UMaine News

Knott, Musgrave to Receive UMaine Honorary Degrees; University to Recognize Herbert Sargent

Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571

ORONO — The man who invented the wire lobster trap and a nutrition educator who continues to teach and inspire well into her 80s will receive honorary University of Maine doctorates at UMaine’s May 13 commencement ceremony.

James Knott, Sr., of Northbridge, Mass., will receive a Doctor of Science degree. An innovative business leader and inventor, Knott revolutionized the lobstering industry through the development of the wire lobster trap. More manageable and less susceptible to damage than the old wooden traps, wire traps are now commonplace in that industry. His Massachusetts business, Riverdale Industries, has been recognized many times for its effective environmental practices and innovative approach to manufacturing. Knott is also a long-time supporter of UMaine’s Lobster Institute, which conducts research and outreach programming related to the lobster fishery and its future.

A Doctor of Science degree will also be awarded to Katherine Musgrave of Orono, a UMaine professor emeritus who is well-known for her long and distinguished teaching and research career in human nutrition. Musgrave, who retired from the UMaine faculty in 1985 but continues to teach through UMaine’s Division of Lifelong Learning while also working with local physicians to advise patients on heathy eating habits, employs state-of-the art distance learning techniques in the presentation of her classes and in communicating with the public about nutrition. Her commitment to teaching through technology was noted in 2002 when Musgrave received the New England University Continuing Education Association Faculty Member of the Year Award.

“Through their distinguished achievements in their chosen fields, Jim Knott and Katherine Musgrave have accomplished a great deal and have touched the lives of many in a most positive way,” says UMaine President Robert Kennedy. “They are each richly deserving of this honor. It is our extreme good fortune that they are associated with the University of Maine.”

The late Herbert E. Sargent of Stillwater will also be recognized during the May 13 ceremony. Sargent, who died on April. 9, had been nominated and approved for an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree, a fact which his family members and friends pleased him greatly. A special recognition of this honor will be part of the May 13 commencement event.

“Mr. Sargent was a wonderful choice to receive a UMaine honorary degree,” Kennedy says. “We were saddened to learn of his passing before we could honor him at commencement, but we are looking forward to the opportunity to publicy recognize his great contributions.”

Sargent, who was 100 years old when he died, founded H.E. Sargent, Inc., a construction business that continues to thrive nearly 80 years after its formation. He was also a well-known community leader and philanthropist.