Education opens doors. As I complete a career of more than 40 years in higher education, I can attest that its powers are life transforming.
Growing up on a farm in rural Maine, I could not have anticipated the roads that were ahead. Education changed my life. From the moment I completed my undergraduate studies and accepted my commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army’s 56th Field Artillery Brigade in West Germany, I realized my education had prepared me for the future. However, I could not have anticipated that after four years in Europe, I’d return to the states and
find myself in an MBA classroom, followed by life in banking right here in Maine. This provided me the opportunity to teach part-time at a small college. There I found a lifelong passion for teaching leading to a decision to return to higher education to earn a Ph.D. in finance.
Once again, education prepared me for a journey through universities in Vermont, Massachusetts, Florida, Indiana and Maine with side options in Norway, Austria and beyond.
Education opened doors as I taught and published research in international finance. Along the way, I earned my designation as a Chartered Financial Analyst, authored a book on African markets and was selected as a Fulbright Scholar. Yet, I could not have imagined the opportunity to be in the audience when the King of Norway
awarded the 1995 Nobel Peace prize, to have spoken on four continents about the development of emerging financial markets or to have taught thousands of students about risk and return and net present values.
As I reflect on my life’s journey, I wish for each of you the rewards and satisfaction of a road well-traveled. The past 15 years as Husson’s sixth president have been a great privilege thanks to each of you. It has been my honor to serve you. I wish you Godspeed in all of the journeys ahead.
With best regards,
Robert A. Clark, Ph.D., CFA President
Accomplishments, events and items of note happening at Husson Around the Circle
Four Husson University faculty members and students and one Husson student organization were recognized at this year’s Maine Campus Compact Awards, which took place in April. Laurie Mouradian, ScD, ATR, OTR/L , professor emerita, and Kathi Smith, MFA, an associate professor in the College of Science and Humanities, each received the Donald Harward Faculty Award for ServiceLearning Excellence (Interdisciplinary Partnership). The Heart and Soul Student Award was awarded to students Erin Toomey and Hannah Van Savage, while the President’s Campus Leadership Award was given to Student Government for its food insecurity efforts.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Husson University had the honor of hosting Mary Prybylo, MSN, RN, president of St. Joseph Healthcare and St. Joseph Hospital and senior vice president of Covenant Health, during the 2024 spring semester for the 12th edition of the Distinguished Business Speaker Series. Prior to her time with St. Joseph Healthcare, Prybylo held several leadership positions across the healthcare industry, including that of chief operating officer at Waterbury Hospital Health Center and director of community care management and vice president of managed care and operations within the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut system.
Brien Walton, JD, Ed.D., an associate professor and director of Husson’s Dyke Center for Family Business, was invited to the White House to take part in a roundtable discussion focusing on tackling the climate crisis through actionable methods of spurring the development of clean energy and climate technologies. Walton also took second place in the inaugural EnergyTech University Prize Faculty Award competition, which was put on by the U.S. Department of Energy and recognizes outstanding ideas for growing clean energy entrepreneurship through student engagement. Walton was one of just 10 faculty selected for this competition.
The Legal Studies Pre-Law and Forensic Studies Capstone classes wrapped up their spring semester with a mock trial at the Penobscot County Judicial Center in front of Justice Andrew Mead of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. The mock trial was the conclusion of a semester-long project during which students collected evidence from a recreated crime scene of a Maine cold case, processed evidence in Husson’s Forensic Lab, acted as
either prosecution or defense attorneys and more. The project was led by School of Legal Studies faculty members Margaret Campbell, JD; Micahel Kamorski, Ed.D.; and Jay Pelletier, MS
This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award for the College of Business went to Jay Pelletier, MS, an instructor and program coordinator in the School of Legal Studies. Prior to his time at Husson, Pelletier spent his 25-year career with the Maine State Police serving in a multitude of roles and held the ranks of Trooper, Detective and Detective Corporal. During his time with the Maine State Police, Pelletier served as an original member of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team (ERT) and Unsolved Homicide Unit, became certified through the International Association of Identification as a crime scene investigator, testified as an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis, was awarded ERT of the Year and nominated for multiple other awards.
Evan Wigton-Jones, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Business and Management, had his paper, entitled “Droughts, Conflict, and the Importance of Democratic Legitimacy: Evidence from PreIndustrial Europe,” accepted into the Journal of Economic History. This journal is considered one of the top publications in its field.
Gerald Wright, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the School of Technology and Innovation, had the opportunity to
present at Boston Code Camp 36 at the Microsoft location in Burlington, Massachusetts. His presentation was titled, “Improving Your Software Development Processing Using Metrics.”
Lee Speronis, JD, CHE, CHIA, CAHTA, an associate professor and director in the School of Hospitality, Sports and Tourism, and assistant dean of the College of Business, was invited to the United States Travel Association Conference in Washington D.C., where he attended two workshops regarding travel and tourism, two meetings concerning 2024 advocacy and policy procedures and met with Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, Representative Chellie Pingree and Representative Jared Golden and their staff for a Q&A and discussion about key issues, needs and wants.
New England School of Communications (NESCom) NESCom hosted its first-ever career fair in March with a focus on audio, visual and marketing jobs. The event brought dozens of students and employer representatives to the Dyke Center for Family Business on Husson University’s campus. Students majoring in audio engineering, sports journalism, video/film production, graphic/visual design and marketing communications were able to meet and talk about potential work with employers including WABI, News Center Maine, Waterfront Concerts and Spectrum.
Eric Ferguson, MM, an assistant professor in NESCom, led a group of audio engineering students on a
week-long trip at sea working on the ShipRocked Cruise 2024, where they worked to provide sound for more than 60 performances by 29 different acts. The students also had the opportunity to work alongside NESCom alum Josh Mason ’08 and Alex Slaigle ’16
Frank Welch, M.Ed, an instructor in NESCom, has been recognized by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement for his work on a recent law enforcement recruiting video. The video was designed to help recruit law enforcement job candidates from across the country.
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
Greg Winston, Ph.D., a professor in Husson’s College of Science in Humanities, led an online discussion with the James Joyce Society of New York City about chapter five of author James Joyce’s 1916 novel “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.” Winston, whose research focuses on historical and geographical approaches to Irish modernism, is the author of the book “Joyce and Militarism.” He was the 2019-2020 Fulbright Scholar in Anglophone Irish Writing at Queen’s University Belfast.
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND PHARMACY School of Nursing
An abstract written by Jill Vaughn, MSN, ACNP-BC, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, was accepted for a paper presentation at the 36th Annual Eastern Nursing Research Society Scientific Sessions. The abstract is titled “Employment Policies Regarding Access to Treatment and Recovery for Substance Use Disorders: Findings from the National Survey on Drug Uses and Health (NSDUH).”
Annette DeRoche, DNP, MSN, RN, an assistant professor and director of the graduate nursing program in the School of Nursing, had the honor of being nominated to serve as Secretary of the Board for the American Nurses Association of Maine (ANA-ME). ANA-Maine serves over 700 registered nurses in Maine and represents the voice of Maine’s nursing profession locally and nationally.
