September-October 2025 | Aux Line

October 2, 2025 News

The Aux Line | September-October 2025

Your connection to Auxiliary Enterprises units

Starting a new year right takes everyone’s effort: Thank you

Dear Team,

September marked an exciting and impactful start to the academic year for Auxiliary Enterprises, as we successfully welcomed 3,584 undergraduate students — including 2,000 first-year students — to the residence halls. This tremendous effort would not have been possible without the outstanding dedication and responsiveness of our staff in preparing for and executing two major campus openings.

The month began with Bridge Week, with 1,250 first-year students arriving. Housing, UMaine Dining, Parking, Graphic Print Solutions, Mail Services, and University Bookstore worked in close collaboration to provide a seamless, welcoming experience. Just five days later, Maine Hello brought an additional 2,334 upper-class and graduate students to campus.

Delivering exceptional service on back-to-back weekends is no small feat, and your flexibility and professionalism set the tone for the entire semester.

We know that consecutive weekend openings present unique challenges. To those who supported both events, your presence made a visible difference that was deeply appreciated across campus. Thank you for showing up in a strong and meaningful way.

September also marked important achievements across our teams:

  • Residence halls were fully prepared for early Bridge Week arrivals — a remarkable accomplishment on a tight timeline. This included over 2,200 rooms which received above-ceiling cleaning, ensuring refreshed and healthy living environments.
  • Staff coordinated the delivery of 400 MicroChill units, prepared pre-season rooms up to the final deadline, and set up 21 student lounges across six buildings for residents.
  • MaineCard, University Bookstore, Parking, Package & Postal, UMaine Dining, and Housing teams kept weekend operations running smoothly, providing consistent and visible support to students and families.
  • Key signage, window treatments, and themed wall graphics for Living Learning communities were designed, printed, and installed with precision.
  • Events & Hospitality coordinated more than 60 events this summer, handling space, catering, and logistics for both campus and external groups.
  • The University Park Children’s Center program received a $4M Housing and Urban Development grant — part of Senator Susan Collins’ appropriations — to upgrade three existing buildings and fully renovate two more. This project will support staff and up to 80 children, with renovations beginning in October and completion slated for fall 2026.
  • UMaine Dining launched two exciting new venues: the Wells Patio, supporting Wells Central and Catering Services, and Hilltop’s newly renovated dining center. Enhancements include six U-Cook stations, a shake bar, salad bar, deli, and a Simple Zone allergen-free prep area.

September was not just about opening our campus; it was about setting the tone for a successful academic year. Looking forward, I am confident we will continue to build on this momentum, supporting our students and community with the same dedication that has already defined this fall.

Thank you for everything you do. Your contributions truly matter — to our students, to their families, and to the University of Maine.

With gratitude,
Dick Young

Have you checked out the Patio at Wells?

The Patio at Wells finishes the improvements made at Wells Commons to its dining spaces. From two wooden pergolas furnished with high top tables to adirondack chair around fire pits and tables with comfortable seating, everything about the patio is meant for gathering. Check it out!

Events

Ongoing

Orono Farmer’s Market
Tuesday, 2–5:30 p.m. & Saturday, 8 a.m.–Noon
Steam Plant Parking Lot, Orono
Info: oronofarmersmarket.org

Versant Astronomy Center
Fridays and Sundays
Versant Astronomy Center, Rangeley Rd.
Phone: 207.581.3743
Admission varies

Zillman Art Museum
Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
40 Harlow Street, Bangor
Info: zam.umaine.edu
Admission: Free

Weekly events at Central Pub
Wells Central Pub

  • Fridays: Live Sports Night, 5–9 p.m.
  • Sundays: Open Mic Night, 7–9 p.m.

