Volume 38 Issue 11

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Volume 38 Issue 11

Journalism for Northern Maine

SPECIAL EDITION APRIL 1, 2010

Visit us at utimes.umpi.edu

2009 UMPI Soccer Season Under NAIA Investigation Rene Steele

STAFF WRITER

On March 13, UMPI President Don Zillman held a press conference to announce the men and women’s 2010 soccer season would be postponed until further notice because the team and university are under review for the use of

Stephanie Jellett STAFF WRITER

For many years, UMPI students, staff and faculty members, when walking around campus, have picked up a University Times and read it along the way to class or while eating lunch. But the sad news is, the University Times has been lacking support.

Therefore, it is, and will be, no more.

At a meeting last week the adviser of the U Times, Dr. Jacqui Lowman, was sad to announce that we have had a 54 percent drop in readers over the past semester. That has been the worst record in U

illegal equipment during the 2009 season.

Zillman received a letter from the NAIA soccer league administrator stating that the league had received several complaints from other coaches and conference members about UMPI and as a result, would now be conducting an intensive investigation.

UMPI is being accused of using the wind turbine on campus to its benefit for last season’s soccer games.

Apparently the turbine’s placement in relation to the soccer field has raised several questions

about what the real purpose of the machine is.

While both teams are under review, there have been more complaints against the men’s team with its 10-3-1 record.

A complaint letter from an anonymous conference rival states, “UMPI has ridden the green train long enough. There is no other reason for them to have the windmill that close to the soccer fields - other than to help them throughout the season. We’ve seen them use it in practice and in games and it has gone far enough. We refuse to partake in the conference any longer if this behavior is allowed.”

Complaints are not only that UMPI is using the wind

turbine to win games, but also in practice to build up the sprinting speed and strength of the players.

Technicians from Aeromotor Wind Turbines will be taking over the campus soccer fields and wind turbine within the next couple of weeks to study the allegations and complaints.

They’ll be testing the direction of the airflow from the wind turbine and how it truly affects play on the soccer field.

The UMPI athletic department released the following statement after Zillman’s press conference: “We are extremely upset about these allegations and look forward to proving our truth. We would never stoop to such lev-

els to cheat or win. It’s just not the UMPI way.”

Times history. With all the funds the U Times has to have to keep up with printing and publishing costs, it wouldn’t be worthwhile. So, beloved Dr. J is pulling the plug on the school paper.

“It was a crucial decision that had to be made,” Lowman said.

“It was either keep printing papers that nobody read and get in debt, or just stop the club altogether and hope someday

down the road that the club will get started up again.”

The U Times has had many readers in the past.

Regular newspaper supporter Julia Lunn said, “I can’t believe the paper is over. I used to read it every Thursday when it came out at breakfast. What am I going to read now? The Bangor Daily News? I don’t think so. It wouldn’t be the same.”

Lunn isn’t the only angry U Times reader. Many students were so shocked and appalled

by Dr. J’s decision that some of the former U Times staff writers picketed outside of Dr. J’s office from early last Friday morning into most of the afternoon.

“We’re shocked that people don’t support us. We support the sports teams when we can.

Why should it be any different?

Why can’t they help and support us, too,” many of the staff writers of the U Times said.

The staff writers mourned when Dr. J explained to them again that there was nothing she could do about it. They put down their signs, dragging them on the ground as they slowly walked away with their heads down.

So, so long University Times.

You’ve had some good times— and bad. The time has come that our readers have forgotten about us, and this will be the last issue to be published. For those who still read and believe in the paper, enjoy this last issue. Cherish it, for it is the last.

Farewell, Dear Newspaper

2

Campus

The University Times Staff Co-Editors Lanette Virtanen Landon York Assistant Editors Sarah Graettinger Ben Pinette Staff Writers Kayla Ames Stephanie Corriveau Alicia Fournier Sarah Graettinger Daniel Jackson Stephanie Jellett Mika Ouellette Justin Pelkey Ben Pinette Alyson Robitaille Rene Steele Lanette Virtanen Contributors Bhava Albert Christine Corsello Jim Stepp Don Zillman Adviser Dr. J

The U Times welcomes submissions from the campus community. Send digital versions of articles, photos, etc., to utimes@maine.edu and jacquelyn.lowman@umpi.edu

April 1, 2010

Dear Readers, We are truly sorry, for this is our last issue. Many years of campus news told, and alas itʼs not going to happen anymore. Because of the lack of support, I regret to inform the people that the University Times will be no more. It has been a great year for journalism for northern Maine. Weʼll get through this. See you another time.

