March 3 marks the beginning of the University of Maine Student Government (UMSG) election week. On the ballot this year are the unopposed Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. Keegan Tripp, the current Student Body President, is running for a second term. Vice President Memphis Peterson is set to graduate this spring. Tripp’s running mate, Senator Cynthia Shelmerdine, is the anticipated successor. 

Online voting will occur via a Qualtrics XM system link available to undergraduate students through their UMaine emails. The digital polls open on March 3 at 8 a.m. and will close on March 7 at 5 p.m. That Friday, in-person voting is also an option from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UMSG offices located in the Wade Center of the Memorial Union.

Tripp, a third-year political science student with minors in leadership and legal studies, seeks to make UMSG more effective for students. Some examples of such in his past and current efforts include “streamlining club recognition, expanding storage options for student organizations and ensuring students have a real voice in major university decisions,” according to Tripp. His long-term initiatives that would continue throughout the following year are to finalize a syllabus bank for course transparency and advocate for a fair distribution of the Student Activity Fee (SAF). 

“Now, I’m running for reelection with Cynthia Shelmerdine to see these projects through, continue modernizing UMSG, strengthen our campus community, and prepare future student leaders to take up the mantle after I graduate,” said Tripp.

Shelmerdine, a second-year biomedical engineering student with a minor in studio art, serves in multiple UMSG roles. As representative of military and veteran student affairs, she led an initiative with the Town of Orono to replace the flags on veteran tombstones before Memorial Day. As student security representative, Shelmerdine increased communication and collaboration between UMSG, the UMaine Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the UMaine Police Department. Last year, Shelmerdine was appointed as the campus student representative on the Presidential Space Committee.

Some of the resolutions passed by Shelmerdine through UMSG include placing new street lights throughout campus and speed humps on Long Road and Belgrade, on top of a new resolution to repaint every crosswalk on campus. Her main goal now and looking ahead is “to improve the everyday infrastructure that the administration has ignored in their pursuit for large-scale projects,” according to Shelmerdine. 

A question on the same ballot as the candidates will ask students whether or not they support a $22 increase of the SAF, which currently stands at $78 per semester. The funds are ultimately distributed by UMSG to student groups that formally request aid with equipment purchases, on-campus events, academic conferences, competitions, etc. A portion of the SAF is also allocated toward the UMSG Student Entertainment Division to secure performances by musicians/comedians, with free tickets for undergraduate students.

The SAF question is worded precisely as follows:

“To address rising costs, space rental fees, and increased demand for campus activities, do you support raising the Student Activity Fee by $22 per semester? Of this increase, $1 would support WMEB, the student radio station, in expanding its operations, while the remaining $21 (approximately $320,000) would be allocated to UMSG for student organizations and campus programming. This funding would prevent further budget cuts and enhance campus life by supporting higher-quality concerts and events with larger talent, expanding access to movie tickets and food trucks, and increasing funding for all recognized student organizations, including sports clubs, with additional resources for gear, travel assistance, storage, and facility access.”

On March 10, the ballots will be unsealed. Official results are announced on the same day. 

“Our Student Government really does have the power to shape the UMaine experience, but only if students engage with it,” said Tripp. “Participating in this year’s election isn’t just about choosing leaders—it’s about deciding the direction of student involvement on campus.”

“Voting in the university election is your chance to shape campus life and make sure your voice is heard. This year, students will be deciding on a student activity fee increase- money that directly funds clubs, free legal services, movie tickets, travel assistance and the large events that make campus exciting and connected,” said Shelmerdine. “Your vote helps decide the future of these experiences, so take a moment and cast your vote!”

An inauguration celebration for the elected president and vice president will take place in April. 

Maxim Kruk is a student of kinesiology and physical education, with a concentration in exercise science. He is set to graduate this May at 19 years old. Kruk is originally from Minsk, Belarus. Kruk immigrated to Beacon, New York in 2014, where he attended elementary, middle and high school. He graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls at the age of 16. 

Kruk received his diploma early by skipping both eighth grade and junior year of high school. Following graduation, he secured credits from summer and winter courses at a nearby community college. Kruk initially attended the University of Bridgeport for freshman year, running track and field. He then transferred to UMaine after being recruited as a student athlete. 

Since then, Kruk earned one of the highest discus throw rankings in the world for his age group, and works as a Resident Assistant (RA) at Androscoggin Hall. 

The factors that initially drew Kruk to UMaine were its track and field team and the kinesiology program that is offered. While the former men’s track and field coach, Brian Woodbury, transferred to West Point, Kruk expressed gratitude for Woodbury’s style of coaching. According to Kruk, “all my success comes from him.”

“Who he [Woodbury] is as a person drew me to the school, and the very much family-like team here,” said Kruk.

Kruk described his transition to a college environment at a younger age than most students as “simple.” He shared that the adjustment was easy because of his maturity. Kruk also offered advice to students who are currently balancing their careers as athletes with a full-time courseload. 

“You have to do what you need to do, not what you want to do. Instead of going out or watching Youtube, you’ve got to get your work done first. Definitely tracking things [helps],” said Kruk. “I have a humongous calendar with a bunch of homework I have to do [and] when I have time to study or do extra training.”

