UMaine Bear's Den
Dining, circa 1962

1955–1964

  • Lloyd Elliott became president in 1958.
  • Trustees approved the awarding of doctoral degrees; in 1958, the chemistry department was the first at UMaine to offer courses toward a Ph.D.
  • “Favorite professors” was the theme of the 1959 Winter Carnival snow sculpture.
  • In 1962, the Maine Masque toured India.
  • John Tierney, Royce Flood, Sharon Jenkins and Thomas Goodwin represented UMaine at the 1962 CBS College Bowl.
  • President John F. Kennedy spoke at convocation Oct. 19, 1963. He was presented with a honorary doctor of laws degree.
    Military training was required for male students until 1963; the 101st Legislature made it optional.
  • The Arthur A. Hauck Auditorium was dedicated in 1963.
  • Lengyel Gymnasium was built as an athletic facility for women in 1963. It was named in honor of Helen Lengyel, longtime women’s athletic director.
  • UMaine won the Frank W. Keaney Trophy for achieving the most athletic success during the 1963–64 academic year in the Yankee Conference. The Black Bears won four men’s league titles — in football, baseball, indoor track and outdoor track.
  • In 1964, Alumni Hall housed a public television station.
  • In June 1964, the baseball nine placed third in its first-ever appearance at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • UMaine pitcher Joe Ferris was named the Most Outstanding Player and Dave Thomas made the All-CWS Team.