Retired UMaine Staffer Receives 2004 Hartgen Art Award
Contact: George Manlove at (207) 581-3756
ORONO — A longtime staff member at University of Maine who became an instant fan of Vincent Hartgen after taking an art class from him more than 25 years ago is the recipient of the Fifth Annual Vincent A. Hartgen Award.
Janet Candage Rourke came to work at the university’s Cooperative Extension Office in 1956 and held various positions on campus before becoming an executive secretary in the Development Office in 1977, from which she retired in 1999.
But she has continued the work she began in 1979 on behalf of the UMaine Patrons of the Arts organization as it struggled to exist with no budget and relying solely on the work of volunteers.
She is described as a tireless motivator and organizer behind the Patrons of the Arts, taking minutes during board meetings, organizing events and trips to museums and galleries and keeping members of the organization informed about the many campus and community activities undertaken over the years.
“Janet organized numerous Patrons’ functions, including receptions, dinners and Montreal Art Tours,” according to program notes from the April 24 award ceremony. “Her dedication to the Patrons well exceeded her 9-5 responsibilities. Janet has spent countless hours being a creative force to enhance the advancement of the Patrons