In terms of support, Kruk is grateful for his long-distance girlfriend, Cassandra Chorba, as they support each other academically by studying on the phone and being a source of consistent encouragement. He is also grateful for his best friend since grade school, Alex Hooper, as they have learned from each other’s experiences and grown together throughout the past eight years. 

“Additionally, Cassandra’s parents, Joseph and Christina [and sisters, Jenna and Jaylyn] Chorba, have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. Their kindness, wisdom and generosity have shown me what it truly means to be a good human being and to always uplift those around me… [Alex’s] parents, Stephen and Elena Hooper—whom I have the privilege of calling Uncle Stephen and Aunt Elena—have also imparted valuable life lessons, including the importance of prioritizing responsibilities over desires,” said Kruk. “Their guidance has been a significant factor in my ability to graduate early and set my sights on bigger goals.”

Kruk described his experience as an RA as “rewarding” and “fulfilling.” He established strong friendships with other residents in the building, and enjoyed the aspect of hosting community-building events to increase connection among students. 

“For anyone who is passionate about community engagement and personal growth, I strongly encourage exploring the RA position. It is an unparalleled opportunity to develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills while making a genuine impact on the lives of fellow students,” said Kruk. “As I prepare to graduate, I carry with me an incredible collection of memories, friendships and experiences that I will cherish forever.”

Kruk mentioned that his favorite class at UMaine was KP378, Exercise Prescription with Dr. Robert Lehnhard.

“He [Lehnhard] is actually retiring this semester… by far the best professor I ever had, extremely knowledgeable and straight to the point,” said Kruk. “You can’t not learn from him, you always learn throughout the whole class.”

Kruk opted not to compete this year to focus on completing his degree, but intends to continue track and field in graduate school. From there, plans to enlist in the Air Force Security Forces, which involves base defense. Kruk’s end goal is to eventually join the FBI.

The Student Activity Fee (SAF) appears on the bill for all University of Maine undergraduate students, along with tuition and charges administered by the University itself. The SAF is entered into the UMaine Student Government (UMSG) budget each semester to be allocated toward student entertainment and groups such as club sports, and academic, professional and interest-based organizations. 

The SAF was last raised in 2022 for the first time in a decade to adjust to inflation without expanding the UMSG budget. The amount that went specifically through student government increased from $53 to $63. The full total was, and is currently $78, as the remainder is allocated toward other departments. 

Student Body President Keegan Tripp proposed a $22 increase for a total of $100 per student beginning Fall 2025. The motion passed in the Senate, and will be put to a student-wide vote concurrently with the UMSG presidential election this spring. If the majority of undergraduate students do not vote in favor of the raise, the $78 total will remain. Tripp encourages students to vote in favor, reasoning that the increase will ultimately serve them and incoming classes.  

“Let’s let the students decide on whether or not this is something they want to invest in and is worthwhile to them, or if they think that cutting back is what they’d like to do…,” said Tripp. “Student Government is prepared to do either.”

Determining Factors

Tripp introduced the SAF raise to the Senate with the possibility of three avenues: to “go big” by raising the fee to $100, to “go mid” by raising it to $89 or to “go home,” which would mean no increase at this time. Ultimately, the decision was to propose the $22 increase in order to better meet the needs of students. 

Tripp shared that the 2023-24 Senate prioritized student outreach more than in previous years. This lack of engagement was a barrier that prevented students from seeking financial support. 

As vice president last year, Tripp worked with other members to increase transparency about the function of UMSG and its resources. In the past, only select student groups received funding because they were aware of how to submit formal requests. For this reason, UMSG provided more money per organization, due to less interest across campus. 

“Students do see us now. They see us, they know us, they know how to use us… Our budget hasn’t increased. Our demand has increased,” said Tripp. 

With significantly more requests coming in, the money must be spread evenly. Therefore, some clubs cannot receive complete funding for events, such as mixers, competitions, conferences, etc. According to Tripp, full needs cannot be met across the board because UMSG chooses to meet some needs of everyone out of fairness. Regardless, nearly $400,000 has gone to students since the start of Fall 2024. 

“There’s this huge array of different types of groups that exist on our campus. They all pay in just as much, and therefore deserve just as much out,” said Tripp.

Other Universities

UMaine works differently than other universities in terms of its fees. While the UNH SAF equivalent charges $99 for the entire academic year, it also has an estimated $1,000 annual sports fee, and students are charged for on-campus concert tickets. According to Tripp, the UMaine SAF is all encompassing, and lower than other schools in the UMaine System.

“I think UConn’s [SAF] is 200, I think UMass Amherst is 350. We’re really in the low range. Again, what I really want to hit home is that our student activity fee and our student government budget is expected to do more with less,“ said Tripp.

Tripp emphasized the two key differences between the SAF and other fees being added and increased on the student bill. Firstly, no other fee goes directly to students. Secondly, no other fee is decided by students. 

Executive Budgetary Committee (EBC)

UMaine clubs, upon receiving preliminary and final recognition by UMSG, are able to submit financial requests to the EBC. The full process is written out in detail on a document available through the UMSG website. Organization leaders are asked to outline how the funds will be spent. Below is an example of such from last semester.

“An act to allocate $2475 to the Maine Animal Club for 20 members (four teams of five) to attend the annual NESA competition at Penn State University from Feb. 28 to March 2 was passed. Of that total, $1217 will go toward hotel fees, and the remaining $1258 covers registration,” wrote the Maine Campus. 

According to Tripp, a raise in the SAF total will not directly affect how requests are considered by the EBC. The same factors would still be taken into consideration to ensure appropriate spending, even with a larger budget. 

“EBC is supposed to balance two things: our policies, and our budget. If we can afford it and you meet our policies, we’re probably going to fund it, and we’re going to fund it as much as we can,” said Tripp.

The representative board and entertainment budgets will increase with a raise, but the majority of funding will be unallocated, and thus available for student organizations to be granted. Tripp believes that this increase in funding will sustain UMSG for the next five to 10 years, not accounting for inflation. 

Impact 

According to Tripp, working with the current budget would lead to potential funding cuts for student groups, and smaller shows sponsored by the UMSG Student Entertainment Division. 

“Something that I think a lot of groups on this campus struggle with is engaging students,” said Tripp. “There is, of course, a level of effort that you have to put in to engage students, but there is also a level of resources you have to have.”

A raise in the fee would mean more funding to groups, and concerts with higher-profile musicians/comedians. 

“I know that our shows have not wowed people. I know that we struggle to meet those expectations. But I also want people to know that it’s not from a lack of trying,” said Tripp. “If we want an artist that will excite this campus, we can’t afford that right now.”

Voting Process

Students can vote in favor or against the SAF raise on the same ballot as UMSG president and vice president. Tripp and Senator Cynthia Shelmerdine are unopposed running mates. Below is the exact wording of the ballot question. 

“To address rising costs, space rental fees, and increased demand for campus activities, do you support raising the Student Activity Fee by $22 per semester? Of this increase, $1 would support WMEB, the student radio station, in expanding its operations, while the remaining $21 (approximately $320,000) would be allocated to UMSG for student organizations and campus programming. This funding would prevent further budget cuts and enhance campus life by supporting higher-quality concerts and events with larger talent, expanding access to movie tickets and food trucks, and increasing funding for all recognized student organizations, including sports clubs, with additional resources for gear, travel assistance, storage, and facility access.

Yes – I support the raise in the Student Activity Fee

No – I do not support the raise in the Student Activity Fee”

Election week will take place from 8 a.m. on March 3 to 5 p.m. on March 7. There is an opportunity to vote in person throughout the school day on March 7, but otherwise online voting is available at any point during the week. The official results will be announced on March 10.

Final Remarks

“If it [the SAF] doesn’t directly support you, I bet you can name five friends that it does. If you want it to support you, come talk to us. If you don’t like our shows, come talk to us. We are open to feedback,” said Tripp. “That is the difference between our fee and every other fee, is that our fee can be shaped by student concerns and student feedback.”

Tripp’s email (keegan.tripp@maine.edu) is open, especially to those vehemently opposed to the proposal. Students are encouraged to reach out and provide UMSG with a different perspective. You can also make an appointment through his booking link. 

“I think that student government is in a position right now that it is the most democratic it’s ever been, it is the most inclusive it’s ever been, it’s operating at a larger level than we’ve seen in a really long time, and it’s doing a really good job. If the students trust us to give us this increase, I promise it will turn out well for everybody,” said Tripp.

Members of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) at the University of Maine contributed to Welcome to Housing (WTH) charity efforts on Feb. 1 by moving large items into storage. The chapter of about 60 brothers split off to volunteer at different locations, inviting potential members to participate in the work. 

The Welcome to Housing Home Goods Bank, located at 333 Main Street in Old Town, is a nonprofit organization that provides household necessities, personal care products and miscellaneous items to newly-housed Maine residents. Those in difficult financial situations, who may have been previously unhoused or victims of domestic violence, are offered a selection of products in good condition. Categories of items offered by WTH include but are not limited to bedding, clothing, furniture and medical equipment.

Lisa Tissari is a grant and fundraising intern at WTH who also focuses on securing, organizing and distributing donations. She explained that there is currently a need for towels, sheets, blankets, socks and kitchenware. Small appliances such as microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc. would be greatly appreciated. 

One aspect of the WTH mission is the “dignity factor,” which serves as a method to determine whether or not an item should be donated. If it is something that you would not be willing to have in your own home due to poor quality, you cannot expect another person to find use for it. Those unsure about whether or not a donation is permissible may check the website or call to ask.

Nearly 15 years since its founding, WTH continues to serve the community by offering household necessities to local residents to make their lives easier, and sometimes even seeking out specific items. The organization is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who not only donate home goods but also travel to collect them, load, unload and organize large items, maintain the interior and exterior of the property, secure funding by writing grant proposals and more. WTH is currently seeking more volunteers. 

A small portion of the UMaine student population could make a great impact on the operation by offering just a few hours of their time. The SigEp brothers proved this notion to be true. About 20 of them arrived on a Saturday morning, and contributed two hours of manual labor. Together, they moved dozens of mattresses stacked on one side of the building to the opposite end, and up a flight of stairs. The brothers quickly thought to establish an “assembly line” of six or so people on the stairs to help transport each mattress seamlessly. 

Doug Morrison, a fourth-year student at UMaine, explained the SigEp version of rush week. What they refer to as “Balanced Man Week,” is a period where the fraternity offers six bonding opportunities for potential members to participate in, one of which is a volunteering event, with multiple options in the area. It provides the students who consider joining the chance to practice the philanthropy aspect of Greek Life early on to determine whether or not SPE is the right fit. 

“Once I met all the guys, I just kind of realized that it was where I belong,” said Morrison.

Zac Claude is a first-year student at UMaine who recently joined SigEp. Even as a new member, he understands the value of volunteerism in Greek Life and higher education as a whole. 

“If you don’t do it, you’re disconnected from people around you. It grounds you a lot. You’ll feel better if you do it, said Claude. “I think it’s really essential for anyone.”

According to Tissari, this Saturday project alone could have taken several days were it not for the help of SigEp. The team of WTH volunteers are passionate, driven and devoted. However, they are outnumbered by the many tasks that arise in a given week. 

For those who are unable or unwilling to contribute physically by the same means as the SigEp brothers, there are plenty of other ways to volunteer. For example, organizational skills could be used to sort smaller items and papers. There is also a need for drivers to pick up donations and/or deliver them. 

WTH was recently nominated for the annual Community Matters More campaign through Bangor Savings Bank. The community is invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit to be rewarded monetary prize of up to $5,000. Voting closes at the end of February. Tissari shared that the funding could be put toward electrical needs at WTH headquarters. In the absence of cell service, volunteers struggle to get in touch with the community and cannot do administrative work for the organization. 

“We’re $10,000 short of our solar panel project… Our utility bills are like $900 a month in the coldest months of the year, so we’re hoping to go solar. The other thing is internet. We’re a nonprofit, we really need internet in this building for public safety reasons,” said Tissari. “Sometimes we don’t have a cell phone signal in here.”

UMaine students who are seeking an internship experience could help by creating WTH social media posts for various platforms. Outreach is important for any non-profit organization. Creating and distributing flyers around campus could bring in student volunteers and donations. The coordinators at WTH do not expect students to dedicate a specific amount of time or energy to the cause, and can offer opportunities that work around busy schedules. 

The University of Maine Student Government (UMSG) met in the Bangor Room on Dec. 10 for its final meeting of the fall semester, and of 2024. Current Student Chief of UVAC Anthony Mazzolla was welcomed, the Senate considered a possible meeting location change and Global UGrad Student from Pakistan Noor Ul Ain bid farewell to UMSG with a presentation about Pakistani culture.

Club Maintenance

Noah Bouchard, the president of run club, and Brody Lake, the vice president of run club, addressed the Senate seeking preliminary recognition. The mission of the run club is to invite interested students to run in a group. They typically meet every day of the school week at 5 p.m.

There are currently a total of 16 members, a few of which are typically available to join each day. There is a potential for future funding requests from the group, likely to purchase reflective gear for night runs. Run club was granted preliminary recognition.

UMaine Entrepreneurship and Innovation (UMEI) also addressed the Senate seeking preliminary recognition. They meet at the Foster Center on campus to promote business incubation. The club is open to students across all fields of study at UMaine, and its five officers intend to recruit more members in the first week of the Spring 2025 semester. Involvement is encouraged year round for all students, including underclassmen. They may request funds in the future for food or a location change. UMEI was granted preliminary recognition

Guest Speaker 

Anthony Mazzolla is a graduate student at UMaine Augusta who serves as the current student chief of the UMaine Volunteer Ambulance Corps (UVAC). He has been involved with UVAC for three and a half years, and was promoted to officer two years ago. 

“We are advanced life support transporting ambulance service, fully licensed by the Maine Office of Emergency Medical Services. We respond to all 911 calls on campus, and assist in responding to Orono, Old Town and Milford for emergencies off campus,” said Mazzolla.

UVAC Runs 24/7 throughout the entire academic year. It currently owns two ambulances, both of which are equipped to paramedic level. UVAC is entirely student run besides Chief of EMS at UMaine Aidan Koplovsky. 

Across the globe, there are 284 collegiate volunteer ambulance organizations. Ten of which have two ambulances that provide advanced life support, and only four operate at the same capacity as the ones at UMaine, including CPR classes and mutual aid coverage. 

The 61 members offer services beyond addressing campus calls. UVAC provides emergency coverage of the majority of athletic games, weekly CPR classes and regular Maine EMS-approved training.

Mazzolla initially joined UVAC with no previous medical experience. He described the opportunity to become lieutenant of relations as his “venture into leadership.” 

“Becoming an officer at UVAC was unlike any job I have ever had. I loved it. I never worked somewhere that felt so rewarding. After my semester of being a lieutenant, I decided to become the assistant chief of relations,” said Marzzolla. “And this is a job that really pushed me to my limit, and I think highlights the work we do at UVAC.” 

Applications open at the end of each semester. The hiring process takes place throughout the first two weeks of the spring semester. 

Executive Reports

UMSG President Keegan Tripp expressed gratitude for member submission of executive evaluations, indicating that their ideas will be used to improve the functionality of student senate. He also announced that he attended the first official senior administration meeting, will continue working with the 2025 Commencement Committee over winter break and is serving on the Distinguished Maine Professor Committee. 

Tripp is soon to confirm dates for a town hall series that will allow students to ask questions and share concerns directly with UMaine System Administrators. 

Dillon Leeman, the vice president for student entertainment, shared that a total of 470 tickets for Free Movie Wednesday at Black Bear Cinemas were used throughout the semester, beating the record last year by over 150 tickets. Approximately 2,000 tickets remain. In the event that they are all used, the theater will lower its original price to an undergraduate student fee of $5. Leeman expressed that he favors an increase of the student activity fee.

Advisor to UMSG Lauri Sodelko shared via proxy that the Center for Student Involvement and the Student Wellness Resource Center are hosting its final de-stressor event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 13 in Room 151 of the Memorial Union. Students are invited to create their own finals survival kit. She also reiterated that the majority of residence halls close on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. 

Periodic Reports

Amanda Levesque, the Honors College student activity board representative, announced that the Honors College made $624 in raffle ticket sales for the Maine Day Meal Packout, which equals 1687 meals for donation in April. 

Food and Dining Affairs Committee Chair Nate Feng requested that those with complaints about the dining experience on campus should send him an email. The information will be put in a document that is sent directly to Sodexo. 

New Business

An act to allocate $2,000 to the Panhellenic Council towards a Collins Center for the Arts rental to host their “Operating an Eating Disorder Awareness” event on Feb. 12, 2025 was passed by the Senate.

An act to allocate $2475 to the Maine Animal Club for 20 members (four teams of five) to attend the annual NESA competition at Penn State University from Feb. 28 to March 2 was passed. Of that total, $1217 will go toward hotel fees, and the remaining $1258 covers registration. 

An act to allocate $1840 to Kappa Kappa Psi for their Band Banquet in the spring was passed. The total is broken down to cover food ($766.11), room ($250), service charge ($347.22), taxes ($166.67), cake ($200) and decorations ($100). 

Vice President of UMSG Memphis Peterson gauged the majority opinion of the Senate to determine whether or not he should continue pursuing a new UMSG meeting location for next semester. Members currently convene in the Bangor Room, but there is a concern that it may become insufficient with the number of members increasing. There was a clear majority interest in pursuing a new location. 

“If the senate continues to grow and prosper in the way I hope that it does, this space becomes inadequate,” said Peterson. 

Wells Conference Center is the main option in regard to the potential location change. Inside, there are three large rooms that frequently host large events, such as Board of Trustees meetings. It may offer Zoom equipment to broadcast meetings on Youtube. Reservations are free for UMSG, but there is not a guarantee that they can meet there every week. There would be advanced notice if another event is scheduled on a Tuesday night, and the UMaine community will remain informed about any potential change. 

To conclude the meeting, Global UGrad Student Noor Ul Ain presented an educational slideshow with visual components and facts reflecting life in Pakistan, a country rich in natural resources and flavorful dishes. She also played its national anthem, with Urdu lyrics that indicate unity across Pakistan. 

If you’re interested in viewing Ain’s slideshow, or the meeting as a whole, the UMSG Youtube channel uploads recordings of their weekly meetings here.

“It’s just such a privilege to have anything to do with the trajectory of people’s lives.”

Robert Dana is the dean of students and vice president for student life and inclusive excellence at the University of Maine. He has served the Orono community for the last 40 years. Dana is set to retire at the end of the Fall 2024 semester. Much of his career involved fostering a welcoming environment for all students and encouraging their participation outside of the classroom. 

Dana met with the Maine Campus on Oct. 30 to reflect on his time at UMaine. He mentioned that bald eagles often fly past the window of his office, located in the Memorial Union. Bald eagles are known to symbolize the principles of strength and freedom as well as signifying a new beginning. 

For some, the title of “dean” may sound intimidating. It is commonly assumed that university deans focus primarily on disciplinary action to ensure policies are respected. Dana considers his role with a different attitude. He is committed to outreach and maintaining sincere communication with all students and faculty that come his way. Dana described the privilege of interacting with students as “sunshine being poured into my tank every day.” Positivity and kindness on campus continues to fuel him, as it has for the past four decades. 

When asked to recall an early memory of his career, Dana described the sentimental nature of being on the lively Orono campus during a fall semester while students passed by. 

“I distinctly remember standing up at the head of the Mall here, where the bear is, really close to that, looking down the Mall and thinking, ‘Wow, this is amazing to come back to such a beautiful place,’” shared Dana.

Since then, the sense of community belonging has evolved at UMaine. Dana recalls owning a Zenith computer when such technology was first introduced in higher education. When instant messaging reached the campus, it caused some students to communicate more online than in person. There was a cloak of anonymity that allowed unkind words to flow without restriction. 

“It was like the wild west. We spent a lot of time in those days trying to establish a sense of community. You shouldn’t let technology rule you in a way that hurts you. A lot of people did because it was so new…Then, students started doing what you expect human beings to do, which is being kind to each other, talking,” said Dana. 

Student wholeness was never truly lost. There is cultural and technological evolution that has the power to redefine how people may choose to live. However, on this active campus, there is always the inclination to create meaningful relationships. 

“The good thing about students and community, is that there’s sort of an invariance to it, that people have this developmental desire to be connected to other human beings. They want to know each other, they want to be known and they want to feel like they matter,” said Dana. “I never ever felt like any of that was getting eroded.” 

Dana insists that the constant remains today. With local, national and international changes, the political climate may both flourish and suffer. Regardless, students seek connection. According to Dana, overall closeness on campus decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Everybody was being told, ‘Put up your shields,’ and ‘Don’t get near people,’ and ‘Don’t trust anybody.’ People sort of did some reversion there… I noticed starting last year, people are coming back from that really well. Now, this year, I’d say we’re basically back,” said Dana. “That just goes to the heart of my belief, that these instincts and urges and desires to be humanly connected, they work.”

Dana describes the Orono campus as “active,” just as it was during his earlier years. Current political issues are a catalyst for isolation. However, there is ongoing activism and cultural activity that has the potential to lessen student struggles. Dana recalls being here throughout different world conflicts, including the two Gulf Wars, Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine. He also mentioned various movements that brought positive change to UMaine, such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo. All of these factors weigh in when considering the broader student experience. 

“I hope in small groups and in big groups people are talking about it. I have no fear for students. They will always emerge victorious. They will always be the leaders I need them to be,” said Dana.

At troubling times, Dana worked to encourage student engagement outside of academics. He believes in the ancient Greek ideals that prioritized the strength of one’s mind and body. Dana also referred to the theory of social capital, that those with a willingness to put effort into making the world a better place are often rewarded. If every person chose only to care about themself, society would fray. According to Dana, things collapse when people refuse to be part of the solution to ongoing issues such as drug abuse, poverty, racism and homophobia. 

“We know, first of all, from a research perspective, engaged students do better. And we know that engaged people make the world better. There’s a whole theory of putting in versus taking out,” said Dana.

With the privilege of being a member of higher education comes the responsibility to push for greatness and support one another. The world becomes a better place when its inhabitants contribute. Dana has articulated this philosophy for 40 years. As stated by Dana, “Together, we’re stronger.”

Dana considers his role to be forward–facing. He finds bureaucracy, indifference and ruthlessness unfavorable and lives by the golden rule: Be nice to people and they’ll be nice to you. Dana believes that he is treated well because he chooses to treat others well. He is always open to discussion and hearing different perspectives. He often tells students, “What you want is what I want.”

“I like to dance. I don’t like to box. I believe in respecting people, dignifying people. I like to get people to think differently if they can, but I don’t push,” said Dana. 

To Dana, the Student Heritage Alliance Council (SHAC) stands out to him as particularly welcoming. While there is no UMaine organization that would turn away an interested student, SHAC extends outreach and invites people under its “inclusive umbrella.” Similarly, the Intersectional Feminist Resource Center invites different people to a place where they can feel safe and supported. 

Dana feels good about the community that surrounds him. After having stood on the Fogler Library steps hundreds of times, he felt that the people who come there just need to feel like they are part of a group and have someone who cares. His advice to the upcoming dean is to remember that “absent students, we are not here. We are in a blessed privileged position and we should revere that position.”

Upon retirement, Dana looks forward to spending time with his three grandchildren and traveling to Italy for six weeks. He will enjoy the opportunity to recalibrate, reflect and relax after 40 years of service to UMaine. 

Dana’s hope for the future of UMaine is that it finds support from the state and continues to be granted the resources to help students succeed. 

“It [UMaine] means so much to the state of Maine and, really, to the whole country. The people who come here they’re all trying to make their way. And it turns out that they do. They become the leaders, the do-ers, the thinkers, the change agents. They do it,” said Dana. 

When asked what he wants to be remembered for, Dana shared that he hopes people think he cared for them and made them feel like they mattered. There is likely no student –current or graduate– who felt unheard or unloved by Dana. The UMaine community will sorely miss him and warmly remember his presence.

Donald Trump won the 2024 Presidential election by securing the 270 electoral votes needed to declare victory. As of 10 a.m on Nov. 6, he has 277 electoral votes (51%), while Kamala Harris has only 224 (49.5%).  The following states have not yet announced official results: Nevada (Trump leading with 55.5%), Arizona (Trump leading with 51.9%), Alaska (Trump leading with 55.6%) and Maine (Harris leading with 53.1%). Regardless, the Democratic nominees were undoubtedly defeated in the Presidential race, and it is not the only major party loss. 

Republicans also reclaimed control of the U.S. Senate, having won three seats to put the GOP at a total of 52. Democrats lost three seats, currently standing at 42. Six seats are still to be called, but the results would not change the majority outcome. This turnover marks the first time in four years that the GOP has power in numbers over this side of the legislative branch. 

America functions on a system of checks and balances. Congress, which includes the Senate and The U.S. House of Representatives, has the power to veto a Presidential bill, thus preventing executive action that the Senate and House deem unfavorable. The President may also veto congressional legislation. This process was created to ensure fairness, so no governing body may have full control over the nation. 

The House party majority remains undetermined. The GOP now stands at 199 seats, and gained one. Democrats lost a seat, with 180 secured. A total of 218 seats are needed for a majority win. The race is close, with 57 seats yet to be announced. All figures noted are according to the Associated Press live coverage. 

The Republican presidential ticket was selected, and the party took back the Senate majority. If the GOP also receives a majority of seats in the House, Congress as a whole would mainly seat Republicans. Congressional elections occur every two years. If Republicans win most House seats, democratic leaders will have the burden of convincing the opposing party to back their decisions until at least 2026.

Periodic updates:

As of 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, Republicans gained two more seats in the House since 10 a.m., and now hold 201. Democrats gained four more seats in the House since 10 a.m., and now hold 184. Fifty seats remain open, and will depend on several determining races, including Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Democratic Candidate Jared Golden (incumbent) is leading with 51.9% of the Maine votes counted. Republican Candidate Austin Theriault earned 48% of the votes.

As of 9 a.m. on Nov. 8,  Republicans reached 211 seats in the House. The GOP needs seven more to secure victory across the Presidency, Senate and House. Democrats currently hold 199. In terms of the Maine District 2 Race, Golden continues to lead with 50.2%. Theriault is behind at 49.7%. According to Bangor Daily News, Theriault requested a recount on Nov. 7 due to the difference falling within a 1.5% margin.

Director for Student Involvement Colleen Frazier And Associate Professor of Political Science Rob Glover co-lead UMaine UVote. Frazier has volunteered at elections since the start of her adulthood. While preparing the polls and students for Nov. 5 is part of her current job description, Frazier remains passionate about voting. 

“Our purpose here is getting our students registered to vote, getting our students informed about voting and getting them to the polls,” said Frazier.

Frazier described the arrangement process as “wild.” Commotion was expected but still difficult to anticipate in terms of the number of voters at a given point. Policy standards were another factor. Poll workers must be specific about the CCA layout, so as not to break any federal or state laws. The Orono team worked to ensure a proper voting scenario for all residents. The process began on Oct. 29, due to the early voting opportunity offered on Oct. 30.

“We brought a lot of materials over from the town of Orono and from the Center for Student Involvement rentals and things like that, and we were able to work with the CCA to store some of that here over the last week,” said Frazier. “It took a lot of manpower and a lot of hours.”

According to Frazier, class-change times are busiest because of student scheduling conflicts that prevent many of them from voting in the middle of certain hours. She provided an estimate of how many Orono voters may appear. She shared that 2,300 residents submitted an absentee ballot, and 12,000 more residents were eligible to vote on election day. Frazier also estimated that of the Nov. 5 voters, over 25% registered the day of. 

“Orono does historically have a really good turnout, especially in presidential elections. But has a pretty good voter turnout overall, especially when we’re on campus for these larger elections. And last week, we had 600 people come through,” said Frazier. “We’re hoping for at least 10 times that today.”

According to Frazier, the question she was most frequently asked was, “Does this count as proof of residency?”

“Honestly, the political climate right now is what it is. You never really know what you’re gonna get. So, I think just being as prepared as we can has really put us in a good spot for anticipating things,” said Frazier. “We’re gonna do exactly what they’re expected to do and do it the best they can.”

Mak Thompson is a fourth-year student with a double major in political science and women and gender studies. They volunteered in voter registration throughout the entire day. Thompson went in depth as to what their contributions were leading up to the election.

“I’ve actually been working with Professor Rob Glover, getting people to work the polls all across the state of Maine… I texted some students to make sure they were gonna make it to their assigned times,” said Thompson. “With Shelly, the town clerk, she had sessions for us to watch on how to get people registered to vote and the procedures of working here at the polls”

According to Thompson, the busiest hours were lunchtime and 5 p.m. when people are out of work. The question they were most-commonly asked was whether or not registering to vote in Orono was making a commitment to do so permanently. 

“I think a lot of people are worried that if they want to go back home, that they can’t vote. They just have to re-register again if they want to vote in another election somewhere else. Living on campus, everyone’s address changes every year, so that can be a hassle for students to have to register to vote every year.”

Thompson voted via absentee mail-in ballot that they submitted on Oct. 31. 

“I know a lot of students are really worried about the result of the election. Either way it goes, just to try and stay confident. Voting in local elections is important too, not just in Presidential elections,” said Thompson.

The Maine Campus spoke with 100 voters at the Collins Center for the Arts from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Of the Orono residents willing to participate, their age distribution breakdown is as follows:

Age 18 to 25: 28% 

Age 26 to 33: 6% 

Age 34 to 41: 14% 

Age 42 to 49: 17% 

Age 50 to 57: 5% 

Age 58 to 65: 10% 

Over 65 years old: 20% 

Age distribution of interview participants in increments of seven

The oldest voter interviewed was 85 years old.

Approximately 70% of voters in the 18 to 25 year-old range expressed that it was their first time voting in the presidential primaries, and for some, the first time ever voting. 

Of the 20 first-time voters, 15 registered at the polls moments before casting their vote. Three people registered in October, and two others did not have to register again since the 2023 midterms.

Sixteen first-time voters shared that they were eager to participate in the election, while four felt unenthusiastic about voting.

In terms of educating themselves on the local Maine candidates running this year, seven of the 20 first-time voters claimed they conducted extensive research. Ten voters shared that they “somewhat” researched candidates, while three people chose not to learn about the candidates in any capacity.

The 2024 referendum features one citizen’s initiative, three bond questions and one state referendum. A majority of the 100 participants interviewed throughout the morning were asked which of the five referendum questions they feel strongly about one way or the other. Disclaimer: some people mentioned more than one ballot question. 

1. Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?

Five voters felt strongly about Question 1.

2. Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing? 

Nineteen voters felt strongly about Question 2.

3. Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?

Eight voters felt strongly about Question 3. 

4. Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?

Thirty one voters felt strongly about Question 4.

“I think we need more investment in Maine. It’s clear to see we have crumbling roads and failing infrastructure,” said PhD Student Remi Geohegan. 

5. Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?

17 voters felt strongly about Question 5. 

Twenty two voters did not feel strongly about any of the questions. Several people specified that they are more interested in the outcome of the presidential election, as opposed to local races and referendums. 

Strong opinions surrounding 2024 referendums

“I am here for one purpose only and it is to stop that man [Trump],” said Andi Bowen, director of Residence Life at the University of Maine.

Officer of the University of Maine College Republicans (UMCR) Nathaniel Stanley is a fourth-year student majoring in English and minoring in biology. He assumed his position at the start of the Fall 2024 semester. As treasurer of the organization, Stanley forwards club costs to the National College Republicans Federation for reimbursement. 

“[My] secondary duties are different things that say, the president can’t get around to. So, in practical terms, it means sending email updates and getting in contact with administration with events being set up,” said Stanley.

The UMCR recruits new members at the annual involvement fair. Students who visit the booth may sign up for the contact list with their email and/or phone number. Stanley specified that it is not a membership list, but a way to receive weekly email updates. Those who no longer wish to receive the updates can request to be removed from the list. 

The exact number of members is unclear, as some interested students who may not frequently attend meetings still consider themselves part of the club. UMaine Republicans convene every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in 227 Neville Hall. It is open to all students. 

Stanley also explained that there is a range of individual values across the organization, and that the word “Republican” means something different to each person. He also referred to its study as a rediscovery of texts written or studied throughout the last 2,000 years in western european context and outside of it. 

“I would describe us as conservatives before I describe us as Republicans. We have, I guess, a respect for tradition, an interest in, so to speak, the ways of the mass of people that came before us,” said Stanley. 

Merriam Webster defines conservatism as the “​​inclination to preserve what is established : belief in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society. Stanley shared a similar sentiment, while also noting that not all conservatives value the same traditions.

“If I were to define it in a nutshell, ‘conservative’ for us means conserving what is worth saving from the past…This goes far beyond politics. It’s a political club, but that’s just the practical side of it, the door knocking side,” said Stanley. “In the sense that we’re conservative, we’re interested in what you might call the traditional ideal of society, if there is one, and which traditional ideal is best.”

While the UMaine Republicans do express support for candidates, they are not involved in policy measures such as bills or executive orders. They make phone calls to voters through the College Republicans system. They also knock on doors in the area to campaign for politicians throughout election seasons.

Stanley expressed his faith in local authority surrounding the polls on election day, and does not have any concerns for Nov. 5. 

“There is a great deal of scrutiny right now, but I think most of it is directed away from voting systems like the one in Maine where paper ballots are still largely used. I can’t speak for any other states, but I think that because it’s a different voting system, the risks are different and sometimes more obvious. It’s harder to ‘hack’ a paper-ballot system,” said Stanley. 

Stanley believes that there is a positive commonality between the UMaine Republicans and UMaine Democrats, as both organizations support their respective parties and engage with the community.

“I would say that they [UMaine Republicans and UMaine Democrats] are both interested in the future of our state and our country at large,” said Stanley. “Any political club that organizes on the campus has something in common with any other political club, in that it separates itself from the apathy that I think characterizes the campus here.”

To end off, Stanley left a message for first-time voters at UMaine:

“If you’re an out-of-state resident, be careful what you’ve registered for. I’ve known people who are interested in voting here locally, and it’s a close election so I recommend that they do if they’re staying here at the University. But, you need to be careful that you don’t accidentally commit voter fraud by trying to vote in two places at the same time. It’s a very easy mistake to make, especially if you’re getting a ballot from back home.”