Thomas College held its sixth Presidential Inauguration in its 131-year history this spring. Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi was officially inaugurated and welcomed as the President of Thomas College in front of more than 400 guests.
16 Academic News
Thomas College announced a new Provost will join the community in July and announced new academic program offerings in health sciences and clinical mental health counseling.
The Thomas Magazine is published two times per year by Thomas College. Signed letters may be sent to the Editor at Thomas College, 180 West River Road, Waterville, ME 04901 or emailed to pr@thomas.edu. Letters and news items may be edited for length and style.
MISSION
Thomas College prepares students for success in their personal and professional lives, and for leadership and service in their communities.
DEPARTMENTS
3 Letter from the President 8 Graduating Student Spotlights 24 Thomas Athletics 32 Class Notes 35 In Memoriam
ON THE COVER
President Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi poses with her family during the Presidential Inauguration on April 11, 2025, at Thomas College in Waterville. From left to right are MJ Uzzi, Jeannine’s daughter; Heather Sawyer, Jeannine’s wife; Jeannine; and Freddie Uzzi, Jeannine’s son.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kelley B. Shimansky ’89 Chair
Robin G. Goodwin M.B.A. ’90
First Vice-Chair
David C. Pease
Second Vice-Chair
Brian J. King ’93
Secretary & Clerk of the Corporation
Conrad L. Ayotte ’77, H’98
James A. Doyle
William M. Dubay ’72
Holly D. Ferguson ’95, M.B.A. ’96
Michelle T. Hayes ’81, ’83
Charles “Wick” Johnson, III
Meredith H. Jones
Danielle K. Marquis ’99
Dorcas B. Riley
Richard F. Spellman, M.S. ’80
Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, Ph.D.
Kenneth P. Viens H’17
Shelby Watson ‘16, M.B.A. ‘17
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Douglas L. Cutchin H’09
Dr. James W. Hennigar H’03
Susan B. Lavenson H’94
Susan S. Roche
EDITOR
MacKenzie Riley Young
COPY EDITOR
Erin Merrill
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erin Merrill
MacKenzie Oberholzer ’21
Seth Reed
MacKenzie Riley Young
Mack Sampson ’23, M.B.A. ’24
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bismark Akoto ‘26
Mariena Bragg ’19
Haley Campbell M.B.A. ’24
Parker Demelia ’25
MacKenzie Oberholzer ’21
Brianna Roach ‘26
Mack Sampson ’23, M.B.A. ’24
DESIGN
PELLE Graphic Design
Haley Campbell
Letter from the President
ACROSS THE country this spring, college and university students have been submitting final papers, donning robes, and tossing mortarboards into the air. Thomas is still glowing with the excitement of our 131st Commencement Exercises held in May, during which we graduated the largest class in the history of the College. At Commencement, we witnessed moments of joy and pride from our newest alumni and their families that reflect the value and power of higher education.
These past several months at Thomas have been rich with meaningful moments. From the warmth and welcome of my Inauguration in April to cheering on our student-athletes, attending theater and dance performances, and hearing from our student scientists at their spring poster session, I’ve seen the strength of this community on full display. I’ve also had the privilege of hearing from alumni across generations who continue to live out our mission of service, innovation, and community impact. These experiences have affirmed for me just how special—and essential—our college is.
As valuable as we know a college degree can be in nearly every facet of a human life, and as critical as we know our graduates are to their communities and to our economy, today, higher education is facing unprecedented challenges.
This spring, I joined more than 625 presidents of colleges, universities, and educational consortia in signing a letter from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), titled A Call for Constructive Engagement. This letter affirms the need for thoughtful reform and legitimate government oversight of higher education while also
underscoring a foundational principle: colleges and universities must retain the right and responsibility to oversee their own academic programs, research, admissions, faculty, and students. It is a measured, non-partisan message and an increasingly urgent one.
Not long after signing this letter, we learned of proposed cuts to federal funding that would eliminate or significantly reduce the TRIO program, the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and federal work study, all programs that directly support the College’s most vulnerable Maine students, the very students who stand to benefit most from higher education. At Thomas, 73% of our graduates stay in Maine—a record among our peers—and their success strengthens both the workforce and the economy of our state.
Graduation season is an important reminder of the collective value we place on higher education. If higher education is to remain the powerful bridge it has been between individual potential and community progress, we must defend its independence, expand its accessibility, and meaningfully invest in its future.
At Thomas, we see the transformative power of education every day, and we rely on the support of our amazing community to make our mission possible. Thomas College students—and students across Maine and beyond—deserve every opportunity to pursue their dreams, maximize their potential, and create the future they envision.
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, President
MORE THAN 400 PEOPLE attended Thomas College President Jeannine Diddle Uzzi’s inauguration on Friday, April 11 at Thomas College.
Dr. Uzzi was welcomed and inaugurated in front of Thomas College students, staff, board, faculty, friends of the College, and community members. Dr. Uzzi is the sixth President in Thomas College’s 131-year history and officially began her Presidential duties on November 1, 2024.
Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi is Officially Sworn-in
Thomas College Holds 6th Presidential Inauguration in 131-Year History
Speakers during the event included Rabbi Rachel Issacs, Beth Israel Congregation; Jared Cash, Mitchell Institute; Mary Jane (MJ) Uzzi, President Uzzi’s daughter; Kelley Shimansky, Thomas College Board of Trustees Chair; students Abby Farone and Cole Ellis; Professor Dr. Alicia McCarthy; and President Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi.
The event included a procession of students, faculty, board members and dignitaries from more than 10 higher education institutions. The procession was led by the Anah Highlanders.
“It was an honor to officially welcome and celebrate Thomas College’s new President Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi during her inauguration,” said Thomas College Board Chair Kelley Shimansky.
“Jeannine’s demonstrated leadership skills, collaborative nature, and commitment to the value of higher education makes her a great fit at Thomas College. Her energy and enthusiasm over her first several months at Thomas have already made a great impact.”
“I am proud of the legacy of Thomas College, proud of all Thomas has given to the state of Maine, and I am honored to
have the privilege of leading the school into its next decade and bright future,” said President Dr. Uzzi.
“I am proud of the legacy of Thomas College, proud of all Thomas has given to the state of Maine, and I am honored to have the privilege of leading the school into its next decade and bright future,” said President Dr. Uzzi.
“Thomas College has the kind of culture you can’t manufacture and you can’t purchase, and this is why we are here. We gathered together today to foresee the successful future of Thomas College. Like most other institutions of higher education, Thomas is facing challenges we could not have imagined a decade ago. We are small; we don’t have a huge bank account; we have to adapt to an external environment we do not control and that may not favor us. The culture of Thomas College is powerful, and this culture is the thing that will bring us new students, new employees, new partners, and new funding,” said Dr. Uzzi. n
THE 2025 CELEBRATING
GRADUATES
Thomas College Graduates Largest Class in History
THOMAS COLLEGE HOSTED the Class of 2025 graduates and their guests in May at the Alfond Athletic Center on campus in Waterville. Two hundred and fortysix total graduates including those from undergraduate and graduate programs processed at Thomas College’s 131st Commencement . This is the largest class to graduate from Thomas College. The Commencement Address was
delivered by Betsy Biemann , CEO at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI). The undergraduate student speech was delivered by Emilee Ireland, Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Howland, Maine, and the graduate student speech was delivered by Molly Sottak , Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Belmont, New Hampshire. Honorary degree
recipients included Betsy Biemann , Laurie G. Lachance , and Charles “Wick” Johnson III, with more details listed here
Assisting the graduating class this year as marshals was Abby Farone from Sandown, New Hampshire, and Nick Weiss from Winslow, Maine.
The six Thomas Scholars, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement at the baccalaureate level, included: Jade Crowell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Greene, Maine; Libby Forgues, Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lewiston, Maine; Olivia Martin, Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education – English from Stow, Maine; Renee McDonald, Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Fairfield, Maine; Vanessa Richards, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop, Maine; and Taylor Sullivan, Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Analysis from Old Town, Maine. n
73% of Thomas graduates stay in Maine.
The Class of 2025 were from
75%
15 counties in Maine
14 states outside of Maine
Seven countries outside of the U.S.
of undergraduate students graduated with honors (a GPA of 3.2 or higher).
Working Hard Does Pay Off
GRADUATING STUDENT
PARKER
DESJARDINS
’25 was recently selected for Bangor Savings Bank’s prestigious Management Trainee Program. Desjardins, a finance major, was one of five selected for the 2025 cohort out of 120 candidates.
“I am super excited about this opportunity. Bangor Savings Bank is a great company, and being part of the Management Trainee Program is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience, build new skills, and work with people who are passionate about making a difference in their communities,” said Desjardins. “I’m very proud to earn a spot in this program. It’s a competitive opportunity, and it feels great to see my hard work in the classroom, on the basketball court, and during internships pay off. It shows that staying focused and putting in the effort really does make a difference.”
While at Thomas College, Desjardins studied finance, played basketball, and interned with Dexter Entreprises.
“Parker Desjardins is the epitome of a hardworking, humble, and driven student. He regularly sought guidance and opportunities to grow—and more importantly, he followed through. From interning with Dexter Enterprise and
GRADUATING STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Parker Desjardins ’25
“From the classroom to internships to athletics, I’ve had a well-rounded experience that has prepared me for what’s next.”
One
River Accounting to helping lead the Men’s Basketball team, Parker consistently demonstrated strong leadership, time management, and dedication. He took feedback with grace and used it to continually level up. His curiosity, grit, and determination truly reflect what’s possible when you take your collegiate experience and squeeze every ounce of opportunity out of it. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him, and I couldn’t be prouder to see him step into the prestigious Management Trainee position with Bangor Savings Bank. I hope Parker’s story inspires
others to take full advantage of the resources available through PCD and beyond, and to create bright futures for themselves, too,” said Thomas College Director of Professional and Career Development Amanda Wrigley.
“I’m thankful for everything Thomas has done to help me grow—personally, academically, and professionally. From the classroom to internships to athletics, I’ve had a well-rounded experience that has prepared me for what’s next. I’m excited for the future and proud to represent Thomas as I take this next step in my career,” he said. n
Transferred to Thomas College to Find a Better Fit
GRADUATING STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Amanda Grant ’25
AMANDA GRANT ‘25 TRANSFERRED to Thomas College in the Fall of 2022 from a college where she did not have a great experience. She was worried about fitting in here, too.
“I quickly learned that the humble and small Thomas College community is far different from the hectic and overwhelming aspects that I was used to. At Thomas, I flourished. I made friends on my first day of classes whom I still actively speak to, I have held a high GPA since my transfer, and I like to believe that I have made a positive impact on the Thomas College community,” she said.
Amanda is a computer science tutor, a student assistant and enrolled student as a part of the TRIO SSS program, and an active member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.
“My favorite thing about Thomas is the one-on-one connections I have made with faculty, staff, and students. Most colleges are unable to have one-on-one connections with their students since their population is large and demanding. At Thomas we make those connections daily, whether it be with professors, students, staff, or even visitors to campus. Having these connections has only made my education and experience at Thomas more valuable, and I couldn’t ask for better people to have these connections with,” she said.
This summer, Amanda is interning with Spurwink’s IT Applications Department in Portland, Maine. n
“At Thomas I flourished. These connections have only made my education and experience more valuable.”
A Future Career in Maine Wildlife Conservation
GRADUATING STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Mary LaRochelle ’24, M.B.A. ’25
MARY LAROCHELLE ’24, M.B.A. ’25 says she grew and learned so much during her time at Thomas College—both in athletics and academics.
“I made amazing friends and improved so much as an athlete. I was able to accomplish several milestones in lacrosse, hitting 100 goals, draw controls, and ground balls during my senior year season. I was also privileged to serve as a captain for two years on the lacrosse team, and for one year on the soccer team,” she said.
In the classroom, Mary studied criminal justiceconservation law for her bachelor’s degree and this year, she is completing her MBA with a concentration in criminal justice administration.
“I have learned so much from my amazing professors here at Thomas, like Dr. Mark Marsolais, and what I have learned has fully prepared me for the field I wish to go into,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, she was able to intern with Muscongus Bay Aquaculture, an Oyster/Shellfish farm in Maine.
“This internship taught me so much about conservation efforts surrounding aquaculture. I wouldn’t have been able to find this internship and gain so much knowledge from this experience if it wasn’t for Thomas College,” said Mary.
“I am very passionate about Maine wildlife, which is why I chose the major I did. Our state has such a wide array of unique flora and fauna, and I enjoy being around all types,” she said.
“This internship taught me so much about conservation efforts surrounding aquaculture. I wouldn’t have been able to find this internship and gain so much knowledge from this experience if it wasn’t for Thomas College.”
Looking back on her time at Thomas College, she said it was a great environment for her: “I really love how open and accepting Thomas is. The community is really diverse. I was able to meet a lot of different people with so many different experiences than my own, and I honestly think I learned almost as much from my peers about life as I did from my professors and coaches.”
After graduation, Mary hopes to pursue a career in Maine wildlife conservation and to work with land-based mammals. She’ll also be coaching the JV girl’s lacrosse team at Morse High School in Bath, Maine. n
Expanding Future Opportunities
JENNI GREENLAW M.S. ED. ’25 , WALKED ACROSS THE STAGE at Commencement this year with her master’s degree in education. A fifth-grade teacher at James H Bean Elementary School in Sidney, Jenni said she decided to complete the program to gain a higher level of knowledge within her field and expand her future employment opportunities.
’24
GRADUATING STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“I am proud of completing my degree, while working full time, raising my daughters and supporting my family throughout their own endeavors,” said Jenni.
Jenni Greenlaw M.S. Ed. ’25
She said her professors at Thomas College were very understanding and helped her balance her time while she was working full-time and parenting while working towards her degree, and she really appreciated that.
“I am passionate about guiding children to build future stories for themselves and set goals to someday turn their stories into reality,” said Jenni.
Congrats, Jenni! n
Transforming into a Confident Scientist
ABIGAIL DULAC ’24 started her college career as a nervous student, unsure of what to expect. She says she still remembers sitting in her First-Year Experience class, not fully grasping the significance of what she was learning until her final year.
Now, only a few months after graduating from Thomas College, Abigail has secured a job as a Microbiologist at Poland Spring.
Abigail says thanks to her professors Dr. Allison Moloney and Dr. Alicia McCarthy, during her time at Thomas she rediscovered her love for science, and they helped her realize it was what she truly wanted to pursue.
While at Thomas, she interned at the Genotyping Center of America where she gained invaluable hands-on experience. During a microbiology course with Dr. Moloney, she discovered her passion for the subject, which led her to apply for the microbiologist position at Poland Spring.
“Thomas College helped to bring my future within reach by giving me the support, opportunities, and confidence to grow,” said Abigail. “Professors like Dr. Moloney and Dr. McCarthy reignited my passion for science, and the new lab spaces allowed me to expand my education beyond what was originally offered. The hands-on experiences, from labs to my internship, gave me the skills I needed to step into my career with confidence.”
Abigail said that at Thomas College, she transformed not only as a professional but also as a person.
“More than anything, Thomas College and the community within it helped me believe in myself. I went from feeling unsure of my abilities to knowing I could take on challenges, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward. That foundation gave me the courage to pursue opportunities like my new microbiologist position and continue building a career I’m proud of,” she said. n
A Fresh Start
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Matthew Foster M.B.A. ’20
WHEN MATTHEW FOSTER
M.B.A. ’20 was ten years into his career as Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Farmington, a few mentors encouraged him to pursue a master’s in business administration degree to help open up future opportunities.
All three of his mentors had gone to Thomas for their part-time MBA program and recommended it highly. As a working father of three children at the time, he decided to go for it and ended up completing his degree in two and a half years.
“Not only do I feel like I received a great education, but I also left Thomas with a strong network. The parttime MBA program was full of other professionals like me. They had children, busy jobs, and were spending many nights and weekends studying just like me. I met people from all over the state who all had such diverse backgrounds. I still stay in touch with several of them, building a nice network of successful professionals to lean on,” said Matthew. Since graduating from Thomas, Matthew now has a new job as the Supervisor of the State of Maine’s OffRoad Vehicle ATV Program and oversee the State’s six thousand mile network of ATV trails while also managing contracts, construction projects, and approximately 5 million dollars in grant programs to help support and maintain
“Even though it was one of the hardest things I have done, joining Thomas College turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Instead of feeling like I am a middle-aged man settling into my career, I feel like I have a fresh start, and this is just the beginning for me.”
the state’s ATV network.
“I am most proud of the positive relationships I was able to build with co-workers, other organizations, and the public that I have served for over 15 years, providing recreational opportunities to the people of Maine. My coursework at Thomas focused on organizational culture, human resource management, financial management, and administration, which I believe helped me to become a greater asset to my employer as well as my employees,” said Matthew.
Overall, Matthew is glad that he took on such a big task of getting his MBA while being a working parent.
“Having such a flexible part-time MBA program that was full of other like-minded professionals was so
valuable. Networking with others was easy, and the learning environment was superb, but the professors were the real highlight,” said Matthew. “All of the staff were professional, accommodating, and understanding of the difficulties that come with challenging yourself to pursue higher education while working full-time and being a father, husband, etc.
The professors constantly challenged me, showing me that I was more capable than I had previously thought. Even though it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, joining Thomas College turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Instead of feeling like I am a middle-aged man settling into my career, I feel like I have a fresh start, and this is just the beginning for me.” n
Creating the Foundation to Build a Meaningful Career
MORE THAN TWO DECADES
after graduating from Thomas College, Justin Michaud ’02 has built a successful career in business and technology for the K-12 public sector.
When Justin attempted to enter the job market in 2002, he relied on the Professional and Career Development Office to help him identify job opportunities, fine-tune his resume, and build his interview skills.
“Their guidance gave me the confidence and tools I needed to successfully navigate the job search and take the next step in my career,” said Justin.
Shortly after graduating and working in the private sector, he moved to Alaska to join the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District’s (MSBSD) Information Technology Department.
“Transitioning into public education wasn’t something I had initially planned, but I quickly found it rewarding to support schools and students through IT,” he said.
While working there, he got his MBA in Technology Management and continued to grow within the IT Department in various roles. In 2019, he earned his Project Management
Professional (PMP) certification.
In 2025, he took on a new challenge by moving out of the IT department and becoming the school district’s Senior Manager, Business & Operations.
“This position is allowing me to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve developed over the years to support the district in a wider capacity, helping improve operations and contribute to the success of students and staff across the district,” he said.
“I’m most proud of the growth and progression I’ve experienced throughout my career. I’ve been able to step outside of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and continue learning along the way. Earning my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification was an important milestone, and stepping outside my comfort zone has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. These experiences, along with adapting to changes over the years, have helped me take on more leadership and responsibility. I’m also proud of how I’ve been able to apply my skills to support public education—helping improve systems, operations, and outcomes that ultimately benefit students, staff, and the community,” said Justin.
“Thomas College provided a supportive environment that helped me
“Growing up in a small town in Aroostook County, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but Thomas College provided the guidance and support I needed to find my path.”
grow both personally and professionally. I made meaningful connections with students, staff, and faculty who encouraged me along the way. Those relationships, along with the resources and opportunities Thomas offered, gave me the confidence and tools to launch my career,” he said. “I transferred to Thomas College after earning two associate degrees from Northern Maine Technical College, and the transition was a great experience that helped me further my education. Growing up in a small town in Aroostook County, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but Thomas College provided the guidance and support I needed to find my path. That foundation helped lead me to where I am today, and I’ve been fortunate to build a meaningful career working in the K-12 public sector.” n
Justin Michaud ’02
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
10 Years as Pioneer of 3-Year Degrees THOMAS COLLEGE CELEBRATES
TEN YEARS AGO, Thomas College launched its threeyear bachelor’s degree program within the H. Allen Ryan School of Business with the support of the Davis Educational Foundation.
The Kiest-Morgan Scholar program was one of the first programs of its kind in the country. It offered high-achieving
students the opportunity to complete their Bachelor’s in three years. Coupled with the Accelerated MBA, the students can complete their Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Business in Administration degrees in four years or less.
Since then, Thomas College has expanded the three-year option to almost all academic programs and added a +1 (one year) graduate program offering. Thomas continues to be one of
only a handful of colleges in the country with this degree and offers the only one of its kind in Maine.
Over the last decade, the program has grown in popularity with 36 percent of the current undergraduates enrolled. Kiest-Morgan Scholars are students who demonstrate high potential for academic achievement. Entering firstyear students must have a minimum GPA of 3.4 and a record of rigorous coursework. Aligned with the growth
of the program, the overall average GPA for the entering class at Thomas has risen from 2.8 to 3.47.
With the cost of college challenging for many of Thomas’ students, families are looking for ways to get a higher education more economically. The trend of early college credits earned during high school to save on college costs is still popular. In Fall 2024, nearly 40 percent of the entering class at Thomas started college with almost a semester’s worth of early college credits.
Combining the credits already earned with the 3+1 program allows students to maximize their learning while being cognizant of the financial impact it will have when they graduate. “The three plus one program saved me well over
$30,000 on my schooling compared to if I had received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in six years,” said Senior Operational Trainer at United Healthcare Kaitlyn Rourke ’18, M.B.A. ’19. “This program was a much better valueadded program when compared to other schools’ offerings while providing me with an academic challenge.”
Many students take advantage of the three-year bachelor’s degree to pair it with a one-year master’s degree to enhance their earning potential even more. “When Thomas presented the option of the 3+1 program, in addition to all the other ways they supported me, I knew it was obvious this was my place. And I wasn’t wrong, as here I am, a 23-year-old woman,
already on her third year in the field,” said Waterville Senior High School Science Teacher Noel (Frith) Glowa ‘22, MS. Ed. ’23.
The success of the Kiest-Morgan Scholar program is just another example of how Thomas College helps students reach their full potential: “Thomas really places a focus on reaching for what you want. All of my professors encouraged me to go after my dreams. I think this program really helps people who are driven get where they want to go on the quickest path possible,” said Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Miranda Hall ’16, MBA ’17, CPA. n
“I chose Thomas College because of the three plus one program. Thomas really places a focus on reaching for what you want. I think this program really helps people who are driven get where they want to go on the quickest path possible.”
