UMFK News Releases

On Thursday, May 8, six University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) nursing students were honored at the first UMFK Nurse Pinning Ceremony, held on the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) campus. This historic event marked the culmination of their nursing education through a unique partnership between UMFK and UMPI. The program allows students to begin their studies at UMPI and, after two years, transition into UMFK’s CCNE-accredited nursing program without having to relocate to the Fort Kent campus, as the required nursing courses are offered by UMFK faculty on the Presque Isle campus. The Pinning Ceremony signifies the successful completion of their nursing education.

The following BSN students received their nursing pins: Sarah J. Brown (Caribou); Brooke Caron (Van Buren); Kristyn Hatfield (Fort Fairfield); Deanna K. Long (Fort Fairfield); Hunter C. Milliard (Presque Isle); and Tiffany E. Smith (Mapleton).

Faculty, staff, and students, along with family members and friends of the graduates, gathered to honor the recipients of the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. UMPI President Dr. Ray Rice welcomed attendees and extended congratulations to the students.

UMFK Dean of the Nursing program Erin C. Soucy, Ph.D., RN, said, “How fitting that this year’s theme, as recognized by the American Nurses Association, is ‘The Power of Nurses.’ Graduates, you embody that power. The power of nurses lies not only in clinical excellence, but in the ability to bring hope in times of despair, clarity in moments of confusion, and healing in the midst of suffering.”

The guest speaker for the pinning ceremony was UMFK alumna Melissa Charette.

Melissa Charette graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UMFK in 2000. She then earned her MSN and post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Husson University in 2003. She became the first psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the St. John Valley, paving the way for many others. Charette worked at Acadia Hospital in a leadership role as senior PMHNP, supervising three departments of nursing staff and all of the PMHNPs at the hospital. She received the Nursing Excellence Award through Acadia Hospital and the UMFK Outstanding Alumna Award from the UMFK Nursing Division. In 2011, she started a private practice, Life Lessons Psychiatric Services, where she continues to provide mental health services. She has been an adjunct faculty member for the last 22 years at UMFK and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice degree through UMFK.

Charette said, “Never forget why you started. Let your care be filled with empathy, your practice with integrity, and your heart with courage. Your pin symbolizes a promise. A promise to advocate for your patients. To be present in their most fragile moments.”

Dr. Stacy Thibodeau, UMFK faculty member who teaches on the UMPI campus, recognized these six nursing students with very special awards.

The Mary Eliza Mahoney Award for Diversity & Inclusion was awarded to Sarah J. Brown. Sara consistently advocates for equity, compassion, and cultural understanding in every space she enters. Like Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African American registered nurse, Sara leads with grace, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to a more inclusive world and health care system.

The Dorothea Dix Award for Mental Health Advocacy was awarded to Kristin Hatfield. Kristin’s passion for mental health care has been evident in every clinical rotation and conversation. She has shown deep empathy, fierce advocacy, and a heart for those who often go unheard. Like Dorothea Dox, Kristin is a beacon of light in a field that so desperately needs compassion and reform.

The Virginia Henderson Award for Holistic Nursing was awarded to Tiffany Tompkins. Tiffany embodies the essence of holistic care. She treats the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and honors the unique journey of each patient. Like Virginia Henderson, who redefined nursing as assisting individuals toward independence and well-being, Tiffany, your care is as thoughtful as it is empowering.

The Jean Watson Award for Caring Science was awarded to Brooke Caron. Brooke has a gift for blending scientific excellence with heartfelt connection. Brooke has demonstrated that caring is not just what we do, it’s who we are. Like Jean Watson, Brooke’s practice reflects deep intention, human connection, and a profound respect for every patient’s story.

The Walt Whitman Award was awarded to Hunter Milliard. Most know Whitman as a poet, but few know of his tireless work as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War. Like him, Hunter is a quiet force of compassion, always giving and always putting others first.

