Winter Recreation Course

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four Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) minor students pose at the Lonesome Pine ski trails
Students from across the University of Maine System participated in a winter outdoor recreation course at UMFK, gaining career-focused experience in Maine’s tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industry.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) recently welcomed 20 students from across the University of Maine System (UMS) for a hands-on winter outdoor recreation course that prepared them for in-demand careers in Maine tourism, hospitality and outdoor recreation.

Students representing six UMS universities, including UMFK, the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Southern Maine participated in “BYS 340: Special Topics in Business: Winter Outdoor Recreation.”

The course is part of the new 18-credit Tourism, Hospitality and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) minor offered at every UMS university, which emphasizes experiential learning and real-world connections within Maine’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries. The innovative multi-university collaboration is made possible thanks to the System’s unique unified accreditation.

“The THOR minor offers students a broader understanding of the state of Maine in the context of tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation through hands-on learning and connections with workforce leaders,” said Emily Zider, program manager of the UMS THOR Institute.

UMFK Associate Professor of Business Dr. Michael Curran designed the course with several goals in mind. Prior to arriving on campus, students completed a series of online learning modules designed to build foundational knowledge and prepare them for the immersive, on-site experience at UMFK. Once on campus, students engaged in a wide range of winter outdoor recreation activities, including cross-country skiing, biathlon shooting, ice fishing, dog sledding, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. These experiences were coordinated by UMFK’s Experiential Learning & Recreation Manager Shannon Lugdon. Due to strong student interest, the course reached maximum capacity.

“At UMFK, we pride ourselves in providing students with practical experiences to enhance their learning,” said Dr. Curran. “When designing the THOR course, I wanted to build a strong business foundation in management, marketing, and entrepreneurship through online learning modules, but I also wanted to give students the opportunity to participate in their learning. Combining winter outdoor experiences with direct conversations with registered Maine Guides, winter sport managers, and sporting camp owners allowed us to deliver that curriculum in a truly meaningful and unique way.”

By connecting with business leaders throughout the St. John Valley, students gained insight into the opportunities and challenges facing winter recreation and tourism businesses in Maine. These conversations provided valuable perspective on entrepreneurship, workforce needs, sustainability, and the economic impact of outdoor recreation in rural communities.

“Each event gave me the opportunity to experience how both sides of the industry work,” said Sarah Craig, a UMFK student who participated in the course. “I was able to have fun and participate in snowshoeing, skiing, and dog sledding, and I was also able to see what it was like to put these events together — all the time, energy, and money it takes to make them run smoothly.”

The course’s design is closely tied to UMFK’s strengths. The University’s location, climate, roles, and partnerships make it an ideal setting for immersive outdoor education. UMFK offers other courses that contribute to the THOR minor, including “Wilderness First Aid” and “Water Recreation and Stewardship.”

For more information on UMFK, visit the UMFK website.

For more information on THOR Institute, visit the THOR Institute website.

Hannaford Tuition Discount

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  • Hannaford associates are eligible for 10 percent discount on all University of Maine System courses
  • New partnership expands Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads tuition benefits program
Two male UMFK students sit at a desk together working collaboratively on a laptop
A new partnership between Hannaford Supermarkets and the University of Maine System will offer significant savings to employees of the grocery retailer who wish to pursue postsecondary education through Maine’s public universities, including the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK).

SCARBOROUGH, Maine – Hannaford Supermarkets and the University of Maine System (UMS) recently announced a new partnership that will offer significant savings to associates of the grocery retailer who wish to pursue postsecondary education and training through Maine’s public universities, including the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK).

Beginning this summer, qualifying full- and part-time Hannaford associates will receive a 10 percent discount on all undergraduate and graduate courses offered within UMS, including UMFK’s Business Management, Nursing, Behavioral Science, Computer Systems Administration, and Natural Sciences programs.

“Postsecondary education is the most proven pathway to upward mobility, enabling learners of all ages and stages to improve their knowledge, skills, and earning abilities. With expanded online offerings and other flexible degree and certificate pathways that work for busy adults, relevant higher education and opportunity are more accessible than ever through Maine’s public universities,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “I commend Hannaford Supermarkets for their ongoing investment in their associates and look forward to strengthening our System’s partnership with this iconic Maine-based company for the benefit of their employees and our economy and communities.”

The partnership, which is the first-of-its-kind for UMS, expands Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads education reimbursement program, which offers associates up to $5,250 in tuition funds annually at any accredited college or university, with additional discounts available at partner universities within Hannaford’s network.

“We are thrilled to partner with the University of Maine System on such a meaningful benefit for our associates,” said Julie Libby, Vice President of Human Resources for Hannaford and a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. “We have a steadfast commitment to supporting the career growth and development of our associates, and this partnership only bolsters the opportunities available to them. We thank the University of Maine System for their collaboration and encourage our associates to take advantage of this outstanding benefit.”

Maine’s public universities are the most affordable in New England, enabling the Hannaford tuition benefit to go even further toward employees’ door-opening degree or certificate programs. When adjusted for inflation, the cost of tuition and fees within UMS has actually decreased over the past five years.

Introduced in August 2022, the first full year of Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads initiative supported the career growth and development of associates across 78 stores attending more than 50 colleges and universities. Top programs of study for Hannaford associates utilizing the benefit include business/management; finance/accounting; pharmacy/biology; and computer science/information technology/cyber security.

The tuition discount is the most recent development in a long history of partnership between Hannaford and UMS. Since 2020, Hannaford has provided more than $160,000 in funding to initiatives and programs across Maine’s public universities that support student mental health and wellness.

The Groceries to Grads program is one element of the comprehensive benefits offerings available to Hannaford associates, including paid time off, medical coverage, mental and physical wellness programs, associate discounts, paid parental leave, and retirement plans with company match.

For more information about the Groceries to Grads program, as well as career opportunities at Hannaford Supermarkets, visit Hannaford.com/Careers.

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets operates 189 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences, and everyday low prices. Hannaford is also an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste—sending no food to landfills. In 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development. Established in 1968, UMS unites the state’s distinctive public universities, including the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, as well as the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center. Over the past two decades, the System has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities. Working-age alumni of its flagship, UMaine, earn more than double the state’s average median income. For more information, visit maine.edu.

MHEAF Scholarship Awarded

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Group photo taken November 8, 2023, as the MHEAF Scholarship was awarded to Maddix Corriveau.
(front row, left to right) Shannon Ludgon, UMFK Development Officer; Deb Hedeen, UMFK President; Josh Steirman, Maine Bankers Association Director of Government Relations; Maddix Corriveau; Bobby Pelkey, TD Bank in Caribou and Fort Kent Store Manager; Pam Ashby, UMFK Chief Business Officer; and (back row) Dr. Michael Curran, UMFK Assistant Professor of Business.

The trustees of the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation (MeHEAF) are pleased to announce the awarding of a scholarship for $1,200 to Maddix Corriveau of Madawaska. Maddix is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where he maintains a high grade-point average.

Josh Steirman, director of government relations of the Maine Bankers Association, made the presentation to Corriveau on Wednesday, November 8th, on the UMFK campus, with members of UMFK faculty and staff and a local bank representative.

Maddix is a 2021 graduate of Madawaska Middle/High School and currently works as a member sales associate at Norstate Federal Credit Union in Madawaska. He previously worked as an associate and assistant department manager at Paradis Shop ‘N Save in Madawaska for four years and as a UMFK work-study student in the Humanities Division.

The Higher Education Assistance Foundation (HEAF) was founded in the 1950s by a group of banks, businesses, community organizations, and individuals. Now administered by the Maine Bankers Association, the Foundation annually awards scholarships to students with a business-related major at select Maine colleges to Maine high school graduates. It has awarded more than $440,000 since 1990. This year, to reflect the increased cost of education, the scholarship has been increased from $1,000 to $1,200 per award. The students receiving scholarships were selected by their departments on the basis of their academic excellence.

MeHEAF has given thirty-four scholarships to UMFK students to date. UMFK also has a plaque with each student’s name and year awarded, which the University displays in the Grindle conference room located in Cyr Hall.

2022 MeHEAF Scholarship

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UMFK staff members and MeHEAF representatives present Julia Labbe with her scholarship
(l to r) UMFK Chief Business Officer Pam Ashby; UMFK Assistant Professor of Business Dr. Michael Curran; Maine Bankers Association Director of Government Relations Josh Steirman; Katahdin Trust Company Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager, and Community Banking Officer Angela M. Franck; Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation scholarship recipient Julia Labbe; Julia’s parents Marsha and Brett Labbe; and Katahdin Trust Company Community Banker III Connie Ouellette.

The trustees of the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation (MeHEAF) are pleased to announce the awarding of a scholarship for $1,000 to Julia Labbe of Eagle Lake. Julia is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where she maintains a high grade-point average.

Josh Steirman, director of government relations of the Maine Bankers Association, made the presentation to Labbe on Tuesday, December 6th at Katahdin Trust Company, in Fort Kent, with members of UMFK faculty and staff, local bank representatives, and Julia’s parents.

