Four Prominent Alums Set for Stillwater Society Presidential Awards
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — Four prominent University of Maine alums, representing alumni success in business, politics, law, literature, athletics and journalism, will be honored on April 30 with UMaine’s prestigious Stillwater Society Presidential Awards for Achievement. Those to be recognized are:
A. Manette Ansay, an acclaimed novelist who has achieved both artistic and popular success. Her contributions to literature include novels, short stories and a memoir entitled “Limbo,” about her long-term battle with a muscle disorder and its effect on her life. Ansay gained national fame when her 1998 novel “Vinegar Hill.” the tale of a woman coming to terms with deep family secrets, was selected for the Oprah Book Club. In 2000 she was a selected as a finalist for the prestigious National Book Critics Circle Award.
Mike Bordick, who retired after the 2003 season, bringing to an end a 13-year major league baseball career that included two World Series appearances and participation, as a member of the Baltimore Orioles, in the 2000 All-Star game. Bordick retired with major league records for consecutive games and consecutive chances at shortstop without an error. A solid offensive player, Bordick finished his career with 1,500 hits and a .260 career average.
Douglas E. Kneeland, a journalist who, from 1959 when he joined the New York Times staff until his retirement to Lincoln in 1993, played a significant role in the major newspaper coverage of national and international events. During his 22 years at the Times, Kneeland held various influential positions and is credited with being a driving force behind the Times’ emergence as a national newspaper. Kneeland later joined the Chicago Tribune, serving as national and foreign editor and associate managing editor.
The Hon. William W. Treat, who has achieved great success as a judge, a banker, a writer, a political leader and a diplomat. For some 50 years, he has been an influential and trusted confidant to presidents, members of Congress, governors, jurists, and foreign leaders. Judge Treat has always found connections among the elements of his life’s pursuits in law, government and banking, using one interest and the related experiences as a springboard to success in another area.
The Stillwater Society was created in 2000 to recognize people who have made significant contributions to UMaine. Friday’s ceremony will bring to 15 the total number of people to receive the society’s Presidential Award for Achievement, which honors extraordinary achievement by members of the UMaine family. Their accomplishments merit national and international acclaim.
“We are proud of UMaine’s association with these four exceptional members of our community,” says UMaine President Peter Hoff. “Their achievements are laudable, and they serve as profound examples of the great things that UMaine graduates are doing to advance causes and improve lives every day.”