Each spring, the Maine Business School and the Graduate School of Business honor our May graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, a blue cord to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re proud to announce the honorees of our Spring 2026 awards.

MBS faculty are also honored at this annual event for their achievements over the past academic year.

Academic Achievement Awards

This year, we awarded six students who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during their time at 91����. We also gave awards to one student in both of our concentrations for having the highest GPA.

Bao Duong
Mia Graci
Sarah Johnson
Samuel Lausier
William Robbins
Jacob Robinson-Smey
Eli Herzog, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Quincy Clifford, International Business

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.

Emily Ruocco, Accounting
Owen Bolster, Business Information Systems & Security Management
Taylor Katsube, Finance
Ellyson Bourgoine, Management
Bao Duong, Marketing
Quincy Clifford, Sport Management
Isabelle See, MBA

Outstanding Student Awards

Sarah Johnson, Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Samuel Tremblay, Outstanding Undergraduate International Student
Jacob Robinson-Smey, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
Mikayla Reynolds, MaineMBA Director’s Award
Micaela Sheehan, MBS Advisor’s Award

MBS Faculty Awards

Dr. Nadège Levallet, Carol B. Gilmore Community Impact Award
Dr. Yonggang “Tim” Lu, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Billy Obenauer, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Alexandru Roman, Best Paper of the Year Award
Adria LaRose, JD, Teaching Impact Award

Six groups of first-year business students took center stage at the MBS Shark Tank competition, pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of judges and vying for scholarship prizes. These business ideas, shared by students, included campus cleaning and t-shirt services to custom organization and workout plans. Students spent the semester creating and running their side hustles for their Intro to Business class, competing for the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.

Meet the finalists who impressed the judges with their vision and determination:

Fournier Entrepreneurship Prize: $1,000

This prize was awarded by Executive Dean Jason Harkins to the student or group whose idea demonstrates the most originality and forward-thinking potential.

Fast Refs
Eli Filieo, South Portland, ME
Liam Poland, Brewer, ME
Jacob Pratt, Lewiston, ME
Isabella Tenney, Nottingham, NH

Fast Refs responds to the shortage of referees for 91����’s club basketball program, one of the campus’s newest clubs. The business supplies certified referees for games, maintaining and utilizing a roster of IAABO-certified officials.

First Place: $1,000

Orono Fitness (pictured above)
Noah Denham, Bangor, ME
Ryan Fernstrom, Bentonville, AR
Fern Giarla, Roslindale, MA
Hewitt Sykes, South Portland, ME
Corbin Voisine, South Portland, ME

Orono Fitness develops individualized workout plans tailored to each client’s goals, abilities, and preferences. Plans include detailed exercises, timing guidance, and considerations for current fitness levels to support safe and effective training.

Second Place: $750

Career Threads
Quentin Ackerson, Wells, ME
Nolan Ainsworth, Bradford, ME
Landan Albair, Caribou, ME
Alex Duprey, Presque Isle, ME
Sofia Pride, Falmouth, ME
Maren Urquhart, Fort Fairfield, ME

Career Threads addresses the gap between students’ need for professional clothing and their access to it. The organization operates a free professional clothing closet stocked with donations from alumni, 91���� staff, and local businesses. Its mission is to remove the financial barriers that prevent students from showing up professionally.

Third Place: $500

Campus Cleaning
Abbey Anderson, Whiting, ME
Dustin Bearce, Waterville, ME
Ryker Beyeler, Scarborough, ME
Joe Donnelly, Windham, ME
Rilyn Sawyer, Falmouth, ME

Campus Cleaning provides affordable, dorm-friendly cleaning services designed to help students maintain a tidy and comfortable living space. Recognizing that many students struggle to keep up with messes, the team offers quick, efficient, and low-cost solutions.

Honorable Mentions

Chucklenuts
Delia Custer, Litchfield, ME
Rigel DeLisle, South Portland, ME
Liam Monks, Topsham, ME
Igor Nganji, Freeport, ME
Ryan Osgood, Wolfeboro, NH
Ayda Sonnenberg, Orono, ME
Shay Tucker, Dover, PA

Chucklenuts offers locally made, custom-designed apparel that provides an alternative to mass-produced clothing. The business aims to give students unique, affordable options that allow them to express themselves through original designs.

OrganizeU
Matt Björkman, Jefferson, MA
Connor Edwards, Island Falls, ME
Chase Knight, Auburn, ME
Ava Spina, Scarborough, ME

OrganizeU focuses on helping students reduce stress and increase productivity. With many students juggling academic demands and social commitments, the business offers personalized schedules designed to make daily life more manageable.

Each December, the Maine Business School and the Graduate School of Business honor our December graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, a blue cord to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re proud to announce the honorees of our Winter 2025 awards.

Academic Achievement Awards

This award is given to one student in each of our majors and concentrations for having the highest GPA.
Moses Allen, Accounting
Morgan Tash, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Sophia Michaud, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Robert Landry, Finance
Michelle Cowie, Management
Lauryn Roy, Marketing
Delani McLaughlin, Sport Management

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.
Ethan Drillen, Accounting
Brady Merritt, Finance
Benton Foglio, Management
Wade Brown, Marketing
Olivia Bammel, Sport Management
Spencer Matteo, MaineMBA

MBS Advisor’s Award

This award is chosen by the MBS Advising team and goes to a student who persevered throughout their time at 91����.
TJ Lewis, Finance

MBA Director’s Award

This award is chosen by Andrew King, Director of the MaineMBA.
Jane Nicoll, MaineMBA

During our Winter Recognition Ceremony, we also inducted BSBA and MBA students into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for AACSB-accredited business schools. Click here to see the list of inductees.

Each spring, the Maine Business School and the Graduate School of Business honor our May graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, a blue cord to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re proud to announce the honorees of our Spring 2025 awards.

Academic Achievement Awards

This award is given to one student in each of our majors and concentrations for having the highest GPA.
Meghan McBreairty, Accounting
Trevor Morrison, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Mike Marchessault, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Sydney Brown, International Business
Thomas Freel, Finance
Nick Pino, Management
Cooper Williams, Marketing
Colin Fitzgerald, Sport Management

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.
Tristan Woodruff, Accounting
Evan Hollander, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Wyatt Kenney, Finance
Abby Thibodeau, Management
Lucas Ronco, Marketing
Colton Albertson, Sport Management
Ben Isenhour, MaineMBA

Outstanding Student Awards

Morgan Bisecco, Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Thomas Freel, Outstanding Undergraduate International Student
Colin Fitzgerald, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
Caroline Gylstorff, GSB Dean’s Award
Phil Tapscott, MBS Advisor’s Award

MBS Faculty and Staff Awards

Dr. Pank Agrrawal, Teaching Impact Award
Dr. Manuel Wörsdörfer, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Nadège Levallet, Best Paper of the Year Award
Dr. Henri Akono, Community Impact Award
Dr. Nick Swim, Student Success Award
Eric Beal, Spirit of Maine Award

A team of Maine Business School Sport Management students demonstrated their analytical and strategic expertise by securing first place in a prestigious case competition at the annual (CSRI) Conference in South Carolina. Competing against top programs from across the nation, the team was tasked with advising a Power-4 athletic department on how to distribute $20 million in revenue-sharing funds for student-athletes—navigating the complexities of equity, competitive success, and financial sustainability in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

The winning team—Brianna Townsend, Noah Chretien, Elaina Panagakos, and Cooper Williams—was advised by MBS faculty Dr. Nick Swim. Their proposal carefully balanced fair athlete compensation with the university’s strategic priorities, factoring in sport-specific revenue generation, Olympic sport success, and existing NIL funding. Using a data-driven model, the students devised a solution that ensured financial support based on success for all competing athletes while maintaining the long-term competitiveness of the athletic department.

“The students created a unique and equitable case solution,” Dr. Swim says. “They took into account a lot of various important factors currently impacting college sports in today’s landscape. It was a pleasure to advise them throughout the case study preparation.”

