Thomas Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

ON THE COVER

6 Commencement 2023

More than 2,000 people gathered at Thomas College in May to celebrate the 185 graduates for the 129th Commencement. It was a beautiful day to honor our graduates and their families. 10

Meet the new Advancement Team

There are some new faces to our Advancement Team and they can’t wait to meet you! Read more about the team’s backgrounds and how you can get involved with Thomas College moving forward. 12

Access to the Lake for the Thomas College Community

In May, Thomas College entered into a multi-year agreement with Snow Pond Center for the Arts to lease a 28-room residence hall on their waterfront property along Messalonskee Lake.

ALUMNI SURVEY

We want your feedback! Keep an eye out in October for more information on this biennial survey that helps us gauge our effectiveness in delivering on the promise of brighter workforce futures for our graduates. Questions? Please contact Jay Fogg, Director of the Annual Fund, Alumni & Family Relations: Jay.Fogg@Thomas.edu; (207) 859-1339.

GOING GREEN(ER)!

In an effort to be both kind to our planet and prudent stewards of our financial resources, upcoming issues of the Thomas Magazine will be distributed electronically. We will continue to provide hard copies to actively engaged alumni and friends of the College along with anyone else who expresses a desire to receive one. Please email Jeff Bateman at Jeff.Bateman@Thomas. edu with questions, concerns or your hard copy request!

NEW! Later this summer we are releasing our renewed visual identity (including a new logo!)— which is in large part a return to our roots. Keep an eye out for our new look in the coming months!

October 30-31

Same amazing Terrier tradition— new spooky season…

Academics, athletics, scholarships and more. Promising futures funded by you!

Save the date and join us as we come together to make an impact in support of students and programs across campus.

Day of Giving donations are much more than money. Your dollars remove financial barriers, enhance academic and athletic opportunities, and enable the College to respond to student and institutional needs as they arise. In short, your dollars fund promising futures. Talk about money well spent! FOR

Thomas College prepares students for success in their personal and professional lives, and for leadership and service in their communities.

'23

Jackie is one of

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Conrad L. Ayotte ’77, H’98

Chair

Brian M. Bernatchez ’88

First Vice-Chair

Richard F. Spellman, M.S. ’80

Second Vice-Chair

Kenneth P. Viens H’17

Secretary & Clerk

Clifford C. Abbott, Jr.

Cary Olson Cartwright

Douglas L. Cutchin H’09

Michael D’Appolonia

James A. Doyle

William M. Dubay ’72

Holly D. Ferguson ’95, M.B.A. ’96

Robin G. Goodwin M.B.A. ’90

Michelle T. Hayes ’81, ’83

Charles “Wick” Johnson, III

Meredith H. Jones

Laurie G. Lachance M.B.A. ’92

Danielle K. Marquis ’99

David C. Pease

Dorcas B. Riley

Gregory A. Savard ’89

Kelley B. Shimansky ’89

TRUSTEE EMERITI

Dr. James W. Hennigar H’03

Susan B. Lavenson H’94

Susan S. Roche

EDITOR

MacKenzie Riley Young

COPY EDITOR

Chelsea Moeller

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Merrill

Chelsea Moeller

MacKenzie Oberholzer ’21

MacKenzie Riley Young

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emma Boucher ’24

Haley Campbell

Madison Thornton ’22

Shawn Von Oesen ’24

DESIGN

PELLE Graphic Design

Haley Campbell

Letter from the President T

HE ARRIVAL OF SUMMER is always bittersweet around here. May brings goodbyes as students we know and love walk across the commence-

flight. While we ache over these departures, we are eager to see the impact these new alumni have on the world around them. As we close the academic year, we have a lot to celebrate—our graduates included! We spent the year actively renewing our on-campus community and recovering enrollment numbers after the pandemic fallout. Our efforts are being rewarded as we project strong numbers for the fall and see retention and graduation rates climb to record highs. Residency rates are setting records, too, resulting in a creative, commu nity-based housing solution. This fall, some returning residents will be living lakeside on the Snow Pond Center for the Arts campus. We already had a river—now we’ve got a lake!

We secured nearly $5 million dollars in grant funding to offset pandemic-related construction cost increases and to fund innovative new programs to support our mission and advance our strategic priorities.

A new slate of Advancement profession als joined our team to continue the good work of enhancing and sustaining our offerings through foundation, business and alumni support. They’ll be busy this fall get ting to know you and tackling some Thomas traditions including our 20 Scholar Golf Invitational Tournament on September 8, Homecoming & Family Weekend and Day of Giving in October.

We hosted fan-favorite initiatives— the Thomas Cup, President’s Innovation Challenge and Mud Run among them; had an active, exciting season in athletics, with student athletes making an impression on

Laurie G. Lachance M.B.A. ’92 President

Celebrating Our 2023 Graduates

ON MAY 13, Thomas College celebrated the Class of 2023 for its 129th Commencement. More than 2,000 people filled the Alfond Athletic Center to celebrate one hundred and eighty-five total graduates including from undergraduate and graduate programs.

