Positive Change Through Community Service

This drive helped connect those in need of bone marrow or stem cell transplants with healthy student donors.

Students’ can-do attitude was also on display as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. On this day, students and Student Life staff helped pack meals at Good Shepherd Food Bank, lended an ear at the Bangor Area Recovery Network, and fed hungry animals at the local Humane society, along with other contributions to the community.

Projects that Wheelock thought were the most inspirational were those where the Class of 2023 came pantry where fellow students in need could get free nutritious food – no questions asked.”

“The American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,’” quoted Wheelock. “You’re a class that believes in helping others, rather than just helping yourself. You’re not willing to wait for someone else to create change. Instead, you choose to make it.”

“As I look out into the faces of everyone here today, I see hope, together to help others who were less fortunate. “In 2021, a survey conducted by the Maine Policy Review found that over 30 percent of college students experienced moderate or severe food insecurity,” said Wheelock. “Recognizing the difficulty of focusing on your studies while worrying about your next meal, the Class of 2023 empowered their student representatives to create a pop-up food courage and empathy.” Concluding, Wheelock said, “You are members of a class that can right the wrongs of the past and create a more fair and just society. You have already seen and overcome adversity. You know what it takes to persevere regardless of the cards you’re dealt…If we all do our part, we can make the world a better place for ALL OF US.”