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

Alyssa Stonier always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. What felt uncertain was how to make that goal fit alongside work, parenting, and the realities of adult life.

After leaving her job at the VA to stay home with her young child during a period of family transition, she stayed connected to school through online coursework at Central Maine Community College. When her familyā€™s plans shifted again, Alyssa found herself returning to work, buying a home, and realizing that her long-held goal hadnā€™t changed.

ā€œWhen we reshaped our life, I realized that being a nurse was still my dream,ā€ she said. ā€œI just didnā€™t know if nursing school could actually work with everything else.ā€

As she explored nursing programs across the state, Alyssa quickly ran into the same barrier again and again. The programs required rigid, full-time, daytime schedules that made working nearly impossible, especially for someone supporting and caring for a family.

Then she discovered the Ā鶹APP.

As she learned more about the flexibility of the nursing program, her dream began to feel like a real possibility. Evening classes, asynchronous coursework, and adaptable clinical pathways meant she didnā€™t have to put the rest of her life on hold to move forward.

Alyssa remembers calling admissions with pages of questions, convinced there had to be a catch. ā€œI thought it was too good to be true,ā€ she said. ā€œI asked everything about prerequisites, the cohort, clinicals, all of it. I needed to know exactly what I was signing up for.ā€ But as her questions were being answered, Alyssa realized there was no catch. ā€œI remember thinking, the opportunity actually feels real here.ā€ 

Thanks to transferred credits from her associate degree in psychology from CMCC, Alyssa is currently a sophomore completing her program prerequisites at UMA. She is excited to be joining the fall 2026 nursing cohort. As Alyssa continues working toward her degree, she is juggling online classes, a remote data entry job, and family life with two littles at homeā€”including newborn Charlotte.

What stays with Alyssa most is how grounded and normal the experience feels. With all of her responsibilities, she never feels set apart from the rest of her classmates. At school, she is simply a student, learning, growing, and preparing for the work she hopes to do.

ā€œEven during my pregnancy, I was able to stay focused on learning and preparing for my future,ā€ she said. ā€œUMA made it possible to keep progressing toward my goals, and I always knew support was there if I needed it. Now that Charlotte is here, happy and healthy, Iā€™m so grateful Iā€™ve been able to continue my education through it all.ā€

When asked what advice she would give to someone unsure whether nursing can fit into their life, Alyssa doesnā€™t hesitate.

ā€œJust do it,ā€ she said. ā€œUMA is very human-oriented. They care about you as a person, not just as a student. If you need to slow down, take time, or shift directions, thatā€™s okay. They understand that life happens.ā€

For Alyssa, that understanding has turned a long-held goal into a plan she can finally carry forward. With a path that fits her life, she is doing what once felt impossible and moving steadily toward the nursing career she has always wanted.

Stories like Alyssaā€™s reflect what 60 years of UMA looks like in practice: opportunity, persistence, and a community that helps people move forward.

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.

Ryan Browning, a dedicated music student at the Ā鶹APP (UMA), recently achieved a remarkable feat by completing a relay swim across the English Channel. His story is one of commitment to achieving goals and doing what you love.

Ryan pursues his interests wholeheartedly. From an early age, he enjoyed both music and swimming. He swam competitively in his early and middle school years and began playing the saxophone at age 12. He earned a bachelorā€™s degree in economics and a masterā€™s in business. After college, he began doing marathons and triathlons, even completing a half-Ironman in 2012. However, the birth of his first son in 2015 led to a brief hiatus from his musical and athletic activities. Now a father to three young boys, Ryan shares his love of music and fitness with them and is setting an example by pursuing dreams, exploring potential and living life to the fullest.

Training for the English Channel swim was no small task. Ryan connected online with others who had completed the swim, learning about the logistics and permissions required, and found a team. The training involved open-water swimming, maintaining a pattern, cold-water endurance and preparing for the unpredictable weather conditions that could delay the swim.