School of Occupational Therapy
Cavenaugh Kelly, Ph.D., MS, OTR-L , an assistant professor in the School of Occupational Therapy, and Lisa French, MBA, BSN, RN, CPHQ, School of Nursing undergraduate coordinator of clinical education, led a group of students as they provided a free health fair for older adults at the Miller Square apartment complex in Bangor. The occupational therapy students provided home safety assessments and safety tips and performed balance assessments while
the nursing students provided blood pressure and pulse oximeter screenings, yoga sessions and a health information booth.
Mary Beth Patnaude, DHSc, OTR/L , an associate professor and chair of the School of Occupational Therapy at Husson University, was added to the American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows last March. This award is given to occupational therapists who make significant contributions to the profession over the course of their career. Patnaude is only the second Husson OT faculty member to receive this award.
Cavenaugh Kelly, Ph.D., MS, OTR-L , an assistant professor in the School of Occupational Therapy, led an exercise in which students from Husson’s OT program met with OT students from Brighton, England, to exchange different approaches to patient
treatment. The activity was part of Kelly’s Context and Environment class and is part of an ongoing relationship between the two schools that has involved prior cross-cultural class activities.
School of Physical Therapy
Students in Husson’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program delivered a series of free workshops to provide resources, guidance and support for cancer survivors and their caregivers. The series, called “Celebrate Life: Thriving Beyond Cancer,” facilitated discussions and the exchange of information about oncology rehabilitation, pain management, mental health and more.
Student’s in Husson’s Exercise Science and Physical Therapy programs, alongside Kim Steinbarger, PT, MHS, DHSc., an assistant professor in the School of Physical
Therapy, held the Husson Health Harmony event in April at the Soaring Eagles Healthcare Clinic. Through this event, students provided adults of all ages with the opportunity to be screened for flexibility, strength, gait, endurance and more – free of charge.
Husson University has named Ben Sidaway, PT, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Physical Therapy, as the first-ever Geneva S. Allen ’49 Distinguished Professor in Health Sciences. The professorship is named for the late Geneva S. Allen, who graduated from Husson University in 1949 and received an honorary degree in 1995. As the first professor to hold the position, Sidaway plans to mentor and support professors in the College of Health and Pharmacy, encouraging additional scholarship as well as collaboration between subject areas.
TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER
Whether you’ve decided to pursue a graduate degree, complete a bachelor’s degree or are still exploring your options, see all Husson has to offer through online learning!
A Day for Showcasing Academic Research
The 14th Annual Husson University Research and Scholarship Day was held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, and showcased student and faculty research in areas including PFAS, neurodegenerative disease therapy and stress reduction.
Held in the Darling Atrium of the Beardsley Meeting House, the event highlighted 22 abstracts representing research projects from a variety of disciplines. Some highlights included:
■ Effectiveness of Exercise as a Coping Mechanism for Reducing Overall Stress Levels in Nursing Students (Ember Trumbull)
■ Synergistic Neurotoxic Effects of Methylmercury and Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Caenorhabditis Elegans (Anthony Radzimirski, BS; Abigail Varney, BS; Nicholas Ireland, BS; Samuel Caito, Ph.D.)
■ The Effect of Patient Education on Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Umbrella Review (Kimberly Steinbarger, PT, MHS, PHSc; Jordan Belanger; Mary Cushing; Grey Edberg; Maria Grafas)
■ The Relationship Between Phase Angle and Anaerobic Power in Recreational Active Females (Shelby Peterson, Jaimie Linchey, James Boyd, Jonathan Houck, Ph.D.)
In the afternoon, the Plenary Session featured remarks from William J. Lindblad, director of the Office of Research and Scholarship as well as the awarding of the Distinguished Faculty Research Award to Ben Sidaway, professor of physical therapy. Each year, this award is presented to a faculty member who has engaged in scholarly work that’s been recognized or reviewed by his, her or their peers.
The event concluded with keynote speaker Roger Phipps, emeritus professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Husson, speaking about integrating academic and industrial research in drug development.
Q&A with President-Elect Lynne Coy-Ogan
On July 1, 2024, Lynne Coy-Ogan will begin her tenure as Husson University’s seventh president and first-ever female president. Coy-Ogan, who has served in leadership roles at Husson University since 2005, sat down with Husson magazine in June to talk about her plans and vision for the university.
What’s on your mind as your first day as Husson’s seventh president approaches?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: As July 1 approaches, I continue to be humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead Husson forward in the future, and most importantly, the privilege of working with such a dedicated, collaborative team of faculty and staff who have transformed Husson over the years.
As you look forward from this moment in time for Husson and for higher education in general, what are you thinking about and what do you hope for?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: At Husson, our focus on professional degrees and experiential learning has been a long-standing differentiator in the higher education marketplace. As we move forward, I will continue to prioritize high-quality, market-responsive academic programs with a strong focus on experiential learning and innovative technologies to continue to serve our primary market in Maine and New England. Yet we also must be committed to developing a national presence for the Husson agenda of providing comprehensive educational opportunities which address a lifetime of professional and personal success.
Experiential learning is a hallmark of a Husson education. How do you see that growing and changing in the coming years?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: Experiential learning provides experiences for students to apply educational knowledge and skills to real-life professional opportunities that enhance the student learning process. This process allows students to practice and develop important critical learning skills with real-life world scenarios. As Husson has continued to invest in advanced technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, these technologies can further simulate real world experiences in ways that provide students with customized learning and deeper instructional connections. Artificial intelligence and virtual reality are tools that allow our students a highly interactive learning experience rather than just reading about professional experiences in their career field. Students get to make decisions and receive immediate feedback about their performance in the classroom.
Husson has invested in some notable technology in recent years including the new Apple Vision Pros used in the iEX Center and HAL, the AI manikin in the Simulation Education Center. What’s next? And will Husson continue to be on the cutting edge of technology in learning?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: As we move forward, Husson will be developing a pipeline of innovative ideas that create continued progressive and engaging learning experiences to position Husson for future success. Our recent investments in the iEX Center and in our new AI manikin demonstrate this continued commitment, and ensure that these cutting edge technologies will be incorporated into future student learning experiences here at Husson.
What are your top priorities as president of Husson?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: Prioritizing Husson’s long standing mission, culture and values, while leading this change necessary to respond to the dramatic shifts in the higher education landscape will be a top priority for
my presidential agenda. I will be working with campus stakeholders to develop a new five year strategic and financial plan that will chart a future course to vibrant new opportunities which promote educational excellence, enhance student experiences, and develop long term financial stability.
Changing leadership can mean change for an institution. What can people expect from your first few months or year in office?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: Even though I’m beginning my 20th year as an administrator at Husson, moving from the role of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost to the role of President is a significant change, both for the campus community and for me personally. President Clark served for over 15 years and President Beardsley before him for over two decades. So in my first 90 days, I’ll be holding a series of listening sessions for each department across campus so that stakeholders have the opportunity to share their own ideas and concerns with me. It will be especially important as we begin a five year strategic planning and financial process that will help shape Husson’s future moving forward.