The competition required students to present their solutions in 10 minutes, followed by a five-minute Q&A session with judges. As the top undergraduate team, they earned the honor of publicly presenting their case study solution to all conference participants.

Preparation, Research, and Real-World Application

“Our students pushed themselves beyond the classroom, focusing on research, strategy, and presentation refinement,” Dr. Swim says. “They approached this case with the same level of intensity and creativity that top industry professionals would, demonstrating their ability to tackle complex, real-world challenges in college athletics.”

“We researched the implications of Title IX, how other schools were planning to distribute revenue, the House settlement itself, and South Carolina’s success over the 2023-24 season in order to apply our success points model,” explains Brianna Townsend, a member of the 91���� Field Hockey Team.

Their preparation included multiple practice runs, strategy meetings, and design sessions to refine their presentation.

“Our presentation involved extensive discussions, late nights designing compelling visuals, and plenty of practice to ensure we delivered our message effectively,” says Noah Chretien.

A Different Kind of Competition

For Elaina Panagakos, a student-athlete on 91����’s track and field team, the competition was an exciting opportunity to channel her competitive drive into an academic challenge.

“I was excited to compete in an academic challenge,” Panagakos says. “I drew from my own experiences as a college athlete to inform our proposal. It was fascinating to hear different perspectives from other schools and receive insightful feedback from professors.”

Beyond the competition, students valued the opportunity to network with Sport Management students and faculty from across the country.

“Conferences like CSRI are an incredible way to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting,” Panagakos notes. She and Townsend also shared how the experience deepened their interest in sport research and inspired them to consider graduate school.

By combining rigorous research, innovative thinking, and real-world application, this first-place victory not only highlights the strength of the MBS Sport Management program but also prepares these students to be leaders in the future of college athletics.

Each year at the end of the fall semester, the Maine Business School and Graduate School of Business honor December graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, blue cords to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re elated to announce the honorees of our Fall 2024 awards:

Academic Achievement Awards

This award is given to one student in each of our majors and concentrations for having the highest GPA.
Zachary Tubbs, Accounting
Cameron Hughes, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Jennah Lyford, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Kaitlin Halle, International Business
Wesley Pratt, Finance
Sara Economy, Management
Bryce DeRosby, Marketing
Gabrielle Papushka, Sport Management

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.
Moayied Awad, Accounting
Danielle Gassman, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Brady Napolitano, Finance
Kaden Stokes-Dana, Management
Elijah Fitch, Marketing
Nick White, Sport Management
Valentyna Koval, MBA

MBS Awards and University Outstanding Student Awards

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
Wesley Pratt

Graduate School of Business Dean’s Award
Joe Henrikson

Each year the Maine Business School and Graduate School of Business honor students and faculty for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, blue cords to wear at graduation, and a locally-crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re elated to announce the honorees of our Spring 2024 awards:

This award is given to one student in each of our four majors and our MBA program for having the highest GPA.
Allison Robbins, Accounting
Kyla Taylor, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Annika Gil, Entrepreneurship
Riley Rheault, International Business
Milana Nenadic, Finance
Jack Tracy, Management
Henry Tate, Marketing
Kian Murray, Sport Management

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors, concentrations, and our MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.
Riley Andrews, Accounting
Esther Chen, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Samuel Bolosky, Finance
Eleanor Nash, Management
Nevaeh Longchamps, Marketing
Brevin Barnes, Sport Management
Emily Uhrig, MBA
Shahriar Uddin, GSB Dean’s Award

MBS Advisor’s Award
Kyle Kruse, Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
Kian Murray, Dual Degree in Psychology and Business: Sport Management, Finance, and Marketing

Outstanding Undergraduate International Student
Victor Ostman, Finance and Sport Management

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
Donavan Villeneuve, Finance, Management, and Marketing

Spirit of Maine
Kyle Lee, Accounting

Excellence in Teaching Award
This award is given to a faculty member in the Maine Business School who demonstrates excellence in teaching. A faculty committee of recent award recipients makes a recommendation to the Dean based on nominations by students.

Dr. Stefano Tijerina, Lecturer in Management

Excellence in Research Award
This award is given to a faculty member in the Maine Business School who demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship. A faculty committee of recent award recipients makes a recommendation to the Dean based on self-nominations and nominations from Discipline Area Coordinators.

Dr. Erin Percival Carter, Assistant Professor in Marketing

Dr. Carol B. Gilmore Memorial Service Award
The Dr. Carol B. Gilmore Memorial Service Award was established in 2015 by an anonymous donor. This fund was established in honor of Dr. Gilmore, to reward a Maine Business School faculty member for outstanding service to the community, the University, and the School. Dr. Gilmore taught at 91���� and the Maine Business School from 1977 until the end of the Fall 2011 semester. In 2006, she received the university’s prestigious Presidential Public Service Achievement Award, recognizing a lifetime of service to the university and the communities of Maine.

Dr. Tanya Beaulieu, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems

The third annual MaineMBA Alumni Awards & Business Forum honored six alumni and featured two guest speakers. Michael Bourque, president and CEO of , and Amanda Rector, , spoke about turbulence and resilience.
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“This year’s event was our best yet, with six award winners recognized and attending the event at the Maine Center in the heart of Portland,” says Dr. Norm O’Reilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business. “Two exceptional industry��keynotes set the stage for the awards, and we were honored to have administration from both the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine there to celebrate the achievements of our alumni.”
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Our honored alumni are as follows:
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Dean’s Award
April Collins, Class of 2023
Senior Manager of Organizational Effectiveness, American Family Insurance
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This award is given to a recent graduate of the MaineMBA based upon their academic and co-curricular record and their impact on and contributions to the classroom environment.
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April’s commitment to service and excellence is evident in her work, including her role as program manager for a transformation that resulted in over $100M in savings. She contributed her leadership skills to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response efforts, where she streamlined testing processes and ensured equitable access to testing and vaccines for vulnerable populations. She is clearly committed to leaving a positive impact on communities and their ecosystems.
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U40 Award
Brian Bousquet-Smith, Class of 2020
Head of Operations at MedRhythms
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This award is given to a MaineMBA graduate younger than 40 at the time of nomination and has made contributions to their field. The winner is selected by the staff and board of Maine Outdoor Brands.
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Brian is a passionate leader with more than ten years of experience in various engineering, operations, and leadership roles. In his current role as the Head of Operations at MedRhythms, he has been at the forefront of helping to build a venture-backed startup in Portland, Maine. His leadership has effectively bridged diverse functions such as manufacturing, customer success, IT, and data analytics. Beyond MedRhythms, he is focused on being a good dad to his 19-month-old daughter and a loving husband.
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Outstanding Accountant Award
Stefan Lange, Class of 2011
Vice President and Controller at Partners Bank
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This award is given to someone with an accounting degree from a UMS program, and has displayed leadership and generosity within their field, community, or firm. This award is selected by the Maine Society of CPAs.
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Stefan moved from Germany to the U.S. in 2005, earning a BSBA in accounting and his MBA. He began his career at a regional public accounting firm, during which time he earned his CPA. He moved to the corporate accounting world, where he is currently a Vice President and Controller at Partners Bank in Sanford, Maine. He’s a member of the United Way committee at Partners Bank and volunteers as a financial reviewer for the United Way of Southern Maine. In his free time, he loves hiking, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Mary, and their pets.
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Engineering Alumni Leadership Award
Tyler Jolicoeur, Class of 2020
CEO at Compotech
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This award was established to recognize the synergies between the Graduate School of Business and the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. This award honors a MaineMBA graduate who has made a significant contribution of leadership or innovation to the engineering field and is chosen by the dean and faculty of MCEC.
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After earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering, Tyler spent several years as a project engineer at 91����’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center. He became the CFO at Compotech in 2021, and in 2022, he became their CEO. Compotech contracts with the Department of Defense and is focused on building a high-tech defense industrial base in Maine.
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Muskie School of Public Service Outstanding MBA Award
Robin Howard, Class of 2023
Nurse Practitioner at Maine Medical Partners
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This honor awards a MaineMBA graduate who pursued a concentration through the Muskie School of Public Service. The award goes to someone who sets a high standard of academic inquiry and engagement in the classroom and displays enthusiasm for learning and professional development. The awardee is selected by the faculty of the Muskie School of Public Service.
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Robin earned her nursing degrees at the University of Southern Maine. She’s been a nurse practitioner since 2006 and earned her MaineMBA in healthcare systems while working full-time at Maine Medical Partners. She’s currently pursuing CPHQ certification and plans to apply her MBA to the fields of healthcare quality and patient safety. Robin is an avid Lego fan outside of work and volunteers for her local fire department and the Red Cross.
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Matt Harmon, Class of 2022
SVP of Claims for MEMIC
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This award recognizes a graduate who has significantly contributed to leadership or innovation for their field or community. It’s chosen by the Maine Business School Advisory Board.
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Matt has been working in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. He plays a critical role at MEMIC in overseeing the company’s largest department and managing workers’ compensation claim activity nationwide. He also spearheads digital transformation initiatives, including work leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to enhance claim processes and outcomes.
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Each year the Maine Business School and Graduate School of Business honor students and faculty for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, blue cords to wear at graduation, and a locally-crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re elated to announce the honorees of our Spring 2023 awards:

