The Innovate for Maine Fellows Program pairs college students with innovative, growth-focused Maine companies to work on real-world business challenges. Operated by 91福利’s Foster Center for Innovation, the program includes a week-long boot camp, professional development, and one-on-one mentorship designed to strengthen students’ innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

“What really stood out to me was the support the program provides,” Ward says. “Having a mentor, internship training, and a cohort of fellow interns made the experience much less intimidating than stepping into a business on my own. Knowing I had people to learn from, ask questions, and lean on throughout the summer has been incredibly valuable.”

How did you hear about this internship?

I first heard about the Innovate for Maine Program from a guest speaker, and program alumna, at an MBS Women in Business meeting. After learning more about the fellowship and how cool an opportunity it was, I quickly knew I wanted to pursue it.

What are your internship tasks?

I’m interning with a startup called as they work towards opening their first location in Portland. My primary responsibilities are designing, building, and launching a scalable website for the company.

What do you like most about your internship?

One of my favorite parts of the internship is the support system. In addition to working closely with my supervisor at OatMode, I have an Innovate for Maine mentor and a cohort of fellows who are always willing to share ideas, offer advice, or just provide some encouragement.

What are the biggest challenges you’re facing as an intern?

Working with a startup means priorities can change quickly, so I’ve had to learn to adapt, pivot quickly, and communicate effectively as plans evolve or problems arise. Those challenges have helped me become more flexible and confident in my problem-solving skills.

What things are you learning during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

I’ve strengthened skills such as professional communication, project management, client collaboration, and problem-solving in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom setting. I’ve also learned to navigate real business challenges and adapt in a fast-paced startup environment.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This internship has given me confidence in my ability to contribute to real business projects and take ownership of important responsibilities. It’s strengthened both my technical and professional skills and has shown me where I can improve, so that I am more confident heading into the workforce post-grad.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Don’t be afraid to apply, even if you don’t feel like you meet every qualification. Internships are meant to help you learn. Ask questions, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience. The effort you put in will directly shape what you get out of it.

Hometown: Newport, Maine
Class: 2028
Majors: Marketing and New Media
Internship Title: Innovate for Maine Fellow

For many students, the highlight of AFN is the chance to connect with alumni who once stood in their shoes. For the alumni, it’s an equally meaningful opportunity to give back, share guidance, and meet the next generation of business leaders.

Heather Goan, ’20, tax manager at Baker Newman Noyes, loves hearing what students are excited about. “Whether that’s classes, internships, or job prospects, I love being able to answer their questions,” she says. “It’s great to see them taking initiative by attending firm events and starting those conversations early.”聽

Riley Andrews ’24, ’25G, a staff auditor at BerryDunn, enjoys the opportunity to relate to what students are going through and share tips and advice she learned during her time at 91福利. “Events like AFN help us build relationships with students who are passionate about the profession and identify future team members who align with BerryDunn’s values and goals,鈥� she says.

“With job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of r茅sum茅s,” says Craig Blackwell ’16,’ 22G, an audit senior at . “These networking events are where we can meet prospects face to face, giving students another opportunity to showcase who they are off-paper.鈥�

The impact of professional development events goes beyond one evening. Alumni like Riley Andrews encourage students to attend as many networking opportunities as they can鈥攅ven those outside their major. 鈥淓ach time a student attends, they not only expand their opportunities but also build confidence in speaking with recruiters,” she says.

Dave Barrett, Lecturer in Accounting at MBS, says that his current students appreciate getting to chat with both the older alumni who have made a successful聽career in public accounting and the younger alumni who are just starting out. “It also gives the students the chance to ‘interview’ a bunch of different firms so they can figure out where they might feel the most comfortable after graduation,” he says.

Events like Accounting Firm Night underscore the powerful role alumni play in shaping the Maine Business School experience. By sharing their time, expertise, and encouragement, 91福利 graduates open doors for current students and strengthen the Black Bear business community.

Ellyson Bourgoine, a junior from York, Maine, and Nolan Matthews, a junior from Scarborough, Maine, have participated in previous Bear Treks trips. Both students joined this trek to explore career opportunities across different industries. 鈥淚’m not quite sure what industry I want to work in, and I find it valuable to hear from professionals across various departments about their daily responsibilities,” says Matthews. He found it reassuring to hear from 91福利 alumni who had navigated different career paths before finding their niche.

The first stop of the day was Hannaford’s headquarters in Scarborough, which recently underwent a redesign to create a more modern workspace for employees. Matt Rothman, Manager of Early Talent Development at Hannaford, highlighted design elements that honor the company’s long history while accommodating contemporary work styles.

“My favorite part of the trip was touring both corporate buildings,” says Matthews. “At Hannaford, I appreciated how flexible they were about where employees could work. It was also fascinating to see how the building’s design reflects the company’s history.鈥�

Students had the opportunity to network over lunch with 91福利 alumni working at Hannaford. Among the nine alumni who joined, students heard from Grace Harmatys, a recent May 2024 graduate, and David Duley, Class of 1984.

At Wex, students met with five employees, four of whom were . One of the most striking features of Wex’s headquarters was the sweeping views of Casco Bay. Morgan Bouchard, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Wex, emphasized the importance of these student visits. “Creating opportunities for students to explore and learn about potential employers is so important. Students are interviewing companies just as much as companies are interviewing them for future roles,” she says, adding that investing in early talent is crucial for Maine’s workforce development.

Trip Marston, a first-year student from Portland, Maine, found the panel discussion at Wex particularly valuable. “Hearing from employees and 91福利 alumni gave me greater insight into the diverse paths people take to reach their current roles,” he says.

Students had the chance to engage with professionals through a panel discussion before participating in a hands-on activity. Patrick Nannery, Marketing Manager – Shell Fleet Marketing at Wex, introduced a Shark Tank-style competition, where students were tasked with pitching different candy brands to the employee panel for feedback.

For Bourgoine, connecting with 91福利 alumni was the highlight of the trip. “I appreciated the sense of connection and relatability in learning how 91福利 graduates have grown into their careers, starting from the same place we are now,” she says.

The Portland Bear Treks experience provided students with valuable exposure to corporate environments, direct interactions with industry professionals, and insights into the career paths of 91福利 alumni. These opportunities reinforce the importance of experiential learning and networking as students prepare for their future careers.

Read about past Bear Treks trips:
Boston Bear Treks 2024: Unum, Salesforce, and Omni Hotels
Boston Bear Treks 2023: State Street Bank, Allen & Gerritsen, and Johnson & Johnson DePuy Synthes
Portland Bear Treks 2022: IDEXX and MEMIC

Balancing her academic responsibilities, pageant commitments, and personal life has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. “My first semester at 91福利 taught me the importance of time management,” she says. “I grew in ways I never expected.”

Eva chose to attend the University of Maine because it offers a high-quality and affordable education close to home. “I’m studying business because of the Maine Business School’s commitment to student success,” she says. “MBS allows me to explore multiple educational interests, which is why I declared a concentration in International Business and a minor in Spanish.”

Her interest in pageants began while researching college scholarships. She discovered the Miss America Opportunity and was drawn to its mission of empowering female leaders. “I was inspired by the chance to grow as a person and make a difference in my community,” Eva explains.

Since being crowned Miss Maine’s Teen in June 2024, Eva has logged over 5,500 miles traveling across New England. One of the most meaningful aspects of her role has been promoting her Community Service Initiative (CSI), Couragefully. A CSI is a requirement for all contestants in the Miss America system, and delegates must find a cause or issue they are passionate about. “I chose youth mental health, particularly anxiety, because I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life,” Eva says. Through Couragefully, Eva aims to show that people can accomplish their dreams and goals despite anxiety. She has shared her message in the schools of her hometown, partnered with 91福利 Counseling Center to encourage students to seek out help, and was featured on “The Nite Show with Danny Cashman,” a local talk show. 