You are part of a wave of female educators taking the helm of higher education institutions, in many cases — including at Husson — as the first woman president. What does that mean to you?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: I’m inspired by Husson’s rich history and humbled to have been selected as the first female president of Husson in its 125 year history. Higher education has more work to do to achieve gender parity, especially
among senior leadership positions. But I certainly hope my presidential appointment inspires a future generation of female leaders.
At the recent Women in Business conference here at Husson, you spoke about the importance of mentors in your life and career. How have your mentors helped you shape yourself as a leader and a mentor to others?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: Throughout my career, I’ve been extremely blessed to have several outstanding mentors whose advice and guidance have shaped my professional career. Having a few trusted advisors who you admire and respect is a great professional development opportunity. I always make sure to seek out that advice from my mentors when I have important professional decisions to make. Investing time and developing a strong professional network, and also being willing to serve as a mentor to others myself, will continue to be a professional priority as I transition to the role of president at Husson University.
Is there anything else you want the alumni of Husson, or the Husson community to know as you embark on your presidency?
Lynne Coy-Ogan: As I begin my new position as the seventh president of Husson, I would like the Husson community to know how humbled and honored I am to have the opportunity to be your leader, to work to navigate Husson’s future moving forward and to continue to develop a highly collaborative educational environment that’s invested in student success for years to come.
A Look Back at the 125th Commencement
More than 700 students earned degrees from the Bangor university
Husson University held its 125th Commencement on Saturday, May 4, 2024, recognizing 707 students who earned a total of 765 undergraduate and graduate degrees and 141 undergraduate and graduate certificates.
This year’s graduates include students from 195 Maine cities, towns, villages and unorganized townships as well as students from 29 U.S. states and several countries including Germany, China, Spain and Switzerland.
President Robert Clark, who will retire from the university on June 30, 2024, spoke about the goalorientedness and determination of graduates.
“Today is a day that we trust you will remember long after all of the pomp and circumstances have passed. As with the word of commencement, it is a beginning. We share your excitement and your optimism for the future,” Clark said.
Commencement speaker Travis Mills, who was awarded an honorary doctorate from Husson University, spoke about resiliency and looking to the future.
“What keeps me going is always to remember to have purpose and direction,” Mills said.
2024 Valedictorians and Salutatorian
Husson University’s class of 2024 include five valedictorians and one salutatorian. Meet them all!
Valedictorians:
This year’s slate of valedictorians have all achieved 4.0 grade point averages.
David James Bubar of Bangor, Maine
BS Video/Film Production; Certificate in Digital and Social Media Marketing and Certificate in Web Media
“I plan to find a new career with more consistent work in-state while continuing to work with video and photo clients on the side.”
Anna Elizabeth Coleman of Swanville, Maine
BS English
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to expand my leadership skills through clubs. I served as president of Get Lit and vice president of Women in Business (WIB). I have also had so much fun getting to meet peers with similar interests and expand my network of professionals.”
MacKenzie L. Dore of Holden, Maine
BS Criminal Justice with a focus in National/Corporate Security; MS Criminal Justice
“The highlight of my time at Husson was being able to take advantage of all the opportunities that were in front of me. Husson allowed me to continue to play softball but also allowed me to join the Army ROTC program. Without Husson, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue all of my goals and dreams.”
Molly Eesa Dutil of Augusta, Maine
BS Health Sciences
“I will be continuing at Husson School of Pharmacy, learning skills that will help me care for my family, community and future patients, while completing my last two years of graduate courses and rotations toward my Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Then I will pursue a job as a pharmacist!”
Salutatorian:
Andrew C. Green of Bangor, Maine
BS Accounting; Master of Business Administration
“Being able to connect with the professors and learn from their classes is my main highlight of the time I spent at Husson.”
Emily E. Doten of Baring, Maine
BS Health Sciences
“Some of the things I liked about Husson were small class sizes and being able to build relationships with faculty. I play tennis for the women’s team which really made my experience at Husson.”
Meet Travis Mills
Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills delivered the address at the 2024 Husson University Commencement on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Mills is a father, a husband, an entrepreneur, an army veteran, a motivational speaker, an actor, an author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. He is also one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On April 10, 2012, Mills was critically injured on his third tour of duty with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device or IED. After enduring a grueling rehabilitation program, he vowed to give back to the veteran community in any way he could.
In September 2013, Mills and his wife Kelsey founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed to benefit and assist post-9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. Critical to the foundation’s mission is for the veteran’s family to be included, not just the vet. Through the foundation, the veteran and their family receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses paid, barrier-free vacation to Maine where they spend time with Mills and his family, and participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s great outdoors.
Mills has used his life experiences to change the lives of others through his foundation and other work, including in speeches like the one delivered at commencement.
Husson University awarded Mills an honorary doctorate degree during commencement.
Commencement was one of several events held for the Husson community to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2024. Here are a few more events held in the weeks leading up.
Occupational Therapy Research and Scholarship Awards
On April 11, the Occupational Therapy Research and Scholarship Awards were held.
Student Leadership Awards and Recognition Ceremony
On April 22, the Student Leadership Awards and Recognition Ceremony was held. The 2024 Leadership Awards Club of the Year was awarded to the Women in Business Club.
Senior Celebration
On Tuesday, April 26, the Senior Celebration was held. Formerly called the Champagne Toast, graduating Husson seniors gathered with faculty, staff and supporters for this evening of appetizers, a champagne toast and fun. The Husson Alumni Association Board President officially welcomed the Class of 2024 to their ranks.
School
of Nursing Pinning Ceremony
On Friday, May 3, the university held its nurses pinning ceremony to honor the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.
Graduate Hooding Ceremony
Also on Friday, May 3, the university held its graduate hooding ceremony to honor those receiving masters and doctoral degrees. During a hooding ceremony faculty members place a hood on the graduate to signify the successful completion of their degree. See more photos
Occupational Therapy Research and Scholarship Awards
Senior Celebration
School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Graduate Hooding Ceremony
Graduate Hooding Ceremony
From Personal Fitness to Property Development
Husson grad Louie
Morrison ’02 has turned his sights to solving the housing crisis
Real estate agent, property manager, property investor, landlord, personal fitness trainer and business owner, Louie Morrison ‘02 is the kind of guy who goes all-in on whatever he does — often on multiple projects simultaneously.
He credits the solid education and personal attention he received as a business administration major at Husson as one of the reasons he’s found success.
“I had a professor and mentor at Husson who, on the first day of Business 101, told us, ‘The business of business is business,’” Morrison said. “At the time we were all like ‘well, of course – it’s so obvious.’”
Over the course of that class and throughout his time at Husson, Morrison recognized the true wisdom behind those words.
Morrison started working as a fitness trainer even before graduating from Husson. He trained members of the women’s basketball team after Coach Kissy Walker spotted him working with other students in the campus’ fitness center, he said.
“I remember he spoke well and he looked the part,” Walker recalls. “He
looked like someone who was into fitness [and] he spoke like he was really passionate about it.”
