Page 2 - The Bell Tower - Winter/Spring 2014

A letter from our President
Dear Alumni and Friends:
A bitterly cold winter slowly gives way to spring here in northern Maine. Easing the frigid weather on a portion of campus, however, are the twin boilers of the significantly- completed Pleasant Street Academy Biomass Project. A ceremony was held and a ribbon was cut on the last day of February to mark a major milestone in the $5.5 million project – its inaugural firing. For the remainder of the heat- ing season, the plant will provide heat and hot water for Blake Library, as well as much of the needs for the Cyr Hall/ Nadeau Hall/Fox Auditorium complex. The project will provide significant energy savings for the campus during the next decade, and provide a boost to the local economy (see the story and photos on page 2).
Shortly after the start of the New Year, we announced that the campus would institute a new tuition rate for our current and future out-of-state and international students be- ginning with the fall 2014 semester. The current out-of-state and international rate was established years ago when in- state tuition was subsidized through state appropriations at a rate of approximately 60 percent. In today’s market, in-state tuitions are subsidized at a rate more closely approaching
35 percent. By charging non-residents the rate established years ago, we put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining students from beyond our borders.
I believe the new rate will help us in attracting and retaining students from beyond Maine (see story on page 3 for greater detail).
Once again in 2013, our jewel of a campus basked in the spotlight of national recognition. Noted third-party organi- zations The Princeton Review, Colleges of Distinction, and U.S. News & World Report affirmed once again, that UMFK offers quality education at an affordable price; has a dedicated faculty that engages our students; provides experiential learning across all academic disciplines; and has rising retention and graduation rates. Early in 2014, we picked up the designa- tion as a Military Friendly School for embracing the men and women of our military services, as well as their spouses and dependents (see page 5).
“UMFK, Home of the USCAA Women’s National Soccer Champion Lady Bengals” has been a familiar refrain of mine throughout my years here in Fort Kent. Our young women have played in four successive national title games, and have prevailed on three occasions. Has the UMFK women’s soccer
President Hess shakes hands with MSAD#27 Superintendent
Tim Doak following the ceremonial firing of The Pleasant Street Academy Biomass Project this past February. UMFK and MSAD#27 are partners in the $5.5 million project.
program attained dynasty status? This issue’s cover story examines that possibility (see pages 7-9).
Later this spring, we will formally close La Cloche de Fer, the campus’ $3 million comprehensive capital and endow- ment fund raising campaign. Although final figures are not complete, the campaign already has far-exceeded its goal. We will have more to report on that in the next issue of
The Bell Tower.
And finally, this issue recognizes the four newest mem- bers of the UMFK Athletic Hall of Fame: Bruce Hanken (’72), James McCloskey (’86), Donatas “Donny” Sumyla (’07),
and Amber Garrison (’11). Each inductee distinguished themselves on the field and/or court, on campus, and in the classroom. Each continues to bring honor to the campus within their professions, and through their contributions to their communities. Fort Kent’s James Harvey was recognized as the first recipient of the Floyd “Red” Powell Award for his 20 year contribution to the development and enhancement of UMFK Athletics and its student-athletes (see pages 12-13).
I hope you enjoy this issue of The Bell Tower.
My best to each of you,
Wilson G. Hess, UMFK President