Eva also takes pride in being the first Brazilian-American to hold the title of Miss Maine’s Teen. “It’s an honor to represent my Maine and Brazilian heritage,” she says. “This milestone demonstrates the importance of diversity and representation. I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique identities and believe in their dreams.”

As Eva continues her journey at the Maine Business School and in the pageant world, she’s proving that with determination, hard work, and a clear sense of purpose, it’s possible to achieve great things鈥攂oth in and out of the classroom.

Expanding Perspectives Beyond the Classroom

Dr. Stefano Tijerina, who has been leading student trips to Canada since 2005 through his work with 91福利鈥檚 Canadian-American Center, emphasized the importance of these cross-border experiences. “My goal is to facilitate cross-cultural connections that help expand the lens through which students see the world,” Dr. Tijerina says. “The trip also helps deconstruct misconceptions about Canada, especially the Anglo-centric view of the country.”

This year, Dr. Tijerina was joined by Dr. Nick Swim, who incorporated unique sport management experiences into the itinerary.

Behind-the-Scenes Sports Experiences

The trip began with a stop in Burlington, Vermont, where students toured Centennial Field, home of the , a collegiate summer baseball team. This gave students a close-up look at how smaller sporting organizations operate and engage their communities.

In Montreal, the group explored several iconic sporting venues:
鈥� The , where they learned about the history and culture of curling in Canada.
鈥� The Montr茅al Circuit, home to the world-famous Canadian Grand Prix.

“This was my first time in Canada, and my favorite part of the trip was the Formula 1 track,” says Regan Lawn, a student from Egg Harbor Twp, New Jersey. “The sponsorship team gave us an engaging presentation on how they maintain relationships with their partners and gave us a tour of the facility.”

For the second year in a row, students attended a Montr茅al Canadiens hockey game鈥攁n unforgettable experience that immersed them in the passion and energy of Canadian sports culture. “Attending the Montr茅al Canadiens game allowed students to see sport management principles in action,” Dr. Swim says. “From the marketing to fan experience, the Canadiens provide a world-class environment. Attending a game pushed them to watch an NHL game, but also see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting on a professional sporting event.”聽聽

Experiential Learning

Experiencing business internationally is only a 5-hour drive away for MBS students. Having the opportunity to visit cities in Canada, such as Quebec City and Montr茅al, exposes students to a new business culture by immersion. “Students can witness the challenges and opportunities of international business dynamics, exploring how companies market products, adapt customer service strategies, and navigate cultural and linguistic differences,” Dr. Tijerina says. It’s also a lot of fun.

In addition to structured tours, students on this trip also had time to explore Montr茅al independently, allowing them to appreciate the city’s vibrant culture, history, and diversity. Some students took advantage of the city’s outdoor opportunities with a hike of Mount Royal, while others explored the bustling streets and cultural landmarks.

The Doing Business At series was inspired by the MBS Ambassadors, who expressed an interest in learning how to conduct themselves professionally while playing golf. From this idea, the Maine Business School leadership expanded the program to include events like Doing Business on the Golf Course and Doing Business at a Sporting Event. These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund.

“Professional development is a key component of our culture,” says Executive Dean Jason Harkins. “Throughout the year, we offer various programs that give students the opportunity to network with industry professionals, thought leaders, and 91福利 alumni鈥攂oth on and off campus. The Doing Business at Dinner event has become a highlight of our fall programming. I thoroughly enjoy connecting with students at these events and helping them develop into career-ready young professionals.”

Doing Business at Dinner provides students with valuable experience in a professional dining setting. They learn about appropriate business attire, how to introduce themselves, table manners, and how to engage in conversation with people they’ve just met.

“My favorite part of Doing Business at Dinner is interacting with my peers in the business school whom I might not otherwise know due to our different majors,” says Anna Shantz, a senior Marketing and Management major from Wellfleet, MA. “The main thing this event has taught me is how to network,” she says. Anna explained that with only a few minutes to connect with the professionals attending the event, it was an ideal time to practice making strong introductions and asking insightful questions to gain valuable information.

