In Remembrance of Ron Tallman

Today, we note the recent passing of former Canadian-American Center director Ronald Tallman. Tallman served as the director of the Canadian-American Center at the University of Maine from 1975 to 1982, during which he significantly expanded the programs and resources that make up the university’s remarkably comprehensive Canadian Studies program. Under his leadership, the center transitioned from a regional focus on Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces to a comprehensive, nationwide Canadian studies program. This shift was formalized when the center was renamed the “Canadian-American Center” and moved from cramped space at Fogler Library to its present location.

During his tenure, the Can-Am Center secured major grants that allowed for the integration Canadian studies into UMaine’s curriculum, including the creation of CAN 1:  Introduction to Canadian Studies, now offered as CAN 101, a popular course to this day. Another major achievement of his tenure was securing the U.S. Department of Education’s National Resource Center (NRC) designation in 1979, which provides federal funding for research, language training, and graduate fellowships. Tallman also secured external resources to support program development, library expansion, professional conferences and educational outreach. He spearheaded outreach programs to K-12 teachers, introducing Canadian studies curricula to nearly 200 North American School systems. He also played a key role in fostering collaboration between UMaine and institutions such as SUNY Plattsburgh, where he previously served as director. His efforts helped solidify the center’s position as a national leader in Canadian studies – by the time he stepped down in 1982, the Canadian-American Center had become one of the largest and most well-regarded programs of its kind in the United States.