With all the preparation and travel, there is no guarantee you will be permitted to swim. Waiting for good weather can be a real challenge. ā€œWe were assembled and ready to go on Sunday, but after several false starts we got the green light to go on Saturday.ā€ Further, the call could come in at any time. ā€œIt could be two in the afternoon or two in the morning. You never know when the conditions will clear and you absolutely could be doing your swim in the dark.ā€ Ryan recalled. In the end, the team did it. Ryan swam three one-hour-long legs of the relay and through his swim raised nearly $2,000 for Mencap, a UK charity that provides respite care for families with neurodivergent children.

Ryan sees parallels between the discipline and focus of both musical and physical training. The meticulous practice of music, focusing on rhythm and breathing, translated seamlessly into his swimming technique. ā€œMuscle memory is key, establishing the rhythm and flow in your body so the other things canā€™t distract you,ā€ he explained.

His love of learning and passion for music drew Ryan back to school. At UMA, Ryan has found a supportive environment that allows him to pursue his musical interests and explore new ways to engage with music, while still maintaining balance between career responsibilities, family time, and athletic goals. Living just outside of New York City, Ryan had numerous local options for musical studies, but distance learning through UMA became his program of choice. He appreciates the flexibility of the program, ā€œI love that I can ratchet and fine-tune my programā€”throttle the bandwidth, so to speak, and adjust as needed.ā€

Part of that family time is sharing a love for music with his boys who are all learning stringed instruments with the Suzuki Method. ā€œHaving built up my music theory skills, Iā€™ve arranged some songs for us to play together at Christmasā€”my two oldest on violin and cello, me on piano,ā€ Ryan said.

There is joy in the journey, and every step can bring new skill and new understanding that goes beyond the moment. While Ryan is working to complete his music studies at UMA, his next three-to-five year goal is a solo swim across the English Channel.

Parker White is a full-time freshman aviation student at the Ā鶹APP (UMA). When heā€™s not engrossed in his studies, youā€™ll find him behind the wheel of his racing simulator, honing the skills that led him to clinch his first eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series Championship. His ability to manage both demanding schedules highlights his commitment and time-management skills, and his success is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Though sim races are run virtually, often from the comfort of oneā€™s own home, eNASCAR is a global competition that has been operating for over 15 years. Racers from around the world compete in several qualifying rounds, aiming to land in the top 40 for a chance to race before a live audience for $100,000 in first-place prize money, bragging rights, and team contract offers. 

His victory in the final race of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series was nothing short of exhilarating. In the highly anticipated finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Parker demonstrated exceptional racing prowess. The tension peaked in the final laps, where Parkerā€™s strategic moves and unwavering focus drove him to victory. You can . His triumph was celebrated not only by his fans and family, but also by racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who presented him with the championship trophy, the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Cup.

For Parker, iRacing has been more than just a fun hobby; he enjoys reciprocal benefits between racing and flying. ā€œMy driving and flying skills have helped with each otherā€”the attention to detail going through flight checklists and race prep, as well as the precision needed to bank a corner with a car or land a plane safely. Iā€™ve really honed my focus,ā€ says Parker. ā€œAlso, communication and working together as a teamā€”we have to work together as a team every single race.ā€

Parkerā€™s championship win has had a significant impact, both personally and within the sim racing community. For Parker, this victory represents the culmination of countless hours of practice, dedication, and skill refinement. It also solidifies his reputation as one of the top sim racers in the world. 

While he could easily make a career out of iRacing, Parker is aiming for the sky, ā€œIā€™ve loved airplanes for as long as he can remember.ā€ Parker will be funding his aviation education with a portion of his prize money. “I chose UMA because it is close to home and has a very good aviation program. When looking at colleges, UMA made the most sense to me.ā€ After attaining a bachelor of science degree in Aviation at UMA, Parker plans to become a pilot for a major commercial airline. 

Parker Whiteā€™s journey is far from over and his future looks incredibly bright. Balancing these two demanding pursuits, Parker embodies dedication and passion, inspiring his peers and fellow racers. Whether it’s in the skies or on the virtual track, Parker is set to make a lasting impact.