After graduating, Morrison spent the next 10 years working with clients at Union Street Gym. In 2012, he opened his own gym — LA Training in Bangor.
The Columbia Street facility now houses three floors of fitness equipment where members can workout on their own or with one of the half-dozen personal trainers who rent space there.
But Morrison didn’t want to just be a trainer.
“The investment world really had that business mindset,” he said. “All these folks I was training that had their own businesses had one thing in common – they all owned investment properties.”
In 2009, he purchased his first duplex as an investment property to rent.
“Starting with that duplex was pretty cool,” Morrison said. “You are providing homes for people and making a little extra income for yourself.”
He continued to invest in properties over the years. He now owns more than 300 units across Bangor including nine downtown buildings. He and a partner also own several commercial properties, leasing space to organizations like Beal University
and Northern Light.
All of that has led him to his most recent project: an ambitious tiny home community in Bangor that he and a partner are developing at the former Martel mobile home park on Hammond Street. When completed, each 320-square-foot tiny home will have a 96-square-foot attached porch sitting on a roughly 1,400-square-foot lot with a backyard and one parking space.
This, he said, is a way to help address Bangor’s critical housing shortage. It’s also about keeping a sense of community.
“This is going to be a neighborhood of single-family houses,” Morrison said. “I see it as the kind of place you can lock up your house and leave for a day or five years and it will be fine [because] you have neighbors keeping an eye on things for you.”
Morrison and his partner broke ground last summer and have completed 20 of the homes so far.
“It’s about [housing] for people,” he said. “How can I put as many roofs over as many heads as possible in –for me most importantly – the shortest amount of time.”
Rent for the tiny homes will include water and sewage with residents responsible only for the cost of heating or cooling their tiny home with the installed heat pumps.
“These units are energy efficient as hell,” Morrison said. “From the studies we have done, it will be such a minimal electricity price residents will pay.”
He’s already had more than 200 applications for the planned 34 units and it’s breaking his heart knowing he’s going to have to say no to more than 160 of those applicants.
“If I could build 10,000 of these tiny homes, [I would],” Morrison said.
For Morrison, this project isn’t about the money. It’s about people.
Morrison used that people-first approach with the nine residents who lived at the old trailer park at the time of purchase.
The residents were all offered solutions including a year of free rent at one of Morrison’s other rental units, relocating their mobile home at Morrison’s expense or
purchasing a new mobile home (also at Morrison’s expense).
“I did not want to be one of those people who bought property and kicked people out,” he said. “This is not about money, this is how we can make true changes.”
The whole idea behind the project, Morrison said, is providing safe, clean and affordable housing.
It’s a human-to-human ethos that came from those classroom lectures and out of class discussions with Husson faculty and staff.
Photo credit: Julia Bayly
This 2024 Softball Star is Going to Fly
Kenzie Dore ’24, ’24G. and the Husson University softball team have soared together, capturing a North Atlantic Conference championship the last five years the tournament has been played. But Dore, who graduated in May with a masters in criminal justice administration, is about to soar in a whole new way: as a pilot. Dore is set to be commissioned into the Maine Army National Guard as a second lieutenant and a medical service officer. She will attend
a 10-week medical service basic officer leadership course at Fort Sam Houston in Texas before heading to flight school at Fort Novosel in Alabama. Her goal? To become a medical evaluation pilot and fly UH-60 Blackhawks.
Dore, who has a lengthy family history of military service, joined the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Husson, which allowed her to train and learn more about the Army while studying. She also attended cadet summer training at Fort Knox in Kentucky, where officers train and evaluate cadets on leadership and basic soldiering skills.
“I went back-and-forth on the specialty and career that I wanted to pursue within the Army,” Dore
said. “There are so many different opportunities and careers in the Army, but becoming a blackhawk helicopter pilot was what really stood out to me and stuck with me.”
Dore is looking forward to the opportunity to help people and being a leader amongst her fellow soldiers.
“By becoming a MEDEVAC pilot, I’m able to make someone’s bad day into a better one, even if it’s only by a little bit,” Dore said. “My goal in life has always been to help people and protect them. Being a MEDEVAC pilot in the Maine Army National Guard and pursuing a career in law enforcement on the civilian side, I can do both of those things.”
Dore has made her mark at Husson as well, as part of a softball dynasty.
Since her first year in 2021, the Eagles have accumulated a record of 118-32-1, including an astounding 47-1 record in NAC games.
Individually, Dore has had one of the better careers in the history of Husson softball. She entered her final year already ranked in the top 10 in program history for career batting average, home runs and RBIs, in addition to being within striking distance to moving into the top 10 for hits and runs scored.
While the dynamic of softball and serving in the military could not be more different, there is a commonality for the two for Dore: leadership.
“As a leader, you must be able to communicate clearly and concisely so that your teammates on the field can completely understand what is
going on and what must happen for us to be successful,” Dore said. “The same thing applies to being an officer in the Army and for being a pilot. You are leading soldiers. Soldiers who have families and friends who want them to come home safely. Clear and effective communication is also necessary to be able to have your soldiers get their jobs done and get home safely.”
With the success that Dore and the Eagles have had during her four-year career, there are many memories to look back on. For Dore, when Husson hosted an NCAA Division III Regional site for the first time in program history is the one that tops the list.
“Playing in that game on our home field is something that I’ll always remember,” Dore said. “We didn’t get
the outcome we wanted in that game, but the experience of playing in an NCAA tournament for the first time on our home field is something I’ll never forget. Playing in front of our home crowd, fans, friends, and family in big games and situations is something I hope every young athlete is able to experience in their lifetime.”
As Dore prepares to enter the next stage of her life, she is keeping her goals for her professional career as simple as possible.
“My goal is to be one of the best pilots, leaders and people that I can overall be,” Dore said. “I want to be able to grow as an individual, learn as much as I can, and experience as much as I can with my time in the Maine Army National Guard.”
Above the Clouds
In his college days, Bobby Campbell ’92 was more likely to be found on the basketball court than a mountainside, but the Husson University Hall-of-Famer who guided the men’s basketball team to its first and only national championship has more than made up for lost time.
Twenty years ago, a friend invited him to tag along on a trip up Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak. It
was Campbell’s first hike and he was hooked, eventually developing a passion for longer backpacking adventures. This spring and summer, he has been hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
It’s actually the second big adventure for 2024 for him.
In January, he and daughter Cassie Campbell Spear ’17 summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which at 19,341 feet is the highest mountain on the continent of Africa. There’s just something elemental about trekking through the wilderness that appeals
to the recently-retired pharmaceutical sales representative.
“Something about self-reliance,” he said. “I like the idea of being out there and being on your own.”
‘A part of our family’
When Campbell first saw Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano whose ice-covered peak looms over the surrounding East African plains, it took his breath away.
“You can see the mountain from everywhere,” he said. “It’s pretty overwhelming.”
Climbing the tallest freestanding mountain in the world is a major endeavor, and on the bucket-list of many die-hard climbers and trekkers. But it wasn’t something that Campbell or Spear, both of Glenburn, had ever thought about before.
