Six University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) nursing students were honored May 7 at the annual UMFK Nurse Pinning Ceremony, held on the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) campus.
The collaborative program allows students to begin their studies at UMPI and, after two years, transition into UMFK’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited nursing program. Students complete the program without relocating to the Fort Kent campus, as required nursing courses are taught by UMFK faculty on the Presque Isle campus. The pinning ceremony signifies the successful completion of their nursing education.
The following Bachelor of Science in Nursing students received their nursing pins: Krista Coffin of Presque Isle; Danielle Cyr of Caribou; Trena Hafke of Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Canada; Courtney Kane of Presque Isle; Kylie LaPlante of Van Buren; and Gabby Morang of Edmunds Township.
Janelle Brown, president of the UMPI Student Nurses Organization (SNO), opened the program.
Faculty, staff, students, family, and friends gathered to honor the recipients. UMPI President Ray Rice welcomed attendees, and UMFK President Deb Hedeen extended congratulations to the graduates.
The guest speaker for the pinning ceremony was Kelley McIntyre.
To begin the ceremony, James Schaefer, a BSN, RN and lecturer of nursing at UMFK, thanked the in-state and out-of-state institutions for supporting the graduates during their clinical courses, as well as offering them a setting in which to complete their preceptorships.
During the event, the Division of Nursing presented its annual Community Leader Award to Jason Parent, the executive director and chief executive officer of Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties. Since joining the Aroostook County Action Program in 2015, the agency has expanded its services to vulnerable populations through initiatives like a Mobile Service Unit to address transportation barriers, local partnerships for childcare services, and funding to preserve adult day services.
Parent is active in his community, serving on the boards of several organizations at the local, state, and national level. As part of his volunteerism efforts, he is recognized across the County for his dedication and commitment to numerous organizations, whether hosting telethons, emceeing local events, or lending his time and expertise to those in need. Parent leads by example and lives the mission of Community Action to provide services that support, empower, and improve lives.
Stacy Thibodeau, a UMFK faculty member who teaches on the UMPI campus, presented six nursing students with special awards.
Dr. Jean Watson Caring Science Award was awarded to Courtney Kane. “Krista leads with a strength that is felt the moment you walk into a room,” Thibodeau said. “She creates spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, where differences are honored, and where compassion leads the way.”
Mary Eliza Mahoney Diversity & Inclusion Award was awarded to Krista Coffin. “Krista leads with a strength that is felt the moment you walk into a room,” Thibodeau said. “She creates spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, where differences are honored, and where compassion leads the way.”
Virginia Henderson Patient Advocacy Award was awarded to Danielle Cyr. “Danielle embodies the true spirit of advocacy in nursing,” Thibodeau said. “She has an intuitive ability to recognize when someone needs a voice, and steps forward with confidence, compassion, and purpose.”
Walt Whitman Compassion in Service Award was presented to Patrice Gatete. “Patrice, you embody quiet strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service,” Thibodeau said. “She shows up with compassion and steadiness, even in the most challenging moments.”
Queen Emma of Hawaii Aloha Spirit in Nursing Award was awarded to Kylie LaPlante. “Kylie brings something truly special into nursing — the spirit of aloha,” Thibodeau said. “The way she shows up for others reflects a beautiful balance of strength, kindness, and purpose.”
Dorothea Dix Advocacy & Reform Award was presented to Gabby Morang. “Gabby has a natural instinct to see beyond what is in front of her, to recognize gaps, question systems, and speak up for those whose voices are too often overlooked,” Thibodeau said.
Susan Picott Cultural Compassion & Community Impact Award was awarded to Trena Hafke. “Trena brings a profound respect for culture, community, and the unique story each patient carries,” Thibodeau said. “You remind us that true healing begins when people feel seen, respected, and understood.”
The Division of Nursing also honored McIntyre with the 2026 Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award. The award recognizes a graduate of the UMFK BSN program who displays outstanding professional accomplishment and a commitment to community volunteerism.
McIntyre, who recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from UMPI, previously worked as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Cary Medical Center. She has also served as the director of nursing at High View Rehab and Nursing Center in Madawaska and currently serves as the director of nursing at Lakewood Healthcare Center in Waterville.
“Kelley, your journey is inspiring, your impact is undeniable, and your future is incredibly bright,” Thibodeau said.
Dr. Jean Watson sent a few thoughts for new graduates through Zoom. “This is a special time for you to pay attention to your timeless values, your love and concern for patients and yourself, and it is a time to realize that caring is the essence of nursing in terms of your daily life and your practices,” Watson said.
Closing remarks were delivered by Brandy Keaton, secretary of the UMPI SNO.
To learn more about the Nursing program at UMFK, visit the nursing program webpage.