Giving to the College

Message from the Dean

November 2023

Dear Friend,

Like many of you, we are reeling from the recent mass shooting in Lewiston. The social fabric of Maine is a tightly-woven tapestry that connects people from all over the state and wider world. Sadly, some members of our College of Education and Human Development community have been directly affected by this tragedy. Many more are feeling shock, anxiety or confusion that something like this happened in one of our communities.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the college, I urge you to support organizations such as the Maine Community Foundation and the United Way of Androscoggin County, which are collecting donations and providing other support to victims and the wider community.

I also want to state clearly that our schools and communities should be places of safety and that living and working under threat of violence has real consequences for people’s physical and mental health. The Maine Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team, which includes members of our college, has compiled some resources that you may find helpful in thinking and talking about matters of school safety.

Finally, please take the time you need to care for yourselves and your loved ones. All of you, and the change you seek in the world, give me hope.

Warm regards,
Penny Bishop
Dean of College of Education and Human Development

Black Bear Pride



Your support

The College of Education and Human Development’s long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service is demonstrated in the success of our students and alumni. We are proud of the achievements our graduates produce locally, nationally, and beyond, and work diligently to continue to grow this important legacy. Your support will help ensure that the College continues to recruit the best faculty and provide the best conditions to prepare our students to become future educators and leaders in their field.

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The Alumni Association is home to more than 95,000 UMaine alumni worldwide, and supports the University of Maine in a variety of ways through it’s many events, programs and services.