—MIRANDA HALL ’16, MBA ’17, CPA, Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Kaitlyn Rourke
Miranda Hall
Noel Firth
THOMAS COLLEGE STUDENTS
at International Business Competition Eight Years in a Row Win Top Awards
Not all team members are pictured here. Missing are: Brooke Blockler, Shawn Von Oesen, and Cole Ellis.
THOMAS COLLEGE STUDENTS won top awards for the eighth year in a row in this year’s Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) International Business Conference this spring in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Thomas College team, made up of undergraduate and graduate students, earned various team and individual awards this year. For overall team recognition in the open division, they placed 2nd and 3rd place in the undergraduate division. The written case competition undergraduate division team placed 3rd and 2nd place for case presentation undergrad division. In the case presentation open division, they earned 1st place.
For individual awards, Jade Crowell placed 2nd place for overall individual recognition and 2nd overall for the knowledge bowl open division. Rossalyn Buck placed 2nd for extemporaneous speech undergraduate division and Kayla Weber finished 4th place for
knowledge bowl undergraduate division.
The Thomas College student team was coached by Thomas College professors Dr. Rick Saucier, Dr. Jono Anzalone, and Dr. Alyssa Dassa.
This annual series of competitions, reaching back over 40 years, is organized by the Society for Advancement of Management, the oldest management organization in the country, and provides an opportunity for students to showcase existing skills and further develop fundamental skills for business success. College students from across the globe compete each year.
The full Thomas College team of Rossalyn Buck, of Mapleton, ME; Caleb Daigneault, of Cornville, ME; Brooke Blockler, of Sangerville, ME; Shawn
Von Oesen, of Unity, ME; Krista Staples, of Morrill, ME; Kayla Weber, of Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; Jade Crowell, of Greene, ME; Preston Moody, of Winslow, ME; and Cole Ellis, of Searsport, ME, competed in categories consisting of a written case study, a case study presentation, a business knowledge bowl, and an extemporaneous speech.
“The students’ strong work ethic prior to the competitions allowed them to put together effective presentations that were recognized by the judges. Other colleges and members of SAM commented on the maturity and professionalism that the Thomas College students brought to the competitions. Jade was especially noticed by the President and officers of SAM for the breadth and depth of her business knowledge. Once again, our business students have proven they can compete with anyone, anywhere,” said advisor and Thomas College professor Dr. Rick Saucier.
“My teammates and I put in so much time and effort preparing for our competitions, so seeing it all pay off like
JADE CROWELL
ROSSALYN BUCK
KAYLA WEBER
KRISTA STAPLES
PRESTON MOODY
CALEB DAIGNEAULT
“It feels great to be winners of this international competition. Competing at an international competition like SAM and coming out as winners shows our ability to stand out among students from all around the world,” said Kayla Weber.
this feels amazing,” said Rossalyn Buck. “Thomas College has equipped me with the skills and resources to perform well in the classroom and then apply them to real-world scenarios as presented at the competition.”
“Overall, SAM was truly a wonderful experience I am grateful to have participated in. These wins will look impressive on our resumes and can really show potential employers the level of business Thomas students are capable of succeeding in. We got to travel, show off our skills, interact with other high performance business schools, and
received an experience you will struggle to find anywhere else,” said Shawn Von Oesen.
“Being surrounded by so many intelligent students and advisors forced me to really put my best foot forward and brought the best out of me. I could sense the same feeling in my teammates as well so being able to see my friends and teammates rise to another level made me proud,” said Caleb Daigneault.
“Winning multiple awards at SAM was very rewarding because we were competing against many schools bigger than Thomas College,” said Krista Staples.
“It feels great to be winners of this international competition. Competing at an international competition like SAM and coming out as winners shows our ability to stand out among students from all around the world,” said Kayla Weber. “Thomas College created a strong foundation of knowledge that helped to prepare us better for the competition. Also, the support from various professors really played a big role in our success.”
“Thomas College has helped guide me into a position of confidence that has allowed me to compete at this national level,” said Preston Moody.
Thomas College’s H. Allen Ryan School of Business is award-winning and has undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, management and more. n
Learn more at thomas.edu/academics/ school-of-business.
Faculty Spotlight Dr. Alicia McCarthy
THE FIRST RULE when taking a class with Dr. Alicia McCarthy: wear comfortable shoes. More than likely, you won’t be sitting in a seat, and you probably won’t even be in the classroom. From learning how to take photos and fingerprints of mock crime scenes, to how to take shoe prints in the snow, Dr. McCarthy’s classes are full of energy.
Dr. McCarthy, Professor of Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, has been teaching for 14 years, six of those here at Thomas College.
“It’s a joy and a privilege to be able to work with young people,” she said. “It reminds you that you’re not young anymore. Just to see them get that spark of excitement when learning something new is so rewarding.”
Dr. McCarthy says throughout her career, she has become a better educator and advisor.
“I’m a different teacher than I was in the beginning. I was very serious and probably dry,” she said. “I’ve learned through professional development opportunities and experience that building a relationship by sharing who I am as a person really lends itself to student learning. If students can find you interesting, compassionate and funny, they tend to be more engaged.”
Dr. McCarthy wasn’t always a teacher. She is a forensic scientist by trade and spent the first part of her career working for the Maine Crime Lab, collecting and analyzing data from crime scenes and testifying in court.
Dr. McCarthy found her way to becoming a forensic scientist because of her interest in science.
“I was drawn to science originally
because I was good at it and there is always a correct answer,” she said.
For her undergraduate degree, Dr. McCarthy studied statistics and chemistry. After, she realized her degree was too broad and decided to get her master’s in forensic science.
“I thought it would suit me because I get bored very easily and no two cases are the same,” said Dr. McCarthy.
She found she loved it: “It’s such a dynamic job. You get to work with police officers who have a very different purpose. You get to work with lawyers who are very smart but don’t do science. You get to look at 12 members of a jury that can’t ask you any questions and you have to impart communication in one direction that could be for something potentially really serious – like a life sentence.”
Eventually, Dr. McCarthy found herself looking for a new challenge. So,
while still working at the Crime Lab, she studied to get another master’s degree.
Once a month she travelled to a sheriff’s office or police department to teach a workshop on skills like fingerprinting or forensic photography. She also began teaching courses at the Maine Police Academy.
Her boss noticed that she was not around as much as before and suggested that maybe teaching was something she wanted to do full-time. So, she decided to reach out to her old professors at her alma mater to see if they wanted to develop a forensic science program. That ended up working out and she worked there for eight years to develop the program.
In 2019, Dr. McCarthy joined Thomas College to be closer to home and has loved the change.
“I really love my colleagues. I love my office. I love that I get to live and work in the same town. I love that I feel supported
Dr. Alicia McCarthy and a few of her students went to Boston to be part of the New England Innocence Project’s press release on the recent overturning of Edward Wright’s conviction. Mr. Wright has maintained his innocence and has been incarcerated for 40 years for a crime he did not commit. Dr. McCarthy worked on this case from 2020-2023, and with this break in the case, she will use it as a teaching tool in her forensic science classes. The students also had a tour of the First Circuit Court and sat in on a portion of a civil trial.
here. And I love that I’ve developed most of the classes that I teach,” she said.