Sarah Dear Readers, It is with great sadness that I say good-bye to my dream and fulfillment of becoming a journalist. My one shot to stay close to home yet work on a newspaper has been shot down. I came to UMPI thinking I would get a journalism minor here, but now I am going to have to transfer to a different campus. I am deeply saddened that I have to leave UMPI, but maybe it will be for the better. Thank you, University Times, for the short-lived fun I had.

Ben

Dear Readers, I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone at the paper. Iʼve enjoyed my time here at the newspaper, and Iʼve learned what direction in life that Iʼd like to take. Due to the paper being shut down, I find that I, too, am going to have to transfer to a different college to follow the path that Iʼve chosen. My time here for the last two semesters has made me new friends that Iʼll always value and has given me a chance to try new things. Itʼs with regret that I say good-bye to UMPI. I will always treasure my time spent here.

Lanette

3

University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Our reputation as the renewable energy campus of Maine continues to grow.

You’ve heard about and seen the wind turbine, the solar energy panels, the Folsom

From Don’s Desk

Hall heat pumps, the Gentile Hall pool cover. But we stand on the verge of accessing an even greater source of clean energy—namely, hot air.

The source is obvious— system and university committee meetings.

Six months of exhaustive work by the Matisse E n e r g y Consultants of East Overshoe, Maine, concluded, “The total amount of hot air produced at all campus and sys-

tem committee meetings could heat all university buildings five times over.

“The savings in fuel oil and electricity costs would be huge.”

MEC said, “The hot air is also green as could be.”

We fight global warming as we talk! UMPI hot air alone could supply the energy for all three County campuses. If we talk about the hot air from UMaine and the system office, we’re off the charts.

UMPI is moving aggressively to start harnessing this new form of clean, renewable energy. A $1 billion dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Silly Walks will help us cover

cost for the research and development.

The project will headquarter on the Presque Isle campus.

I am so excited about this new venture. We can save the planet as we talk. And we’ll never again worry about some windbag in a committee meeting going on and on. She or he is helping all of us.

Don

Social Gathering Goes Wrong

Newspaper editor goes on rampage. Three in critical condition.

Ben Pinette

STAFF WRITER

Landon York snaps.

What many thought would be an ordinary social gathering of the University Times and WUPI actually turned out to be a much bigger event. U Times editor Landon York went on a rampage with his baseball bat and ended up hitting three people in the head and chest area, causing all

three of them to be transported to TAMC on the spot.

Witnesses were very surprised at the turn of events.

“I’ve never seen anything like this…ever. One minute he was in the corner of the room eating candy and the next minute he was outside hitting people.” Jerry Bubar, WUPI DJ said.

At about 4:30 p.m., the crew and visitors to the Student Media open house were invited to come outside to hit a piñata filled with an assortment of candy. York’s job was to get the baseball bat ready for the spectators to use. But as Chuck Weiss was about to take the bat from his hands, York took the bat and hit him, along with two other people who were near him. All had severe bleeding and trauma to the head .

“I was talking to someone.

And then I saw three people on the ground bleeding tremendously so I ran to Dr. J to tell her what had happened so she could get help,” Sarah Graettinger, U Times assistant editor, said.

Two ambulances were immediately called to the scene. Weiss and two other individuals who wanted to remain anonymous were taken to TAMC for possible internal bleeding and cuts.

“I am deeply sorry that this had to happen to our club. It is a huge blow to what would have been our most memorable open house,” adviser Jacqui Lowman said.

U Times co-editor Lanette

Virtanen was also on the scene.

“I was so scared for myself and others that I called for my sister to take me home right away. I’ve never had to do that ever in my life,” Virtanen said.

Unfortunately, the open house was cut short a few hours after the incident ended.

This was before the staff could give away all the prizes.

