki REACH is a non-profit organization that works towards a future when Wabanaki and Maine people join together to acknowledge truth and work collectively toward equity, healing, and positive change through our community education programs. Wabanaki REACH promotes Wabanaki wellbeing and deeply believes in the natural strength and beauty of Wabanaki culture, language and ways of being.

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 our UMA Dental Hygiene Program was out and about over the weekend volunteering for the Winter hosted at University of Maine’s Field House in Orono Maine!

We were a large group of volunteers- including the University of New England Dental students, UMA Dental Hygiene students, UMA Dental Hygiene alumni, Special Olympics Clinical Director Lorraine Klug, IPDH, volunteer dentists, UMA and UNE faculty all joined in to provide oral health screenings, fabricate sports guards, and provide oral health education for the athletes in attendance.

This hands-on experience reflects Â鶹APP commitment to working alongside communities and meeting people where they are. For students, moments like this are where learning comes to life, building confidence, strengthening skills and preparing them to serve with compassion and connection in the communities they call home.

A new student club at the Â鶹APP is creating space for connection, support, and belonging. Seen and Herd, founded by student Fray Bennett, alum John Ellis, and faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, grew from a simple idea that kept coming up in conversation: students need a place where they can show up as themselves and be met with understanding.

We asked Amy Peterson Cyr a few questions about what we can expect from the club.

What is the official name of the club? Seen and Herd

How would you describe the club in one sentence? Seen and Herd is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to gather, connect, share space, plan events, and support one another.

Why does creating this space matter right now on campus?  This is a challenging time in the world and many LGBTQIA+ folks may be feeling unsafe. By coming together, we can support one another and build a safe space.

Can you share a moment, idea, or conversation that sparked the club’s creation? Our founders are current student Fray Bennett and recently graduated student John Ellis. They, along with faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, began chatting about the need for this club a year ago. After meeting many times, they crafted the constitution and bylaws and the club was officially born!

What kinds of activities, events, or gatherings do you envision? Initially we look forward to meeting people and building a supportive community, both in-person and online. We hope, in the future, to provide some educational programs and events at UMA, participate in Pride in June, and pursue the desires of the members!

What leadership opportunities are available, and why do they matter? All leadership roles: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary are available for interested students. Having an elected role in a campus club provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth, development of leadership skills, as well as some sparkle on your resume! Leaders need not be on-campus; students at a distance are also encouraged to pursue leadership roles.

How does this club reflect Â鶹APP values of belonging, access, and community? Because our meetings will be held on Zoom as well as on campus, access is available to folks at a distance.  Our constitution promotes “an environment of equality, understanding, and harmony for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.”

What would you say to a student who is interested but unsure about joining? Come to our first meeting and see what you think! There is absolutely no pressure or obligation; we are just looking forward to meeting folks and building community.

What does success look like for this club in its first year? Having a healthy membership that supports the leadership roles is a primary goal as we begin to build this club. We look forward to meeting new people and creating a community that is inclusive, supportive, and excited about what our role can look like at UMA. 

Interested students are invited to our first meeting on Tues. April 7, at 3 p.m., in Randall Hall room 218 and on Zoom. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please contact faculty club advisor Amy Cyr at amy.peterson@maine.edu or student Fray Bennett at timothy.bennett@maine.edu.

The club will hold both in-person and virtual events and provide a safe space for folks to gather and connect. Opportunities exist to hold a leadership role, as officers need to be selected. All LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies are warmly welcomed. We hope to see you soon!

Mark your calendar for April 7 at 3 p.m.

Join the UMA Admissions team and UMA Mental Health & Human Services Faculty on Zoom for a series of information sessions about UMA certificate programs in substance use disorders, mental health and employment support.

These informal Zoom sessions are designed for working professionals and adult learners who want to build new skills or advance in their current roles. Meet faculty, learn about program pathways and have your questions answered.

No registration is required. Participants may drop in to any session.

Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders Information Sessions

Thursday, April 2
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about Â鶹APP six-course graduate certificate designed to expand knowledge and skills for professionals working with individuals impacted by substance use. Faculty will discuss program structure, career pathways and how the certificate supports professionals serving Maine communities.

Certificate in Employment Specialist Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 15
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Discover how this certificate prepares professionals to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment. The program aligns with national certification standards through ACRE.

MHRT/C Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 22
4 p.m.
6 p.m.