Casey Raymond is, by all accounts, a remarkable young woman. At just 20 years old, she has earned her commercial pilot certificate and is working toward becoming a flight instructor. She is involved in several aviation clubs and organizations, employed at Mac Air in Portland, Maine, and is working toward a bachelor of applied science degree in Aviation at the Ā鶹APP (UMA). Caseyā€™s love of all things aviation knows no bounds.

Early Interest, Early Setback

At the age of 15, Casey knew she was going to be a pilot, although it wasnā€™t her first career choice. ā€œWhen I was younger, I wanted to be an aerospace engineer,ā€ she said. Casey had an aptitude for math and was enchanted by the idea of space flight. However, when her high school guidance counselor suggested she attend a piloting workshop sponsored by UMA, Casey jumped at the opportunity. After her discovery flight in January of 2020, her path became clear. Casey enrolled in flight school.

Caseyā€™s fledgling aspirations hit some bumpy air at the outset. She began her aviation studies, working hard to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for that first big milestoneā€”solo flight. In March of 2020, she went for the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight medical test and was faced with a setback. They discovered Casey had type-1 diabetes and the FAA requires one year of disease management data before granting flight approval. Though the setback was disappointing, Casey is ultimately grateful, ā€œflying saved my life,ā€ she said. This discovery coincided with the beginning of COVID-19 when access to medical care was severely inhibited. but Casey was given a plan and did what was needed to get her blood sugar under control and managed.

Casey persevered through the setback. Knowing she would eventually attend UMA, she earned college credits through AP high school classes and early college courses. In addition, through a partnership between UMA and the flight school Casey attendedā€”Maine Instrument Flight based in Augusta, Maineā€”she was able to apply her flight training as credits toward her university degree.

Casey Takes Off

At long last, after a year of diabetes management, countless calls to the FAA, paperwork, and more than a little patience, Casey made her first solo flight in May of 2021. ā€œMy favorite thing about flying is the moment when you initially lift off the ground. That moment of separation; there’s no way to describe it until the first time you do it solo.ā€ Casey has been unstoppable ever since. She earned her private pilot certificate in February of 2022, her instrument rating in June of 2023, and her commercial pilot certificate in July of 2024. But Casey isnā€™t done yet. She is working toward becoming a flight instructor and began her studies at UMA Aviation Maintenance Technician School in pursuit of a bachelorā€™s degree.  

Though Casey is the only female student in her cohort, she is in good company. Maria Wilcox, Aviation Maintenance Program Coordinator and instructor at UMA, has worked in aviation maintenance for over eight years and serves as a role model for Casey. Despite the challenges she has faced, Maria finds fulfillment in her work. ā€œI love what I do and canā€™t imagine doing anything else,ā€ Maria says. ā€œIt isnā€™t easy being a woman in this field, but if there is anyone who can succeed at it, itā€™s Casey. She has a lot of drive and interest, and she fits in well with others.ā€ Caseyā€™s enthusiasm, curiosity and drive buoy her above stereotypes as she focuses on the work and the joy of doing something she loves.

When Casey completes the five-semester certificate program she can immediately sit for the exams required to become an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant technician/mechanic, allowing her to work on a wide range of aircraft, including general aviation planes, airliners and helicopters. 

Giving Back

Caseyā€™s studies are important to her, but there is more to her life than just school. She is involved in leadership roles in a number of aviation clubs and organizations in her area. She was a summer counselor in Bangor at ACE Campā€”Aviation Careers Educationā€”a nation-wide program co-sponsored by the FAA and the U.S. Military. Geared toward high schoolers seeking aviation careers, the camp offers classes, hands-on projects, leadership training and, of course, flying. She never got to attend as a highschooler but loved being a counselor and getting to see the behind-the-scenes planning and sharing her love of flying with the campers.