“We had a $15 Big Cheese gift certificate and an UMPI sweatshirt still up for grabs.

Sadly, we’re going to have to sell them back just to pay physical plant for cleaning up the

blood,” Lowman said.

For others, it’s about picking up the pieces.

“I thought I knew Landon very well, but I never thought he would go psycho on us.

Never imagined it,” Virtanen said.

“It’s like when you thought you knew someone… you don’t sometimes,” Graettinger said.

Weiss and the others declined to comment about the matter. York faces possible assault charges and other complaints. His court date is set for May 1.

Chuck Weiss just before the attack

4

Chris’ Corner

University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Back-Seat Sex Banned

New policy to go into effect immediately.

As dean of students, I have passed a university directive that bans students of UMPI from engaging in sex in the back seat of a vehicle (i.e., cars, trucks, taxis and SUVs). I have decided to enact this back-seat sex regulation, known as BSS-2010, because of a tremendous number of complaints from the residents whose homes border our campus and faculty and staff who have been improperly “exposed.”

Of particular concern are two recent complaints. One was reported by Lilibeth Riverpool, who said that she was outside at about 4 p.m. picking up trash (also blamed on UMPI students) from her

They were engaging in, as Riverpool put it, a “very private bodily act.” Riverpool said that she became concerned for the female’s safety because, “The way she was screaming, hollering and moaning, you would

have thought that she was having her knees squeezed in an industrial vise or something.”

A second complaint was filed

by Agathina Pampanini, 91, who said that the noise coming from the back seat of a late model purple Kia Spectra was so loud that it was scaring the hell out of her egg-laying hens. In fact, Agathina disclosed that due to the traumatic experience, every one of her 14 hens has stopped laying eggs.

Personally, I do not care what members of the student body do in the privacy of their residence hall rooms. But I strictly forbid the engaging of sexual

Number One!

activity, imagined or otherwise, in any vehicle’s back seat parked on the UMPI campus.

Violators will have their names, ages, addresses, as well as the names, ages and addresses of their parents, entered into a new column entitled, “The Back-seat Frolickers Listing,” which will appear in each U Times issue.

Of special note: any backseat violator will receive three written warnings and one verbal warning. After that, the student will be permanently expelled from the university and will forfeit the use of the library.

New Take on North of Ordinary.

Alyson Robitaille STAFF WRITER

lawn when she noticed a red 1997 Ford Crown Victoria parked on the campus. She said that she could tell that there was something oddly strange going on in the back seat. She said that her view was somewhat obstructed by the afternoon sun.

Riverpool, who is 83 and has never been married, said that she went inside her house and returned with a pair of binoculars. She said that as soon as she focused on the car, she could clearly see that it was a male and female in the back seat.

Believe it or no, newfound statistics show that University of Maine in Presque Isle was rated number one for top partying schools in Maine. The Bangor Daily News stated that UMPI surprisingly passed UMO when it recently surveyed faculty, residence life staff and students.

Previous statistics showed UMO as one of the top- rated schools and UMPI toward the bottom of the list. But a shocking change in numbers has many people astounded.

Braydon Reynolds said, “This is almost as shocking as Michael Jackson’s death.”

What is it that UMO did do and UMPI didn’t do?!

UMO recently changed its

rules and regulations on substance use: UMO the new rules don’t allow drinking in any of the dorms. If students are found intoxicated, they’re held at the nurse’s office overnight until they sober up. They also state that even if students got their alcohol off campus if they’re found drunk but it’s an immediate Write-up. UMO also stated that it’s doing drug tests before admittance to lessen substance abuse.

Well, guess what guys: it worked! With the astounding drop in student alcohol and drug use UMO is also receiving an award of $85,000 to improve its their campus. Who knows, maybe they’ll use that money for breathalyzer tests!

UMPI, on the other hand… well, nice try guys. Jim Stepp

and Linda Mastro might just want to improve their rules and regulations about substances on and off campus. As shocking as this is, for some reason, many of the students don’t seem surprised at all.

One student said, “I’m surprised this is such a big deal. It’s not like we don’t drink. It’s all part of the college life.

Right?”

So, what will be UMPI’s next steps to change these statistics? Who knows. But people certainly can’t wait to hear them!

University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

5

Going to the Extreme Stephanie Corriveau STAFF WRITER

Dr. Amelia Tompkins holds up a test tube full of a thick, clear liquid. Working in one of the labs on the top floor of Folsom Hall, Tompkins prepares to analyze a sample of DNA. After flicking the test tube with her finger, she begins to write down data into her notebook.

From where did Tompkins take this genetic sample, you might ask?

The DNA belongs to probably one of the most disliked organisms in the world: the cockroach.

“Cockroaches may not seem like the most beautiful organism to study. We can use information that we gain from studying them , however, to benefit humans. For instance, cockroaches are quite resistant to environmental toxins and natural disasters. I’m looking for possible genes that may conwhelming majority vote.”

When King heard the news, tribute to their resisthe said, “I’d love to give back ance,” Tompkins said.

Cockroaches join a long list to Maine in a way that would of other peculiar organisms help other writers become (such as snakes and moles) that more aware of just what they’re capable of accomplish- Tompkins has studied. A biology instructor from Dartmouth ing with the written word.”

College in New Hampshire, King is no stranger to teaching. He taught English to Tompkins specializes in the study of organisms that live high school students in under extreme conditions. She Hampden, Maine, when just starting out. King has published more than 40 books and is known as one of the world’s most successful writers. He cares very much for young writers starting out and remembers what college was like from his days at Orono.

One of the ways that he already helps out those writers who want to learn is to provide scholarships for local high school students. This is just one more step that King is taking to give back to Maine writers of the future.

has traveled across the country, to places such as deserts and swamplands, to examine how certain critters adapt to their environment. Faculty members from the science department at UMPI, who’ve read about her research, invited her to share her findings and conduct stud-

The King Is in the Building Lanette Virtanen STAFF WRITER

If you like to read or watch movies, then when you’re picking out what classes you want to put on your wish list next semester, be on the lookout for some very special classes that will be available in fall of 2010. For one semester only, we’ll have Stephen King here to teach classes and hold lectures for those interested in writing or in movies.

King was the perfect candidate when faculty members at UMPI were thinking of who from the list of Maine writers they’d like to see come here to teach.

When asked about the choice that UMPI faculty made, President Zillman said, “He’ll reach not only those interested in writing, but in film as well. King was the obvious choice, and he was selected with an over-

ies on campus.

“It sounded like a fantastic opportunity. I’ve never been to a climate like that of northern Maine that has such a wide range of temperatures. It interests me to see how the organisms that live here deal with the temperature changes,”

Tompkins said.

Tompkins plans to spend about a month on campus.

During this period, she’ll be giving several presentations based on her book, “The Extreme Dream Team: Specimens Surviving Severe Surroundings.” This novel has won her national recognition. An outstanding scholar, she’s been named to the “Top 100 List of College Professors.” On April 1, faculty and students will be able to hear about her exciting experiences at both the Faculty Noon Seminar (12:30 p.m.) and the Distinguished Lecturer Series (7 p.m.).

“Everyone that I’ve met so far at UMPI has been extremely friendly and helpful. I’m looking forward to presenting to the instructors and students.

Perhaps they’ll give me additional insight into the biological challenges for organisms that live in northern Maine,” Tompkins said.

Tompkins has been enjoying her time on the UMPI campus. She plans to visit the area again in the future to complete more studies. Although Tompkins isn’t completely sure of where she’ll travel to next for her research, one thing is for certain. She’ll definitely be going to the extreme.

6

Own a Piece of UMPI History and Help the Planet University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Mika Ouellette STAFF WRITER

With the recent economic downturn, the University of Maine System has had to make some budget cuts. The

biggest yet is the cutting off of money to the Presque Isle campus. To offset this loss of money and to keep the campus running, UMPI’s administration has had to make the difficult and heartbreaking decision to sell the campus wind turbine.

“It’s a shame to see it (the wind turbine) go, but if it’s the best thing to do for the campus, then so be it,” President Don Zillman commented on the decision.

Those who oppose the sale of the wind turbine say that it

will cost the campus more money in the long run despite the initial inflow of money.

This is because the campus will no longer have self-produced wind power electricity and will have to go back to paying for electricity from the grid. Also, protesters argue, the wind turbine has become a symbol for UMPI and selling the turbine would mean losing the symbolism and history associated with it and the university. Despite these complaints, the university is sticking with the decision to sell the wind turbine.

The wind turbine will be sold at auction to the highest bidder. The auction will be held at the

writing and poetr y.

“It`s been a long time since I`ve read a good zombie story,” DeFelice said.

Defelice has already mapped out several assignments for the course. Assignments range from watching films to reading Shakespeare. But why would DeFelice want to change gears?

“I still have a love of history, don`t get me wrong. I just want to teach a fresh subject. I`ve been talking about the same mummies, witches and ruins for years,” DeFelice said.

DeFelice also explained that having taught history for so long will help him with his writing. This, coupled with an interest in fantasy and the surreal, could lead to any number of stories.

“I`m looking forward to these classes. It gives me a chance to teach some history,

as well as to see what students can write when they aren`t given a prompt,” DeFelice said.

This is good news for any students with an interest in English. Come this fall, students will have the option to sign up for any of three classes: creative writing, introduction to English and ancient texts. DeFelice promises that his ancient texts course will be similar to a typical history class.

This is bad news for students who are majoring in history. DeFelice, however, let slip that he intends to offer a few history courses throughout the summer.

“It all comes down to time. I`d like to be able to offer English classes in the fall and history in the spring,” DeFelice said. “The bottom line is: I just want to read a good zombie story.

Lots of action, scary bits and gore.”

end of this month on the soccer field near where the turbine is located. The buyer of the wind turbine will have it installed in his or her backyard and be able to use it to produce personal

electricity, with the cost of installation being included in the bid. More information on the wind turbine auction will be published in the next issue of the University Times.

Out of History and into Hamlet

Justin Pelkey STAFF WRITER

John DeFelice, cur rently a professor of histor y, announced his plans to begin teaching English courses in the fall. He plans to offer courses with a focus on creative

John DeFelice

University Senate Suspended in Money-Saving Bid

University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Daniel Jackson STAFF WRITER

Mother Nature, Unpredictable Alicia Fournier STAFF WRITER

We are now in April and according to the yearly calendar, spring has already sprung.

People have gotten over snow and are now preparing themselves for the mud.

Snowmobiles, snow blowers and plow trucks are all being winterized and put up for the three seasons that see no snow.

Jackets, shovels and hats and mittens are being stored away until they are needed again next winter.

Although usually northern Maine has long winters, bare ground is showing almost everywhere. The temperature has been in the mid 50s the past couple of days and continues to rise. Excited for summer? Sorry, but Mother Nature has thrown a curve ball. Get your winter gear back out and brace yourself for what is being called the biggest storm of the century.

Presque Isle is expecting 8 feet of fresh powder by Tuesday.

WAGM said, “The weather in northern Maine is so erratic.

One day it’s sunny and 60 degrees, the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing.

The very next day a huge storm comes in from the sea and covers that same area with layers of snow.”

The snow is supposed to start Friday afternoon and fall nonstop until Tuesday night, almost into Wednesday morning. The plow trucks will be working very hard to keep the roads safe for a little more than four days straight. The trail groomers for the International Trail System (ITS-87) will work to keep the trails maintained and safe for the enthusiastic snowmobilers who will be taking complete advantage of this storm.

Jacquelyn Frost, one of the most well-respected meteorologists for northern Maine, said, “There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a blizzard that is talked about for years to come.

Schools will be canceled: in fact, some business will most likely be shut down as well. I suggest you get out and enjoy it, because it’s not going to last very long. Before we know it, it’ll be summer.”

When it all comes down to it, this is how it’s always been, and most likely will always be: unpredictable, irregular and random.

In a move that has not only shocked the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus, but the entire University of Maine System as a whole, the chancellor announced Wednesday that in a bid to save money, all faculty and university-wide senate bodies would be scrapped. In another surprising move, however, the chancellor announced that he would be retaining the student senate bodies at each of the system’s seven campuses.

“In order for the universities to decide how best to spend the money appropriated to them according to each campus’s needs, we are eliminating the faculty senate,” the chancellor said.