Academic Achievement Awards
This award is given to one student in each of our four majors and our MBA program for having the highest GPA.

Devon Carrier, Accounting
Ashton Dunbar, Business Information Systems & Security Management
Jack Lalime, Finance
Shelby Philips, Management
Elaine Thomas, Management
Ma’ayan Weiss, Marketing
Storm Jipson, Sport Management
Kaden Nevells, International Business
Ma’ayan Weiss, Entrepreneurship

Faculty Award
This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors, concentrations, and our MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.

Morgan Bui, Accounting
Jennifer Dean, Business Information Systems & Security Management
Aidan Michaud, Finance
Mikayla Reynolds, Management
Mikayla Reynolds, Marketing
Zachary Beaton, Sport Management
Farid A. Momand, MBA
Rachel Capriola, GSB Dean’s Award

Outstanding Undergraduate Student
This award is given to the Maine Business School undergraduate student with the highest GPA. This award is recognized by the Office of the President.

Shelby Philips, Management
Elaine Thomas, Management & Honors College

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
This award is given to the Maine Business School undergraduate student athlete with the highest GPA.

Anna Kahelin, Management

Outstanding International Undergraduate Student
This award is given to the Maine Business School international undergraduate student athlete with the highest GPA. This award is recognized by the Office of the President.

Anna Kahelin, Management

Citizen Scholar Award
This award is given to a student who exemplifies a spirit of outreach and uses what they’re learning in the classroom to improve the world around them.

Ethan Howe, Finance

Spirit of Maine Award
This award is intended to honor a student who consistently lifts our spirits and makes us think of a more positive future.

Nicholas Poulin, Marketing and New Media

MBS Advisors Award
The MBS professional advising team chooses this award winner to honor a hard-working student who has persevered to graduation.

Lauren Patterson, Finance and Business Information Systems & Security Management

Excellence in Teaching Award
This award is given to a faculty member in the Maine Business School who demonstrates excellence in teaching. A faculty committee of recent award recipients makes a recommendation to the Dean based on nominations by students.

Buffie McCue-Quinn, Lecturer in Management & Marketing

Excellence in Research Award
This award is given to a faculty member in the Maine Business School who demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship. A faculty committee of recent award recipients makes a recommendation to the Dean based on self-nominations and nominations from Discipline Area Coordinators.

