Maine Edge interviews Commencement speakers ahead of ceremony
The Maine Edge spoke with the 2017 University of Maine Commencement speakers Heather and Abe Furth ahead of the graduation ceremonies on May 13. The Orono couple met at UMaine in 1999 when Heather was studying biology and Abe was studying English. In the past decade, they have founded restaurants, a brewery and a property development company in Orono and Bangor. “We decided to stay in a smaller community and really try to create some positive change within it, as opposed to moving to Portland after graduation, or to Boston or New York or wherever. We decided ‘Hey, let’s change this place.’ Be the revival,” said Heather Furth, who added they hope their speech is inspiring to not only the graduates, but everyone listening. “I think with our speech we’re very honest about who we are,” Abe Furth said. “We’re kind of painting a picture of ourselves, but really, we want the students to know we’re talking about us, but also about them. We were where they are.” The Furths will address both ceremonies.