Chancellor Patenaude reached this decision by reviewing how the organization of the university senate worked and related to its mother campus. In particular, he reviewed the smaller campuses of the system, including Fort Kent, Machias and Presque Isle. It was his visit to the Presque Isle campus, however, that sparked this moneysaving idea.

Patenaude, who could not be reached for comment, noted in his statement that while sitting in on a meeting of the university senate, the members gathered were trying to decide on a replacement for outgoing president, John DeFelice.

DeFelice, associ-

7

ate professor of history, has served as president of the senate to great praise and acclaim from his colleagues.

“He’s leaving some very big shoes to fill,” one professor who serves in the senate said.

Who, you might ask, would fill DeFelice’s vacated position?

When various candidates were put forward, the senate split into a number of groups and bickering among the candidates broke out.

Chancellor Patenaude In an effort to senate can’t meet. When the restore order, DeFelice tried to senators looked to Patenaude call the senate back to order, but for a resolution, he simply the divisions among the senasmiled and left the meeting. tors had become clear.

The following day, he made DeFelice left the meeting in the announcement that he disgust, vowing, “I’ll never serve was suspending all faculty and in this senate again!” university senate bodies indefWithout a president, the initely. He added that the student senates would now hold those powers.

The decision has received mixed reviews.

While students typically favor this transfer of powers, many of the faculty and staff still remain o p p o s e d .

President of the student senate, Jonathan-David Clark, could not be reached for comment.

8

Asteroid to Hit the Earth on April 1

University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Jim Stepp

STAFF WRITER

Yesterday, Dr. Peter Venkman, formerly from Columbia University and Ghost Busters, Inc., released information about his recent discovery of a Near Earth Object called “Slimmer.”

Slimmer is expected to hit the Earth on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 11:59:59 p.m.

Venkman stated this newly discovered object will most likely hit the Earth in rural Maine, somewhere in Aroostook County. The density of this object is consistent with cosmic ectoplasm and weighs approximately 40,000 tons. Egon Spengler, also from Columbia University, states that the mass of the object is consistent with your average every-

day 112.5 foot tall Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Walter Peck, a spokesperson from NASA, has confirmed the predictions of Venkman, but stated that efforts are being taken to divert the object. Plans call for the space shuttle to fly to Slimmer and attempt to blast it from the sky using their proton packs. Peck went on to say that this should work unless the streams get crossed.

When ask what could happen if the streams get crossed, Peck replied “Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Total protonic reversal.”

Ray Stantz, a colleague of Venkman and Egon, believes this event will not be as dangerous as many people believe. He states that all that will be need-

Want to meet Bob Marley?

He will be at the UMPI Bookstore Thursday, April 1, to promote his new book “Living the Maine Life” Get your copy before they run out!

ed to lessen the impact of the collision would be to get together several hundred Boy Scouts with chocolate and graham crackers. Stantz believes one giant s’more party should take care of the problem.

A local astronomy expert also pointed out that because this event will take place at 11:59:59 p.m., we’ll have the whole day to prepare. So don’t worry until about 11:30 p.m.

Pi Day! (Itʼs Not What You Think) University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Kayla Ames STAFF WRITER

March 14 was a day when people all over the world celebrated pi. No, not the food– the number, as in the mathematical term that represents the relationship between a circle’s diameter and circumference. The UMPI cafeteria didn’t allow itself to be left out of the celebration, either.

Having already decorated for Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and a Hawaiian Luau, Pi Day seemed the only logical next step.

The first three numbers of pi, which is an irrational and infinite number, are 3.14.

Because March is the third month and the second Sunday of March is the 14th, it makes sense that March 14 is called Pi Day. Not only that, it is also Albert Einstein’s birthday. The UMPI cafeteria staff acknowledged both holidays. They placed pictures and posters of Einstein throughout the room. Banners proclaimed “Happy Birthday!” and Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc2, reminded students that energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.

Despite their acknowledgment of Einstein, staff members based most of the decorations and meals on Pi Day. A string of numbers, starting with 3.14159, began above the doorway and went around the room. Circles with measurements, including width and the

distance around the circle, hung beside the windows and dangled from the ceiling.

