At the start of every new academic year, the University of Maine at Presque Isle holds a gathering to welcome all students to the campus. This is called “convocation” and it is filled with music, excited students and words of wisdom and encouragement.
Jason Johnston, Barb Blackstone and Vanessa Pearson opened up the event with some light-hearted joking around. After everyone sang the UMPI Fight Song, Pearson introduced President Ray Rice, including some interesting (and amusing) facts about him. “He’s a big movie buff, and quotes lines from movies ALL. THE. TIME,” Pearson joked. Rice then took the stage amid smiles all around.
Rice spoke to all the students and offered them encouragement. But he addressed the incoming class in a particular way. “You are the last Millennials to enter college,” Rice said. He spoke of their importance and what lies ahead of them. “You are, in short, the trust of our future,” Rice said.
One of the highlights of the event was Krista Lamont, recipient of this year’s Graduate of the Last Decade award. She is an educator from New Brunswick and is an advocate for children in need and in difficult circumstances. She talked about graduating from UMPI and her struggles in finding a job in her field. She eventually decided to travel abroad and teach, as far as China. “I was young, adventurous and needed a change,” Lamont said. She also talked about working as a substitute teacher before finding her passion in her current field. She now works with needy children in her community.
Lamont concluded with some uplifting words for the students in the room. “Even the smallest of opportunities can lead to big changes,” she said, adding, “All of your hard work will pay off.”
The new students were then inducted, receiving their “Wings” T-shirts and cheered on by everyone in the room. After, senior student Matt Theriault gave some good advice from a student’s perspective. He spoke about the support from the campus and how there was always someone to help. “If you guys reach out, we won’t let you fall,” he said.
Convocation drew to a close with a barbecue to welcome students (new and returning) to the campus. Because of the rainy weather, the barbecue took place in Gentile Hall gym. But despite the rain, everyone was in good spirits.
This event was a way for the campus to show support for incoming and returning students alike. UMPI is a family that truly cares about its members, and it wants its students to enter the new school year with excitement and confidence.
