Media report on virtual Commencement celebrations

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

May 11, 2020 UMaine in the News

News Center Maine and WABI (Channel 5) reported on virtual Commencement celebrations held by University of Maine System campuses, including the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias. “Every graduating class — of course, it’s such a special time,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “We’re so proud of what they’ve accomplished, and we’re looking forward to when we can congratulate them in person. In the meantime, I’m happy with our virtual recognition week as an attempt to honor the great work that they’ve done.” The online Recognition Week for the UMaine Class of 2020 took place from May 4 through 9 with congratulatory messages and features of outstanding students and faculty members each day at 10 a.m., ending on what would have been the day of the traditional in-person Commencement ceremonies. “The Commencement Committee desired to plan a virtual recognition event that would be special, meaningful and memorable for the Class of 2020,” said Kimberly Whitehead, UMaine chief of staff and Commencement coordinator. “We are excited to celebrate and honor the achievements of our Class of 2020 graduates, outstanding students and faculty members through the student recognition weeks. We extend best wishes and congratulations to our graduates.” The UMM Class of 2020 graduates will be celebrated with an online Recognition Ceremony at 1 p.m. May 30, News Center Maine reported. The Bangor Daily News published a University of Maine System press release stating that UMaine launched a virtual yearbook along with the Recognition Week offerings, and the Commencement Committee continues to plan for a face-to-face ceremony in the fall. UMaine anticipates conferring approximately 1,900 degrees or awards. UMM is tentatively scheduling a commencement ceremony for its homecoming weekend in September, provided it will be safe to do so. UMM anticipates conferring 83 degrees or awards, the release states.