2027 Retirees Homecoming

Exterior of Wells Conference Center
Wells Conference Center

SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, June 3, 2027
Wells Conference Center
131 Munson Road, Orono, Maine
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Highlights from 2026 Retirees Homecoming

Photo Gallery

2026 Hikel Award winners Shirley and Ronald Davis holding their engraved clock
2026 Hikel Award winners Shirley and Ronald Davis
Michael Eckardt and David Hart
Michael Eckardt and featured speaker David Hart
Tom Sandford speaks at the 2026 UMaine Retirees Homecoming
Tom Sandford, Chair of the President’s Council of Retired Employees, welcomes attendees to the 2026 UMaine Retirees Homecoming
Joyce Rumery with Betsy and Paul Paradis
Joyce Rumery with Betsy and Paul Paradis
Jenine Hashey and Rosie Seaber
Jenine Hashey and Rosie Seaber
Joyce Rumery, Lucille Zeph and Michael Eckardt
Joyce Rumery, Lucille Zeph and Michael Eckardt
Ursula and Robin Pritham
Ursula and Robin Pritham
Tracey Ferwerda and Phoebe Nylund
Tracey Ferwerda and Phoebe Nylund
Mark and Rosemary Bamford
Mark and Rosemary Bamford
Karen Kemble, Evelyn Silver and Maxine Harrow
Karen Kemble, Evelyn Silver and Maxine Harrow
Gail Dyer-Martin and Althea Tibbetts
Gail Dyer-Martin and Althea Tibbetts

Featured Speaker

David Hart

David Hart became embroiled at the age of 17 in a controversial proposal regarding the environmental and economic future of a coastal California watershed, which sparked his lifelong quest to strengthen the role of science in society. Since then, he has conducted extensive environmental research, advised government, industry, and NGOs, and developed innovative programs addressing challenges that require a dual focus on improving human well-being and protecting the environment (i.e. sustainability challenges).

Following his arrival at UMaine in 2006, David and many colleagues have led efforts to grow UMaine’s capacity for stakeholder-engaged, interdisciplinary research, culminating in the creation of the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. More than 300 faculty and 1000 students from 17 universities representing the natural and social sciences, engineering, design, and the humanities have participated in this solutions-driven research (e.g. 100+ projects focused on water resources, forestry, agriculture, coastal fisheries, climate change, municipal planning, renewable energy, solid waste, community and economic development). Research support has come from many sources, including more than $32 million in grants from the National Science Foundation.

Schedule

9:00 AM:

  • Check-in for handouts and parking passes.
  • UMaine Activity Information Tables (25 Organizations).

10:15 AM: Welcome by Thomas Sandford, Chair of the President’s Council of Retired Employees, and UMaine President Ferrini-Mundy!

  • Introduction of 2026 Barbara Hikel awardee and Harold Brown Scholarship awardee.
  • Break to stretch legs.

11:00 AM: Featured Speaker David Hart, Director of the Center for Sustainability, “UMaine’s Leadership in Aligning Research with Societal Needs.”

11:45 AM: Lunch followed by Door Prizes led by Jeff Mills and closing remarks.

1:15 PM: Four Tours — Check-in (parking, location etc.) in dining room corners:

  1. Tour of Page Farm and Home Museum (max 35) — SE corner
  2. Walking tour of UMaine Alfond Arena, new Track Facility, and new Soccer Complex (max 40) — NW corner
  3. Tour of Versant Power Astronomy Center (max 50) — SW corner
  4. Tour of Orono Bog Boardwalk (max 20) — NE corner

1:20 PM: Disperse for Tours

3:00 PM: End