That changed when one of his friends was organizing a private guided tour up the mountain and needed more people to make the numbers work. Campbell was interested, and recruited his daughter and her husband, James Spear, to come, too.
It took the group of eight clients and 31 guides, porters, cooks and other support personnel a full week to climb the 42-mile Lemosho Route up the mountain.
Bobby Campbell ’92 and Cassie Campbell Spear ’17 climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in January
“I enjoy camping, and my dad and I have hiked a lot together,” said Spear, who graduated from the Husson School of Nursing and works as a cardiac nurse at Northern Light Cardiology in Bangor. “Nothing as extreme as this before, but I was definitely up for the challenge when he mentioned it to me.”
Along with hiking, Husson has been an important through-line for the Campbell family. Bobby and his wife, Tammy Merrill Campbell ‘91, a registered nurse who taught in the Husson nursing program for years, met there as undergraduate resident assistants. Both their daughters are Eagles, too, with Alexis Campbell Law ’22 graduating from the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
“It’s always been something that has been a part of our family,” Spear said. “It’s just always been a nice sense of community.”
Campbell, currently serving as chairperson of the Husson University Sports Hall of Fame, concurs. “I always say that every job I’ve ever got is because of Husson,” he said. “It was a great experience.”
‘Slowly, slowly’
The Campbell girls grew up going on family hikes and being outdoors.
Together, Spear and her dad have climbed Katahdin many times and have hiked Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness, considered to be the remotest stretch of the Appalachian Trail, five times. It was on one of those hikes when Spear gave Campbell his trail name: Sloggy.
The duo were climbing Nesuntabunt Mountain, a 1,500-foot peak that isn’t the highest on the trail but is “pretty much straight up,” Campbell said.
“I don’t like to stop, so I just go slow,” he said, adding that this gave rise to a tortoise-and-hare moment. “I always beat her to the top [of Nesuntabunt], even though she hikes faster than I do. And she said, ‘You just slog along. I’m going to call you Sloggy.’”
Campbell has embraced the trail name, which was perhaps even more appropriate on Kilimanjaro. The elevation of the mountain is so great that even experienced, fit hikers may suffer altitude sickness, which is why the Swahili-speaking guides kept telling their group “pole pole,” or slowly, slowly, so the hikers would take their time and get used to the altitude.
“They were always saying, ‘Pole pole, no rush, no worries, hakuna matata,’” Campbell said.
The biggest challenge
So the hikers took their time, enjoying the scenery as they moved up the mountain. The porters and other support crew from Peak Planet, the guide service they were using, carried the food, tents and other gear so that the hikers only had to carry a daypack.
“They want to make it as easy as possible to help everybody hopefully make it,” Spear said.
As the group climbed higher and higher, they moved through climate zones that included rainforest — where they saw monkeys — moorland, alpine desert and finally the Arctic zone beginning at about 16,000 feet.
Along the way, their guides took good care of them, procuring mangos, bananas, pineapples and other fresh tropical fruit, and making the hikers warm, hydrating meals like oatmeal for breakfast and soups for lunch and dinner. They also kept things cheerful, often joking with the clients and even breaking into song. Campbell documented some of these joyful moments on the video of the trip he made and shared on YouTube.
“The guides were really good,” Campbell said.
Still, the mountain took a toll. All eight got altitude sickness, which manifested as terrible headaches for the father and daughter while others in their group suffered from nausea. All found themselves out of breath and fatigued much faster than usual.
“I think the altitude was the biggest challenge,” Spear said. “It was much more noticeable than I thought it would be. I’d go from sitting down to standing up and getting out of our tent, and I was winded. It didn’t take much to have a hard time breathing.”
Above the clouds
On the seventh day, they got an early start and left their camp — perched at about 15,000 feet — just after midnight. It was a long, grueling day that included 18 hours of hiking and left them literally falling asleep on their feet by the end of it, but it was also magic.
“On summit day, the sun was just starting to come up, and I turned around and all the clouds were below us,” Campbell said. “We were literally above the clouds.”
They saw the glacier shining in the light, and when they finally reached the top of Uhuru Peak, the sunburned, smiling group posed for photos under a vivid blue sky.
It’s a moment that will stick with them.
“I definitely feel like it’s life-changing already,” Spear said. “Mostly for realizing that you can accomplish way more than you think you can.”
Campbell, now somewhere on the Appalachian Trail, believes that there will be times in the weeks to come he will lean on this knowledge.
“On struggle days, when it’s pouring rain and I’ve hiked 18 miles, I’ll know that it still isn’t as bad as the summit day on Kilimanjaro,” he said. “And that’s when I think the confidence will come.”
Class News & Notes
Promotions, engagements, weddings, birth announcements and other accomplishments. Submit your class notes at husson.edu/alumni
1960s
Stephen Mitchell ’69, alum and former Husson trustee, was featured in a recent issue of the RI Freemason, highlighting a trip that he and several of his Friendship Lodge brethren took to the Kora Shrine Temple in Lewiston, Maine. Mitchell says that staying close to Native American traditions, particularly as they relate to Freemasonry, is very important to him, as he is a member of the Penobscot Indian Nation, penawahpkekeyak, or “people of the rocky shores,” and was raised on Indian Island in Maine. His grandfathers are both former Tribal Chiefs of the Penobscot, and his father was the founder and first director of the Native American Program at the University of Maine Orono, serving Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students.
1970s
Dave Winslow ’76 retired from the US Air Force in 1994 after spending one-third of his life serving. While he admits it was not always easy and there were times he wanted to quit, he’d be remiss if he did not acknowledge the opportunities the military created for him. During his time enlisted, he worked as a communications specialist, recruiter and in security services. Thanks to the GI bill, his tuition at Husson was paid for while he earned three associate degrees. The VA sent him to advanced
training in the IT field, which led to some excellent civilian jobs. Today, he is still working part-time transporting military applicants to and from the Portland Processing Station, and it’s his favorite job he’s ever had.
1990s
Gwen Rogers ’91 launched her second career as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant, assisting lawyers and insurance companies dealing with medical cases. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare and nursing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to understanding the medical facts of health-related claims.
This past February, Wayne Harvey ’93 was promoted to physician practice manager at Northern Light Health Cancer Care of Maine. He joined the organization in early 2022 in talent acquisition, serving several hospitals within the NLH system. He now manages the Health Information System and the Cancer Genetics Department at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute in Brewer.
2000s
Ben Sidaway, PT ’01G is the first-ever recipient of the Geneva S. Allen ’49 Professorship at Husson, established with an unrestricted gift in Allen’s honor. Allen graduated from Husson in 1949 and received an honorary degree in 1995, and was a special member of the Husson
IN MEMORIAM
1930s: Phyllis A. Jordan ’35 1940s: Norma M. James ’43 | Arlene A. Clifford ’44
community. As the recipient of the title, Sidaway plans to mentor and support professors who work alongside him in the College of Health and Pharmacy, encouraging additional scholarship and collaboration between subject areas.