Casey volunteers at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Rockland, Maine, home to numerous functioning antique planes that require regular maintenance, and sometimes her smaller stature also comes in handy. ā€œThe planes were not ergonomically designed,ā€ she said. ā€œThey often call on me to get in a cockpit or to reach behind an engine.ā€ Unfortunately, Casey hasnā€™t had much opportunity to fly the antiques. ā€œMost are tailwheels. Iā€™ve got my endorsement, but the museum requires 200 hours of tailwheel to fly their planes. Iā€™ve got about three so far.ā€

Currently serving as the public relations officer of the UMA Aeronautical Society, Casey builds community within the aviation program through support and advocacy. ā€œWeā€™ll be at a fly-in and she will know everyone there. She has more connections in the aviation world than anyone I know.ā€ said Cole Martin, president of the UMA Aeronautical Society. ā€œCasey makes sure each student gets connected with an experienced pilot who shares the studentā€™s interest and can explain career options,ā€ he noted. ā€œFlying is more than airlines and private jets. Thereā€™s mail flights, cropdusting, rescue and humanitarian work,ā€ remarked Cole, ā€œOur main things are showing people whatā€™s possible and spreading the love of aviation. Casey is a huge part of that.ā€ 

Another strength Casey brings to the club is organization. Cole remarked, ā€œshe organized an entire fly-in here in Augusta with pilots from all over Maine, coordinating everything with the airport and pilots. Everyone knew where to park; she arranged for food. They all got to see the school. It was great!ā€

Her newest role, however, is also her biggest. Casey was recently appointed chairwoman of the Katahdin Wings Chapter of the New England section of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots. Founded by 99 women pilots, Amelia Earhart was the groupā€™s first president in 1931. As chairwoman, this young aviator not only organizes and runs meetings for the approximately 30 members in her chapter but also facilitates section meetings which includes securing meeting space, hotel rooms and meals for the attendees. ā€œNext year our chapter is hosting the international conference,ā€ Casey beamed. She is clearly up for the challenge.

Finding Community

Though Casey does not fit the stereotypes for either a pilot or a mechanic, she feels at home in the aviation community. ā€œAviation is a small, interwoven community and I find everyone to be really supportive and protective,ā€ said Casey, who often brings her parents along to fly-ins. ā€œPeople will sometimes walk up to my dad and start talking about planes. Heā€™s a nurse and has never been into this stuff,ā€ Casey mused. ā€œWhen he tells them that Iā€™m the pilot, they may be a little surprised and embarrassed, but just shift the conversation over to me.ā€

Charting a Course for the Future

For folks interested in aviation, Casey offers this advice: ā€œDonā€™t think itā€™s not an option. It will take a lot of time and a lot of money, but everyone in the aviation community has been through the exact same thing, and they want to see you succeed. They have genuine enjoyment and passion for flying and want to share it, and there are many organizations that offer scholarships and support. Iā€™m not going to pretend itā€™s easy, but there are a lot of people to help you.ā€ Casey herself is one of those people. ā€œWhat inspires me most about Casey is she never takes no as an answer,” says her mother Carrie Raymond. ā€œInstead, she says ‘I can do this,ā€™ and ā€˜let me show you how.ā€™” 

Casey has high hopes for her future after graduating from UMA. Her goal is to own her own plane and fly humanitarian missions. ā€œFlights are a lifeline for remote populations. It’s a specific type of work, going into their very small airstrips in challenging conditions. Iā€™m studying maintenance because if something goes wrong on a mission, I will need to repair my own plane,ā€ she wisely notes. Exactly what form her humanitarian service will take is still up in the air. ā€œThere are so many options. I want to help smaller communities thrive by flying in food and supplies or flying their goods out to more lucrative markets where they can fetch better prices,ā€ she said. ā€œBut Iā€™d also like to do work flying for Doctors Without Borders or aerial firefighting.ā€ Whatever course she chooses, if her future is anything like her present, Casey will likely do it all and do it with excellence. Friend and flight instructor Jonathan Ward says, ā€œSometimes you meet people in life that you know are going to change the world. Casey is one of them.ā€