08/20/2026
The fall 2026 edition of MAINE Alumni Magazine features an article on the 10th anniversary of the Flagship Match program that includes three alumni of our college:
➡ Jim Winslow '17 from Pittsford, Vermont earned his degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education and stayed in Maine to teach. This fall, he begins his tenure as principal of Orono Middle School, bringing his career full circle in the town where he first arrived as an out-of-state student.
➡ Rebecca Weeks '20 '22G, originally from Lynnfield, Massachusetts, now teaches fourth grade in Portland Public Schools while pursuing an additional certification in multilingual education.
➡ Sam Lenson '18 '20G, from Natick, Massachusetts arrived at UMaine as a punter and kicker on the football team, with Flagship Match and athletic scholarship support helping make attendance possible. After six years teaching physical education in South Portland, he is preparing to begin a new role at Gorham High School this fall.
These are just a few of the stories that highlight the impact of the Flagship Match program, which allows eligible students from New England and beyond to attend UMaine at a cost comparable to their home state’s flagship public university. After ten years it has become much more than a scholarship. For many graduates, it became the first step toward building a life in Maine.
Read more at UMaine News: https://umaine.edu/news/2026/08/they-came-for-college-they-became-mainers/
