by Christie Oneill, Staff Writer
As the summer winds down and preparations to return to campus commence, we wanted to reach out to the University of Presque Isle (UMPI) community to see how they spent their time away from the classroom. The submissions for our UTimes Student Summer Scrapbook show just how exceptional UMPI students can be.
For Liliana Ainsworth, an elementary education major with a concentration in art, this summer was truly unforgettable. She got engaged to her boyfriend, whom she met right here at UMPI. Ainsworth’s fiancé, Orion Gray, studies cybersecurity and is set to graduate this spring. “Orion and I met at UMPI in 2023, we got engaged yesterday!” she said when submitting a photo of her fiancé down on one knee.
Ethan Whitty, who is in his senior year of school studying business administration with a concentration in management and leadership, spent his summer making magic as part of the Walt Disney World Company’s Disney College Program, gaining valuable work experience and making unforgettable memories. Furthermore, Ricky Garcia, a Criminology major with a minor in Psychology, flew to Florida to visit his family before the start of the fall semester.
Back in her hometown of Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Paizley Legace balanced responsibility and community spirit as a day camp leader and volunteer firefighter, Legace studies education at UMPI. Meanwhile, Christie Oneill, a psychology major with a minor in English, reconnected with a dear friend who flew from Brazil to meet her in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It was a heartwarming reunion years in the making.
Some UMPI Owls embraced the beauty of nature and the comfort of home. Emma O’Neill, who studies for her Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree with a minor in Environmental Science, spent her summer helping on her family farm. In contrast, Chantal Gallant, who studies for her Bachelor of Secondary Education, found joy in life’s simple moments, like watching the sunset. Will Williams, majoring in art education, tapped into his creative side. Williams dedicated a lot of time to creating beautiful and vibrant pieces. The one featured in this article is a series entitled Lightstruck Beer.
Damien Pearson, an English major, explored the beauty of Millinocket Lake in June: “It was a beautiful two-day stay at an Airbnb at the base of Baxter State Park.” Pearson states.
Similarly, Vincent Christensen has also been out on the water, but for work rather than leisure. The cybersecurity major has been spending his summer working at the Perth-Andover Waterfront Adventure and Tourism Information Centre.
From romantic memories, career opportunities, moments in nature, and reunions, each story is a reminder that UMPI students are uniquely excellent in their ways.