Dr. McCarthy said that since she started at Thomas College there has been a lot of growth in science including new grants, science lab spaces and
Dr. Alicia McCarthy was recently featured on CBS’s 48 Hours as an expert in footprint analysis. Watch later on their website
Dr. McCarthy played a key role in the case covered in the episode and she brings that real-world expertise to the classroom.
Plus, her interview for the episode was also filmed on campus in the new science labs earlier this semester.
Link to watch: cbs.com/shows/48_hours
equipment, and faculty members.
“The growth of science at Thomas has been very exciting. I’m so proud that I’ve have the privilege to be a part of it and excited to see where the future takes us!”n
An Approachable Advisor
Faculty Spotlight Dr. Jono Anzalone
PROFESSOR DR. JONO ANZALONE has been a Thomas College business professor for less than two years, and already students are seeking him out to be a part of their events and projects. His chipper and warm personality makes him approachable and someone students gravitate towards.
Throughout the school year, Dr. Anzalone joined students at the International Camden Conference, the Society for Advancement of Management’s International Collegiate Business Skills Championship, and the International Club’s Spring 2025 Fashion Show.
“At Thomas College, it’s a small community where everybody knows everybody. We take care of each other here.”
Prior to joining Thomas College, Dr. Anzalone was a part-time adjunct professor. Before that, he served as the Executive Director of The Climate Initiative, a nonpartisan organization that inspires to educate, empower, and active 10 million youth around climate action by 2025. Dr. Anzalone also had a long tenure with the American Red Cross serving as the Head of Disaster and Crisis, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for the Americas and Caribbean region, based in Panama. He also served as the Vice President of International Services at the American Red Cross based in Washington, DC.
Dr. Anzalone said he wanted to shift his career to teaching because he was looking for something slower paced (he traveled extensively for his previous career) and he values finding out what his greatest contribution can be and then doing that.
Dr. Anzalone grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and lived in the D.C. area. During the pandemic, Dr. Anzalone and his husband decided to move to Maine, where his husband had grown up. It’s been the perfect fit for them.
Dr. Anzalone likes teaching because, “Students are phenomenal. I think the perspectives they bring help us know where they’re wanting to go. Seeing them transgress
and move in their careers or their future, is exciting for me.”
At Thomas College, Dr. Anzalone teaches economics and sustainability classes. He teaches within the School of Business but brings an interdisciplinary approach.
“Most of the classes that they have me teach are about profit maximization and wealth growth. Frankly, it’s about thinking about the nuances around environmental and social impacts and bring an elevated conscious to things I often feel are missing from a lot of business schools,” he said.
Dr. Anzalone says his teaching style has evolved over time into something that’s very hands-on.
“I always tell students, you may hate Economics, but you’re going to love this class,” said Dr. Anzalone. “I’ll do a 15-minute que up of the concepts and then we’ll do some sort of hands-on simulation or game that gets them comfortable with the concepts I’ve talked about. We do role play, games, simulations or new technologies that make these important tools and concepts ‘stick’ for years down the road. So, I try to make my classes fun and exciting while still having academic rigor.”
Dr. Anzalone was a first-generation college student himself and really identifies with the struggles his students face. He has conversations with them about how hard it is, how it’s OK to be confused about what to major in, and he is there for them when they need someone to just listen.
Dr. Anzalone has a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in economics, a certificate in the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, and a doctoral degree in higher education administration and leadership. n
Staff Spotlight David Smith
THOMAS COLLEGE’S Associate Director of Library Services, David Smith recently led the effort for a new material type, Open Resource, to be added to the Minerva cataloging system which enables students and faculty to find materials in the consortium’s shared public catalog.
The Minerva consortium will be the first of its kind in Maine to have this new material type, which will make it easier for everyone to find the resources they are looking for and increase the number of high-quality resources.
This is just one example of how David serves students and the community for accessibility to educational resources.
David is a big advocate for Open Educational Resources for students and faculty on campus.
“These resources help to lower the cost of information and content, and it helps make material more useable,” says David. “For Thomas College, and higher education more generally, it makes education more affordable for our students and gives our faculty greater academic freedom.”
David has been working at Thomas College for almost nine years and has worked as a librarian for more than 20 years.
“I love librarianship for a variety of reasons. I enjoy research in itself but also love helping others find and make use of information,” said David. “Libraries tend to be very cooperative and collaborative which is why I love the library field so much.” n
Dr. Jeremy Qualls
Thomas College Taps
STEM Visionary as New Provost, Launches New Health Degrees Amid Strategic Growth
THIS SPRING, the College announced the appointment of Dr. Jeremy Qualls as its next Provost following a comprehensive national search. A visionary leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Qualls joins the College from the University of Southern Maine and will officially begin his tenure in July of 2025. Prior to joining USM, Dr. Qualls served as Director of Academic Resources and Planning at Sonoma State University in California. At USM he served as Dean and Vice President of Research and Innovation.
Dr. Qualls is known nationally for his work in STEM research, faculty support, and interdisciplinary program building. With a background in physics and a passion for bridging academics and realworld application, he brings a strategic mindset that aligns with the College’s commitment to delivering careerfocused education across a variety of academic disciplines.
“It is a true honor to join Thomas College—an institution with a proud legacy, a vibrant community, and a mission deeply rooted in preparing
students for meaningful success in both their personal and professional lives,” said Dr. Qualls. “I am genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly as we look to grow and expand our academic offerings, including in high-impact areas like STEM, all while honoring our strong foundation in the liberal arts. In a world that is evolving faster than ever, the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy is more important than ever. Together, we will continue to empower our students—not just to build careers, but to lead lives of purpose, resilience, and impact.”
As Provost, Dr. Qualls will serve as Thomas College’s chief academic officer, overseeing academic affairs and leading efforts to enhance academic programs, strengthen faculty support, and deepen community and industry partnerships.
“Dr. Qualls finds great joy in his work, and he brings a rare combination of deep academic experience, innovative thinking, and creative leadership,” said Dr. Jeannine Uzzi, President of Thomas College. “He is always envisioning the future of higher education, and he will ensure that Thomas graduates are prepared to meet the many challenges of the coming decades. Dr. Qualls is the ideal academic leader for this moment in Thomas College’s evolution.”
The College also announced the launch of two new academic programs in high-demand fields: a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences beginning fall of 2025 and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental
Health Counseling scheduled for fall of 2026. These programs complement Thomas College’s longstanding strengths in business, education, and technology and reflect its continued focus on aligning academic offerings with workforce needs in Maine and beyond.
The introduction of the Health Sciences major builds on momentum from last year, when the College received a $1 million grant from the Maine Department of Education to boost science instruction. The investment continued with the opening of new science labs, faculty additions, and the launch of new programs such as Biology. These advancements are part of Thomas College’s broader strategic plan to meet student demand and drive economic impact in Maine.
Dr. Qualls’s prior work includes statewide STEM initiatives, developing new interdisciplinary programs, scientific research, and helping secure major research and infrastructure funding. He is an active technical expert for Maine Health Innovations, start-up companies, and the National Science Foundation, demonstrating a strong ability to connect academic work with real-world impact.
He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from Florida State University and his B.S. in Physics from East Tennessee State University.
“Dr. Qualls understands the importance of building on what’s already working,” said Dr. Don Cragen, chair of the H. Allen Ryan School of Business at Thomas College. “He brings a perspective that respects the success of our business programs while opening new doors for collaboration across disciplines. I’m excited to work with him to strengthen the academic experience for all our students.” n
For more information about Thomas College’s academic offerings, visit thomas.edu/academics
CLICK HERE TO WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH DR QUALLS
The Thomas College Mental Health Team fosters a supportive, inclusive, and stigma-free campus where student well-being is a top priority for every student.
