President’s Messages

Community message regarding racism and gun violence — May 16

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities, We write today to join you in shock and anger over the hate-fueled racist murders of 10 people in Buffalo, New York on Sunday. We also mourn the victims of a mass shooting on Sunday in Laguna Woods, California, where one person was murdered […]

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Maine Memo — A season of celebration

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities, Congratulations on completing spring semester 2022! I have greatly enjoyed being able to be back together, in person, for the many celebrations and capstones events that make this time of year so special.  I have attended student performances, award ceremonies, symposia, and presentations across […]

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Maine Memo — Embracing religious diversity

April is a welcome time of year, especially here in Maine, with spring promising more daylight hours, warmer weather, greening landscapes, and overall sense of hope and renewal. That appreciation for what’s ahead and possible is particularly true after two years of a pandemic. This month, too, is a time for a number of religious […]

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President Ferrini-Mundy’s statement on the invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an unprovoked assault on a peaceful country and its people, and an attack on democracy and freedom throughout the world. We share the outrage of the brave Ukrainian people and are inspired by their courage in the face of this senseless violence. As a university community, we are concerned about […]

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Maine Memo — Recognizing Black history every month of the year

Dear UMaine and UMaine Machias community members, At the beginning of Black History Month this year, President Biden reminded us that the month represents “both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our […]

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President Ferrini-Mundy’s statement on the passing of Leonard Minsky

The University of Maine community and the state of Maine have lost a passionate visionary with the passing of Leonard Minsky. With his soulmate and wife, Renee, Leonard touched the lives of generations of UMaine students and Maine people with their advocacy for the arts, lifelong commitment to inclusiveness and community, and dedication to enhancing […]

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Maine Memo — R1 and student success

Dear members of the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities, This is a proud time for all Black Bears. Wednesday was an important day in the history of the University of Maine and the state of Maine. UMaine was recognized nationally with an R1 Carnegie Classification as a “very high research […]

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Maine Memo — Learning to be together

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities, Welcome to spring semester 2022! Tuesday marks the beginning of our fifth semester as a university functioning in a pandemic. In one way or another, all of us are changed and transformed, but one thing remains the same: UMaine and UMaine Machias are committed […]

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Statement on the Observance of the 23rd Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias community members, Tomorrow across the United States, we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This is the 23rd year that all states have observed this national holiday. I offer that we consider what it means to “observe” the holiday, which for many is a day […]

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