The president's office has overspent its budget by an average of $388,000 every year for the last four years, according to financial reports. Office supplies, paper - all those line items added up. But the way the system worked, it never really mattered. Realistically, prior to 2007, there was no "real" budget in place to be overspent. When a department at an institution like USM doesn't have practical, transparent accounting practices, it's prone to develop a "structural deficit," said James O'Brien, the administrative assistant for the president's office. A structural deficit, he says, occurs when financial responsibilities of the department grow, but its budget stays the same.
Richard Abrams teaches Bob Dylan. But not in the department you'd expect - Abrams is an English professor. And Dylan: his poet. His class, one of the many "topics in literature" courses numbered ENG 150, is always popular. We decided to sit down with Abrams and ask about why he loves - and teaches - the classic folk/rock/blues/country artist. FP: When were you first turned on to Dylan? Abrams: I was in college at McGill in Montreal; about '65 I think. I asked a friend of mine, "so what is this with Bob Dylan?" and he said, "he's a new folk singer who swallows his words." I thought that was a pretty good description of Dylan, even now. I grew up with folk singers, some of whom went on to become semi-famous. When I was in high school I just loved radio. It took a while for the penny to drop with Dylan. I liked him but I don't think I was absolutely sold on him.
"This is why they're called heartbreakers," said senior Rob Dorr after last week's neck-and-neck match against the University of New England. And it really was a heartbreaker - the Huskies weren't losing until there were just 41.7 seconds left on the clock, when UNE rallied for the tie-breaker and a 9-8 come-from-behind win. Coming out of the first half, the game was tied at five. The Huskies came out on fire, scoring three in the third quarter off the momentum they'd gained in the second. But they couldn't maintain it, and couldn't manage to score at all in the fourth quarter, while UNE maintained composure and fired four past senior goalie James Suriyodorn. But, as he looked back on the game, Dorr admitted that it was one of the best the men played all season. "I was really pushing for us to pull it off," he said, "but - shoulda,woulda, coulda."
After a wonderful, crazy, life-guzzling semester of working on this newspaper, my career in college journalism is coming to a close. And, after five years of taking leaky buses, questioning Aramark food, wondering when floor tiles would be replaced in various Luther Bonney classrooms and trying to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way, my career as an undergrad is also winding down. A lot of faculty, administrators and students have been telling me lately that I'm "getting out at the right time," based on the turmoil going on at this university.
Whether religious or not, many students have walked by the interfaith chaplaincy office on the Portland campus. In case any were wondering what goes on inside the little white building, it's more than just a campus church. The chaplaincy aims at "supporting religious and spiritual life in all of its expressions" and continues to do so through the education of beliefs, values and ethics. The office supports a variety of religions and faiths and student, including the Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Intervarsity (evangelical Christian), Muslim and Pagan associations, clubs and fellowships. For those looking for a place to reflect, students and faculty members can visit "A Space Apart," a room located in the interfaith office on the Portland campus, next to Payson-Smith. The chaplains encourage anyone to visit, meditate or pray there. The chaplains - recognized leaders for each represented group or faith -- meet monthly to plan events, which include "fish bowl" topics that model how to engage in dialogue with others who may not share your beliefs. This semester, the team of associate chaplains has created a series of programs designed to discuss topics such as sex and sexuality, money and the environment. Reverend Andrea Thompson-McCall is the USM interfaith chaplain, also serving as director of the office of community service and civic engagement.
You may have seen him hanging around the art department in Gorham, a tall, lean man with long brown hair and beard to match. He's the Art Guru, who also goes by Jeremy Green. He owns the Art Guru, an artist supply store in Gorham. Recently, the Guru has been closed and the windows covered up. But not to worry, the store has only moved. It's now located on Church St. "This I think is a better location," he said. "(Students) don't have to drive." High rent prompted the move to the new, smaller space.
To the last several generations of athletes, the presence of an athletic trainer is nothing special - they're in the dugout, on the sidelines and in the clubhouse. They stand watch at games and even at many practices.
A Thank You Note Dear Student Body, I just wanted to thank all of the wonderful drivers who park in the Woodbury Campus Center main lot. Over the years my car has sustained a wealth of dings and dents from you parking too close and slamming your door into mine. I recently bought a newer vehicle and within a month received the biggest scratch yet!
