Free Press

Bringing faith to campus

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Pulling together the budget

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Balancing the budget : Anticipating lay-offs

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Cuts are coming.

But the general feeling among USM's professional staff is that 'we're grown-ups, we can take it.' Looking toward July 1, on which date many of them might be losing their jobs in USM's effort to cut nearly $7 million from next year's budget, they're wishing only to be given time to prepare for the worst, rather than be left in the dark.

Balancing the budget : Classified staff might feel cuts less

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

USM reports show the money to pay classified staff has shifted from state-appropriated funds to grants, gifts and fundraisers. The use of state funds to pay classified employees has been halved in the last three years. The money allotted by the state -- along with tuition revenues -- has decreased university-wide, forcing the university to decide between cutting positions or finding new ways to back the paychecks of classified staff.

Balancing the budget : Job security in a budget crisis

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Faculty salaries and benefits make up about 51 percent of USM's budget. That's upwards of $50 million that the university can't really touch when it looks to cut nearly $7 million from next year's budget to start moving USM back into the black.

Tenured faculty are almost guaranteed to keep their jobs, barring legal complaints, and both full and part-time faculty are protected by their respective unions.

Balancing the budget : Picking the "low-hanging fruit"

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In an attempt to eliminate USM's debt, which has risen to the latest figure of $8.2 million, the university implemented a hiring freeze which, to date, has removed nearly 60 positions and $2.7 million from the institution and its budget.

The administration is using the hiring freeze as a mechanism that allows for review of every position that opens up, and lets them decide if the job is central enough to the university's mission to rehire.

Former students convicted of terrorizing

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Two former students were convicted last month for their involvement in one of the '06 bomb threats. While they serve 30-day sentences, police are closing in on a male suspect who allegedly phoned in the threat.

Erin Grade, 20, of Rockland, and Geneva Benner, 20, of Thomaston, were sentenced at separate hearings in March.

From Brandeis to Egypt to Maine

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When you talk to Selma Botman about budgets and 26 programs and community and university morale, her eyes glaze over. It's not that she isn't interested, and she's certainly articulate - it's just that autopilot has kicked in.

Botman is moving into the USM president's house in Gorham on July 1 to begin her new role as USM's queen bee - but in the meantime, she's still working out of the City University of New York's chancellor's office, which means that she isn't yet immersed in the daily goings-on of USM.

The economy $ucks

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Everyday on cable news networks across the globe stock tickers are showing more red. The "almighty dollar" is doing little to earn its title as it drops in value, and the already cash-strapped state of Maine is sharpening the budgetary machete for a new round of cuts.

Goodbye, Keith Witherell

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

USM lost an important member of its staff when IT director Keith Witherell passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday.

Witherell, who was 49, had been with USM since the mid '90s, when he was hired to teach computer courses in the School of Business. Witherell eventually left the classroom for the IT help desk, and was promoted to the position of IT director in 2006.

Alum aims for U.S. Senate

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This summer, one USM alum is taking a gamble that he hopes will land him in Washington, D.C.

But the trip is more than just a few states away.

Political science graduate and Springvale resident Tom Ledue is taking on Maine congressman Tom Allen in the Democratic Party primary this July.

I'll trade you

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Trade is the world's oldest form of commerce, but in today's capitalist society, it has taken a back seat to the monetary system of exchange.

But in Portland, thanks to The Trade Exchange, barter is back, and it's better than ever.

Located on Center Street in Portland, The Trade Exchange acts as a bartering middleman, facilitating trade between area businesses by setting up a credit-based system through which members can exchange goods and services.

The latest distraction

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Three students sit in the back corner of the room, laptops in front of them. As two more amble over, somebody whips out a power strip from their backpack, allowing all five to plug their computers into the nearest outlet. Two begin playing "World of Warcraft", while others simply check their e-mail and surf the web.

Drawn to Abstraction

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Three alumni of different decades are being featured this month at the Area Gallery in Portland's Woodbury Campus Center. The show, "Drawn to Abstraction," features various levels of abstract art.

Featured are Wolcott Dodge, '86, Sean Hasey, '97, and Ryan Wight '07.

Horoscopes

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Taurus

April 21-May 20

Hot Pepper

You are a bit proud of yourself for a minor accomplishment this week. Stay tuned in and remember there are still hurdles ahead of you, and while you may feel relieved, it is important to keep your eyes on the prize.

This week, give your teacher an apple if you'd give them a hot pepper on ratemyproffessor.

Gorham's Art Guru

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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. Originally, Green wanted to relocate the store to the first floor apartment of his home, but the town's fire code demanded that he put in a sprinkler system throughout the building.

Making music in the English department

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

DON'T STAY HOME

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

April 28
Hosted by the English department, is "Believing Shapespeare: Religion in Shakespeare's World and in His Plays." This lecture is by David Scott Kastan of Columbia University, and will be held in the University Events Room. Free and open to the public/ 4:15 to 6:15 p.