October

Yom Kippur: Oct. 1–2
Sukkot: Oct. 7–13
Coming out week: Oct. 6–11
Live Music on the Patio
Oct. 8, 7–9 p.m., Wells Patio
Sponsored by OBC and Woodchuck
Info: umaine.sodexomyway.com
Admission: Free
Fall break: Oct. 11–13
Indigenous Peoples Day: Oct. 13
12th Annual March Against Domestic Violence
Oct. 17, 5 p.m., Fogler Library

Homecoming, Oct. 24–26
Info: umainehomecoming.com
Friday, Oct. 24
-University Bookstore, Memorial Union,
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
-Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Colgate, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25
-Football vs. Elon, Morse Field, 1 p.m.
-Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Colgate, 7 p.m.
-Black Bear 5K
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness
Resource Sharing
Oct. 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Wade Center

Unit Notes

Bear Necessities Fan Shop gears up to return to Alfond Arena

The team at Bear Necessities Fan Shop are preparing to move into their new store location at Alfond Arena. When Alfond reopens, Bear Necessities will have a beautiful new glassed in storefront with easy access for shoppers and staff alike.

Construction on the Alfond Arena is starting to finish.
A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Sept. 27.

Tech Center @ University Bookstore now on Google Business Profile!

The Tech Center @ University Bookstore successfully gained a Google Business Profile listing.
If you have purchased a computer or a piece of tech there, consider leaving a review!
URL: g.page/r/Cc0QP-sVj9-5EBM/review

Enjoy a Taste of Fall with Graphic Print Solutions and UMaine Mailing Services

The teams at Graphic Print Solutions and UMaine Mailing Services invite the UMaine community to celebrate the season at A Taste of Fall, happening on Oct. 3 and Oct. 31, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Keyo Building on Rangeley Road.

Enjoy complimentary seasonal refreshments, harvest-themed games and activities, and a chance to test your knowledge of printing, paper, and mailing for a chance to win prizes.

Reminder:
Overnight parking ban starts Nov. 1
Details at:
umaine.edu/parking/
overnight-parking-ban

Staff parking permits for 2026 on sale Nov. 1

Faculty and staff parking permits for 2026 will be available to purchase starting Nov. 1. All current 2025 staff parking permits expire on Dec. 31, 2025.

You will need:
-MaineStreet username and password
-Vehicle registration
-Credit or debit card

Payroll deduction is available. To utilize this service come to Parking & Transportation Services in DTAV Community Center, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. to complete the required form and get your permit on the same day.
Questions? Call 207.581.4047 or email um.parkingservices@maine.edu.

Health Tip

Staying safe in the sun

By Sarah Stewart, DO
Northern Light Primary Care, UMaine

Summer in Maine is what we all wait for, and love spending time outside in the sunshine. As your healthcare team, we want to give you some easy tips to stay safe and healthy all summer long.
Too much sun can give you a nasty sunburn, make your skin look old faster, and even lead to skin cancer. Protecting yourself is simple!

Easy Sun Protection Tips:

Sunscreen is your friend!
Put on sunscreen with at least SPF 30 about 20 minutes before you go outside.

Make sure it says “broad-spectrum” on the bottle. Put more on every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

Find some shade!
Try to stay out of direct sun during the strongest hours, usually from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Cover up!
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses that block UV rays, and clothes that cover your skin.

What to Do After Too Much Sun:
Even if you’re careful, sometimes you might get a little too much sun.
If you get a sunburn:

  • Cool it down. Put a cool cloth on your skin or use some aloe vera gel or lotion.
  • Drink up! Drink lots of water & stay hydrated.
  • Don’t pick! If your skin starts to peel, don’t pick at it. Let it heal on its own.
  • If your sunburn is really bad, (eg., you have blisters or it looks infected), go talk to your doctor or nurse.

Let’s all have a fun and safe summer! Follow these simple tips and enjoy the beautiful Maine weather while keeping your skin happy and healthy.

