2024 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Melford Pelletier, 1967 UMFK Graduate

UMFK President and Provost Deb Hedeen and Melford Pelletier
UMFK President and Provost Deb Hedeen and Melford Pelletier ’67

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association honored alumnus Melford Pelletier in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the University and the community at the annual Homecoming Brunch held at the UMFK Sports Center on September 8, 2024.

Melford Pelletier received the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award honor based upon his impact on the UMFK community, the lives of others, and his contributions and service in our communities. Melford Pelletier graduated from UMFK in 1967 and has been connected to campus ever since.

“Personally, I have known Mel since our High School years, having played basketball and baseball as teammates. We both were at Fort Kent Community High School, teaching for many years, until I left for a guidance position at Wisdom. We have been friends for many years, as our ages will attest. He has always been a leader in all he has undertaken under his wings and has made sure things got done,” said Lloyd Soucie, UMFK alumnus from the class of 1966.

Melford is a retired educator with thirty-four years at FKCHS as a math teacher. He proudly served our country, being drafted while teaching. After his term of service, Melford returned to the math department, where he stayed until his retirement.

He has been a long-term selectman in the Town of Wallagrass, serving from the mid-1980s through the late 1990s.

Melford Pelleter has served as a member of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Council (AWW) and the Governor’s Council advising the AWW; UMFK’s Board of Visitors, and Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection. Mel was an instrumental founder and President of the Friends of the Allagash, a predecessor of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

He has served as an Employment Safety consultant for Great Northern Paper Company. He is a Registered Maine Guide, along with being an All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Instructor with Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department. Melford was instrumental in fundraising and erecting a Tri-Community Veterans’ Memorial Monument in Wallagrass.

He received a Distinguished Service award from UMFK in 2019. This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to UMFK and the greater community.

The Wallagrass annual Town Report was dedicated to Melford Pelletier in 2023 in honor of his years of service to the community.

Melford continues to be a strong supporter of UMFK and is frequently visible on campus, especially while attending athletic events.

Melford Pelletier resides in Wallagrass with his wife, Betty.