Melissa (Bradford) Boyan ’03, ’03G has been hired at Eastern Maine Community College as a full-time faculty member and department chair of the Business Management Program. Boyan has been employed at EMCC since 2010 and has held a variety of positions from accounting technician to administrative secretary to manager of financial services and now faculty. Boyan has been an adjunct faculty member since 2014.
Mary “Kissy” Walker ’03G will be inducted this fall into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Walker already holds the title of the winningest singlesport coach in the history of any Husson athletics program, currently amid her 33rd season as head coach of Women’s Basketball.
2010s
Craig A. Pendleton ’10 is running for Maine State Senate for District 31, which includes Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Buxton. He announced earlier this year that he was retiring as director of transportation for the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Transit District. Prior to joining the transit
1950s: Elaine A. Dunning ’50 | Donald Libby ’51 | Evelyn H. Barrows ’52 | Constance J. Martin ’58 | Mildred E. Hanson ’59
1960s: Judith L. Smith ’60 | Myrna J. Watkins ’62 | Miriam W. Hamilton ’64 | Judith A. Pelletier ’64 | Ginita Spooner ’66 | Karen Y. York ’68 | Conrad M. Bergeron ’69 | Anita L. McFarlane ’69 | Lowell “Barry” Davis | Beverly Pye
1970s: Richard E. Kostek ’70 | Richard D. Davidson ’71 | Dennis F. Turner ’71 | Michael P. Bielecky ’72 | Robert C. Briggs ’72 | Ronald A. Emery ’72 | Robert S. Merowitz ’72 | Gary R. Thornton ’72 | Robert H. Blastow ’73 | Bruce Brawn ’73 | Phillip C. Frederick ’73 | Gary A. Sadonis ’73 | Richard D. Sylvain ’74 | Robert S. Tyler ’74 | Donald P. White ’75 | Lawrence G. Dawson ’76 | Colleen M. Decastro ’76 | Janet C. Ginn ’78 | Jean E. McCabe
1980s: William P. Ledoux ’80 | Eleanor A. Horner ’81 | John S. Hoyt ’81 | Karen L. Manzo ’87
1990s: Alberta C. Bessey ’91 | Joyce B. Dubovy ’91 | Sally Z. Brown ’93 | Mary Z. Morgan ’94 | Jennifer E. Bagley ’96, ’07G
2000s: Susan C. Dow ’05
2010s: Bryant N. Wade ’17
district, he served as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce for several years. Should he be elected to the Senate, he hopes to work toward fixing what he described as a “broken system” and aims to focus more on solutions than problems.
Camden National Bank announced the promotion of Christopher Byron ’11 to vice president, retail regional director. Byron’s responsibilities as retail regional director involve him overseeing 15 banking centers in the Southeastern Region. He will be managing a team of high-performing leaders, and leaning on these talented employees to ensure customers’ financial needs and goals are met. Prior to joining the Camden National Bank team, he worked as a manager for Bank of America and Walmart. He was Camden National Bank’s vice president, banking center manager, in Brunswick before his most recent promotion.
The Forsyth County School System in Georgia recently announced the five finalists for their 2024 teacher of the year, one of the nominees being Kelsey Fusco ’11, a science teacher at South Forsyth High School. She’s been with FCS since 2013.
Christopher Stevenson ’12, ’12G has received his marks as a Certified Financial Planner. This certification is considered the industry standard for financial planning. CFP professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow. Stevenson has clients all over the country and these marks will help secure his clients financial future.
Jeffrey Murad ’14G has been appointed as the new director of diagnostics at UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health. Murad will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of all diagnostic imaging services. He brings over 35 years of experience in imaging and healthcare to his new role.
The Town of Litchfield Board of Selectmen have announced the hiring of Daniel Jones ’16 as its next chief of police. Jones has held a number of positions within multiple law enforcement agencies throughout both Florida and Maine, and will now continue growing his career with his new role serving the state of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, he has taught defensive training, firearms, patrol procedures, defensive tactics, ethics and stress management for both police academies and his own agencies.
Diane Lapierre ’16 has been named director of esports at Assumption University. This role comes after previous roles with esports organization, Supernova and live events company, Nor’easter Gaming. Her professional esports career kicked off after her experience building an esports club on campus while completing her bachelor’s at Husson University. Husson Men’s Basketball’s recent victory over Thomas College marked a historic milestone for the program. Head Coach Warren Caruso ’89, ’08G, ’18G now holds the record for the most wins in program history. He eclipsed the previous record of 554 victories held by former coach Bruce MacGregor in what is his 30th coaching season.
Sandra Fortin ’18 hosted a talk titled “Touched by Nature” at the Bar Harbor Garden Club earlier this month. She is the founder of Energy Elements in Winter Harbor, a success she partially attributes to an internship she completed while a student at Husson. She is also the founder of The Green Gem Holistic Healing Oasis, a wellness and alternative healing center in Bangor.
Haley Richardson ’19 is a teacher in a life skills program at Captain Albert Stevens School in Belfast, Maine, where she teaches grades 2-5. She loves working with her students, particularly knowing she’s teaching them skills and knowledge that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
First National Bank recently appointed Carter LaPointe ’19, ’19G as assistant branch manager based in Brewer, Maine. A Maine native, LaPointe also volunteers for events with FUSION:Bangor.
Charlena Capozzi ’19 recently completed a quilt featuring many of the t-shirts she accumulated from her time at Husson. She lived on campus during her entire college career, was involved with the Art & Design Club, Dance Team, ResLife and Student Activities and worked in the Sawyer Library. Taking on the project was a fun challenge as she had to reteach herself how to sew since her late grandmother taught her as a child. The project took the back burner in 2020 when she ended up sewing over 2,600 masks for her community during the pandemic, but the king-size quilt is now complete.
2020s
Adirondack Health has named registered nurse Nickole “Kiki” Andronica ’20 as the 25th annual recipient of the Meghan E. Handler “Excellence in Nursing” memorial award. The award was established by
Dr. Richard and Leslie Handler in memory of their daughter, Meghan. It is given annually to a registered nurse employed by Adirondack Health with one to three years of professional experience. The recipient must show a commitment to improving and expanding their knowledge base, excellent technical skills and efficiency, as well as demonstrate compassion and rapport with patients’ families, significant others and colleagues. Andronica came to Adirondack Medical Center in 2022, beginning in the intensive care unit and then cross training to the PACU. She continues to work in both the ICU and the PACU.
The University of Maine recently announced the promotion of Caleb Whittemore ’20, ’20G to assistant director for ticket sales and operations. In this role, he will manage all aspects of the Maine Athletic box office for all ticket sports and lead all strategic ticket revenue approaches for the department. He is happy to achieve a longtime goal of his, which was to positively impact athletics in his home state of Maine.
Alan Beatty ’21 started his own non-profit organization to benefit the greater Bangor community. Not Your Average Nurses Foundation was created after Beatty found himself inspired by community service work he’d completed and wanted to continue to help those around him in any way he could. The foundation is still in its early stages, but having officially recruited board members, they are currently working on finalizing the foundation’s goals and planning their upcoming fundraisers and other initiatives that will support the people of Bangor and beyond.
Connor Archer ’21, ’21G is the founder and CEO of the Courageous Steps Project, an organization that aims to support inclusive learning projects in Maine. Archer was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and remained nonverbal until age 5. Throughout high school and college, he found digital translation tools helpful in many of his writing assignments and has since advocated for improved accessibility and inclusivity measures in public schools, hoping to increase the amount and quality of resources offered to other neurodivergent students.
Sarah Hubert ’22G was recently promoted to interim principal at Wiscasset High School (Maine) after serving the school and its students as assistant principal and athletic director since this past September. School Superintendent Kim Andersson said that Hubert “has been a steady lead our middle high school needed over the past [several] months to guide us through some
TKE Student Emergency Endowment Fund Taking Shape
A new fund for Husson University students is helping students facing emergency situations.
Members of the former TKE Fraternity at Husson have banded together to create the TKE Student Emergency Endowment Fund, which will provide funds for unforeseen financial emergencies such as car repairs or purchasing bus passes.
The fund was the idea of Steve Hammond ’72 and Martha Deschaines ’70 ‘73, who met at Husson in 1971 and were married in 1975. The couple attended Homecoming in 2022, wanting to find a way to help students who needed a hand. There, they met Sarah Robinson, vice president for advancement, and learned how some Husson students were living in difficult circumstances. She, in turn, introduced the couple to Troy Morehouse, associate director
of student life, whose office has oversight for all student needs outside of the classroom and playing fields. As part of his work, he helps students needing short-term assistance for immediate needs that affect their health, well-being and academic success. Students come directly to Student Life or get referred to them from other areas across campus. Each request for assistance gets reviewed and if granted is usually for small amounts.
After attending the TKE Reunion, the first held in Bangor some 20 years since the fraternity was last on campus, Hammond considered how all the alumni brothers could share in building a tribute to their fraternity and expand the university’s ability to help present and future students.
Rob Rademacher ‘73 and Charlie Muller ’75 agreed to work with Steve to create the TKE Student Emergency Endowment Fund. An Endowment Work Group was formed, bringing in Michael Simon ’74, Glen Hockley ’75, Larry Isaacson ’70 and Al Galinot ’72 and it has been tireless in efforts to make the TKE Student Emergency Endowment Fund a reality.
The group set a donation goal of $250,000 and have raised $150,000 in donations and pledges so far. All alumni are welcome to contribute to the new fund.
Contact tkeendowmentfund@gmail.com with any questions.
turbulent waters. She is a clear choice.”
Hubert will continue to help increase the school’s ability to meet the needs of students by building and strengthening close community partnerships with local organizations.
Maine Climate Council met with Kassie Murch ’22 to discuss navigating the world of “green jobs” in Maine. Kassie works for Maine Public as a social video specialist. Before her current position, she didn’t have a background in sustainability but she always considered it something important. She enjoys her role where she gets to combine her interest in sustainability with being creative and telling stories.
Karagan McGlauflin ’23, ’23G is one of the dedicated team members in charge of organizing events at the Cross Insurance Center. As an event manager, McGlauflin uses her expertise to ensure the event planning journey runs smoothly for all clients.
From college football to the Australian Football League – Nicolas Visser ’24 has signed on with the Graz Giants on a oneyear deal. Vissar played football for three years at Husson and said he enjoyed his time as an Eagle and believes it was great practice and preparation for the next step in his journey.
Roslyn Soper ’24 has been hired at Flyte New Media as a junior digital marketer. Before graduating, Soper served as an account executive at One College Circle, Husson’s student-run marketing agency, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses to help enhance their marketing strategies.
2nd Lt. Abbey Prescott ’22 received the Inpatient DAISY Award for her outstanding dedication and compassion as a nurse. Prescott works in the medical surgical pediatric unit at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and was selected out of 124 nurses nominated for the award. This
honor recognizes nurses who exemplify extraordinary compassionate care of patients in their charge and is used by 5,400 healthcare facilities worldwide.
St. Lawrence University has launched a study focused on acknowledging the importance of mental health in the wake of the tragic losses of two athletes to suicide within their community. Cheyenne Young ’23, assistant volleyball coach at St. Lawrence and former Volleyball player at Husson, urges the NCAA to have more resources available to athletes who may be struggling. “If you tear your ACL there’s a nine-month rehab – [but] there isn’t a technical program like that for mental health,” Young said. With suicide rates among people of all ages in the US having increased over the past two decades, she is an advocate for athletes and strives to create a culture within her team where mental health is prioritized without the stigma.
Young Alumni – Where Are They Now...
Cindy Miller ’20
Growing up, Cindy Miller was certain she wanted to be a meteorologist.
“But then when I was 14, I took a video class and that was it,” she said, chuckling.
Miller graduated from the New England School of Communications in 2020 with a B.S. in video production.
“Unfortunately, it was right in the middle of the pandemic,” she said. “Trying to find a job in production during that time was tough because everything was shut down.”
Then, out of the blue, she received a message on her LinkedIn account.
“It was a recruiter from Disney,” Miller explained. “They saw my resume and were impressed with all of my experience. They wanted
to know if I was interested in working for ESPN.”
Miller was convinced it was a scam.
“I’m like, there’s no way that this lady from Disney is reaching out to me about a job,” she said, laughing.
Three months and several interviews later, Miller began work as a technical director at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. Two years in, she is now the exclusive technical director for the NBA Finals Post Show and one of the primary operators for Monday Night Football’s Post Show.
Louisa Colucci ’22
“Everyone at [ESPN] made me feel welcomed right from the start,” said Miller. “Like ‘we chose you for a reason. We know you can do this.’”
While studying undergraduate health sciences at Husson University, Louisa Colucci and a doctoral student from the University of Maine partnered on a research project, looking at antiinflammatory phytonutrients found in broccoli sprouts.
The year after she graduated, Colucci’s findings from her research capstone project were published not once, but twice.
“The elective research opportunity at Husson University allowed a collaboration with the University of Maine Department of Food and Agriculture,” she said. “I was exposed to the sequential process of research design, scientific writing and symposium presentations. This was an opportunity outside of my normal undergraduate curriculum that I hold close to my heart.”
After school, Colucci bulked up her experience even more by working as
a certified nurse assistant at Maine Medical Center on the neurosurgical and joint replacement floors. She also volunteers as a blood donor ambassador for the American Red Cross, something Colucci started doing while at Husson. And last year, she started a nonprofit to provide optical healthcare in Micronesia, a country in Oceania.
Colucci knew she wanted to work in medicine from a young age. This summer she took a giant step towards that, starting classes at Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“My ultimate goal is to become an osteopathic physician since their holistic mindset has always aligned with my mentality,” Colucci said. “I plan on getting a Masters in public health as well, so I have knowledge to advocate for underserved populations.”
Madison (Morano) Raymond ’22
On the move is Madison (Morano) Raymond’s mantra for life. In 2022, she received a degree from Husson University’s School of Nursing as well as the prestigious Colonel Tanya Wahlberg Nurse Cadet Excellence Award.