“Doing Business at Dinner creates an environment that allows natural conversation over a shared meal,” says Emerson Jones, a sophomore from Orrington, ME, studying Finance, Accounting, and Financial Economics. “This event taught me there is value in every conversation and to be open to dialogue with anyone.鈥�

The Doing Business At series continues to grow, providing Maine Business School students with unique opportunities to prepare for their professional lives in diverse and engaging environments. Professional development events complement the rigorous, robust, and relevant education at the Maine Business School.

鈥淚t is an honor to be asked to serve on the Advisory Board,鈥� Thorne says. 鈥淢y connection with the University has lasted a lifetime. A chance to be part of the growth of the Maine Business School is a task I relish.鈥�

His work in radio began locally at WABI while he attended Old Town High School. He worked part-time behind the scenes and soon covered high school games throughout the area, which he continued through law school. In 1967, as an undergraduate business student, Thorne was a first baseman on the University of Maine鈥檚 freshman baseball team. He was the voice of 91福利 hockey for nearly a decade and was instrumental in forming Friends of Maine Hockey. He was inducted into the .

Gary served in the Army JAG Corp, as a partner in Old Town and Bangor firms, as an Alternate Chair for the Maine Labor Relations Board, and as Assistant District Attorney in Bangor. He currently lives in California but visits Portland, Maine often. Thorne is a podcast host; has been a play-by-play announcer for the NHL on ESPN; the Stanley Cup Finals on ABC; MLB Thursday Night Baseball; Olympic hockey, rowing, canoeing, and kayaking on NBC; Olympic speed skating in Nagano, Japan for CBS. He has received Emmy Awards for his work with the NY Mets, Baltimore Orioles, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Boys Hockey Tournament. Since 2019 he has been writing for the Sports Rivals Podcast.

鈥淚 share in the excitement of the board to welcome such an outstanding member,鈥� says Dianne Watters, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Tyler Technologies and the Chair of the MBS Advisory Board. 鈥淗e brings incredible experience, strong ties to 91福利, and great perspective gained throughout his career.鈥�

As the MBS and GSB expand their offerings to include Sport Management and Outdoor Recreation degrees, Norm O鈥橰eilly, Dean of the Graduate School of Business, welcomes Thorne鈥檚 background and perspective. 鈥淕ary鈥檚 vast career and network in the sports business and legal fields, and his willingness to support our students and alumni, make him a natural fit for our Advisory Board.

Jennifer Healy

Lecturer in Management and Marketing
MBA: Northeastern University
M.Ed.: Cambridge College

Nad猫ge Levallet, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Management and Information Systems
Ph.D.: Queen鈥檚 University, Canada
MBA: University of Ottawa

Jun Lou, Ph.D.

Lecturer in Finance
Ph.D.: City University of New York
M.Phil.: CUNY Graduate Center

Buffie McCue-Quinn

Lecturer in Management and Marketing
Ph.D.: University of Maine (in progress)
MBA: Husson University

Billy Obenauer, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Management
Ph.D.: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
MBA: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Norm O鈥橰eilly, Ph.D.

Dean of the Graduate School of Business
Professor of Management and Sport Marketing
Ph.D.: Carleton University
MBA: University of Ottawa

Manuel Woersdoerfer, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Management and Computing Ethics
Ph.D.: Goethe University, Germany
M.A.: University of Bayreuth, Germany

We have also welcomed two new faculty from Innovation into the Maine Business School.

Jason Bolton, Ph.D.

Extension Professor and Innovation Area Coordinator
Ph.D.: University of Maine
M.S.: University of Maine

Matthew Hodgkin

Lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
M.S.: University of Maine

Our business faculty teach both online as well as in person. Our undergraduate degree program is based in the Donald P. Corbett Business Building on the University of Maine campus in Orono. Our graduate degree program is housed both at 91福利 Orono and in Portland’s Old Port district. The MaineMBA shares space with the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center and Maine Law in a building on . 

