Maine Studies Program Names Research Award Recipients
Contact: Maureen Smith, 581-4450, Sandra Butler, 581-2382
ORONO — The University of Maine’s Maine studies program is pleased to announce Valerie Mitchell of West Old Town and Holly Blanchard-Reed of Portland are the winners of the 2008 Maine Studies Research and Creativity Awards.
A history major with minors in Native American studies and museum studies, Mitchell received the undergraduate award for her work titled “Wabanaki Worldview – Resources for Educators.” She is a student of professor Maureen Smith, director of the Native American Studies Program. Mitchell also works at UMaine as reunion giving coordinator and class adviser for the Alumni Association.
A master’s student in social work, Blanchard-Reed received the graduate award for her research paper, titled “Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 – Acknowledging the Past.” She is a student of professor Sandra Butler of the School of Social Work.
The awards, established to recognize student research excellence in Maine-related topics, are funded through the generosity of the University of Maine Foundation.