The Margaret Sanger Award for Patient Advocacy was awarded to Deanna Long. Deanna is fearless when it comes to standing up for her patients. She empowers them through education, voice, and action. Like Margaret Sanger, she is a trailblazer – someone who challenges the status quo to ensure that all patients have the right to knowledge and the dignity of choice.

The senior class address was by Brooke Caron. Caron said, “Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. It’s a moment that signifies our transformation from students to professionals who will have the privilege and responsibility of caring for others in some of their most vulnerable moments.”

A special video recording by nationally recognized and nursing textbook author Dr. Keith Rischer was also shared with the students. Dr. Rischer is not only a seasoned ICU nurse and dedicated nurse educator, but also a respected author and international speaker who has inspired countless nurses around the world.

“I want to give a big shout-out to the University of Maine at Fort Kent 2025 graduating nursing students! As you start your new journey as a nurse, I want you to know you have what it takes! Embrace this new identity, as a professional nurse, and live it, allow yourself to be the change that our profession needs to make a difference and serve well in all that you do,” said Dr. Rischer.

“Always remember that those who serve are the greatest of all.” Dr. Rischer added.

In closing, Dr. Erin Soucy said, “I will leave you with this quote from Maya Angelou: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Athletic Department will host the first-ever Bengal Overnight Track & Field Camp this summer. The camp will run from Sunday, June 22, through Thursday, June 26. Registration is open to all students ages 10 to 18.

The cost is $595 per camper. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Campers will stay in the UMFK residence halls and spend their days training in the Sports Center.

The goal of the track & field camp is to develop and improve athletes’ track and field ability through an environment that is fun and conducive to learning. The session will accommodate all skill levels through a full week of intense and enjoyable training.

UMFK coaching staff and athletes will be working with participants to teach or improve technique in field events, effective training for all different race lengths, creative methods to develop skills if resources are limited, and education about the importance of nutrition and hydration. All skill levels are invited to participate in this camp, and all athletes will be encouraged to try a new event. There is a track and field event for everyone.

Items you will need to bring: a water bottle; sunscreen; running shoes; a change of shoes; track & field spikes (not mandatory but if you have them bring them); raincoat; towels; athletic clothes for five days; comfortable non-athletic clothes; personal items; medication (if any).

To reserve a spot, register online at the Track and Field Camp webpage [link no longer available].

For more information, contact Davis Cyr at davis.cyr@maine.edu or (207) 834-8637.

Each year, the University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association recognizes a UMFK alumnus or alumna for their outstanding character, professional achievement, distinguished leadership, service to UMFK, and service to the community.  Without your input, we are unable to present a deserving individual with the appropriate recognition.

The Alumni Association Board appreciates all of the nominations that are received. If you know someone who has demonstrated success in their career and/or personal life, please take the time to nominate them online at the Outstanding Alumni Award webpage.

The deadline for submission is Friday, June 27, 2025.

The recipient of the award will be honored during the University’s annual Homecoming weekend to be held September 19-21, 2025.

If you would like to request a hard copy of the nomination form or for more information, please contact Susan Tardie at susan.tardie@maine.edu or by phone at 207-834-7557.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Athletic Department will host two action-packed Bengal Overnight Soccer Camps this summer. The first camp will run from Sunday, June 22, through Thursday, June 26, and the second from Sunday, July 27, through Thursday, July 31. Registration is open to all students entering grades six through twelve.

The cost is $595 per camper. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration for either the June or July session. Campers will stay in the UMFK residence halls and spend their days training on the UMFK Michael Simon Soccer Field.

The goal of the soccer camp is to develop and improve each player’s skills in a fun and supportive learning environment. Sessions will accommodate all skill levels, offering a full week of focused and enjoyable training.

UMFK coaching staff and players will teach individual techniques, ball mastery, 1v1 attacking and defending, and team concepts. Training will include rondos, small-sided games, and full scrimmages to build vision, quick decision-making, and positional understanding.

Additional activities will include yoga for recovery, strength and flexibility training, nutrition and hydration education, game film analysis, and a session on how to create a college recruitment video for participants aged 14 and older.

