208th University of Maine Commencement Set for May 8; Baldacci to Deliver Commencement Address
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — The University of Maine will award degrees to its Class of 2010 at the university’s 208th commencement ceremonies, scheduled for Saturday, May 8 at Harold Alfond Arena in Orono.
A 10 a.m. ceremony is for graduates in the College of Business, Public Policy and Health; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and the Division of Lifelong Learning. Graduates in the College of Education and Human Development; the College of Engineering; and the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture will receive their degrees at a 2:30 p.m. ceremony.
UMaine’s commencement is the state’s largest graduation. With an expected total of more than 12,000 people in attendance, it is also one of the state’s largest annual single-day events.
Gov. John Baldacci, a 1986 UMaine graduate who is in the final year of his second four-year term as governor, will deliver the commencement address at both ceremonies.
“We are pleased that Gov. Baldacci has accepted our invitation to address the Cass of 2010,” says UMaine President Robert Kennedy. “He exemplifies the legendary Maine work ethic, dedication to service and commitment to ideals and I am certain he will bring an inspiring message to our graduating students.”
MBNA founder Charles Cawley will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the morning ceremony. Cawley, who spent a good deal of time in mid-coast Maine as a child, brought MBNA operations to Maine in 1993. He has also been a generous UMaine benefactor whose vision and generosity led to the establishment of UMaine’s Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, an electrical engineering professor at the Indian Institute of Technology and a pioneer in the study of computer networks and fiber optics, will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree at the afternoon ceremony. Jhunjhunwala, who earned a master’s degree from UMaine in 1977 and a doctorate in 1979, has dedicated himself to helping less fortunate people in India in meaningful ways, including expanding the use of science and technology in that country.
Amy Marie Smith, a history major from Lincolnville, is the Class of 2010 valedictorian. She is a Camden Hills Regional High School graduate. Matthew Bouchard of Waterville, a Lewiston High School graduate who will earn a business degree with a double major in accounting and finance, is the class salutatorian