More than 80 percent of undergraduate students graduated with honors (a GPA of 3.2 or higher), which is the highest ever at Thomas College.

It was an incredible tribute to the hard work our students have achieved, especially for many of those who began their journeys at Thomas College in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Commencement, the undergraduate student speaker address was delivered by Shawnna Leigh Frost, Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics and a minor in Criminal Justice, from Milford, New Hampshire. The graduate student speaker address was delivered by Sydney Alexis Plourde, Master of Business Administration, from Lisbon, Maine.

Class Marshals were Jordan Catherine Magiera, Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with minors in English and Entrepreneurship, from Casco, Maine, and Madison M. Rock, Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Political Science and a minor in Diversity, from Bridgton, Maine.

Thomas Scholars were Bailey Anne Hanrahan, Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health and minors in Diversity and Sociology, from Randolf, Vermont; Jordan Catherine Magiera and Madison M. Rock.

Honors Convocation Speaker was David C. Pease, Senior Vice President and Director of Talent, Diversity & Inclusion for Bangor Savings Bank and Thomas College Trustee. The Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient was Kristin Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank.

Other honorary degree recipients included Timothy (Tim) P. Wilson, Senior Advisor to Seeds of Peace and Norman S. Elvin, President of G&E Roofing.

Congratulations to everyone! n

2023 Graduate Spotlights

Luul Hassan ’23

HOMETOWN: Auburn, Maine

MAJOR: Communications with a concentration in public relations and marketing

ACTIVITIES: International club, black student union, JMG, TRIO, Early Start student and tutor, DEI Intern, Innovation challenge participant.

SOMETHING SHE’S PROUD OF: “Being a first-generation college student and graduating in three years with my bachelor’s degree!”

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THOMAS: “The small community and how everyone is friendly with each other, always says hi or even just holds the door open for you. Thomas College is a place where people will know your name and get to know who you are.”

Madison Edwards ’23 M.B.A. ’24

HOMETOWN: Poland, ME

MAJOR: Finance

ACTIVITIES: Participated in flag football, soccer, basketball, and floor hockey intramurals; Peer Academic Leader for Managerial Accounting for two semesters; internship at Hannaford Supermarkets.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THOMAS: “The community and the connections I made with other students and the professors.”

NEXT UP AFTER GRADUATION: Retail Management Trainee at Hannaford Supermarkets while working on her master’s in business administration degree from Thomas College.

PROGRAM: Online master’s in education degree

CURRENT JOB/CAREER: High school science teacher at Waterville Senior High School in Waterville, ME

WHY THOMAS COLLEGE: “I wanted to take advantage of the 3 +1 program Thomas offered. Being a first-year teacher, completing the master’s program presented the opportunity to further my own education and learn about best practices early on in my career. It seemed the most efficient way to start off on the right foot.”

SOMETHING SHE’S PROUD OF: “I’m very proud to be a working young woman in the STEM field, and I’m even more proud that I can show up every day and be an example to my students of how far a little bit of hard work and determination will bring you, regardless of where you’re starting from. I’m proud of my journey, my job, and I’m proud of the students I get to support and watch as they start journeys of their own.”

Andrew Dean M.B.A. ’23

PROGRAM: Online master’s in business administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management

CURRENT JOB/CAREER: WEX - Global Talent Development (HR)

WHY THOMAS COLLEGE: “I started to seriously look into returning to school to complete a Master’s level degree in 2020. When I learned of the partnership between WEX and Thomas College and saw the degrees that Thomas offered, it became a no-brainer to pursue.”

SOMETHING HE’S PROUD OF: “Being able to complete this degree program in two years, on top of working a full-time job is an accomplishment I am very proud of.”

HOW THIS DEGREE WILL GROW/ENRICH HIS CAREER: “This degree has taught me a lot about various HR related topics and has opened my eyes into all of the different career opportunities that a career in HR can lead to. I am currently a Manager on WEX’s Global Talent Development team, and my hope is this degree can help in my goal to continue moving up the leadership ranks at WEX.” n

Noel Frith ’22, M.S.Ed. ’23

MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF Thomas College’s Advancement team!

Thomas College has welcomed a new slate of Advancement and Alumni Relations staff to continue the great work done in recent years. With an eye on the future and Thomas’ continued evolution, we’ve built a team designed to facilitate meaningful giving of every kind. After all, the annual fund is as crucial to today as pledges and planned gifts are to the future and you’ll find someone on our team to help you make your most meaningful contribution, no matter the size, designation or method.

