Distinguished Maine Professor Speech

Mark Brewer

Professor of Political Science | Chair of the Department of Political Science

Thank you Tom.  It is an honor to be with you as the 2025 Distinguished Maine Professor.  This award is valued so highly by faculty for many reasons, but two stand out above all the others.  The first is the roster of faculty who have received this award.  I’ve looked at this list in Fogler Library many times over the years and have always been struck by the caliber of the faculty who have received this award.  I am humbled to join that group.  The second, and even more important, reason is that this award is rooted in the relationship between faculty and students.  How good of a teacher are you?  What kind of a mentor are you?  How well do you serve your students?  There are no faculty without students.  Indeed, there is no University without students.

Students—in particular these students—are why we are all here today.  There are many high points during the academic year but commencement is always the best day on the academic calendar.  It is the one day when the entire University community comes together to celebrate the accomplishments of all its graduating students.  Graduates—make sure you take the time to appreciate and truly celebrate what you have accomplished.  Earning a degree is not easy; if it was, everyone would have one.  You have worked hard to get here today.  Challenges arose and you met them.  Obstacles appeared and you pushed through them.  Threats emerged and you defeated them.  Nothing could stop you—nothing did stop you—from getting here today. 

So as you thank your families and friends for their help and support and you reflect on your good fortune—both things you should definitely do today—please do not forget to celebrate and congratulate yourselves.  This is a tremendous accomplishment. It is my honor to celebrate you today, and I can’t wait to see what you do next.