Dear UMF community,

Since arriving here in Farmington last July, I have met many wonderful students, faculty, staff, community members and enthusiastic alumni. And I look forward to meeting more alums at events on campus.

This charming town in the western Maine mountains serves as an idyllic setting for a university. The town may look quiet in the dead of winter, but on campus, there is so much going on. The basketball and ski teams are excelling this year. And the Emery Community Arts Center is bringing first-rate performances to campus. Classes are back in session for the Spring term, which brings vitality to the community.

As you may know, the university continues to face enrollment and fiscal challenges reflecting a decline in the college-age demographic in Maine. But we’re taking aggressive steps to bring more students to Farmington. Our graduate programs and early college programs are rapidly growing. A new program for adults to complete their college education is slated to begin in the fall, and we are entering into partnerships with community colleges.

Our faculty members are reaching out to prospective students to give them the personal touch for which UMF has earned a well-deserved reputation. Here is where we can use your help. I’d like to invite you to join in this task, too. We would warmly welcome any alumni willing to call or even meet with prospective students to share your story and passion for Farmington. You can help a student who’s unsure feel at home at UMF. If you’d like to help, please click on this form. Our talented admissions team will be in touch.

In this issue of Farmington First, you’ll find a sampling of news and highlights, including: 

  • The successful Podium Project fundraiser that helped fund Sugarloaf’s new surface chair lift—with significant support from Farmington’s Snowsports Program.
  • Notable alumni recently hired and leading within UMF, as well as others making an impact in Maine and beyond.
  • The Fall 2023 launch of our brand-new part-time master’s in counseling program. 
  • And, of course, this community wouldn’t miss marking the weddings, anniversaries, and passages of those whose lives have touched so many along the way.

I’ve been struck by the depth of connection Farmington alumni feel toward one another and this place. This university holds deep meaning and promise for so many—and the more we pitch in, the stronger UMF can be. 

Thanks for staying in touch, and I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Joe

Joseph W. McDonnell
President
University of Maine at Farmington
207-778-7256