Hushed conversation in Portland's Sullivan Gym lapsed suddenly into silence as Lavinia Gelineau appeared at the back of the room. She advanced slowly on the arm of a man in a green ceremonial U.S. Army uniform, signaling the beginning of her husband's funeral.
This year's student commencement speaker is Sandra Hammel Rivard, a social and behavioral science major and a resident of Brunswick, Maine. Rivard was selected out of 12 applicants based on the quality of her speech, her academic success and her community involvement.
Tensions flared and rumors were dispelled last Tuesday when University of Maine System Chancellor Joseph Westphal fielded questions from USM faculty, staff and students during a day-long series of meetings in the Glickman Library. Westphal was visiting to answer questions and gather input concerning the University of Maine System Strategic Plan, which was released last month in draft form.
Since Coffee by Design, the small chain of Portland coffeehouses, opened in 1994 it has welcomed customers and their dogs alike. After an anonymous customer complaint the chain, which will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, will have to abandon the time-honored pet friendly policy.
On Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, the commencement ceremony for USM's 2004 graduates will take place. This annual event usually lasts until 12 p.m. The student commencement speaker will be Sandra Hammel Rivard, a senior social and behavioral science major.
During the waning days of the spring semester, USM seniors are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. After enduring many years of the collegiate gauntlet, students will feel primed to don their mortarboards and ceremoniously march into the real world.
Nearly one quarter of women in the United States are victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse. By the time you have finished reading this article, another person in America will have been victimized by sexual assault. Take Back the Night is an international rally and march meant to unite men, women, children and families to promote awareness of domestic and sexual violence in society.
USM Police have secured the ability to work outside of University property in Gorham under special circumstances and USM Police Chief Lisa Beecher says she is working to extend that arrangement to Portland and the other towns that lie between the two campuses.
Last Thursday night the Office of the Dean of Student Life sponsored the USM Student Involvement Recognition Night. This ceremony awarded outstanding student leaders for the 2003 - 2004 school year. After a dinner catered by ARAMARK dining services, Joseph Austin, the dean of student life, acknowledged the stress students cope with while carrying a full course load while being involved with student organizations and student government.
Phone cards and groceries for troops.... USM Bookstore buyback and coursebook info.... Business ethics symposium this Friday.... Public invited to discuss marine ecosystems with experts.
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