This partnership with MBS provides the Innovation program the opportunity to expand Innovation research, enhance curriculum collaborations, and increase engagement throughout the minor and micro-credential with MBS. It will help strengthen the Innovation program and provide MBS learners access to new learning opportunities.

Innovation Program History

In partnership with Doug Hall, an alumnus who works with Fortune 500 companies to innovate, a group of faculty, including Renee Kelly, Innovation Program collaborating faculty, developed the curriculum for both an academic setting and to train business and community leaders. The program, formerly called Innovation Engineering, is a systematic approach to innovation in all fields. It is offered as a minor and graduate certificate that complements a student鈥檚 primary discipline. Later, 91福利 created three-day institutes to train hundreds of Maine business leaders and later worked with Doug Hall鈥檚 company, , to bring them across the country. The Innovation Engineering Institute is a collaboration of 91福利 and Eureka Ranch. The Institute has licensed the curriculum to other universities in Pennsylvania, Alabama, Kansas, Texas, and South Carolina.

In the fall of 2019, Faye Gilbert, Ph.D., Dean of the Maine Business School, invited Innovation Engineering to pilot test a process to join the faculty in business. That success paved the way for Innovation to officially join the MBS in 2021.

Innovation and the Foster Center 

鈥淎 minor in Innovation teaches students from any major invaluable skills,鈥� says Jason Bolton, Ph.D., Area Coordinator of the Innovation Program at the Maine Business School. 鈥淪tudents will learn a systems thinking approach to create new ideas to solve real problems that matter, communicate their ideas effectively with clarity, and bring their ideas to life while reducing the risk of idea failure.鈥� To complete the minor in Innovation, students complete three courses and a combination of seven credit hours of internship, capstone, and/or work on a special project. In addition, students that complete the three courses in Innovation will receive the full 91福利 Innovation micro-credential.
  
Innovation courses are generally held at the Foster Center for Innovation, the hub of innovation-focused activities at 91福利. The Foster Center helps students and community members develop a mindset and skillset for creating, testing, and achieving ideas. The center plays four key roles: offers business coaching to anyone with a business idea; runs a student business incubator; offers academic courses in Innovation; and manages the Innovate for Maine Fellows Program, a statewide college internship program focused on innovation.

鈥淭he BSBA in Sport Management is a logical step for 91福利 based on the interests of our students, faculty, and colleagues in athletics,鈥� says Faye Gilbert, Ph.D., Executive Dean of the Maine Business School (MBS). 鈥淭he focus of this new major will support efforts for economic and workforce development across Maine.鈥�

The Sport Management major will include the MBS core business curriculum while providing students with courses to prepare them for careers in sports-related industries. Career prospects for students include openings in this field and any job that requires a degree in Business Administration. 

This is a collaborative degree, with 91福利 Athletics personnel intending to teach courses. “We are thrilled to see the Maine Business School make the important step forward in offering Sport Management as a new major,” says Ken Ralph, Director of Athletics at 91福利. “This is an exciting new option for 91福利 students and we are ready to partner with MBS to ensure our students have the best possible experiences.”

Students earning their BSBA in Sport Management will have access to opportunities with and benefit from the Harold Alfond Foundation support for athletics at 91福利. “Collaborating with 91福利 athletics, students will develop world-class skills and actively participate in applied projects that position them for future career success,” says Jason Harkins, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the Maine Business School.

鈥淲e hope to connect this new program to initiatives at the University of Southern Maine, particularly in regards to practicum experiences for all of our students,鈥� Dean Gilbert says. Collaborating isn鈥檛 new to the Maine Business School. Along with Maine Law and USM鈥檚 Muskie School of Public Service, the MBS鈥檚 Graduate School of Business is a part of the University of Maine鈥檚 Graduate and Professional Center. Faculty from 91福利 and USM teach courses in the MaineMBA program.

Two MBS faculty members were instrumental in making this new major a reality: Muralee Das, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management, and Susan Myrden, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing. Dr. Das teaches Special Topics in Sports & Recreation Management (MGT 490), which is already full for the fall 2021 semester.