Learn about the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community certificate and how it prepares professionals to support individuals living with mental health conditions in community settings.

All sessions will be held on Zoom. Find links on the .

For more information, contact umaadm@maine.edu.

The Fireside Lounge at the Augusta campus was the place to be on March 24. UMA hosted its fourth annual Job & Resource Fair, bringing together students, alumni, and community members for a day of networking and opportunity.

Held in partnership with Maine CareerCenters, the event welcomed 67 employers from across the state. The room was filled with recruiters from 13 different sectors, ranging from healthcare and finance to human services and government.

The Job & Resource Fair was presented through a partnership of the UMA Career Connections program and . It’s never too late to reach out to potential employers! For more information, visit the job fair web page, see the full list of attending , or contact Haley Brown at 207-621-3130 | hbrown120@maine.edu.

Check out the .

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.

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.

In a small room at the Windham Women’s Correctional Center, a group of women gathers each week to sing. For an hour, the noise of daily routines fades, replaced by shared breath, blended voices and a rare chance to be fully present.

This women’s choir offers more than music. It creates space for connection in a setting where isolation can be the norm. Through song, participants are reminded that their voices matter and that they belong to something larger than themselves.

The program was initiated by Dr. Christine Letcher, assistant professor of music at UMA and music director of the Church Organists and Directors Association (CODA) Chorus, and is supported by a growing circle of collaborators. CODA’s board president, Elise Klysa, worked closely with Letcher to develop and secure grant funding, and each week four CODA volunteers, sopranos and altos, join rehearsals at the facility. Their presence reinforces the choir’s sense of shared effort, modeling collaboration while singing alongside participants rather than leading from a distance.

A bridge back to themselves

Many participants describe the choir as a way back to who they are beyond their circumstances, a pattern reflected in studies showing that group singing in prisons helps people rebuild a sense of identity and self‑worth beyond their sentence. Singing together invites listening, trust and vulnerability. Each person shows up not as a number or a label, but as a human being in relationship with others.

That sense of belonging does not happen by accident. Rehearsals are structured to encourage collaboration and mutual support. Over time, the group finds its rhythm together, learning when to lead, when to follow and how to hold space for one another. One participant shared that singing helped her feel human again, a feeling she had not realized she was missing. This response is consistent with research finding that prison choir members report greater happiness, sociability and a renewed sense of being seen as fully human.

Music also becomes a way to process difficult emotions. Joy, grief, hope and uncertainty all have a place in the room. The act of singing gives those feelings somewhere to go, turning them into sound, harmony and shared experience.

“We approach this work as collaborators, not instructors,” said Letcher. “Together, we create a space grounded in dignity and connection. In the choir, women practice listening, leading, and trusting their own voices, and those strengths become part of how they see themselves and what they bring back home.”

Measuring what music makes possible

Alongside these personal moments, the program is intentionally gathering insight about its impact. Participants complete simple pre‑ and post‑tests that explore changes in social connection, mood and outlook, building on a growing body of evidence that music programs in carceral settings can reduce anxiety and depression while increasing resilience and social connection.

Over the next two years, this information will help shape a practical guide for other correctional facilities interested in starting similar programs. What is happening in Windham has the potential to ripple outward, offering a model rooted in dignity, access and care.

Songs that look forward

The choir’s repertoire reflects both comfort and possibility. This winter, participants are rehearsing familiar Disney songs that tap into memory and imagination. Last summer during the warmer months, the music turned toward a theme of sky and stars, songs that look upward and outward.

Rehearsals build toward moments of shared pride. The choir works in two seasonal projects each year, a Winter Choir project and a Summer Choir project, and each culminates in two performances. One performance is shared with fellow residents, and the other welcomes invited community members. Standing together and singing for an audience affirms the work they have done, both individually and collectively, transforming rehearsal into something witnessed and celebrated.

A quiet kind of transformation

While the choir operates independently, it reflects a broader commitment shared across Â鶹APP prison education work: meeting people where they are and creating opportunities for learning, expression and connection in places where access can change the course of a life.

At its heart, this choir is about access. Access to creative expression. Access to community. Access to the simple, powerful experience of being heard.

Through partnerships and grant support, including funding from Choral Arts New England’s Alfred Nash Patterson grant, and the Onion Foundation, the program continues to grow. Its impact is felt not in grand gestures, but in small, steady changes. A deeper breath. A steadier voice. A group of women finding harmony, together.