The summer camps continue to be popular with both local residents and visitors who spend their summers in the St. John Valley.

To reserve a spot, register online at the UMFK Athletics website.

For more information, contact Dru Bogden at (207) 834-7805 or steven.bogden@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Athletic Department will host four action-packed Bengal Volleyball Camps this summer. The camps will be held on Saturdays, May 17th, May 31st, July 26th, and August 2nd from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Sports Center.

The cost is $25 per child per camp, or you can attend all four camps at the cost of $75.

The goal of the camps is to develop and improve players’ volleyball skills through an environment that is fun and conducive to learning. We will accommodate all skill levels through a day of intense and enjoyable training. We will focus on small-sided games to allow players to apply lessons learned during in-game situation scenarios and to develop a better awareness of the game.

Camps will feature instruction from UMFK players and coaches.

To reserve a spot at the Bengal volleyball camp, you may register online at the UMFK Volleyball Camp webpage [link no longer available].

For more information or to register, please contact UMFK volleyball coach Cadin Taggart at cadin.taggart@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that 2024 Maine Poet Laureate Fellow Julia Bouwsma will serve as the keynote speaker at the UMFK 143rd Commencement Ceremony held on May 10, 2025.  The University will also honor former UMFK Registrar Donald “Don” Raymond with the Distinguished Service Award.

Julia Bouwsma lives off the grid in the mountains of western Maine, where she works as a poet, homesteader, editor, teacher, and small-town librarian.

She is Maine’s sixth Poet Laureate, currently serving a term from 2021 to 2026, and is the author of three poetry collections: the forthcoming Death Fluorescence (Sundress Publications, June 2025), Midden (Fordham University Press, 2018), and Work by Bloodlight (Cider Press Review, 2017). Ghost Apples, a short chamber opera for which she wrote the libretto, will be performed by the Halcyon Quartet at various locations in Maine in fall 2025.

Bouwsma is the recipient of a 2024 Poet Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets and two Maine Literary Awards. She has taught in the Creative Writing department at the University of Maine at Farmington; serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance; and works as Library Director for Webster Library in Kingfield, Maine.

Donald “Don” Raymond is a native of the St. John Valley. Don is the son of a third-generation Bangor and Aroostook Railroad worker, while his mother served as secretary to the SAD #33 school superintendent. He attended Dewey Elementary School in Frenchville, Maine, and graduated from Madawaska High School. After three years of military service in the U.S. Army, Don pursued higher education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, majoring in Education and French.

During his time at the University, he worked as a work-study student in the Registrar’s Office, where he played a key role in computerizing student records. Upon his graduation in 1975, the current Registrar left for California, and Don was hired as a temporary replacement. Within months, he was offered the position permanently and remained in the role for 36 years until his retirement in 2011.

Don is actively involved in civic and community organizations. He currently serves as Chair of the Town of New Canada Board of Appeals and is a member of multiple organizations, including the Fort Kent, Frenchville, and St. Agatha Historical Societies; the St. John Vianney Parish Cemetery Committee; the Martin-Klein American Legion Post 133; and the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund Board of Directors. Additionally, he sits on the boards of the Aroostook Agency on Aging, the Maine Acadian Heritage Council, WFKT-TV (local public access television), the Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby, and the St. John Valley Senior College. He also serves as Secretary of the Fort Kent Senior Citizen Club. In 2014, Don contributed to various committees for the World Acadian Congress, including Bus Tour, International Tourism, Civic Pride, and Executive.

Since 2015, Don has been a dedicated volunteer at Fort Kent’s public access television station (WFKT-TV), helping promote the St. John Valley. As a videographer and video editor, he has produced more than 500 videos.

Don enjoys the outdoors, and he can often be found fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and gardening. He is also a passionate volunteer at numerous cooking events, taking great pride in giving back to the people of the St. John Valley.

