HOME

U. Machias Online
OUR CAMPUS
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT UMM
January 13, 2001

Send feedback on any of these stories to
ummfeedback@hotmail.com
Submit articles to
umm_events@hotmail.com

ARTICLES

UTOPIAN VISIONS: TOPICS IN 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY
TO BE OFFERED AT UMM

UMM will offer a course titled Utopian Visions: Topics in 19th century American History during the spring
semester. Spring 2001 semester classes at the university begin the week of January 17, 2001.
Utopian Visions: Topics in 19th century American History (HTY 352) will explore various communitarian
societies such as the Shakers, the Oneida community and others, and read utopian literature including
stories from Bangor in the 1840’s.
More than just a course on "hippies in history," we will discuss the ideals of communal living, the tensions
between the individual and the community, and the difficulties in constructing an American utopia.

Anyone who finds the topic intriguing may register by calling 255-1223.
For more information about the course please contact the instructor, Kay Kimball at
255-1262 or by email at kkimball@acad.umm.maine.edu.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY SINGALONG SCHEDULED AT UMM

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. SINGALONG will be held on Monday, January 15 (King's birthday) at
2:00 p.m. in Room 201, (the music room) Powers Hall, at the University of Maine at Machias. The
informal afternoon of group music making and tributes is free and open to the public. Songbooks and
musical instruments will be available. Anyone wishing to bring food, refreshments, instruments, songs or
tributes to Dr. King is welcome. The contact person for this community event is UMM music faculty Gene
Nichols.
Nichols can be reached by calling 255-1229.

BOOK ARTS TO BE OFFERED AT UMM

Book Arts (ART421) will be offered during the spring semester at UMM. This is a studio class, meaning that
it will provide hands on experiences, where the participants find visual expression though the design and
making of books. In addition, the course will look at the history of the book, which will tie in with an exhibit
designed by the instructor called "The Printed Page". The instructor will also have items available for the
class from his own collection of manuscript leafs, and books, from 1350, through the advent of printing in
the West, to contemporary work.
In the last twenty years, there has been resurgence in the use of bookmaking as a way for artists to
express themselves. It is also an interdisciplinary course where class members from all areas of study can
find a vehicle for their art. Some of the topics that will be covered include: page layout and design,
typographic use, illustration use with text, book assembly and sewing, adhesive and non adhesive
binding, simple boxmaking and slipcover making, with small workshops in letterpress printing and
papermaking.

For more information please contact the instructor, Bernie Vinzani at 255-1279
or to register for the class please contact the Registrar at 255-1223.

BUSINESSWOMAN PURSUES FINE ARTS DEGREE AT UMM
Robin S. Rier Attaining College Education in a Nontraditional Way