Printouts bearing the Greek letter for pi clung to the walls and came in a variety of colors, including red and purple and everything in between.

“It took some effort, definitely,” staff member Linda Hoggles said. “But we wanted students to know the importance of Pi Day.” If the decorations weren’t enough to stress its significance, the food was.

Though some didn’t appear to have any association with Pi or math, several dishes did. Cooks offered a huge selection of pizza, also known as pie. A few types included cheese, pepperoni, tomato and olive, pineapple and ham and cheeseburger.

The Action Station incorporated the first three numbers of Pi by giving students a choice between one type of pasta, three different sauces and four vegetables. A handful of meals incorporated circles, as was the case with hamburgers, sandwiches and bowls of macaroni and cheese as well as minestrone or chicken soup. Waffle fries bore a resemblance to number signs. Regular and pasta salad and a combination of carrots and peas rounded off the list of options, though neither were apparently connected to the holiday.

Considering the meals, dessert almost didn’t come as a surprise. Students enjoyed an assortment of pie, some of which were cherry, apple, pecan, pump-

9

Happy Birthday Einstein!

kin and chocolate. It was here the circle theme continued as well, in the form

of chocolate chip cookies.

By the time the event was coming to an end, students and staff alike had not only satisfied their hunger, but also developed a new appreciation for pi.

“I didn’t even know there was a Pi Day until today,” said junior William Jones. “Math has never been my favorite subject, but I think I’ll pay attention next time my professor mentions pi.”

Whether you like math or care to celebrate Einstein’s birthday, both have relevance to our everyday lives. Pi is used in machining, television and radio signals, probability and navigation. Because Einstein’s formula involves energy and mass, it has direct relevance to us and our universe. Celebrate it with food, posters or however you please.

Either way, March 14 is a far more important day than many of us realized.

10

University Times CAMPUS April 1, 2010

Regrets to inform its listeners that on April 5 our format will change to farm.

It was with great sadness that we have been bought out by Maine Potato Bag to play continuous farm information for our listeners 24/7.

Thank you for supporting our short lived new venture as “The Owl.�

Sincerely, Ben Pinette Station Manager, WUPI 92.1

Following His Dream

April 1, 2010

Sarah Graettinger STAFF WRITER

During the spring, many itch to get outside and dig in the dirt a little. But for UMPI President Don Zillman, it goes much deeper than that. Those close to Zillman know that his love for Thomas Jefferson and the ideal of the yeoman farmer are what drew him to Presque Isle. So they weren’t surprised when, during a recent press conference, he announced that he’s taking a job from MPG farming equipment in downtown Presque Isle.

MPG offered Zillman a comprehensive health care benefits package, a new apartment and an all intensive training program on the farm tractors that he’ll sell.

“Selling tractors has been my life’s dream. When MPG offered me this job, I couldn’t resist the temptation. The benefit’s package was just a bonus,” Zillman said.

Zillman will start his job effective on July 1, 2011, moving to his new apartment on Academy Street. The moving van will arrive on campus to

help get everything settled for the move to the new place.

“I love going to new places and experiencing new things.

My wife is all for the idea and

she loves that I’m following my dream,” Zillman said.

There will be a nationwide search. But as Zillman transitions out of his job over the

11

coming year, John DeFelice will fill in as interim president.

Many were upset that Zillman’s leaving, but were polite with the situation.

“I am so happy to accept this position for the campus. I’m going to make sure that everything gets done, and have fun with it,” DeFelice said.

With Zillman gone and DeFelice coming into the presidency, UMPI’s experiencing many new changes.

UMPI will have to be up to the challenge of having a new president.

“We’ve gone through changes before. I remember when Irving Bragg was president. He did an awesome job,” DeFelice said.

No matter what happens, UMPI will have many more years full of teaching and helping the community. Thanks, Don Zillman, for everything you have done. Good luck following your dream!

Hey Folks Look at the Calendar.

GOTCHA! Good luck, President Zillman, with following your dream!

12

To raise money for UMPI, join Chris Corsello and Don Zillman as they dance with the stars.

MONDAY AT 8:00

University Times COMMUNITY March 4, 2010

13

14

University Times COMMUNITY March 4, 2010