This team made up of students, faculty, and staff with co-leads from each group drives a multi-year effort to strengthen current initiatives and create lasting, systemic change on campus.
TERRIERS TACKLE THE STIGMA
Thomas College is recognized as the first JED Campus in Maine!
The Jed Foundation (JED) helps schools strengthen mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention efforts, creating stronger campus safety nets. Over 450 campuses currently participate in the JED Campus program
I have lived with mental health issues from a young age including anxiety and depression, among other things. I have started to focus on helping myself heal from my past and grow into the person I want to become.
OLIVIA LABONTE ‘26
Psychology Major Mental Health Concentration
I have come to embrace life's experiences and dedicate myself to healing, despite my mind not always being the most pleasant place to be. I am thankful for a supportive community, great therapists and counselors, meditative practices, and the best family who have always inspired me
KIARA GOGGIN ‘23, M.S.Ed ‘25
Assistant Director of Professional & Career Development
Terriers Take on Winter Sports Season
WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
Women’s Indoor Track & Field had a historic season, which eventually led to NCAA Division III Championship meet. Similarly to Men’s Indoor Track and Field, two key meets highlighted the season. The first of which was at Boston University, where the team competed in the Terrier Classic. The season eventually led to the NCAA Division III New England Championships, where Emma Burr (Pentathlon) and Mary DiSanto (Shotput) both placed top 20. After heading to a last-chance qualifier, Burr managed to qualify for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships in the Pentathlon. After placing 15th in the nation, Burr became the first NCAA All-American in school history, being named Second Team All-American in the Pentathlon. This season the team included five seniors: Emma Huntley, Julia Reny, Molly Sottak, DiSanto, and Amanda Winslow.
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY
Men’s Ice Hockey had a much-improved year, playing in the newly rebranded Thomas College Ice Vault. The team finished with an overall record of 9-10-1, narrowly missing out on the ACHA playoffs. Arguably the highlight of the season came on November 23rd, when the team earned a hard-fought 5-3 victory against Springfield College at home. For postseason awards, Caleb Micklon, Quinn Hawley, and Hunter Coughlin were all named to the NECHA All-Star squad. The team also celebrated two seniors this year: DJ Cagnina and Ryan Thibault. The team will look to build on their young core next season and compete for an ACHA playoff spot.
MEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
Men’s Indoor Track and Field had another good season, making improvements throughout the season. Two key meets highlighted the season, the first of which was at Boston University, where the team was able to compete against top level NCAA Division I opponents. The team’s work throughout the season culminated in the NCAA Division III New England Championships held at the New Balance Track and Field Center Boston, MA. Several school records were broken as the program continues to grow and evolve. Some notable performances at that meet were Max Bojarski in the Weight Throw, Thomas Grady in the Weight Throw and Shot Put, and Jafar Ojugbele in the Triple Jump. The Distance Medley team, the 4x800 Relay team, and the 4x400 Relay team also competed and did well. The team had five graduates this season, Matthew Shea, Jordan Brooke, Van Franklin, Corbin Eldridge, and Bojarski.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Women’s Basketball earned a postseason appearance for the second year in a row. The team finished with a 7-18 record, but finished with a winning record in conference play, going 7-6. Out of all the good moments, arguably the most notable was at home. On December 4th the team earned what would eventually be an essential conference win against the University of Maine Farmington 72-60. For postseason awards, Sky Kubwalo was named to the NAC All-Conference Third Team, and Sarah Davis was named to the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. This season the team celebrated two seniors, Kubwalo and Hana Isahac. Looking ahead, the team’s young roster will look to continue their improvement and compete for a conference championship.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Men’s Basketball was able to battle their way through adversity, with the team finishing with a 7-16 overall record, and a 4-9 conference record. Throughout the season three key moments stood out from the rest. The first came on December 9th, when the team traveled to face NCAA Division I opponent Boston College in an exhibition, where we were able to score a total of 75 points. On January 6th, the team earned a thrilling overtime victory against conference opponent SUNY Cobleskill, and later that week Parker Desjardins scored a program record 41 points against VTSU Lyndon. Desjardins would then go on to score his 1000th collegiate point against Lesley University later in the season. For postseason awards, Jacob Bouchard was named to the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. This season, the team celebrated seven seniors: Camryn Yorke, Jackson Ruelke, Bouchard, Loki Anda, Luke Gabloff, Desjardins, and manager Teresa McLinden. The team will continue building their culture in the years to come. n
Terriers Dominate Spring Season
MEN’S TENNIS
Men’s Tennis continued their reputation as one of the most successful teams on campus, going 11-4 and 5-0 in conference play despite joining a new conference, the Empire 8. Despite competing against tough non-conference opponents to open the season, the team eventually went on a 11-match win streak and earned the #1 seed in the Eastern Division of the conference. The highlight of the season arguably came on April 12th, when the team essentially secured the #1 playoff seed in a 6-3 win against Norwich University. Despite falling in the playoffs, the team still had an incredibly impressive year. The team also celebrated graduates Gabriel McPhail, Seb Soto, Nick Magiera, and Kegan Rodrigue. For postseason awards McPhail and Camden Herrick were named to the Empire 8 All-Conference East Division Singles First Team, and Herrick and Dominic Clifford were named to the AllConference East Division Doubles First Team. Clifford, Soto, and Casey Duncan were named to the All-Conference East Division Singles Second Team. Harrison Withee and Magiera were also named to the All-Conference East Division Doubles Second Team. To wrap up postseason awards, McPhail was named to the All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. The team will look to build upon their talented roster next season.
WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK
& FIELD
Women’s Outdoor Track & Field had a historic season, both as a team and individually. The team competed through four meets to lead them into the 2025 NAC Championship meet. There the team placed second out of five teams, narrowly missing out on first. For their efforts the team received a total of 16 conference awards, including two major awards. Mary DiSanto repeated as the NAC Field Athlete of the Year, and Emma Burr repeated as the NAC Track Athlete of the Year. DiSanto and Burr were named to NAC AllConference First Teams in various events. Burr, Kara Anderson, Chelsey Cote, Katharine Elliott and Julia Reny were also named to NAC All-Conference Second teams in various events. Rebekah Ireland was also named to the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. Burr, Reny, DiSanto, Cote, as well as our 4x400 Meter Relay team (Ireland, Eliza Wheeler, Savaughn Kungxat-Facenda, and Amanda Winslow) all participated in the NCAA Division III New England Championships in their respective events, with a combined total of five top-20 finishes. Burr continued her season at the NCAA Division III National Championships in the Women’s Heptathlon, where she placed sixth in all of Division III. As a result, Burr earned NCAA First Team All-American honors. This was the first time in school history that anyone had been named an NCAA First Team All-American. Women’s Outdoor Track & Field will look to continue their growth and success into next season.
MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
Men’s Track & Field had an improved season which culminated in placing second as a team in the 2025 NAC Championship meet. This year’s major highlight came in the preseason, where the team traveled to California to compete in two meets on March 7th and 15th. The team got to experience the nice weather and compete against high-level competition during their time out west. After competing in the NAC Championships, a select few qualified for the NCAA Division III New England Championships, where four individuals placed within the top 20. The team had several postseason award winners. Nick Plamondon, Max Bojarski, and Henry Phillips were all named to the NAC All-Conference First Teams in various events, while Patrick McKenney, Brenden Francis, Jontreaz Hardy, Cy’Morie Mility, Gage Bruns, Thomas Grady, Van Franklin, Plamondon were all named to the NAC All-Conference Second Teams in their respective events. Wrapping up postseason awards, Miles Gadwah was named to the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. The team celebrated four graduates this year including Corbin Eldridge, Franklin, Bojarski, Jordan Brooke, and Matthew Shea. Men’s Outdoor Track & Field will look to continue their team success next season.
SOFTBALL
Softball had another successful season, going 17-20 overall and an impressive 6-2 in conference play. The team earned a playoff spot for the fifth year in a row. One of the many highlights of the season came in the team’s home matchup against the University of Maine Farmington Beavers on April 14th. The team walked off game two in dramatic fashion to seal a 1-0 conference victory. Megan Oberholzer earned a few milestones this year, earning her 100th hit and 100th pitching strikeout. For postseason awards Oberholzer, Addy Boyce, and Abby Farone were named to the NAC All-Conference East Division Team, and Lindsay Eisenhart was named to NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. The team also celebrated four graduating seniors including Teresa McLinden, Makayla Panich, Kayla Duhaime, and Lindsay Eisenhart. The team will look to build upon their young core next season.
BASEBALL
Baseball had an impressive season, going 20-22 overall and 12-6 in conference play. The team finished with their highest win total in nine seasons. The team also earned a playoff spot and were able to advance all the way to the NAC Championship Series. One of the most notable highlights of the season was on senior day, where the team honored 13 graduating players including Andrew Pruell, Jarrad Willette, Nick Barber, Tony Meza, Elijah Morton, Jason Bartlett, Samuel Keblinsky, Garrison Paillet, Matt Seymour, Wyatt Thompson, Cam Haynes, as well as coaching staff students Jack Dwyer and Sam Letarte. Baseball also secured their series win against Husson University on the same day, something that hadn’t been done in over 10 years. Several milestones were achieved this year for the team. Pruell broke the program’s all-time pitching strikeouts record and now sits at 163. Paillet hit 100 career strikeouts, as did Willette. Tony Meza also hit 100 career RBI. Morton, Seymour, Haynes, Bartlett, Aaron Young, and DJ Cagnina all earned their 100th career hit. For conference awards Morton, Keblinsky, Haynes, and Pruell were all named to the NAC All-Conference First Team. Meza was named to the All-Conference Second Team, and Hayden Dippner was named to the All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. With a big group of graduating seniors, the team will turn their attention toward the development of their younger players.
MEN’S LACROSSE
Men’s Lacrosse had a much-improved season, going 4-11 overall despite a tough non-conference schedule and finishing with a winning record of 3-2 in conference play – earning a playoff spot for the first time since 2021. Arguably the highlight of the season was a crucial 12-11 win against NAC opponent Husson University towards the end of the season that secured the team’s spot in the playoffs. Tim Worster earned a few major milestones this season, reaching 100 career points and eventually breaking the school’s career points record. He now sits at 123 total points. For postseason awards Worster and Hunter Vail were named to the NAC AllConference Team, and Dustyn Hinkley was named to the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. The team also celebrated five graduating players including Grant Frickman, Dan Guarino, Beyden Stratton, Tyler Roberge, and Worster. The team will look to continue building upon their young core next season.
WOMEN’S LACROSSE
Women’s Lacrosse was able to battle their way through adversity to finish with a 1-11 record overall. A key highlight came in the team’s first win of the season, a dominant 17-10 win against Anna Maria College. During the stretch of the season, goalie Bristol Sine earned her 200th career save, and Mary LaRochelle became one of the only players in program history with over 100 goals, 100 ground balls, and 100 draw control wins. For postseason awards Bristol Sine was named the NAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Also, Mary LaRochelle, Jorgie Arduini, and Sine were named to the NAC-All Conference Team. To wrap up awards, Kaitlyn Paul was named to the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. The team also celebrated six graduating players including Mara Gentry, Sadie Dorr, Emily Wallingford, Elise Syphers, Paul, and LaRochelle. Looking to next season the team will look to build on this year’s experiences. n
Esports had their most successful year to date, beginning with the completion of our campus’ second esports facility in Hinman Hall, providing our students with 10 more fully equipped stations in addition to the 18 located in the Sukeforth Family Sports Center. Our Esports program encompasses seven teams, Counter Strike 2 (3-3), League of Legends (4-10), two Overwatch 2 teams (13-6, 7-9), two Rocket League teams (8-10, 9-1), and Super Smash Bros Ultimate (0-12). Several teams made playoff appearances, including
Overwatch 2 Black, Overwatch 2 Red, Rocket League Black, and Rocket League Red. For championships, Rocket League Red were crowned the NECC Division VII Northeast Fall Champions after sweeping Stonehill College 4-0 in the playoff finals. Our Overwatch 2 team made history and became the first MECA Champions after the program hosted an in-person tournament on campus with several other Maine schools competing. Esports will look to continue their success and growth into next year. n
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1982
Bob Clark ’82 has announced his retirement at the end of December. A native of Lincolnville, ME, Bob currently resides outside of Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife of 36 years, Juelle. As a student, Bob was highly involved on campus, serving as President of the Student Senate, Secretary of the Accounting Society, and Treasurer of Alpha Chi. He also held leadership roles as a Resident Assistant in Grant, Parks, and Heath halls, and later served as a Resident Director. Professionally, Bob worked in the pulp and paper industry as a division controller, overseeing operations and financial activities. As he transitions into retirement, Bob has begun participating in volunteer efforts and reconnecting with Thomas College. In his role as a Class Officer, Bob is excited to re-engage with old friends, former classmates, and his alma mater.
1989
Michael Watt ’89 Started a new job as the Global Trade Show Manager for the Lubrizol Corporation in October of 2024.
2001
Bryan Ouellette MS ’01 retired from the Maine Army National Guard after serving over 39 years on Active and Reserve duty. He resides with his wife, Michelle, MS ’10, in Augusta, ME.
2003
Jennifer Goodrich ’03, MBA ’03 has been elected to serve a three-year term as Maine Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Jennifer is Vice President of Finance at Northern Light CA Dean, Mayo, and Sebasticook Valley Hospitals and Vice President of Physician Practices at CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals. Jennifer has worked for Northern Light Health for more than 20 years in Finance and Physician Practice Leadership positions. As a community leader, Jennifer volunteers her time
2008
Cindy Bailey (Bouchard) ’08 was recently promoted to Director of Finance at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay.
2014
Amy Thomas (Wilson) ’14 and husband Aundre, have just moved into their new home in August of 2025.
2016
Ryan Newman ’16, MBA ’17 was promoted to Transformation Manager within the Project Management Office at the State of Maine.
2017
Chris Cassette ’17 is transitioning from his position as a Senior Analyst, to the Professional Services Department as a Cybersecurity Consultant at Tyler Technologies.
2018
Richard Drown ’18 and Chelsea Drown (Gourley) ’17 celebrated their wedding in August of 2024.
Kelsey Dubay ’18, MBA ’19 began a new job as a Controller at J.S. McCarthy.
2021
Sean Adams ’21, MBA ’22 started a new position as a Tax Examiner at the Maine Revenue Services.