CHELSEA MOELLER Vice President of Advancement

Chelsea joined us last July and has been busy learning the ropes, building the new team and meeting many of you! Starting her fundraising career at MaineGeneral Health, she wore many hats including major gift work related to the campaign that helped build the new, regionalized hospital in Augusta and renovate the Thayer Outpatient facility in Waterville. Just prior to joining Thomas, Chelsea worked on a capital campaign to expand the Children’s Center in Augusta, an early intervention organization for children with special needs.

JEFF BATEMAN Assistant Vice President

Jeff comes to us from a pediatric dental group where he served as the CEO for five years. He has fifteen years of Advancement experience, most recently as Director of Research and Data Services at the University of Maine.

Director of the Annual Fund, Alumni & Family Relations

Jay is a Thomas alum and Athletics Hall of Fame member. He has 27 years of extensive management and leadership experience from which he gained exceptional customer service and relationship building skills. Jay is a graduate of Brandeis University’s Liberal Arts program and earned his B.S from Thomas College. We’re happy to have him back in the family!

JEFF LEYDEN Director of Planned Giving

Jeff comes to us with almost 30 years of experience in independent school education, the last 16 of which doing annual fund, major gift and planned giving work. He was most recently the Director of Planned Giving at Northfield Mount Hermon (MA) and before that, he was the Director of Planned Giving/Senior Development Officer for Kents Hill School (ME). He holds an A.S. and a B.S. from The University of Maine.

ERIN

Senior Director of Major Gifts

Erin started her philanthropy career more than 20 years ago at UMaine. She came to us from Educare Central Maine where she worked for the past seven years as the Director of Advancement and Campaign Director for the Skowhegan Early Learning Center’s capital campaign in Skowhegan. Prior to her time at Educare she worked for Maine Public as the Director of Development, focusing on major gifts and grant writing. Erin holds both a B.A and M.A. from UMaine. n

MERRILL

JAY FOGG

Grants Galore!

IN 2022, THOMAS COLLEGE SECURED just under $5 million in federal, state, and private foundation awards to fund innovative new programs to support the College’s mission and advance our strategic priorities.

Over $3 million in new grant funding directly impacts the student experience by providing scholarships, stipends, instructional enhancements, and support services. The remaining $1.8 million helps to offset the pandemic-related construction cost increase of the Sukeforth Family Sports Center that opened in October.

Through the combined advocacy efforts of Senators Collins and King, the College received a congressional appropriation of $974,000 to launch Project Sentinel. This program aims to reduce computer-based threats by increasing the number of cybersecurity professionals in Maine’s workforce and by improving cybersecurity practices across the state. Scholarships will be available beginning in the fall 2023 semester to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in cybersecurity, computer science, and computer information systems.

The Davis Educational Foundation committed $137,326 to develop and deliver a new interdisciplinary course that fosters critical and creative thinking, and the Davis Family Foundation invested $20,000 to expand counseling services for students.

Supported by a grant of $39,824 from the MELMAC Foundation, the College introduced a new mentoring program that pairs firstyear student-athletes with graduate students to enhance the firstyear experience and bolster retention.

Grant-funded projects like these provide cutting-edge opportunities and experiences for students and allow the College to deliver on the Thomas Promise.

REIGNITE MAINE

Thomas College has been awarded $1,995,886 from the State of Maine Department of Education to fund Reignite Maine, a new initiative designed to expand college access and affordability in programs and majors critical to the state’s workforce.

The project removes financial barriers and provides a robust array of student services based on best practices to support an estimated 85 students in completing a degree that will lead to higher-paying jobs in Maine.

Scholarships totaling $1,374,000 are available to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in any of the targeted majors: education, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, global sustainability, environmental science and policy, computer science, cybersecurity, computer information systems, and communications. Additional grant funds totaling $195,500 provide Reignite Maine scholarship awardees with laptop computers and travel and textbook stipends.

Reignite Maine specifically advances Maine’s 10-year economic development strategic plan by expanding access to two and four-year college degrees and professional certificates. The project aims to help move the state toward its goal of increasing the credentialed percentage of Maine’s workforce from 44% to 60%.

Launched in the fall of 2022, the two-year undertaking anticipates a direct and sustained impact of an additional 85 students entering the Maine workforce with a workforce credential, increased social mobility, less debt, and wellpositioned to contribute to the Maine economy. n

Nearly $5 million in Funding Secured

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH

Snow Pond Center for the Arts

THOMAS COLLEGE HAS ENTERED into a multiyear agreement with Snow Pond Center for the Arts to lease a 28-room residence hall on their waterfront property along Messalonskee Lake.

In addition to having exclusive residency of the hall, the entire Thomas College community will have access to their 40-acre waterfront property including: educational, performance, and music and dance spaces; tennis and basketball courts; a yoga and dance studio; 1.8 miles of trails for walking and snowshoeing; and 900 feet of waterfront on Messalonskee Lake.

This partnership will also provide Thomas College students with a host of opportunities to engage and participate in Snow Pond’s camps, concerts, and events. Thomas College students will receive discounted tickets for concerts and events held on-site at Snow Pond Center for the Arts’ Bowl in the Pines, one of the largest amphitheaters in the nation.

The first Thomas College students will live in the new lakeside residences this fall, when Thomas College anticipates reaching housing capacity on its main campus. The College currently has five on-campus residence hall options.

“We are incredibly excited to have secured this offering for our current and future students at Thomas College,” said Interim Chief Operating Officer Tom Warren “With the growth of our student body comes new opportunities. And this new opportunity with Snow Pond really expands the promise of an inspiring environment for the Thomas College student experience.”

“Snow Pond Center for the Arts is thrilled to partner with Thomas College. As two of Maines’ long-standing and communitybased institutions, this new partnership is a perfect match. We are excited to welcome the Thomas College students to the Snow Pond campus and importantly for the students to be able to participate in all of the opportunities that entails,” said Snow Pond’s Director of Development and Community Engagement Christa Johnson. n

AMY MARSTON ’14 Catching up with

WHETHER IT’S KICKING OFF the Thomas Cup on campus or presenting a speech to high schoolers about being an engaged employee, Amy Marston does it all with a smile and an energy that is palpable.

Amy leads Central Maine Power’s Community Relations division, covering 346 communities across Maine. “It’s our opportunity to tell our story and highlight the more than 1,000 Mainers who work at CMP. We are so much more than line workers and customer service representatives,” said Amy. In a recent Community Relations team meeting, the room was filled with laughter, support and the type of conversation that leaders strive for with their teams. People were comfortable asking questions and acknowledging when they needed more information to understand an issue. The banter reinforced the respect and connection that Amy has fostered with her team.

Growing up in Central Maine, Amy dreamed of going to college

to become a teacher, but the demand for spots at the college she had her heart set on was tough and she was not accepted. “It was a blessing,” Amy said, “I got a job as a temp worker at the CMP payment processing department and went to University of Maine Augusta.” She graduated with her Bachelors and continued taking on new responsibilities and jobs at CMP.

After her first ten years in the workforce at CMP, Amy decided to go back to school to obtain her Masters. CMP paid for the classes and in 2014, Amy graduated from Thomas College with her master’s in business administration. “It was perfect,” she said, “There was a flexible schedule, small enrollment and hybrid was an option. I had a small child at home so Thomas was a perfect fit.”

Amy continued, “When I share my story, I tell potential students you’re not going to be writing this big, scary thesis; you are researching and learning skills to expand your knowledge.” Amy’s research led her to examine women-led economies and interview a lot of women leaders in Maine. “Find your passion and the work or the project will come easy,” Amy said, “Just do it—ask people, use resources, leap and find your net.”

Amy is passionate about supporting students here at Thomas College and building a workforce that is driven and energized. CMP is a lead sponsor for the Thomas Cup and donates annually to the Lunder Scholars Golf Invitational. “I feel as though we have an obligation to support education across Maine and help students reach goals they never thought that they could.” n

Amy Marston and Community Relations team at CMP.

Thomas Cup 2023

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS from across the state gathered for an overnight IT and innovation competition called the Thomas Cup, in March.

The winners of this year’s Thomas Cup were “The Fellas” Parker Demelia, Samuel Tjalsma, Ben Cushman, Joseph Elliott, and Isaac Young from Poland Regional High School.

Each member of the winning team receives $10K scholarships to Thomas College. Second place winners earn $8K in scholarships and the third place team wins $6K.

Second place team was “The Bruhzerkers” with students from Greely High School and Cheverus High School, including Brody Gifford, Quinn Richter, Liam Gordon, Corbin Richter, and Drew Flanders.

Third place team was “Stud Muffins” from Forest Hills Regional High School with Hiram Logston, Owen Lacasse, Jayden Feliberty, Mason Desjardins, and Braidan Welch.

The Thomas Cup is a free event for Maine high school students in which teams of five compete in science, technology, engineering, and innovation competitions for the chance to win their names on the Thomas Cup and receive scholarships to Thomas College worth up to $10,000 over four years. Competition areas include cyber defense, esports, computer science, and crime scene analysis.

Thank you to event sponsor, Central Maine Power! n

WINTER/ SPRING Wrap Up

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball started the 2022-2023 season with a brand-new head coach, Jason Coleman, and looking to start the journey of bringing back conference success to the program. Having 10 first-year students on a 13 women roster brought a lot of obstacles for the Terriers but allowed for a revamp in culture by increasing GPA in the classroom and doubling the win total from the 2021-2022 season. Along with other program successes, Junior Sam Fortin was named on the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. The Terriers ended the season on a high note beating NAC Conference opponent University of Maine Farmington on a 4-21 season. n

Men’s Basketball

Alumni and now Head Coach Marquis Mason-Pollard ’14 started his first season with Thomas College Men’s Basketball this 20222023 season. For the first time in program history the men’s basketball team had the opportunity to play a Division I school, Bryant University, in an expedition match before regular season play began. The Terriers ended the year with a 3-21 record but showed great potential throughout the season for future program success. At the end of the season, Sophomore Jacob Bouchard was named a member of the NAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team.

Men’s Tennis

The Men’s Tennis team brought back the NAC Championship to the program with their 6-0 NAC Conference run this 2023 season. Head Coach Rob Disch was named coach of the year along with sweeping all post season awards, including Jose Afonso winning Player of the Year, Nicholas Arenas named Rookie of the Year, and Kegan Rodrigue as Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year. The Terriers traveled to Myrtle Beach this spring break to play four games, allowing strong competition. Men’s Tennis ended the season with a total 11-7 record.

Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey ended the 2022-23 season with a 10-7-3 record under new Head Coach Joey Waraskevich. Coach Waraskevich had previously served as an assistant coach for the Terriers ACHA program from 2015-2021. The Terrier’s Ice Hockey program competes in the NECHA Conference (New -England Collegiate Hockey Association) and ended with a 7-3 conference record. The Terriers will also be retiring one of the best goalkeepers in the program’s history, Miloslav “Gaston” Fuksa, with a .933 save percentage over his career.

Men’s Lacrosse

Under new leadership with Head Coach Bill Scott, Men’s Lacrosse finished the 2023 season with their best record since 2014, at 4-8. Eight seniors graduate from the team including this season’s goal leader, ending with 25 goals, Kurt Heywood. Two Senior’s made NAC All-Conference teams, including Dominic DeSimone making Second Team due to his strong defensive play and Max Irons making Sportsmanship Team. Coach Scott will continue to build the program and culture in the program, something he has already started to succeed at.

Women’s Lacrosse

After a rough start to the season, the Women’s Lacrosse team was able to turn things around and make NAC Playoffs in the #4 seed position. Senior Anna Chadwick, a midfielder that played a huge role on the team, was awarded the NAC’s Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year. She was joined by fellow teammates who made AllNAC Conference Teams, including Molly Littlefield and Lizzy Gotay on First Team, Alia Chasse and Chadwick on Second Team, and Lauren Bartlett on Sportsmanship Team. The Terriers ended with a 4-9 record, falling in the first round of Championship Playoffs to the #1 Seed and NAC Champions SUNY Canton.

Baseball

Baseball ended with a 19-17 season record, their best since 2016 and ended their 2023 season falling in the NAC Semifinals to the #2 seed, Husson University. The Terriers had big success this year, specifically in their large sophomore class with Tony Meza and Nick Hutson making the NAC East All Conference Team. They were joined by Junior Aaron Young who also made First Team and Jackson Ladd making Sportsmanship Team. With an experienced group for next season, the Terriers continue to be a strong competitor in the NAC and look to find themselves in the Championship game.

Softball

Softball ended the 2023 season with a winning record of 16-15 along with making it to the Semifinals in the NAC Championship as the #3 seed. The Terriers were under new leadership this season as Jenn Plourde, previous assistant coach at Husson University, joined the team in January. Senior Maddie Rock earned NAC honors being named the Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year along with making All-NAC First Team. She was joined by Graduate Student Kelsey Currier who also made First Team and Sportsmanship Team. Currier ended her final season with the Terriers with a .393 batting average in 89 at bats. Rookie Megan Oberholzer also made All-NAC Second Team in her first season as a Terrier.

Track and Field

Track and Field had big success during both the Indoor and Outdoor 2022-2023 seasons. Head Coach Ian Wilson earned his first ever NAC Coach of the Year title after monumental NAC and School success this season. During Indoor Division III New England’s Lionel Raye Jr. became the first Terrier to place at the Qualifiers coming in fourth in the Long Jump. During the Outdoor season, big success came to the Men’s Team as they placed first at the NAC Championships, first time in team history. Success continued for the Terriers at Division III New Englands as Raye took second place in Long Jump and Graduate Student Jarrod Hooper placed fifth in the Men’s Steeplechase. Then Sophomore Julia Reny made school history as she placed first in the Women’s Javelin, something that has yet to be done in both women’s and men’s track and field at Thomas in any event. Junior Mary DiSanto and First Year Nick Plamondon also had big success this year as they joined Hooper in All-Conference Honors, with DiSanto earning the First Athlete of the Year, Plamondon earning Rookie of the Year, and Hooper with Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year. n

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

1996

Joseph (Jay) Fogg ’96 is back on campus after years of being away! Jay accepted a position at Thomas College as the Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni & Family Relations. Have updates to share about your or your fellow classmates? Contact Jay ((207) 859-1339; Jay.Fogg@thomas.edu) so we can include them in “Class Notes”.

2007

James Pierce ’07 has accepted the position of Varsity Baseball Head Coach at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA.

2013

Kate Bellmore MBA ’13 has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition as well as becoming the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer at Camden National Bank.

TOP

MIDDLE

BOTTOM

2015

Alumna Kayla (Collins) LeBlanc ’15 recently landed a new job as a PACE (Persistence and Continuing Education) Coordinator for Campus Compact in New Hampshire. She’ll be working with high school students across 13 school districts in Northern rural New Hampshire to connect students with programs and opportunities to become future ready.

2018

Kelsey Dubay, ’18, MBA ’19, has been promoted to Senior Financial Analyst at Sappi! Kaitlyn Rourke ’18, MBA ’19 is starting a new position as a Training Specialist at UnitedHealth Group.

2019

Sarahjane Call ’19 and Carson Dalheim got married in Mansfield, TX in the Fall of 2022. Many alums were in attendance, showing that a great education isn’t the only thing you get here at Thomas!

2020

Cassidy Glenn ’20 has become the Project Manager at Portland Glass.

John (Riley) Simonetti ’20, MBA ’21 is putting his Thomas MBA in accounting to great use as a Corporate Auditor for Land O’ Lakes.

Tiffany White’s ’20, MBA ’21 hard work has paid off as she’s now a Certified Fraud Examiner. Congratulations, Tiffany!

ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): Ryan Scepansky ’21, James Darcy ’17

ROW: AJ Freeman ’17, Cordell Soper ’19, Johnny Swan ’17, Meghan Stover ’20, Nick Milne ’19

ROW: Taylor Soule ’19, Maddie Bentz ’18 Jordan Gibson ’17, Carson Dalheim ’19, Darren Forkey ’18, MBA ’19, Jocelyn L’Italien ’20, Sarahjane Call ’19

Kate Bellmore ’13 MBA

2021

Saige Allard ’21 MS ’22 has become a Background Investigator with Peraton, an American National Security and Technology company based in Virginia.

Bethany Dehmer ’21 recently became the Marketing Coordinator at Portside Real Estate Group.

Sophie O’Clair ’21 became the Community Integration Coordinator with Goodwill Northern New England through the Americorps VISTA program. n

SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS!

Please

Savings Bank Announces

Kennebec

Hire of Dan Swindler

Kennebec Savings Bank President and CEO Andrew Silsby recently announced the hire of Dan Swindler ’98, MBA ’01 as Chief Banking Operations Officer. In his role, Dan will oversee Deposit Operations; Card Services; Branch Operations; Business Account Management; Customer Care and Experience; Vendor and Project Management; and Physical Security.

Dan joins the bank with comprehensive bank operations experience, having worked for another Maine bank for over 26 years, where he steadily rose through the ranks to his most recent position of Senior Vice President, Director of Support Services.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Kennebec Savings Bank – a bank that is genuinely committed to delivering remarkable experiences for our customers, communities, and employees. I look forward to leveraging over 26 years of leadership in banking in Maine to support our commitment to operating as a profitable, responsible, and customer-focused community bank,” said Dan.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Thomas College. He is involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where he has served as Troop Committee Leader, Treasurer and Merit Badge Councilor. He is Chairman of the Warren Scholarship Committee and has been a volunteer advisor to RSU 40 for the development of a long-range comprehensive plan.

“Dan is an excellent addition to our team,” said Andrew. “He brings deep operations and project management expertise with a full understanding of the importance of great customer service that will support the continued growth and success of the Bank.”

We are so proud of all our Thomas Alums!

WALLY ALEXANDER Retirement Announcement

Dr. Alexander joined Thomas College in 2002. He played an instrumental role in the original state certification of the College’s first education program in elementary education, a program area which has now expanded to encompass the full range of certifications from early childhood through secondary and two programs at the graduate level, as well as to the establishment of the Peter and Paula Lunder School of Education.

As the former executive director of MAMLE, the Maine Association of Middle-Level Educators, he brought to his Thomas classroom a perspective focused on the individual student. In his time at Thomas, he taught methods courses in science, mathematics and language arts, children’s literature and reading, education psychology and curriculum design. During his tenure at Thomas, the education program at the undergraduate and graduate levels has grown to more than 100 students. He will be missed as a faculty member, a teacher and mentor.

Eric Morin ’15, M.B.A. ’17 and Allyson (Clary) Morin ’17 were married on November 5, 2022 in Durham, New Hampshire.

Carson Dalheim '19 and Sarahjane Call '19

IN MEMORIAM

Dustin P. Allard ’23

DUSTIN PAUL ALLARD , 21, of Monmouth, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 18, 2023.

He was born on March 3, 2001, the son of Gary P. and Tammy M. (Lauze) Allard in Lewiston. Dustin graduated from Gardiner Area High School and was in his final semester of his senior year at Thomas College in Waterville where he was majoring in Business Administration.

Dustin worked as a real estate agent with Fontaine Family of Realtors in Auburn, he was a child care worker at the Atwood After School Care through the Alfond Youth and Community Center of Greater Waterville in Oakland, and was going through the hiring process to become a police officer with the Oakland Police Department. Becoming a law enforcement officer was a lifelong dream of Dustin’s and the day he passed away, he had completed the physical fitness test and ALERT at the Police Academy.

While growing up, Dustin was actively involved with sports, playing hockey for Maranacook Youth Hockey, Auburn Youth Hockey, Portland Junior Pirates Travel, Gardiner Youth Hockey, and two years for Gardiner High School. He ran cross-country and played soccer for a year while in high school but his true love was being part of the tennis team all four years and was #1 and Team Captain Senior year, and played a year of tennis at Thomas College before deciding to focus on his studies. While in high school, he was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, which was something that he and his family were very proud of.

Dustin had an undying love for his dog, Nelly, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved to be active participating in skiing, hunting, target shooting, knee boarding, hiking, and a lot of hockey. He was a vibrant young man that made a lasting impression on everyone he met and worked with. He loved life every day and had a dream of a career in law enforcement and eventually moving out west to live on a ranch.

He was known as a strong role model for, and was always loved by, children. He cherished the times that he got to spend with his

cousins and playing with their children. Dustin had a work ethic that you do not see much anymore and was a consummate gentleman. He always said that he felt he was “born in the wrong generation.”

Dustin is survived by his parents Gary and Tammy Allard of Monmouth; grandparents Robert and Jackie Allard of Lewiston, and Peter Lauze of Lewiston; godparents Bob and Lori Allard of Levant; aunt, Katherine Lauze (Jonathan) of Lewiston; first cousins Randy Allard (Morgan Bradley) of Orrington, Jason and Shannon Allard of Levant; second cousins Issac, Caleb, Wyatt, Olivia, and Levi; and his best friend Nelly, his dog.

He was predeceased by his grandmother, Elissa Lauze of Lewiston.

David L. Tibbetts ’70

BORN THE SECOND OF SEVEN CHILDREN of Helen Kathryn Diamond and Oral Delmar Tibbetts in Augusta, Maine, David L. Tibbetts was raised in Winthrop and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1961.

David worked on the docks in New York prior to entering the U. S. Marine Corp. Following his military service, he entered Thomas College in 1968, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science. He married Roberta Cross in November 1970. They resided in Waterville, Maine, until 2020, where they raised their two sons Ryan David and Peter Anthony.After college graduation, David worked for Dead River/Silver Street-Ft. Halifax as a general manager. His next career move was as assistant manager of Cottles and then Hannaford in Waterville and Belfast. David then worked for the State of Maine, Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages as Liquor Inspector and Regional Manager, retiring in 2005.

Community service was important to David. He served as Chairman of the Board of Notre Dame Credit Union and Chair of Waterville City Council. For three months he served as Interim Mayor of Waterville. He was also involved in many committees in the community.

Hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, collecting cameras, and watching his family at sporting events and theatrical productions were activities he enjoyed.

David was predeceased by his parents, sisters Caroline, Susan, and Kate, as well as brother Michael. He is survived by wife Roberta Cross Tibbetts, sons Ryan (Anissa and children Kyrrah and Nicholas), Peter (Cara and children Grady, Maggie, Charlotte, and Sloane), as well as brother Oral D. Tibbetts, Jr. (Carol) of Jay,

Maine, and many nieces and nephews. Special family members include Zeno and Melissa Corrigan (Natalie and Forrest; Owen).

Meghan E. Welsh

MEGHAN E. WELSH , 22, of Cumberland, passed away November 6, 2022 in Tufts Medical Center, Boston. Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of Philip and Angelique (Martin) Welsh of Cumberland.

Meghan was a 2018 graduate of Cumberland High School, and graduated from Thomas College, Waterville, ME in 2021 with degrees in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice. She worked as a Victim’s Witness Advocate for the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and previously worked for Juliana’s Bakery, Cumberland. In high school she was a member of the Debate Team, Rhode Island and National Honor Societies, and was President of the Rotaract Club. During her time at Thomas College, she began a food bank and volunteered to help the homeless of Waterville, ME and surrounding areas, belonged to Love Your Melon and Alpha Chi, was President of both the Psychology Club and the Criminal Justice Club, and received the Thomas Award before her graduation. Meghan was an immensely giving and motivated person, an avid fan of the Boston Bruins, Harry Styles, and Taylor Swift, and always enjoyed spending time with her beloved Yorkie, Perrie.

Along with her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandmother, Helen Martin of North Smithfield; her godmother, Pauline Bissonnette of North Smithfield; her godfather, John Coderre of Central Falls; her lifelong friend, Alexandria Santos of Cumberland; her uncle, Kenneth Martin of Hazelwood, MO; as well as, many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Welsh; her maternal grandfather, Roger Martin; and her greatgrandmother, Doris Bissonnette. n

The Thomas College Food Pantry, which was originally started by Meghan, will be dedicated in Meghan’s honor. Stay tuned for more information this fall.

1940s

Victoria (Lincoln) Giroux ’46

November 10, 2022

1950s

Pauline (York) Denis ’52

November 28, 2022

Marilyn (Miller) Higgins ’53

February 12, 2023

Joyce A. (Hunt) Rowe ’54

October 30, 2022

Robert W. Pellerin, Sr. ’56

March 20, 2023

Anne L. Pillsbury ’57

January 28, 2023

Philippe F. Hebert ’59

January 24, 2023

1960s

Thomas M. Grant ’81

March 6, 2023

Janet M. (Sullivan) Dennis ’65

December 20, 2022

Ronald R. Breton ’68

February 2, 2023

Roland G. Pelletier, Jr. ’69

February 25, 2023

1970s

Claire M. (Blanchette)

MacElman ’70

November 15, 2022

Joseph O. Benoit ’72

November 9, 2022

Charles L. Esterly ’73

November 9, 2022

Nancy (Lamb) Knowles ’73

April 1, 2023

Gaynor Wilcox ’73

February 28, 2023

Dennis D. Goodridge ’74

October 22, 2022

Andrea R. (Prosser) Locke ’76

December 25, 2022

Bonita J. (Bowley) Brushwein ’77

January 11, 2023

FOR ALUMNI QUESTIONS OR UPDATES:

Jay Fogg

Director of Annual Giving Alumni and Family Relations jay.fogg@thomas.edu

207-859-1339

1980s

Joanne L. (Vail) Williams ’81

November 13, 2022

Barbara Tribou ’88

October 31, 2022

1990s

Anita L. (Anderson) Goodwin ’92

November 15, 2022

2000s

Everett B. Flannery, Jr. ’02

January 22, 2023

FRIENDS, FAMILY, FACULTY & STAFF

Clarence E. Bickford, Jr., friend

December 4, 2022

Herbert A. Irish, staff

December 2, 2022

Richard H. Meader, staff October 16, 2022

William L. Meisle, honorary degree January 26, 2023

Daniel C. Quirion, staff

October 29, 2022

Annette M. Smith, staff

December 1, 2022

Thomas College Students Win Top Awards Again

AT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPETITION

THOMAS COLLEGE STUDENTS won top awards again in this year’s Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) International Business Conference in March in Nashville.

The Thomas College team placed first place for the written case study competition, third place in the knowledge bowl, third place in the case study presentation competition, and third place in the overall competition. Additionally, Dmitry Hodsdon placed second in the virtual business pitch competition, and Daniel Brewer placed 3rd overall in the individual competition. They were coached by Thomas College professors Dr. Dan Leland and Dr. Rick Saucier.

This annual series of competitions, reaching back over 40 years, is organized by the Society for Advancement of Management, the oldest management organization in the country, and provides an opportunity for students to showcase existing skills and further develop fundamental skills for business success. College students from across the globe compete each year.

The full Thomas College team of Daniel Brewer, of Casco, ME; Gwyn Perlmutter, of Springfield, MA; Grace Johnson, of Houlton, ME; Tanner Herrick, of Norway, ME; Dmitry Hodsdon, of Belfast, ME; and Addison Landon, of Bangor, ME, competed in categories consisting of a case study presentation, a written case study, an extemporaneous speech, a business pitch, and a knowledge bowl.

“The results of the competition speak to the Thomas College student team’s poise, confidence, and especially their preparation. Their recognition in a national setting demonstrates the quality of education they are receiving at Thomas College. Our students can compete with anyone, anywhere,” said Thomas College professor and competition advisor Dr. Rick Saucier

This is the sixth year in a row that Thomas College students have placed in the SAM competition.

“I’m excited because we succeeded so much as a small school.

Many of our competitors were massive universities and came with teams upward of twenty students. Knowing that our team of five was able to beat such intimidating opponents is amazing,” said student competitor Landon.

Another student competitor Johnson said, “Our team has worked really hard over the past month to prepare for the competition, and we worked especially hard on the written case study. To see our hard work pay off with a first place finish in the written case is absolutely amazing.”

“I just want to again thank Thomas, our advisors, and the rest of my team for this opportunity,” said competitor Brewer. “It’s a feeling like no other, and an eye-opening experience of what we have accomplished.”

Thomas College’s H. Allen Ryan School of Business is award-winning and has undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, management and more. n

Left to right: winners Addison Landon, Gwyn Perlumutter, Tanner Herrick, Grace Johnson and Daniel Brewer. Missing from photo is virtual winner Dmitry Hodsdon.

We hope you’ll join us for a season of celebrating and supporting Thomas College!