Dr. Billy Obenauer, Assistant Professor in Management

Dr. Carol B. Gilmore Memorial Service Award
The Dr. Carol B. Gilmore Memorial Service Award was established in 2015 by an anonymous donor. This fund was established in honor of Dr. Gilmore, to reward a Maine Business School faculty member for outstanding service to the community, the University, and the School. Dr. Gilmore taught at 91���� and the Maine Business School from 1977 until the end of the Fall 2011 semester. In 2006, she received the university’s prestigious Presidential Public Service Achievement Award, recognizing a lifetime of service to the university and the communities of Maine.

Dr. Susan Myrden, Associate Professor of Marketing

The Graduate School of Business at the University of Maine held its annual MaineMBA Alumni Awards and Business Forum event on Thursday, March 30, 2023.��

“We hosted guests from the Portland business community, our alumni, the University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, and many more,” says Dr. Norm O’Reilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business. “This event celebrated four MaineMBA alums and a business forum with an inspiring keynote speech and a deeply experienced industry panel. This was the Graduate School of Business’ first major in-person event, and we were thrilled at the turnout, the ambiance, and the learning.”

Nicole Tackett, Head of Strategy and Chief Product Officer of Commercial Payment Solutions at U.S. Bank, gave the keynote address. The 2023 Business Forum Panel was led by Katie Shorey, Director of Engagement at Live + Work in Maine. Panelists included Henry Quinn, Director of Analytics at L.L. Bean; Renee Kelley, Associate Vice President, Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources & Engagement at 91����; Leo Waterston, Program Director at FocusMaine; and Jennifer Hutchins, Executive Director at Maine Association of Nonprofits. Opening remarks were given by Jeffrey Mills, President/CEO of the University of Maine Foundation, and closing remarks were given by Thomas Peaco, President/CEO of the University of Maine Alumni Association. Special guests Dannel Malloy, Chancellor of the University of Maine System, and Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President of the University of Maine, the University of Maine at Machias, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the University of Maine System, were in attendance and gave their remarks.

Our honored alumni are as follows:

Distinguished Alumni Award
Greg Stremlaw, Class of 1995
91���� MBA
President and CEO of Indy Sports & Entertainment and Eleven Professional Soccer

Greg is leading the $1.3 billion Eleven Park development project in Indianapolis, Indiana, which includes a stadium, commercial and residential spaces, a hotel, and more. Greg has a media background, having previously served as the President of CBC Sports and oversaw all sport platforms, including television, radio, digital, and social media. He also served as the CEO of Curling Canada, Director of Bobsleigh and Luge, and Vice President of Sport Services at Calgary Olympic Development Association. He has received various awards and is involved in multiple leadership positions. Greg has a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA, an MS Ed in Sport Management, and completed a Harvard Executive Education program.

Outstanding Accounting MBA Alumni
Jane Rankin, CPA, Class of 2016
91���� MBA with a Concentration in Accounting
Director of Finance, Verrill

Jane earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, in Accounting, and her MBA from the University of Maine. She began her career at a regional accounting firm and became a Certified Public Accountant. Jane currently works at Verrill as the Director of Finance. She’s an active volunteer and board member of a local non-profit organization.��

U40 Award
Luke Horanski, Class of 2022
91���� MBA
Investment Banker, Hyde Park Capital

Luke is a respected contributor to investment banking with experience in major M&A transactions. He grew up in a small farm town near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, with a strong work ethic and leadership values. Luke earned an Economics degree and played baseball at Virginia Tech. He started his career as an analyst for a large private equity firm while completing the MBA program at 91����. Luke now works as an investment banker at Hyde Park Capital in Tampa, Florida, and has led multiple deals recognized for excellence. He is honored to receive the MaineMBA U40 award and plans to continue his career helping individuals with their biggest transactions.

Dean’s Award
Nicole Ann Pelletier, Class of 2022
91���� MBA
Audit Staff, Baker Newman Noyes

Nicole is an experienced audit staff member at Baker Newman Noyes, primarily serving clients in the healthcare, non-profit, and financial services industries. She graduated from the University of Maine in 2021 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance. She earned her MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics from 91����’s Graduate School of Business in 2022. In 2021, she was part of a team named the CFA Institute Research Challenge Eastern U.S. Champion. She is currently working toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant.