The University of Maine at Fort Kent held its 144th commencement exercises May 9 at the UMFK Sports Center. UMFK President Deb Hedeen presided over the ceremony.
Students from 9 countries and 14 states were awarded 196 degrees this spring, including post-master’s graduate certificates, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees.
The 2026 valedictorian was Michael Nibley from Eagle Lake. Nibley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer systems administration. The 2026 salutatorian was Krista Coffin of Presque Isle, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
UMFK also awarded a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree in nursing to Heather Browning. Heather’s family accepted the diploma in her honor.
The faculty marshal was Lisa Lavoie, associate professor of behavioral science. The 2026 mace bearer was Scott Brickman, professor of music and education. The honor of carrying the mace is reserved to the professor senior-most in service.
The national anthem was sung by Jade McCafferty of San Antonio.
Welcome messages were made from the University of Maine System Trustee Kelly Martin of Fort Kent and UMFK Alumni Association President Blair Kelly of St. John Plantation.
The Fort Kent Lions Club was honored with the University’s Distinguished Service Award for going above and beyond in service to UMFK and the greater community of the St. John Valley. State Representative Lucien Daigle read a legislative sentiment honoring the club.
Lisa Harvey-McPherson, a distinguished healthcare executive and nurse leader currently serving as the vice president of governance relations at Northern Light Health, was presented with a UMFK honorary doctoral degree and served as the guest speaker.
Georgia Burton addressed her fellow graduates. Burton is from Cedar Valley in Westmoreland, Jamaica, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
As the newest members of the University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association, graduates were invited to ring the University’s ceremonial bell. When students enter UMFK as first-year students, they ring the bell commemorating the start of their college education. At graduation, they ring it again, signifying the completion of their degree.
(Graduates listed by their hometowns.)
No Hometown Listed
- Jonel Archard
Post Master Graduate Certificate
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Kristina Lynn Bailey
Post Master Graduate Certificate
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
St. John Valley (Maine)
Eagle Lake, ME
- Michael Nathaniel Nibley
Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Administration
Valedictorian
Fort Kent, ME
- Gianna Nathalie Babin
Associate of Arts in General Studies - Ethan Daigle
Associate of Arts in Business Management - Benjamin Alexander Davis
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
Haenssler Prize - Brandice Elizabeth Dominguez
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Darcie Kendall Fongemie
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice - Ricky J Huang
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice - Austin Joseph Jean
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences - Sophie Marie Ouellette
Associate of Arts in Computer Science - Danielle Marie Pelletier
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Sadie Faith Pelletier
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Ethan Glen Raymond
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Award - Tierick Smith
Bachelor of Science in Business Management - Kaden Adrien Theriault
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Frenchville, ME
- Mallory Deanna Corriveau
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Alex Hunter Deschaine
Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Administration
Presidential Award for Academic Excellence
Computer Systems Administration Award
Madawaska, ME
- Nicholas Alpeza
Bachelor of Science in Forest Management
Dean’s Award
Forest Management Award - Brooke Joelle Cyr Roy
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science - Breanna Tracy Ouellette
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Van Buren, ME
- Kylie-Michelle Miyuki LaPlante
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Wallagrass, ME
- Mackenzie M Corriveau
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Aroostook County (Maine)
Caribou, ME
- Danielle Lise Cyr
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Danielle M. Guerrette
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Fort Fairfield, ME
- Kelly Bynion-Cullins
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Alyssa Chantelle Guimond
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Hodgdon, ME
- Valerie Olivia Foster
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Lauren Ann McGillicuddy
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences - Cara J Regis
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Houlton, ME
- Tyra Margaret Marie Graham
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Island Falls, ME
- Erin Marie Lake
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Desirae L Miclette
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Paula Jean Sirois
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Linneus, ME
- Kelsey Jean Bickford
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mapleton, ME
- Patrice C Gatete
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Chase Carter Guerrette
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Award - Andrea Mae Hill
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Oakfield, ME
- Peter Alexander Martinez
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Presque Isle, ME
- Krista Marie Coffin
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Salutatorian
Outstanding Traditional Nursing Student Award - Olivia Charlotte Jalbert
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Courtney Alexis Kane
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Shaena Jade Pelletier
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Washburn, ME
- Kaiden Aaron Rosi-Carney
Associate of Science in Applied Forest Management
Woodland, ME
- Sydney L Ouellette
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Macy F Wakem
Bachelor of Science in Conservation Law Enforcement
Conservation Law Enforcement Award
Not Aroostook County (Maine)
Albion, ME
- Glory Regan
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Alfred, ME
- Logan Rae Champlin
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Auburn, ME
- Shawna Len Hatfield
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Aimee L McKeen
Master of Science in Nursing
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Bangor, ME
- Ally Rebecca Chapman
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Barbara Dawn DaGraca
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Katie Ann Prior
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Kelsy Dare Snowman
Master of Science in Nursing
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Wendy Shawna Whyte
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bethel, ME
- Haley Jean Tripp
Post Master Graduate Certificate
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Biddeford, ME
- Samuel Lee Hines
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Boothbay, ME
- Dana Lori Greenleaf
Master of Science in Nursing
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Bradley, ME
- Kristy Jean Smart
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Brewer, ME
- Emily Marie Johnson
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Brooklin, ME
- Robert Brock Groesbeck
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Brownfield, ME
- Jennifer Gillis
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bucksport, ME
- Heather Browning
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Posthumously honored
Calais, ME
- Elizabeth Hope Sivret
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cambridge, ME
- Hailee Ruthann Hartford
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Canaan, ME
- Ashley Amanda-West Walz
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Casco, ME
- Mercedes G Martin
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Detroit, ME
- Kierstin Marie Brown
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dixfield, ME
- Gabrielle Hilda Nicole White
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dover-Foxcroft, ME
- Tajia Louise Arno
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Edmunds Township, ME
- Gabrielle Eden Morang
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ellsworth, ME
- Sidney Ellen Springer
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Fairfield, ME
- Heather Lynn Barnes
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Mikala Antoinette Ferland
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Fayette, ME
- Jenna Audrey Badeau
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Freeport, ME
- Alice Louise Kerber
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Lorri Lynn Soule
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Glenburn, ME
- Patrick Mckenzie
Master of Science in Nursing
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Angela Marie Olsson
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Hancock, ME
- Zachary Wyatt Mosher
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Hermon, ME
- Brittany Lea Stanevicz
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jackson, ME
- Andrea Maria King
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Kennebunkport, ME
- Jamie D. Ramsey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lamoine, ME
- Kasey Alexandra Jordan
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
Behavioral Science Award
Lebanon, ME
- Summer Marie Cavallaro
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lincoln, ME
- Cayden Vance Spencer-Thompson
Associate of Science in Applied Forest Management,
Associate of Arts in Business Management
Associate of Arts Academic Achievement Award,
Associate of Science Academic Achievement Award
Livermore Falls, ME
- Amanda Lynn Ricci
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lyman, ME
- Jessica Jeanne Jackman
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Machias, ME
- Bethany Elaine Heniser
Master of Science in Nursing
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Medway, ME
- Denise Marie Crandall
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Allyson Rowena Lee
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mexico, ME
- Lindsey Jean Desroches
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Milbridge, ME
- Breanna Lynn Smith
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Milford, ME
- Gabrielle Bonita Dore
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Minot, ME
- Jessica Marie Hamm
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Newport, ME
- Riley Shaine Savage
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences - Rhonda Jo Smith
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Norridgewock, ME
- Amanda Darlene Roy
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
North Berwick, ME
- Ikesha Green
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Old Town, ME
- Nia Victorya Harvey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Orono, ME
- Jennifer Joy Doucette
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Orrington, ME
- Kate Elizabeth Hutchins
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Perry, ME
- Elizabeth Anne Bitar
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Richmond, ME
- Erin Frances Fitzpatrick
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Holly Crystal Giannelli
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Saco, ME
- Marcus Shane Leo
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Mandy Lynn Rodney
Master of Science in Nursing
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Brandi M Rossignol
Post Master Graduate Certificate
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Saint Albans, ME
- Adrianna Lynn Sinclair
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sanford, ME
- Kristofer Brian Bodding
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Michele A Kellis
Associate of Arts in Human Services
Sangerville, ME
- Matthew Maurice Pinkham
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Scarborough, ME
- Christina Ann Riccio Kessler
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Seal Harbor, ME
- Ailish Hanlon Fahey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sidney, ME
- Isabella Pearl Emerson
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
South Portland, ME
- Adriana Marcela Amaya Diaz
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Deborah Christie Moulton
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Standish, ME
- Jennifer Allyson Cole
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Topsham, ME
- Marybeth Cobb
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Jennifer Grace Katchick
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Turner, ME
- Cierra Marie Jordan
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Heather Ann Nadeau
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Vassalboro, ME
- Erin Michelle Wood
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Westbrook, ME
- Kiana Leigh Fuller
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Windam, ME
- Penny Lavallee
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Emily Anne Morey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Winslow, ME
- Jamie Lee Shaw
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Winthrop, ME
- Ashley Dawn Nuhaj
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Out of State
Anchorage, AK
- Tziporah Katanah Lax
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Outstanding Accelerated Nursing Student Award
North Pole, AK
- Johanna Elizabeth Ellis
Post Master Graduate Certificate
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Modesto, CA
- Dillon Patrick Lyons
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Santa Cruz, CA
- Kiley Vogel
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tahoe City, CA
- Jake Michael Sukosky
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Branford, CT
- Amanda DellaCamera
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ledyard, CT
- Mackenzie Karen Newman
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jacksonville, FL
- Alexandra Casey Johnson
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lake Wales, FL
- Arieyle Alicia Baker
Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Administration
Palm Beach, FL
- Edvil Brumer
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Palm City, FL
- Samantha Rose Soucie
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alpharetta, GA
- Adedoyin Ogunyemi
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Outstanding MSN Student Award
Bethlehem, GA
- Ruth A Agbor
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Hartwell, GA
- Nadja C. Fontaine
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Hilo, HI
- Kayla Iwata
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Chicago, IL
- Santhosh Ramachandran
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Agawam, MA
- Jeptui Cherutich
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Attleboro, MA
- Oluchi Ifegwu
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Outstanding MSN Student Award
Groveland, MA
- Juliana Grim
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Hanover, MA
- Suzanne Twomey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Webster, MA
- Judith Antwi
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nashua, NJ
- Patrick Ross Thoms
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Northwood, NH
- John D Higgins
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Brick, NJ
- Jessica Lauren Carulli
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Albany, NY
- Kethia Yumusak
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Baldwin, NY
- Rolanda Jean Francois
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bronx, NY
- Xing Sable Stewart-Greer
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Brooklyn, NY
- Ana Panameno
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Huntington Station, NY
- Anita Gertrude Abrokwah
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Stony Point, NY
- Cheyenne Birman
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Beaverton, OR
- Tracy Chinenye Okonkwo
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Providence, RI
- Rihanot Ajoke Lawal
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Albilene, TX
- Esther I Agboola
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dallas, TX
- Oluwabusola Rukayat Musa
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Chinonye Ndu-Agwu
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
New Braunfels, TX
- Benedine Chinwe Ndukwe
Master of Science in Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
International
Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Tarik Islamovic
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Canada
- Trena Camilla Hafke
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Folakemi Elizabeth Lotun
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Riohacha, Columbia
- Sheyla Nicoll Aguilar Brito
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Akatsi, Ghana
- Christian Yawlui
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mount. Horne, St. Andrew, Grenada
- Keldonna S Jeffery
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Cedar Valley, Westmoreland, Jamaica
- Georgia Georgette Burton
Bachelor of Science in Biology
UMFK Alumni Association Outstanding Senior
Student Senate Outstanding Senior Award
Biology Award
Manchester, Jamaica
- Kamoy Sherika Brown
Bachelor of Science in Business Management - Ajay Junior Chin
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
Doha, Qatar
- Anoop Thaiparambil Das
Bachelor of Science in Nursing