Keegan Chase ’21 started a new job as a Service Center Representative at Sedgwick. Ben Carter ’21 started his new job as a First Officer as a commercial pilot. Ben fly’s both a Citation Jet and Pilatus PC12 turbo propelled airplane for Planesmart Aviation in Addison, TX. Ben says his favorite part of the job is knowing that he helps people get to where they need to go safely, as well as the views from 40,000ft! .
2023
Katelyn Richards ’23 accepted a job at the AMCR EP School in Chiang Rai, Thailand, where she currently teaches kindergarten, 1st grade English and 5th grade math.
2024
Caden Crosby ’24 started his new position as the newest member of the Winslow Police Department. n
Bob Clark ’82
Jennifer Goodrich ’03, MBA ’03
Caden Crosby ’24
Amy Thomas (Wilson) ’14 and husband Aundre
Katelyn Richards
Sean Adams
Ben Carter
Richard Drown ’18 and Chelsea Drown (Gourley) ’17 celebrated their wedding in August of 2024. Pictured: Ricky DerBoghosian ’15, Jordan Gibson’17, Sam Smith ’18, Trystan Mercier ’19, and Brooklyn DerBoghosian ’16.
George Spann
Former Long-Time Thomas College President
LEAVING A LEGACY OF TRANSFORMATION
FORMER THOMAS COLLEGE
President George Spann passed away on March 26th. He was 81 years old. Spann served as President of Thomas College for 23 years and was credited with transforming of the College. He served from 1989 to 2012.
“George Spann played a momentous role in sustaining and creating the Thomas College we know today. He was a leader through hard times and good times. Without his efforts the College would not be what it is today. All of us who have shepherded Thomas through the years owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. He was the right person at the right time and the College will forever benefit from his extraordinary efforts,” said Thomas College Board member and former chair Conrad Ayotte.
During Spann’s tenure as President, Thomas College launched the Guaranteed Job Program in 1999, a first in the nation. He led the construction and renovation of several new campus spaces including the Student Center, Dining Center, Ayotte Auditorium, Harold Alfond Athletic Center, Bartlett and Townhouses Residence Halls, was innovative and very supportive of the use of technology at Thomas to enhance information systems, student learning and instruction, and student residence hall and commuter needs, and unveiled new academic offerings in Arts & Sciences including Elementary Education, Psychology, and Criminal Justice.
“I started working at Thomas when I was 26 years old, and George Spann was one of the first mentors I had in a professional setting. Charged with starting a new baseball program and overseeing a relatively new Sport Management program, President Spann was demanding, yet overly and generously supportive in everything I did,” said Thomas College professor Dr. Greg King. “President Spann recognized that the entire institution competed for scarce resources yet was always encouraging and supportive with a ‘can do’ attitude. He taught me how to accomplish ‘more with less’ and always encouraged me to be creative to accomplish goals for the Sport Management and baseball programs while adhering to the ‘Thomas Way.’ President Spann had to make a lot of difficult decisions when I first started but I always felt he made the final decision on what was best for Thomas, our students, and our faculty and staff.”
“I will always remember with fondness the times that George dropped by my office where we chatted about so many, many things. He was a scholar and a dear friend,” said Thomas College Professor Judy Hansen Childers.
“I liked working with George, he made many decisions, sometimes unpopular to some, but he always had our students and the institution’s best interest in mind. He loved to talk about interesting facts from the latest books or articles he had read at lunch. He was the most well-read person I have ever met,” said Thomas College CIO Chris Rhoda.
“I remember George called me at the hospital when my husband David had a stroke. He offered his sympathy and the help of the College for anything I might need. From that point on, he would give me a hug when he saw me, and I believed he needed the hug as much as I did as he was suffering from the passing of his wife,” said long-time professor Roberta Tibbetts. “George Spann was hired to do a job—get us solvent. He implemented the directives of our Board and succeeded in keeping Thomas College afloat. He attended Thomas sporting events regularly. He was a scholar and a historian. He loved to talk about his travels and knew about almost everything.” n
IN MEMORIAM
1950s
Rachel (Herard) Preo ‘57 December 2, 2024
Jean Kennedy ‘58 December 17, 2024
1960s
Carmeline (Roy) Vashon ‘66 January 18, 2025
1970s
Thomas Morin ‘71
December 25, 2024
David LaRochelle ‘73 February 1, 2025
Jean Cyr ‘74
January 17, 2024
Dianne Morais ‘74 November 7, 2024
Rene “Ronald” Dechain ‘76
March 13, 2025
Cheryl (Ryder) Muzzy ‘76
December 25, 2024
Phinehas Newton ‘79
December 26, 2024
1980s
Jim Stanhope ‘87
March 5, 2025
1990s
Debra (Young) Mansur ‘91
November 25, 2024
Scott Webber ‘95
October 24, 2024
Jane Earle ‘96
October 4, 2024
Judith (Langille) Griffin ‘99
December 2, 2024
2000s
Sharon (Kimball) Sweatt ‘00
December 13, 2024
Diane Bower ‘01 October 3, 2024
Paul Stein ‘07 October 24, 2024
George and family at Sea Dogs
George Spann & Sen. King at Commencement
George with Margaret Chase Smith Smith
George, Greg Powell, and Conrad Ayotte at an announcement
Mid-Maine Chamber
After Hours Business
Thomas held the first Business After Hours of 2025 in collaboration with the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. Leaders and friends of the college kicked off the year meeting Dr. Uzzi and hearing plans for the upcoming year.
Celebrating Leadership & Making Connections
Advancement Team Brings Together Hundreds of People this Spring
IN JANUARY, the Advancement team kicked off a busy few months by hosting the Business After House, in collaboration with the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. More than 100 local business leaders attended the event and met Dr. Uzzi.
IN APRIL, the team hosted more than 550 people including faculty, students, friends and family as we celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Jeannine Uzzi. Once the inauguration ended, folks gathered for cupcakes and champaign before heading to a Murder Mystery dinner that highlighted Thomas College’s forensics program and Dr. Alicia McCarthy’s work.
IN MAY , we celebrated Laurie Lachance as she wrapped up her tenue at Thomas and her work in the state of Maine. Friends and family gathered to highlight her career and the impact she has had on all of us. We were fortunate to have Gena Canning, Yellow Light Breen, Mike Duguay and Bill Alfond speak about their work with Laurie. Dr. Uzzi opened and closed the event by remarking on how incredible her own transition into the role of president had been because of Laurie’s leadership. n
Advancement Team (left or right) Ben Junkins, Seth Reed, Laurie Lachance, Mackenzie Osborne, Erin Merrill, Maddie Rock
Professor Dr. Richard Biffle and a group of students at the Presidential Inauguration reception.
Bill Alfond, Bill and Joan Alfond Family Foundation and Laurie Lachance
600+ Community Members Get MUDDY FOR A CAUSE
Thomas College Hosts 9th Annual Dirty Dog Mud Run
Thomas College hosted its 9th annual Dirty Dog Mud Run on April 27th and it was our muddiest yet! More than 600 people braced the cold and rain to participate in the event.
The 14-obstacle race was held at Thomas College in Waterville with a course that weaved through the whole campus, including the Sukeforth Family Trail System.
The race was fun for the whole family, with a kids’ race, food trucks, beer tent and post-race beverages, and a DJ. Racers were in and out of mud, crawling over and under obstacles including monkey bars, haybales, and tire flips.
The Thomas College Dirty Dog Mud Run is proudly sponsored by Central Maine Motors and Lakeside Landscaping. All proceeds support Thomas College’s student recreation.
Thanks to everyone who participated. See you next year! n