Employee profile: Kevin Duplissie, Children’s Center

Growing and Caring with “Mr. Kevin”

42 years of service

By Bre Bray, Photos courtesy Kevin Duplissie

All of us know how wonderful and formative our childhood years are.
We are seeing the world for the first time, imagination is strong, and curiosity is everywhere. Life through the lens of wonder, awe and discovery all contributes to a beautiful experience.
Thirty years ago, Kevin was asked what he would like to do in his role at the Children’s Center. His response was, “I want to help the children build a clubhouse.”
This clubhouse became a meaningful symbol to children, who experienced the entire process. From helping draw blueprints to hammering the nails into the wood. More than ten years later, the children that were once four and five year olds returned to see the clubhouse they had helped build.
For Kevin, he carries this joy and love for the work he does every day. He shares his skills, hobbies and time with children who attend the UMaine Children’s Center’s. His immense passion, care and love for his work across UMaine’s five Children’s Centers has made him invaluable.
He consistently goes above and beyond to support the families he serves, particularly the parents who may feel alone or lost in their parenting journey. Taking the initiative to share his expertise, he authored a piece titled “The 11 C’s of Effective Communication.”
This work outlines how we can better support children through their development and how childcare professionals can improve how they care for and communicate with young children.
Through real-life examples and experiences, Kevin offers guidance on developing better listening skills, giving clear instructions and show care through actions and behaviors.
The thoughtfulness and love that Kevin pours into his work is evident in every interaction. From communicating with his staff, the children and the families in all the program he leads.
Kevin’s deep roots at UMaine and in Maine run deep. As the twelfth of 15 siblings, all raised by their mother and father, he grew up in Northern Maine, near the Canadian border. His tenure with UMaine started in 1978, when he began and completed a college degree then beginning a career here in 1983.

Kevin has paved the way for his children and other family members, many of whom have followed in his footsteps by attending UMaine and pursuing their degrees. Further integrating themselves into the University and the many opportunities it provides.


Outside of the Children’s Center, Kevin and his wife enjoy hiking, particularly tackling Cadillac Mountain during the quiet winter months. From the summit, they take in breathtaking panoramic views surrounding coastal landscape, including Bar Harbor, the Porcupine Islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean. For Kevin, hiking is more than a physical challenge but a source of mental revitalization, something especially important to his work supporting families and children.
Kevin’s contribution and dedication to the University of Maine and each of the Children’s Centers is truly exceptional. He brings not only his creativity, time and energy but most importantly a genuine heart for the children he works with.
Motivating and supporting their growth every step of the way. Known affectionately as “Mr. Kevin” he is the steady, humble presence that helps to ensure the continued success and smooth operation of these vital programs.

Auxiliary Bulletin Board

Flu Shot clinic

Northern Light Primary Care, University of Maine, is offering flu shots for faculty, staff, & spouses covered under Cigna’s health insurance plan.
This is by appointment only. Call 207.581.4000 to schedule. Please have insurance information ready.

Location: Northern Light Primary Care, University of Maine (Cutler Health Center).

Clinic Dates:
Sept. 23 and Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–Noon
Sept. 25, 1–4 p.m.
Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–Noon
This year’s vaccine is the Trivalent flu shot. Please note: Wear a short-sleeved shirt.

If you are experiencing any infectious disease symptoms, please stay home and get your flu shot at a later date

Those age 65 and older seeking the high-dose flu vaccine are encouraged to contact their primary care.

Spotted on campus – Campus traditions honored

Top row:
Left: Glenn Taylor, Harry Feero, Ken Violette; Paul LePage and other Housing custodians chat with President Joan Ferini-Mundi at the President’s Blueberry Breakfast in August
Middle row:
Mikayla Pollard (UVAC) and Sara Nulton help new students move in at Maine Hello in August; Four Auxiliary units represented at the Student Involvement Fair (University Bookstore, Graphic Print Solutions, UVAC and UMaine Dining) on Sept. 3
Bottom row:
UVAC officers trained with Paul Culina and staff on how to handle on-ice emergencies ahead of the upcoming ice hockey season at Alfond Arena. The first home hockey game is Oct. 10.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.