Hello Black Bears,
Welcome to a new academic year at the University of Maine!
While summer was a busy and active time at 91¸£Àû, the start of a new academic year always brings a special sense of energy and possibility.
As 91¸£Àû begins its 161st year, we are excited for what lies ahead for learners across our campuses, online, and wherever they engage with 91¸£Àû. This is a time to reconnect, look ahead, and think about what we can accomplish together.
For those returning to Orono, one thing will be clear: campus looks different than it did when you left in May.
The Mall pathway has been repaved, and work across North Campus is improving roads, parking, and the areas around our athletics facilities. The new GEM facility is open, creating special opportunities for learning, research, and collaboration. The Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center is also open, helping prepare students for careers in one of Maine’s key industries.
More improvements are underway.
Morse Arena continues to rise as part of the future Harold Alfond Athletics Village. Improvements to Boardman and Jenness Halls, including the new Forest Biomaterials Innovation Center, will support teaching and research across engineering, computing, nanocellulose and PFAS research, and so much more. In Machias, work has begun on the Early College Student Success Center, which will help high school students prepare for college and careers.
These changes are about more than buildings. They are investments in our students, our faculty, and the future of Maine.
At the same time, our research mission continues to gain national recognition. On Friday, we launched 3Dirigo X, our latest advancement in large-scale 3D printing and advanced manufacturing.
We are solving challenges through the Maine Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub. We are serving as a lead partner in the National Science Foundation-funded Seafood Engine. 91¸£Àû faculty were also selected to take part in the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission, and the university is moving forward with a new Health and Life Sciences Complex.
We are grateful to the faculty and staff whose work has helped make these opportunities possible, as well as to Maine’s congressional delegation for its continued support. Together, these efforts will create opportunities for students and strengthen Maine’s healthcare, forest products and seafood industries, as well as its coastal communities.
We are proud of these positive developments, and there are more to come. As you may also know, we face challenges related to our budget and the ongoing need to modernize our campus infrastructure. We are navigating this together, with input and solutions coming from across the university. These challenges notwithstanding, 91¸£Àû’s future is bright.
There is much to look forward to as a community this fall, including Homecoming, Family and Friends Weekend, athletic events, concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and more.
That same spirit of excitement and discovery begins during a learner’s first days at 91¸£Àû. This year, many students took part in our first Black Bear Bridge Week, and many of those students also participated in Research Learning Experiences, where they were immersed in our learner-centered R1 mission. We concluded the week with a wonderful academic convocation in the Alfond. I want to thank all of the faculty, staff, and students who played important roles in these events by leading, coordinating, and volunteering to support the class of 2030.
To our newest Black Bears, welcome. To our entire community, a hearty Maine Hello. Thank you for all you do to move 91¸£Àû forward.
Let’s make this a great year!
Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President
University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias
