University of Southern Maine Alumni

08/26/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new Alumni Engagement Council President, Ellie Espling '94!

And a warm welcome to our newest Council members:
-> Martin Foley ’92
-> Peter Harrison ’90G
-> Krisztina Napolitani ’08, ’15G

We can't wait for the fresh perspectives, big ideas, and continued momentum this crew is going to bring. Here's to what's ahead!

Want to meet the rest of the crew? Head over here: https://usm.maine.edu/university-alumni/alumni-engagement-council-aec/

08/18/2026

Guy O'Connell '85 got his degree in accounting from USM, which led him to a career at Original Gourmet Food Company — but in 2021, he pivoted and turned his childhood home's lawn into a vineyard.

By day, Guy sells gourmet lollipops, Dubai chocolates, and other treats to retailers across the region. By night (and weekends, and days off), he's out among the vines.

What started as a pandemic hobby has grown into the dream of a micro-winery. Proof that it's never too late to try something new.

Read Guy's full story from the Portland Press Herald:

Guy O'Connell has transformed an ordinary lawn into a flourishing micro-vineyard.

08/13/2026

Imagine the people you spent every night with on campus... still being your people 70 years later.

Betty Lou Banks '56, Jacqueline Lajoie Laplante '56, Adeline C. Whitney '56, '75G, Janet C. Whitney '56, and Donald A. Cramer '55 don't have to imagine it — they're living it!

The group met at Gorham State Teachers College (now USM) in the early 1950s and have gathered every summer since, without fail, for 70 years. Wedding anniversaries. Grandkids and great-grandkids. Even homes bought together in Florida. Seven decades of memories, all traced back to a college friendship that never let go.

This is what a USM education gives you. Not just a degree, but a family.
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/207-interview/they-graduated-college-together-in-1956-70-years-later-these-friends-are-still-making-memories/97-f788b310-6d10-4992-9eb5-fb9cb419d534

08/11/2026

Thank you to all the USM alumni that participated!

08/11/2026

Huge congrats to our very own Corey Hascall ’99!

She is one of six named to Mainebiz's 2026 Outstanding Women in Business — recognized for the record-setting philanthropic growth she's driving as President & CEO of the University of Southern Maine Foundation.

She started her journey right here at USM, and now she's helping shape its future. That's the kind of full-circle story we love to celebrate!

Join us in congratulating Corey! and read more about her work here: https://mainebiz.biz/honoree/outstanding-women-in-business-corey-hascall-leads-growth-at-the-university-of-southern-maine/

07/21/2026

From the USM community to the airwaves of Maine Public — Annella Linton joined Maine Calling last week to talk all things Community Radio, representing WMPG (our favorite station).

Check out the full episode: https://www.mainepublic.org/show/maine-calling/2026-07-16/community-radio

07/16/2026

Attention alumni with federal student loans!

If you were enrolled in the SAVE repayment plan, big changes are coming — you'll soon need to pick a new repayment option, and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

Good news: FAME (Finance Authority of Maine) is hosting a free webinar to help you make sense of it all.

🗓️ Friday, August 7, 2026
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m.
💬 Guest expert: Betsy Mayotte, a nationally recognized student loan authority

She'll walk through the latest updates and help you figure out which repayment plan makes the most sense for your situation.
It's free, but registration is requested so FAME can plan for the group. Mark your calendar and share with any fellow grads who might need this!

Register here: https://famemaine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w0J4iq1sRMSaPMD1MD8BJw #/registration

07/04/2026

Celebrating 250 years of red, white, and blue right here on campus. Happy 4th!

06/29/2026

The Power of USM starts with you. Your gift to scholarships, the Student Emergency Fund, or the Oakhurst Food Pantry helps propel talented USM students to succeed at school and beyond. Give a gift of any size by June 30 to make your impact!

Support USM Student Scholarships: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/49311/donations/new?designation=usmgeneralscholarships&a=13524897

Support the Student Emergency Fund:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/49311/donations/new?designation=studentemergencyfund&%20a=13524542

Support the Oakhurst Food Pantry: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/49311/donations/new?designation=oakhurstcampusfoodpantriesatusm&a=13524867

06/18/2026

We're thrilled to welcome back Brianna M. Allen ’08 to the Gorham Campus for a special evening — Mum's The Word: "MOMologues" Reading + Artist Talk.

📅 Thursday, July 16th at 7pm
📍 Corthell Hall, Gorham Campus

"MOMologues," created by Brianna and directed by Department of Theatre at the University of Southern Maine faculty member Tess Van Horn, started with a simple but daring question: What would you share about motherhood if you could do so anonymously? The result is a bold community play that challenges the polished, picture-perfect portrayal of American motherhood. Please note: This program includes mature and potentially triggering content.

This is a free, open event — bring a friend, bring your curiosity, and come ready for an honest conversation about motherhood. Register in advance: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofSouthernMaineFoundation/events/mum-s-the-word-momologues-reading-artist-talk