Don resides in New Canada, Maine, with his wife, Anna.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is proud to announce a historic milestone: the graduation of its inaugural Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) class at the university’s 143rd Commencement Exercises this May. This achievement marks the successful culmination of UMFK’s first standalone graduate-level nursing program, launched to address the growing need for advanced practice nurses in Maine and beyond.

The MSN program, introduced in 2022, offers two specialized tracks—Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Designed with flexibility in mind, the program is delivered entirely online through a 7-week course structure, allowing working nurses to balance their complex responsibilities while advancing their education.

“This is a truly momentous occasion to celebrate,” said UMFK President Dr. Deb Hedeen. “The graduation of our first MSN class reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our students and the vision of our faculty, but also our university’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Maine and beyond.”

The first MSN cohort comprises of dedicated professionals who have completed rigorous coursework and clinical training, equipping them to provide high-quality, specialized care in various healthcare settings. Their graduation not only signifies personal achievement but also represents a significant contribution to the healthcare workforce, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“This first graduating class from UMFK’s Master of Science in Nursing program represents the heart of what we strive for in nursing education—integrity, excellence, and compassion,” said UMFK Dean of Nursing and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Erin C. Soucy, RN. “These graduates entered our program during a time of great change in healthcare, and they’ve emerged as leaders ready to transform the profession. Their success is a testament not only to their commitment but also to the faculty who guided them and the vision that brought this program to life. We could not be more proud.”

UMFK’s Commencement ceremony will take place on May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the UMFK Sports Center. This event will honor the graduates’ hard work and dedication, celebrating their readiness to take on advanced roles in the nursing profession.

For more information about UMFK’s Nursing programs, visit the UMFK Nursing Program webpage.

Committed to offering programs that align with students’ goals and career aspirations, the University of Maine at Fort Kent has recently renamed its Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science program to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The program offers the same exemplary education that UMFK is known for. Students interested in studying human behavior, mental health, and social dynamics often search for “psychology degrees” when exploring colleges, and the name change will allow UMFK’s program to be more discoverable in online web searches.

Although Behavioral Science graduates discover that their degree leads to many pathways to the professions they desire, many college-seeking students shared that the degree name “Behavioral Science” didn’t clearly reflect what they were looking for in a college credential. To support this discovery, the mentalfloss.com article, The 50 Most Popular College Majors, According to Web Searches by CaLea Johnson, revealed which college degrees were most searched for in 2024. Psychology topped the list at number one. This “data set [was compiled] using Google’s Keyword Planner, a free resource that shows how many searches keywords get per month” (Johnson, 2024).

By renaming the program to Psychology, UMFK ensures that students immediately recognize the program as a strong foundation for the careers they want to pursue. The curriculum remains grounded in hands-on experiences, offering students opportunities for job shadowing, service-learning projects, and internships. Coupled with learning from faculty who are practitioners in the field, these experiences help students build real-world skills for meaningful careers or advanced studies in psychology-related fields.

“The program name has been revised to Psychology to more accurately align with our academic focus,” said Dr. Shawn Graham, UMFK Associate Professor of Counseling, Behavioral Science Unit Chair, and Faculty Assembly Chair. “This adjustment underscores our commitment to delivering a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based theory, fostering critical thinking, and promoting the practical application of skills to prepare students for professional careers and advanced study in graduate programs.”

In addition to the name change, UMFK has also expanded its Psychology portfolio to now offer a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. This was driven by the increasing number of students who are looking for flexibility to accommodate their busy lives, often balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. The online option ensures that students can access the same high-quality education as those on campus, with courses designed to be engaging and applicable to real-world careers.

With both on-campus and online options, students can now choose the path that works best for them, making it easier to earn a Psychology degree no matter where they are. In addition to preparing students for advanced studies in Clinical Counseling and Psychology, graduates are prepared for jobs such as substance abuse counselors, adult and child case managers, and social work.

By listening to students and evolving to meet their needs, UMFK continues to offer programs that help students succeed—both in the classroom and beyond. To learn more about UMFK’s Psychology program, visit the UMFK Psychology program webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a rural, public university committed to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. It is free to apply. For entry into the fall 2025 term, the UMFK Admissions Office recommends applications be submitted by August 15th.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Blake Library Gallery is featuring “Couleur de la Vallée,” an exhibit of artwork by local artist Gert Thibodeau, through the month of May.