After beginning college in South Dakota years ago, Robin S. Rier is nearing the end of a quest for a fine
arts degree at UMM. Along the way she was enrolled in Washington County Vocational-Technical
Institute’s 2-year boatbuilding program at Eastport, graduating in 1981.
Rier has taught drawing for Machias Adult Education and served as a director for WomanKind, a domestic
violence intervention project. She presently serves as a director for the Machias Bay Chamber Concerts and
operates the Clark Perry House a bed and breakfast establishment in Machias, with her husband David.
The Riers have a teen-age daughter, Nell.
Robin Rier is now a senior in the newly instituted bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary fine arts (BAIFA)
program at UMM and expects to complete credits for her degree within the year.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, graduates of the program can become an artist and an arts
manager, a writer and on-line graphic designer, a musician and a teacher, an actor and an
art therapist.
Rier’s artistic interests were cultivated in boatbuilding school where an emphasis was placed on
design, mechanical drawing and mathematics. She developed a deep interest in painting and was
drawn to UMM where she studied with Sharon Yates,
an accomplished Washington County artist.
Courses offered on the Machias campus, such as book arts, art history, the history of modern art and
photography, followed and conferences with Professor David Rosen, chairman of the arts and letters
division, led to her entry into the fine arts degree program.
Rier continues to paint and has had pieces exhibited at the Artist’s Cafe and McKinney Books in Machias,
and the Eastport Art Gallery where she has participated in Paint Eastport Days.
She sold a painting at the Grand Auditorium Auction in Ellsworth recently. Once when she was involved in
an oil painting workshop in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Rier was approached to do a painting of a
restored home in the community.
"I said I’d try it and if you like it you can buy it, if you don’t, I will have enjoyed the experience," she said.
The people who made the inquiry purchased the piece and gave it to the homeowner who was leaving
the area.
Robin Rier would like to enter a graduate school program after earning her bachelor of arts in fine arts at
UMM. "I don’t know where this will take me but I look forward to future challenges," she said.
In the meantime, she plans to join the Washington County Children’s Board and continue other longtime
community affiliations. The family’s bed and breakfast business is also demanding, especially during
the summers.
Rier admits that she "kind of agonized" over returning to the college classroom after many years. "I knew
I would have to concentrate and learn how to study again," she said.
Her advice to others is to talk with instructors and personnel at the institution, explore educational options
and step gently into the academic world. "Perhaps you don’t want to plunge in. Take a course or two that
interests you for a start and see how it goes. You’ll likely find that it can be very rewarding."

Prospective traditional, transfer, and non-traditional students are urged to contact the Admission’s Office
at UMM by calling 255-1318 or toll-free 1-(888) 468-6866
or by visiting the Web site at www.umm.maine.edu.

UMM PRESIDENT APPOINTED TO MAINE STATE TOURISM COMMISSION
Dr. John H. Joseph Brings Illinois Experience to State Advisory Panel

Governor Angus S. King, Jr. has appointed Dr. John H. Joseph, president of UMM, to the Maine State
Tourism Commission. The State Tourism Commission recommends marketing, promotion, and advertising
strategies to the Office of Tourism. The Commission also provides technical assistance to the travel
industry and plans and conducts periodic tourism conferences for the state.
In addition to Joseph’s longtime involvement with academics, the UMM president also served in Illinois
as a member of the advisory board for the Roosevelt University Institute for Tourism Studies. Joseph was
executive officer of the Albert A. Robin Campus of Roosevelt University until his appointment last summer
as the eighth president of UMM.
The tourism institute at Roosevelt University was funded by grants from the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Commercial Affairs through its Bureau of Tourism. The institute’s mission is to support the
hospitality and tourism industry though research, education and development. As a member of the
advisory board, Joseph collaborated with business and state government leaders to promote tourism
studies at the secondary and collegiate level in addition to providing informational resources for the
Illinois tourism industry.
Fred Cook, Chair of the Maine Tourism Commission, said that "he was pleased Joseph agreed to serve and
he felt that his background and what he will bring to the commission is quite exciting." Cook went on to say
"that he is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him and is honored that Joseph, who is President
of the University of Maine at Machias, is taking the time to serve his community and state in
this position."
Cook, who was elected chair of the Commission last year, said "one of his goals is to increase the
awareness of tourism and to show the importance of the industry to the legislature and to the general
public across Maine."
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism, considered Maine’s premier tourism industry event, will be held
January 23 and 24, 2001 at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. Cook said, "the conference will
be another excellent opportunity for the Commission to promote the tourism industry and exchange
ideas regarding the industry’s future."
Maine’s tourism industry is one of its major resources with various areas across the state regarded as
prime tourist destinations. The University of Maine at Machias, uniquely situated in a pristine coastal
region, also has an interest in tourism from an academic standpoint, offering degree programs such as
recreation management and business administration.
The recreation management program at UMM emphasizes the integrated study of recreation and park
services with business management. Its academic objectives is to prepare professionals for careers in the
field of recreation by cultivating a broad understanding of leisure and recreation while developing
managerial competencies. Individualized areas of specialization in the program on the Machias campus
include tourism and resort management.
King welcomed Joseph to the tourism board in a letter and indicated that he was pleased to appoint him
to such a post.

STILL TIME TO ENROLL AT UMM

UMM reminds prospective students that there is still time to enroll in spring semester classes in a
variety of academic programs. The new semester begins January 17 and runs through May 11.
Students may continue to sign up for classes through the first week of the semester with permission
of their advisor/instructor.
Regular full-time students, those desiring to sample college offerings on a part-time basis, older adults
who are thinking of returning to the classroom after a lengthy absence or those who are seriously
contemplating a belated entry into an academic setting are urged to contact UMM’s Admissions Office
by calling 255-1318, or toll free 1-888-468-6866. Transfer students are also welcome.
While admission into a degree program is a selective process at UMM, conditional acceptance permits
a few students to enroll each year whose college-level abilities need proving and/or strengthening.

Prospective students should contact the Admissions office at 255-1318 or visit UMM’s Web site: www.umm.maine.edu for more information.

DAVE MALLETT TO PERFORM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3  AT UMM'S PAC

David Mallett recognized by the Bangor Daily News, as one of the 58 most memorable Mainers
of the 20th Century, will perform at the University of Maine at Machias Performing Arts Center on
Saturday, February 3, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.
Mallett performs music that marries the melodies of country with the sensitivity of folk/rock and the stoic
nature of his experiences in Maine, his home state. Mallett’s songs have reached many parts of the world
and have been translated into several languages.
Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe says of Mallett that he is "always compelling, always musical … therenis
something about Mallett’s phrasing that lends an urgency and boldness to his songs." Ed Morris of
BILLBOARD magazine calls Mallett, "a first rate folk singer and writer. His portraits and townscapes are
camera sharp, and his knowledge of his subjects is profound." Randy Lewis of the L.A. Times says
"[Mallett’s] talent is in the genes. Or in Mallett’s case, in the jeans."
Mallett has performed in town halls and folk clubs across America and Europe in addition to major venues
such as Barns of Wolf Trap, Newport Folk Festival, and "Prairie Home Companion". His eleventh album,
"Ambition", was released in October on Flying Fish/Rounder.
UMM and Down East Maine’s own Pete Merritt will open for Mallett beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children.
The doors will open at 7:00 p.m. or you may call (207) 255-1384 for ticket information.

YEAR 2000 FEATURED SEVERAL HIGHLIGHTS AT UMM
Bookstore Opening, Child Care Center Funding, Naming of New President Heralded

A number of significant events occurred at UMM during the year 2000. Highlights included the opening
of a new bookstore and the raising of funds to develop an early child care and education center. In
addition, a new president was appointed and gains were made in
new student enrollment.
The George Simpson Murdock Bookstore in the CLL was the focus of a grand opening ceremony on
July 29. Representing another stage of the multifaceted CLL project, the bookstore replaced cramped
quarters in Torrey Hall. An intensive campus-community fund-raising campaign produced $600,000 to
make the project possible.
College Bookstores of America operates the bookstore for the university. Included in the facility is an
Internet cafe.
Chancellor Terrence J. MacTaggart of the University of Maine System announced May 8 that
Dr. John H. Joseph, executive officer of the Albert A. Robin Campus of Roosevelt University of Chicago,
would become the eighth UMM president on July 1. Joseph succeeded Dr. Paul Nordstrom,
who retired December 31.
Dr. James Breece, a UM faculty member and administrator, served as interim president until Joseph’s
appointment.
Nordstrom joined top administrative and physical plant staff for a 1999 New Year’s Eve watch on
campus to make sure the Y2K bug did not disable campus power systems. It did not. Afterwards, he
left for his retirement home in southwestern Montana.
The Washington County Leadership Institute’s 2000 Delta class opened January 14-15 at UMM. The
campus also served as a meeting site for a number of community events during the year, including a
hearing January 29 on a proposed listing of Atlantic salmon as an endangered species.
UMM held its annual Winter Carnival February 4-5. The theme, appropriate for the season, was
"Turn Up the Heat." Several activities were held for students, faculty, staff and members of the community.
The Performing Arts Center was the setting March 10 for the Bossov Ballet Theatre, one of a series of
Stage Front presentations on the campus.
An agreement was signed March 7 to implement a collaborative relationship between UMM and
Washington County Technical College to facilitate the administration of financial aid and transfer of
academic credits. Signing the pact was William J. Flahive, WCTC president and James Breece,
interim UMM president.
A contingent of students, employees and others participated in the "Life as Art" class traveling to Italy
during spring break in late March and early April. Ann Wescott Dodd was the keynote speaker for the
annual Downeast Young Authors Conference April 1.
Nathan Turk, a 19-year-old Australian student at UMM was struck and killed in a hit-and-run incident
March 26 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. A memorial service was held March 28 in the Reynolds
Athletic Center.  In September, a memorial basketball game was played and
Turk’s basketball jersey was retired
Dr. Brian Beal, an associate professor of marine ecology, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to
lecture and conduct lobster research at the National University of Ireland in Galway. He left Machias
in late summer for the yearlong project.
Children’s Fun Day, a program at the Center for Lifelong Learning, attracted more than 200 children and
members of their families on April 18. Hosts were UMM and the
Washington County Children’s Program.
Kim Sawyer, a senior, delivered the Ivy Oration at the Annual Awards Convocation April 26. Sawyer and
Nikolai Georgiev of Bulgaria received the prestigious Senior Watch Awards at the convocation. Arthur L.
McEntee, chairman of the Professional Studies Division, was honored at a retirement dinner
May 19.
One hundred and twenty-six degrees were awarded at the 89th commencement ceremony May 13 at the
Center for Lifelong Learning. Maine House Speaker G. Steven Rowe delivered the commencement address.
He warned that "while globalization and the Internet can bring together people who have never been
connected before, it can cause a false sense of connection and intimacy." He also posed the question: "...
Is all this standardizing technology just empowering us to reach farther into the world while exempting
us from the real work required to build relationships and community with
the folks next door?"
The Arthur S. and Frances A. Buswell Academic Achievement Award was presented to UMM member
William Weigle; emeritus status was conferred upon McEntee. Community members Evelyn Carroll of
Machiasport and David A. Francis Sr. of Pleasant Point were recognized with
Distinguished Service Awards.
Sharon Bonaventure, head coach of the Clippers volleyball team, was named director of athletics in June,
taking over a post vacated by Richard Ward in 1999. Donna Duley, UMM’s athletic trainer, was interim
athletics director. Summer sports programs included the traditional Clippers summer camp, led by men’s
basketball coach Matt Lash, and Summer Squall, a girls' basketball league led by Tobin Slaven, coach
of women’s basketball.
Plans were unveiled July 6 for a collaborative effort to combine vocational training, adult education,
college courses and job training in partnership with Downeast economic development efforts. Among
those attending the conference at UMM were four members of the governor’s cabinet, school superin-
tendents, the presidents of UMM and WCTC and a representative of the
university chancellor’s office.
Young people from across the state participated in the Maine Youth Summer Theatre Institute (MYSTI)
presented "Midsummer Night’s Dream" July 7-9 in the Performing Arts Center. A second MYSTI production,
"Hamlet" was offered August 4-6. Opera Maine, a professional touring opera company, came to UMM July
24 for a performance of "Broadway Tonight."
An exhibition featuring the many emergency services available to the public in eastern Maine was held
July 15 on the UMM campus. On July 17, a permanent exhibition of Native American baskets and crafts
designed to recognize the region’s cultural diversity was opened in Powers Hall.
The annual Mac Sennett Lobster Feed and Alumni Reunion held August 18-20 attracted UMM graduates
and families from a wide area. In conjunction, the 25th annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival and the
second annual Machias Folk Festival offered a great variety of entertainment. A heralded Art Galleries
exhibition of blueberry harvest photographs by David Stess drew record attendance and was featured
on Maine’s NBC television affiliates.
C. Scott Beal of Baileyville, manager of environmental affairs at Georgia Pacific Corporation, won the
Distinguished Alumnus Award; Muriel Clemons Watts and Philip S. Watts of Roque Bluffs jointly received
the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award.
The UMM admission’s office reported in September an 8.2 percent increase in first-time freshman enrollment
and a 33.3 percent increase in transfer students over the previous year.
The Boston Globe featured UMM faculty member William Walton in two articles on his research on the
European green crab. The Maine Technology Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes
technological and economic advances in the state, awarded Walton a $10,000 grant to conduct
the research.
Gayle Kraus, UMM Professor of Marine Ecology, was called upon by the Maine Department of Inland
Fisheries and Wildlife to identify and determine the cause of death of a 24 foot Basking shark that washed
up in the Dennysville River. Kraus and 12 of her students examined the shark and took samples for
further analysis.
In October, Stage Front: The Arts Downeast introduced a talent contest, "Bad Little Fallies," that culminated
in December with the selection of the three best acts of the three-month series. Homecoming Weekend,
October 13-15, featured a round robin of collegiate volleyball action, Performing Arts Center shows, soccer
and the traditional Homecoming Parade.
The Clippers volleyball team rolled to its second consecutive Maine Athletic Conference title November 4
and was host of the Region 10 volleyball playoffs November 18 in the Reynolds Center. The seventh
annual Worcester Wreath Holiday Hoop Classic, featuring several Downeast high school teams, was held
on the UMM campus November 24-25.
Denise C. Hovey of Harrington, a senior and nontraditional student, was awarded the $1,300 Maine Higher
Education Assistance Foundation Scholarship on December 12.
In December, a $150,000 grant from the Libra Foundation and more than $50,000 in additional donations
and pledges provided a match for a $200,000 Maine Community Block Grant to ensure the development of
the early child care and education center. Construction is expected to begin in 2001.
M. Gayle Kraus, a longtime member of the faculty at UMM and a widely recognized wildlife rehabilitator,
was featured in the January/February edition of Natural New England. The six-page article touts Kraus as
being a "legendary Maine biology professor who keeps her students active in Machias."
The regional science and nature magazine describes the UMM professor's work, both on the campus and
in the Down East community where she has cared for scores of injured and
orphaned wild animals and birds.

Classes closed for the semester break in December and will reopen for spring semester on January 17.

"WOMEN IN ROCK: JONI MITCHELL" TO BE OFFERED AT UMM

Gene Nichols, Associate Professor and Director of the Music Department will be offering a course during
the spring semester at the University of Maine at Machias titled "Women in Rock: Joni Mitchell" (MUS211).
The class will meet once a week, Thursdays from 2-4:55 p.m.
in Powers Room 201 (the music room).
The course will look at one of the mainstays of the American music scene, Joni Mitchell. The class
participants will look at her art and written lyrics as well as listen to her music recordings and watch
selected performances. Her life story to date will be threaded into
each week's class.

For more information please contact Nichols at 255-1229
or to register for classes call 255-1223.

Classes begin on January 17, 2001 at the University of Maine at Machias,
but students may register through the first week of classes.

Send feedback on any of these stories to
ummfeedback@hotmail.com
Submit articles to
umm_events@hotmail.com
 

HOME

| ANNOUNCEMENTS  |  ARCHIVES  |  CANCELLATIONS  |  CALENDAR OF EVENTS  |  CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS |
| CLASSIFIEDS |   COMPUTER ISSUES  |  COMPUTER FEEDBACK | CONSTITUTION  |  ENROLLMENT ISSUES  |  ENROLLMENT FEEDBACK |
| EDITORIALS  |   EDITORIAL FEEDBACK  |  EXTRAS | LINKS  |  NATHAN TURK  |  OUR CAMPUS  |   SITE MAP  |  TEXTBOOKS |