Open University Day part of UMaine’s 2015 Homecoming, Oct. 16–18
The University of Maine’s yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary continues with Open University Day Oct. 17, held in conjunction with Homecoming, and Family and Friends Weekend.
A list of all public events throughout the weekend, Oct. 16–18, including athletics events, art exhibits, planetarium shows, performances and receptions is available online.
“We’re extending an invitation to people throughout Maine to join us for these three days of events campuswide,” says Dana Humphrey, chair of UMaine’s Anniversary Implementation Committee. “This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the state’s flagship university and how its teaching, research and economic development, and outreach efforts benefit all of Maine.”
Open University Day, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Oct. 17, features public tours of UMaine’s world-class laboratories, performances, exhibits and program presentations at nearly 30 campus venues. Visitors can pick up free Open University passports and maps at one of six information booths on campus that day. Passports will be stamped at each venue visited; prizes will be drawn from those passports with the most stamps.
Saturday also will be highlighted by Homecoming tailgating at 12:30 p.m. and UMaine football vs. Yale at 3:30 p.m., and Family and Friends Weekend Lobster Bake at noon. Ticket information is online.
The Homecoming Craft Fair and Marketplace featuring more than 200 artists, crafters and artisans will be held in the Field House,10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday.
In addition, the legacy of Vincent Hartgen will be celebrated with the dedication of the drawing studios named in his honor in the Wyeth Family Studio Art Center, Stewart Commons. Hartgen was a member in the UMaine Department of Art from 1946–82, and curated the university art collection. The dedication ceremony for the Hartgen Drawing Studios begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday night at 7, Maine humorist Tim Sample will offer An Evening of “Drunken Fireworks” in 100 D.P. Corbett Business Building. Sample, who narrated Stephen King’s recently released audiobook, “Drunken Fireworks,” will read passages of the short story, and reflect on his career and his collaboration with King, who called the recording of the audiobook as a “wild ride.” A book signing will follow the event.
Oct. 16 will feature a 150th anniversary lecture by historian Edward Baptist of Cornell University, speaking on “How to Save American Higher Education from Its Saviors: The Morrill Act and What It Can Teach Us Today.” The 3:15 p.m. lecture in Minsky Recital Hall will be followed by a reception in Fogler Library.
Oct. 18, there will be a Family and Friends Weekend Jazz Brunch, 9:30–11 a.m., Wells Conference Center. Ticket information is online.
A list of Open University Day events is available online.
Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745