University of Maine Alumni Association

06/01/2026

🎉2026 Alumni Achievement Award Spotlight | Charles
Stanhope ’71 | Suzanne K Hart ’68 Service Award

A proud member of the Class of 1971, Charles has generously shared his time, leadership, and passion to strengthen connections among alumni, faculty, and students.

Over the years, Charles has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including on the UMaine Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2018 to 2024, as chair of the Distinguished Maine Professor Committee, and as a member of the Honors College Board of Advocates. He has also been a steadfast leader for the Class of 1971, serving as Class Secretary, Class President, and helping guide major alumni initiatives, including the Alumni Association’s 150th Anniversary celebration.

In 2008, Charles established the Charles V. Stanhope ’71 Honors College Study Abroad Fellowship Endowment Fund, the first study-abroad fellowship for Honors College students, creating opportunities that continue to expand students’ educational experiences.

Thank you to our award sponsor WBRC!
Watch his full video here:

Alumni Achievement Awards 2026

05/27/2026

🎉2026 Alumni Achievement Award Spotlight | Kara Hay ’99 | Bernard Lown ’42 Alumni Humanitarian Award

Kara Hay ’99 was honored with the 2026 Bernard Lown ’42 Alumni Humanitarian Award in recognition of her compassionate leadership and commitment to strengthening communities across Maine. As President and CEO of Penquis, Maine’s largest community action agency, Kara leads programs that support affordable housing, family services, transportation access, and resources for individuals and families facing poverty and crisis.

Known for her collaborative and people-centered approach, Kara has helped advance innovative housing initiatives, victim advocacy programs, and regional responses to challenges facing Maine communities. Beyond her work at Penquis, she remains a strong advocate for long-term community resilience and continues to stay engaged with the University of Maine through mentorship and leadership.

Thank you to Machias Savings Bank for sponsoring this award!
Watch Kara's full video here:

Alumni Achievement Awards 2026

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.🇺🇸

We are especially proud of the University of Maine alumni among them, whose legacy of courage and service continues to inspire the Black Bear community. 💙

05/22/2026

🎉2026 Alumni Achievement Award Spotlight | Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.) | Champion of UMaine Award

Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.), was honored with the 2026 Champion of UMaine Award in recognition of his exceptional advocacy, leadership, and service to the University of Maine. Following a distinguished 27-year Navy career, Captain Settele joined UMaine as Professor of Naval Science and became a driving force behind the growth and success of the School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA).

Known for his mentorship and dedication to student success, he helped build a strong, connected SPIA alumni network that continues to thrive today. He also served the University in key leadership roles, including Chief of Staff to President Susan Hunter and Interim Athletic Director, providing steady guidance during important periods of transition.

Beyond campus, Captain Settele has championed UMaine through leadership and service on major Maine organizations, including Bangor Savings Bank and Northern Light Health. His lifelong commitment to leadership, education, and public service has made a lasting impact on UMaine and the state of Maine.

Thank you to the University of Maine Foundation for sponsoring this award!
Watch his video here:

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05/21/2026

✈️Alumni Travel Programs | We have a group touring Italy now!

Check out our upcoming trips to France, Peru, British Landscapes, and Spain! https://www.umainealumni.com/travel/

05/19/2026

🎉2026 Alumni Achievement Award Spotlight | The Bourque Family | Fogler Legacy Award Recipient

The Bourque family received the 2026 Fogler Legacy Award in recognition of their extraordinary multi-generational commitment to the University of Maine. Spanning three generations of Black Bears, the Bourque family has demonstrated decades of leadership, volunteer service, philanthropy, and alumni engagement that continues to strengthen the UMaine community.

From Peter Bourque ’64 and Mary Thomas Bourque ’65’s lifelong dedication to the University, to the continued leadership and involvement of Michael Bourque ’89, Diane Bourque Smith ’90, Thomas Bourque ’94, and the next generation of UMaine alumni, Marissa Smith ’20, ’22G, Elijah Smith ’22, Olivia Bourque ’23, and Isabelle Bourque ’25. - the Bourque family’s impact can be felt across campus and throughout the alumni network.💙

Thank you to United Insurance for sponsoring this award!
Watch the video here:

Alumni Achievement Awards 2026

05/18/2026

Class of 2026, don’t lose touch! 🐻💙

If you recently graduated from UMaine, update your non-school email address with the Alumni Association so we can keep you connected to alumni events, career resources, networking opportunities, and more.

Complete the quick form below and you’ll be entered to win a $50 UMaine Bookstore gift card!

🎓 New grads only
📧 Takes less than a minute
🔗 https://forms.gle/19Q8HNXmRWG5LVnh8

05/15/2026

2026 Alumni Achievement Award Spotlight | Fatemeh Afghah ’13 Ph.D. | Spirit of Maine Achievement Award Recipient

Fatemeh Afghah ’13 Ph.D. is the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Maine Achievement Award, recognized for her outstanding impact in research, innovation, and public service early in her career following her graduation from the University of Maine.

Today, Dr. Afghah serves as a tenured Associate Professor at Clemson University, where her work in artificial intelligence, wireless communication, and autonomous systems has earned national recognition. A major focus of her research is the development of autonomous drone systems for wildfire detection and disaster response, helping improve monitoring, coordination, and safety for first responders and communities impacted by wildfires.

Beyond her groundbreaking research, Dr. Afghah is also dedicated to mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Thank you to The Fitch Company for sponsoring this award!
Watch her award video here:

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05/13/2026

🎓🐻 What an incredible Commencement Weekend celebrating the newest members of the Black Bear alumni family!
Thank you to all of the graduates, families, friends, and alumni who stopped by the Alumni Welcome Center to celebrate, snap photos, and mark such a special milestone together.

View photos from the Alumni Welcome Center here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/umainealumni/albums/72177720333624960
Black Bears for LifeⓂ️

05/13/2026

Registration is NOW open! Join the Black Bears of Portland for the event of the summer!⚓🍹Friday June 12, 2026 | Portland, ME

Register here: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofMaineFoundation/events/2026-cocktails-on-the-coast

View the full event here: https://www.umainealumni.com/event/cocktails-on-the-coast-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxVGBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4RlZSbnZnd2JJakVpOTN6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiR-J3iMOeBUD8WFiQ0sVv4KqLVjR-51M9oNQINLvO41A4ebHBjhDDRQHQ8c_aem_gcQ98GHMxNe8NZNpJPGjXg