The Alumni Newsletter, December 2025

USM students perform at this year's Osher School of Music Scholarship Gala on Dec. 5.

Greetings!

As 2025 winds down, I've been thinking a lot about everything our University community has achieved this year. It's been an amazing journey full of growth, celebration, and meaningful connections across all our campuses.

This fall gave us some really exciting moments – the Crewe Center for the Arts opened on the Portland campus, and the new Collab: Esports Arena launched in Gorham. Both spaces are already buzzing with student energy, and it's been so inspiring to watch USM continue to grow and create incredible opportunities for the next generation of Huskies.

The end of the year is also an opportunity to appreciate how special our alumni community truly is. Whether you made it back for Homecoming, connected with current students, or cheered us on from wherever life has taken you – you make a real difference in the lives of students today.

In our December newsletter, we're shining a spotlight on some remarkable alumni, including Amanda Savage ’07, the first Mainer elected to the American Nurses Association Board of Directors, and Dr. Heather Perry ’20G, Maine's 2025 Superintendent of the Year. You'll also learn about WMPG's awesome new project supporting the Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry, catch up on other amazing alumni achievements, and even vote on the next legacy tree for the Portland Campus!

I'm also thrilled to welcome Allison Boyce ’19, ’24G, the newest member of our Alumni Engagement Council. We’re excited to have her join us and I look forward to the perspective and enthusiasm she will bring.

With 2026 right around the corner, I hope you find time to reflect on the moments that made your year special and feel proud to be part of this community. Thanks for your continued support and for keeping the Husky spirit alive and strong!

Warmly,

P.S. Save the Date for our next USM Women in Leadership event on March 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on the Portland Campus!

LEADER OF THE PACK

FEATURED STORIES

Dr. Heather Perry ’20G Named Maine's Superintendent of the Year

ARE YOU A HUSKY HONEY?

ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Amy Alvarez ’10G, associate professor of practice in the Messina College at Boston College, won an American Book Award for her poetry collection, Makeshift Altar: Poems (University Press of Kentucky, 2024).
• Deedra Boudreau (née Beveridge) ’05 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in USM Field Hockey, and Track & Field.  
• Patricia Boston ’75 won election to Biddeford Ward 1 as Councilor.
• Mary Caron ’16, ’18G was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in USM Softball. 
• Logan Carman ’17 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Baseball.    
• Tae Chong ’98, ’08G has now moved into the role of Executive Director at Furniture Friends, working to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability.
• Hannah Damron ’17 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in USM Cross Country, and Track & Field.
• Bonnie Faulkner ’91, whose work is featured in the Shaker Family’s Maker Spotlight, is celebrating nearly 50 years of dedicated volunteering and deep connection to the Shaker community.
• E. Scot Fuller-Beatty ’03 was honored with the 2025 Industry Impact Award from the Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) in recognition of his outstanding dedication and leadership in guiding the organization with excellence.
• Fred Greenhalgh ’06 teamed up with writer Shawn French and USM Theatre student Ellie Backman to create his first project in the Bill Dufris Memorial Voiceover Studio on the Gorham campus.
• Allegra Hirsh-Wright ’08G recently completed a 15-month certification program to become one of Maine’s first National Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Trainers, allowing her to train other mental health clinicians in TF-CBT across Maine and beyond.
• Trevor Hustus ’20 is starting a new position as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN), covering critical areas such as Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
• Anne Jordan ’81 published an op-ed on Question 2 from her perspective as Executive Director of the Lewiston Commission.
• Marc Lessard ’86 won election to Biddeford City Council.
• Donna McGibney ’73, ’80G published "I’ll Remember for You: A Daughter’s Journey with her Mom Through Dementia.”
• Peter McHugh ’11 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Soccer.
• Keith Morang ’87 was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.
• Tara Perruzzi ’97 was hired as the new senior vice president for commercial banking in southern Maine at Machias Savings Bank.
• Hollie Pryor ’18 was featured in the Portland Press Herald for pioneering work in intimacy direction.
• Ashlee Ridlon ’08 has published a new children’s book, “The Mermaid Who Sang to the Stars,” which encourages kids to follow their dreams.
• Jamie Ruginski ’25 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Track & Field.
• Sue White ’92 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame as the 2025 Richard A. Costello Special Achievement award recipient.
• Darryl Campbell Whitney ’03 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Cross Country and Track & Field.   

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYERS AT USM

UPCOMING EVENTS

RECENT OBITUARIES

• Constance N. Brann ’56
• Joyce T. Clark ’01
• Stephen Daigle ’81G
• Lt. Col. Dennis James Dix, Jr.
• Donald Hughes ’17
• Helen Ludwig ’75
• Heather Peterson ’16
• David Powell

• Robert F. Ritchie ’92
• Robert R. Scherle ’93
• Penelope Schwartz ’04G
• Dennis E. Soule ’75
• Phyllis Ruth Klepper Vail ’76
• Gary S. Webber '76
• James L. Young

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