"Last Easter": Laughing All the Way to the Grave

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

June is in the late stages of breast cancer, having had an unsuccessful mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy.

Her prognosis is grim; yet it is her friends who experience the most difficulty in coming to grips with her mortality.

Bryony Lavery's "Last Easter," staged by the USM department of theatre and directed by theatre faculty member Thomas A.

Summer reading

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The last issue of the semester wouldn't be complete without dreams of the rest and relaxation that USM students are yearning for. Here is a list of books for your travels, your beach bag, or to join you in that hammock.

Professor Matthew Killmeier

Communication & Media Studies

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

"Great book, especially for those familiar with the movie.

"Shoulda, woulda, coulda"

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"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."

Giving & receiving: athletic trainers at USM

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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. Their job is to work with injured athletes before and after events and throughout the long road to recovery from anything serious.

Women's lax earns first round bye, second round at home

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The women's lacrosse program will stick to the benches on Tuesday afternoon - while other Little East teams are vying for a place in Thursday's semifinal round, USM has earned its first playoff bye - and first home playoff match - in recent history.

Heading into Saturday's game against rival Keene State, they knew it would be a tough match - they're a "fast, strong, good team," said head coach Sue Frost.

D'Alfonso, Burleson lead potent pack of Huskies

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The USM baseball team flexed their offensive muscles last week and picked up three non-conference wins before heading into the final stretch of conference play.

Led by juniors Anthony D'Alfonso (Westbrook) and Chris Burleson (Portland), the Huskies slugged their way to come-from-behind wins against Thomas and Endicott and coasted by Bates to move their overall record to 22-9 on the season.

Mike on sports

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Mike Tardiff

Columnist

Before I met USM baseball coach Ed Flaherty, I already knew a great deal about him. I knew about his playing career at the University of Maine, his two national championships, and the storied baseball program he's put together here at USM.

HUSKY HERO

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Name: Shannon Kynoch
Year: Senior
Major: Social Work
Sport: Basketball, Lacrosse

FP: You're from the great state of Vermont, which is known for its cheddar cheese, do you enjoy cheddar cheese?
Shannon: Very much so, cheese is one of my favorite foods.

Husky Highlights

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Women's Outdoor Track
Landry honored by LEC

Senior Hattie Landry (Acton) was named Track Athlete of the Week for her efforts during the week of April 14-20. During that stretch, Landry led the Huskies to a second place finish at the Bowdoin College Aloha Relays with two first place finishes in 100-meter hurdles and the long-jump.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Letters to the Editor

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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! Just the other day I watched someone slam into someone else's bumper and drive away to find another spot!

I'm just fed up with the general lack of respect for other people and their property. We're all busy and in a hurry to get to class, but that doesn't make it okay to squeeze into a spot that's too small, double park or smack someone's car with yours.

Guest Column

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

You may have read in the April 7 issue of the Free Press about USM's attempt to measure its movement towards a sustainable campus through STARS - a new sustainability assessment system.

Students and faculty alike have joined forces in an extremely motivated attempt to figure out where USM has been and where it is going in terms of environmental friendliness.

From the Right

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

My goal with "From the Right" was not to promote argument, but rather to influence change.

Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain are always talking about change -- Barack is running his campaign on "change."

Change, however, is not just talking about it.

Introducing�

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

You see them day in and day out as you pass by them in the line for sandwiches or the cash register. But do you know who they are? We wandered through Aramark services on both campuses seeking out some of students' favorite cafeteria staff. Not all of them were forthcoming, including everyone's favorite, Jan, in Gorham, who shooed us away.

Letter From Your Student Body President

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Hello USM Students,

This is your first report from me, Ben Taylor, your new Student Body President. While I'll be working on some things over the summer, I'll save a lot of the important stuff for these letters when we come back in the fall.

Let me first congratulate outgoing Student Body President A.

Senior show gets critique by Maine curators, profs

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The annual Bachelor of Fine Art student show, Produce, is showing at the Gorham Art Gallery now. The BFA degree is the most involved studio art degree offered at USM, and the 15-artist group show showcases the art majors as they graduate from concentrations in sculpture, ceramics, photography, painting,and digital art.

DVD BATTLE

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Savages

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Directed by Tamara Jenkins

Unfairly speaking, every generation has its signature style of film.

The 1970s: gritty, grimy, orange, and fascinated with the streets of New York City.

In the 1980s, characters cleaned up and moved out to Los Angeles.

Brandon's Brew Review

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Summertime and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly. What's better than relaxing at a camp fire with a group of friends enjoying a nice summer ale?

Since this will be my last brew review for the year, I thought I'd send you into summer with an idea of a few choice summer offerings from some local breweries.