Participating schools select scholarship recipients who are in their second, third, or fourth year of study and are Maine high school graduates majoring in a business-related subject. The schools choose recipients based upon academic standing. The MeHEAF awards all scholarships for second-semester expenses.

Julia Labbe is a 2021 graduate of Community High School in Fort Kent and currently works at Corriveau’s Hilltop Blossoms. Julia will graduate from UMFK in May of 2024.

Organizers formed the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation in the 1950s as a guarantee fund for student loans. The founders included a wide range of banks, businesses, community organizations, and individuals. In 1990, the MeHEAF trustees, to continue the original intent of the founding members, initiated a scholarship program funded by the return on the original loan guarantee funds. The Maine Bankers Association, now located in Westbrook, manages the fund.

MeHEAF has given thirty-three scholarships to UMFK students to date. UMFK also has a plaque with each student’s name and year awarded, which the University displays in the Grindle conference room located in Cyr Hall.

Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation Scholarship Awarded to Megan Blanchette

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photo of Megan BlanchetteThe trustees of the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation (MeHEAF) are pleased to announce the awarding of a scholarship for $1,000 to Megan Blanchette of New Canada, Maine. Megan is a senior business management student at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where she maintains a high grade-point average.

Jessica Verry, manager of member services, at the Maine Bankers Association, made the presentation to Megan Blanchette during a Zoom ceremony held on Wednesday, February 23rd, with members of the UMFK campus in attendance.

Participating schools select scholarship recipients who are in their second, third, or fourth year of study and whom are Maine high school graduates majoring in a business-related subject. The schools choose recipients based upon academic standing. The MeHEAF awards all scholarships for second-semester expenses.

“We are so excited to partner with the HEAF scholarship through the Maine Bankers Association and reward wonderful students, like Megan Blanchette, for all of their hard work, determination, and perseverance in their academic studies,” said Dr. Kaisa Holloway Cripps, Assistance Professor of Business at UMFK. “We are appreciative of scholarship opportunities like this to connect student’s academic programs with their future careers!”

Megan is a 2014 graduate of Community High School in Fort Kent. She is currently working for GB&D Farms in Fort Kent as a bookkeeper. The MeHEAF scholarship was awarded to Megan also in 2019. She will graduate from UMFK in May 2022.

Organizers formed the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation in the 1950s as a guarantee fund for student loans. The founders included a wide range of banks, businesses, community organizations, and individuals. In 1990, the MeHEAF trustees, to continue the original intent of the founding members, initiated a scholarship program funded by the return on the original loan guarantee funds. The Maine Bankers Association, now located in Westbrook, manages the fund.

MeHEAF has given 33 scholarships to UMFK students to date. UMFK also has a plaque with former student names and year awarded, which the University displays in the Grindle Conference Room, located in Cyr Hall.

UMFK and Maine Law Collaborate for an Accelerated Law Degree Pathway

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The University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine School of Law (Maine Law) have announced a collaborative academic degree program, a 3+3 program, that facilitates the completion of a bachelor’s and J.D. degree in six years instead of seven.

“In this pathway program, UMFK’s business and environmental studies students can study at UMFK for three years and then, if accepted into Maine Law, they can finish their final year of UMFK at Maine Law while simultaneously working on their law degree,” said UMFK’s President, Dr. Deb Hedeen. “Maine has a need for attorneys in rural areas, so we’re hopeful this will help fill that need.”

This pathway program allows students to accelerate their studies, saving time and tuition. Students will still be required to take the LSAT exam and meet Maine Law’s admission standards. Maine Law will mentor and guide UMFK 3+3 students they move through the program.

“Our 3+3 program offers highly motivated students the opportunity to expand their academic horizons and jumpstart their careers,” Maine Law Dean Leigh Saufley said. “We are excited to welcome more UMFK students to Maine Law and with them their passions and diverse experiences.”

“An exciting pathway 3+3 students can take is to incorporate our new Arctic Studies minor into their degree plan,” said Dr. Kaisa Holloway Cripps, Assistant Professor of Business at UMFK. “Law is important to the dynamic Arctic landscape as governance adapts to environmental changes in the polar regions. Students will have the opportunity at Maine Law to apply, for example, for the Arctic Law Fellowship and travel to the Arctic to expand their learning and scholarship.”

For more information on this accelerated law degree opportunity, please contact UMFK’s Admissions office at 207-834-7600 or umfklife@maine.edu or Maine Law at 207-780-4341 or lawadmissions@maine.edu.