Couleur de la Vallée showcases paintings where the artist explores a new style of figurative art. Thibodeau said this new way of painting opens a world of greater expression, allowing more freedom and satisfaction for her soul.

Gert Thibodeau’s creative process uses more vivid, brilliant colors that excite the viewer’s mood. Her paintings portray a three-dimensional interpretation that depends on the presence of light to define form and create shadows – elements that significantly affect composition.

Thibodeau said, “Art would not exist without light. The key is strong, bright, and colorful light.”

A “Meet the Artist” event will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Blake Library Gallery.  The event is free and open to the public.

Gert Thibodeau is a French-Canadian artist born in Clair, New Brunswick. She was an art instructor for more than forty years teaching children and adults through numerous schools and private classes.

She attends many yearly exhibits, including the Rendez-vous des artistes in St. Leonard, New Brunswick. This exhibit is the largest gathering of juried painters and sculptors of Eastern Canada. She has received numerous educator and artist awards and has sold work that has travelled across borders. Thibodeau is a member of the Saint John Valley Artists.

Having a great admiration for nature, Thibodeau said, “Painting the Saint John Valley landscape fulfills my ability to create new works, capturing the Valley’s exquisite beauty full of color and light.” She believes that art is the highest expression of beauty that God created and she is humbled by her gift to share the beauty of art with the world.

For more information on the exhibit or library hours, please contact Gallery Curator Sofia Birden at 834-7527.

The Acadian Archives, located on the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus, and Rivertown Community Arts Center are pleased to announce collaborative efforts to host events by poet Jeri Theriault.

On Friday, May 2nd, at 7 p.m., Rivertown will host readings by Jeri Theriault from her poetry book, Self-Portrait as Homestead, and to include other works. The event will feature musical accompaniment by her husband, Phil Carlsen, on cello. Self-Portrait as Homestead presents various speakers as the accumulated voice of one character who is girl-woman-mother-grandmother. These poems are inspired by Theriault’s family members. A Q & A session will follow.

“I met Jeri over 10 years ago and was impressed with the wisdom and richness of her poetry,” said Rivertown founder and co-chair Jenna Jandreau. “This program series will bring the best parts of life together – music, poems, art-making, good company, and exploring the power of people and place.”

On Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Theriault will lead two workshops that focus on “mapping memory.” Participants will explore place-memories by first drawing their childhood home (or neighborhood) and then writing into the spaces created by these visual memories. No previous drawing or writing experience is needed. This activity will be held at the Acadian Archives on the UMFK campus. This event is free and open to the public.

“Jeri’s visit provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate our region’s Acadian and Franco-American heritage,” states Archives director Patrick Lacroix. “Jeri understands the importance of place in the lives of Acadians, and her workshop will help us cherish the home we have in the St. John Valley.”

From 1 to 3:00 p.m. on May 3rd, Theriault will guide a writing and paper collage session at the Rivertown Community Arts Center, located at 26 Market Street in Fort Kent. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and their favorite writing implement, along with memorabilia, favorite papers or magazines, and photographs to include in a collage (please note: bring photocopies of anything that you would not want to rip up and glue). Each workshop held on Saturday will cost $25 per person. Materials are included in the cost.

Registration is required for each of the three events. Please contact Rivertown to register or for more information at rivertowncac@gmail.com or (207) 231-2711.

Jeri Theriault grew up in Waterville, Maine, and graduated from Colby College, later earning an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her teaching career spanned thirty-four years, six of them as English Department Chair at the International School of Prague. She has published poetry collections and compiled and edited the anthology, WAIT: Poems from the Pandemic. She received the 2023 Maine Arts Commission Literary Arts Fellowship, the 2023 Monson Arts Fellowship, and the 2022 NORward Prize (New Ohio Review).