After graduation, Raymond moved out to the west coast to work at Madigan Army Medical Center.
“I am in the ICU stepdown unit,” she said. “I have the privilege of precepting other young LTs who are orienting to the floor.”
This year she completed two more milestones — being promoted to first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and getting married.
And now, she’s preparing for yet another move — to Hawaii.
“I will be stationed with my husband at Tripler Army Medical Center,” she said. “I have asked to be placed on the
Mother Baby unit as a stepping stone into the Labor and Delivery specialty.”
While at TAMC, Raymond will also be a part of the 197th Medical Detachment Hospital, a field hospital in Korea. “I will work full time at TAMC when I am not deployed or
Hannah Holtz, Esq. ’19
Ask Hannah Holtz who she credits for her success in school and you may be surprised at the answer.
“I am really thankful for Husson University’s Financial Aid Department.” she said. “I put myself through college and law school and without my financial aid package at Husson, I would not have been able to attend.”
Holtz graduated summa cum laude from Husson with a degree in Criminal Justice. She went on to attend the University of Mississippi School of Law. Holtz spent a summer as the Advocacy Director Law Clark at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York.
doing field exercises with my unit,” she explained.
She credits her hard work at both Husson’s School of Nursing and ROTC with “setting me up for success in more ways than one.”
“While there, I conducted legal research into the Violence Against Women Act and the Fair Housing Act,” she said
Holtz graduated cum laude from law school in 2022. In January of this year, she officially added esquire to her name. Holtz is currently working as a Senior Policy Analyst at LMI Consulting in D.C.
“While my career does not include the practice of law at the moment, I find that I utilize skills learned in my legal training on a daily basis,” Holtz said. “Ultimately, I could not be happier with the career path my degrees have led me.”
Alumni & Friends Regional Events
President Clark’s Farewell Tour of Florida
This spring, over 50 alumni were able to bid adieu to President Robert Clark during his farewell tour of Florida. Here is a link to all the photos from the events.
After cheering on the Red Sox in West Palm Beach, Honorary Alumna Betty Floris hosted a luncheon for alumni in Jupiter.
An intimate group of alumni from the class years of 1965 to 2001 gathered at the Villages for our annual alumni luncheon, hosted by Adam Kohler ’01.
Joe and Sue Cyr ’20H/’65, ’20H welcomed Husson alumni to their condo in Daytona Beach. Current members of the Husson Alumni Association Board, Cameron Clark ’20, ’20H and Ryan Tribou ’18 joined the group to provide an update on current alumni board activities and initiatives.
New this year, the alumni tour of Florida included a stop in Sarasota, where a lively group of alumni and friends were able to hear about all of President Clark’s accomplishments during his 15-year tenure at Husson University.
The Husson Alumni tour of Florida wouldn’t be complete without a gathering in Fort Myers to cheer on the Red Sox.
Karl and Kathy Ward took advantage of this opportunity to present President Clark with a gift to support Harold Alfond Hall, Husson University’s home for the College of Business. Karl Ward is the President/CEO of Nickerson & O’Day, Inc, a firm that has helped transform campus over the years by renovating the Dickerman Dining Commons, building O’Donnell Commons and the Beardsley Meeting House, home of the Gracie Theatre, and more.
The President’s Farewell Tour concluded with a luncheon hosted by Bruce and Chris MacGregor in Naples.
Husson Alumni Gatherings
Co-hosted by Chris Stevenson ’12G and Sondra Siegel, PT, Ph.D., physical therapy alumni attending the American Physical Therapy Association Conference in Boston joined up with Boston-area Husson alumni at Trillium Fort Point to celebrate 25 of the Physical Therapy program and 125 years of Husson!
In March, a group of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) alumni gathered at Arturo’s Restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida. Arturo’s is owned and operated by TKE alumnus and Husson graduate Vincent Guismondi ’72, his wife Rosaria and their family. TKE alumni have been actively working to reconnect with each other and to find ways to help today’s Husson students, establishing the Tau Kappa Epsilon Student Emergency Endowment Fund.
This May, Marshall Foster ’17, ’17G, Daulton Wickenton ’20, Coach Bruce MacGregor and Lance Bernier ’14 gathered at the wedding of Sarah and Greg Martin ’18 in Delray Beach, Florida.
Husson Football alumni gathered with Coach Clark in Biddeford, Maine. They were able to reminisce about their time at Husson and hear about the Eagles’ upcoming season.
Husson Alumni On Campus
Abby (Wedge) Hill ’13 returned to campus to attend the annual Husson Dance Club Showcase on the Gracie Theatre stage. Abby started the Dance Club in 2010 and Dance Team in 2011. She married Kevin Hall, DPT ’12, ’14G and now lives in Vermont.
On April 23, the Husson Alumni Association officially welcomed the Class of 2024 to the alumni association. To see more photos of the event, click here
Husson alumni, faculty, friends and current students gathered to celebrate 40 years of Nursing at Husson with a traditional tea on Wednesday, April 24. Here is the photo album from the event
If you are interested in networking or connecting with Husson alumni in your area, contact Christine Mihan, Director of Alumni Relations, at mihanc@husson.edu
Make sure to visit www.husson.edu/alumni/events, subscribe to our newsletter at www.husson.edu/alumni/ enewslettersignup, and follow Husson Alumni and Friends on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for information about events in your area.
Gracie Theatre Unveils 2024-25 Season
From Broadway stars to blasts from the past to foot-stomping music, the Gracie Theatre has big plans to entertain greater Bangor with the 2024-25 season.
“It is hardly a cliche to say that the Gracie’s 13th season truly has something for everyone,” said Managing Artistic Director Jeri Misler. “I predict a record number of sell-outs based on previous show reviews.”
The season kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 19 with An Evening with Sydnee Winters: Beyond Broadway. Best known for her Broadway roles as Princess Nala in The Lion King and Angelica Skyler in Hamilton, Winters celebrates her musical journey from growing up in a Caribbean household to leading roles on Broadway. The show will include music from Lessons from a Lady about the life of Lena Horne, along with jazz, R&B and popular hits from the Broadway shows.
Other highlights of the season include the band American Authors, whose hit single Best Day of My Life has been featured in more than 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials and more, on Friday, Nov. 15; Rocky Mountain Christmas, a tribute to John Denver on Thursday, Dec 12; the Banff Film Festival on Wednesday, Feb. 5 and Thursday, Feb. 6; and the Core Ensemble’s production of Unbought, a Music Theatre Piece, on Sunday, Feb. 23.
The season will close with the return of fan favorite Denise Fennell (Late Night Catechism) on Saturday, April 5, with her one-woman comedy, The Bride, Or Does This Dress Make Me Look Married?.
Tickets go on sale on Aug. 9 for the Subscribe for 5 season ticket plan,
which includes premium seats for at least four shows at a 20 percent discount. Single show tickets will be open to the public on Aug. 23. The 13th season is sponsored in part by their current and founding sponsor Bangor Savings Bank.
