President’s End of Year Message

Dear students, faculty, and staff at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias,

As we reach the conclusion of the fall semester, I offer you my congratulations and heartfelt thanks for your hard work, dedication and achievements over the past 16 weeks. 

Our Black Bear communities in Orono, Machias, online, and around the world worked collaboratively in pursuit of educational and personal enrichment, student success, discovery and creativity, and service to others. We conducted this work together, addressing challenges and celebrating successes as part of a kind, compassionate, and caring community (the mantra of our dear friend and retiring colleague Dean Robert Dana). Few other institutions can match the breadth, depth, and results of these collective efforts, and you are part of the reason why.

Although Saturday is the winter solstice – the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere – things literally brighten up for us on Sunday when we gain about five additional seconds of daylight. By the time the spring semester starts on January 21, daylight in Maine will have increased by nearly 30 minutes. I hope you use the holidays and semester break to reflect, have fun, catch up, or do whatever else will restore you and remind you of the benefits and symbolism of light. 

In the meantime, please accept my best wishes for a safe and joyful conclusion to 2024 and a happy start to 2025. I look forward to seeing you in January!

Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President
University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias