Academic Renewal Recruiting the Right Students LEED Platinum for Unity House Partnership Leads to Community Market

Summer 2009 Hub of Regional Arts Scene america’s environmental college

Summer 2009 From the President Features 10 Enrollment Management in a Tight Economy What makes a college vibrant? How can it best serve its students? Admissions optimism in an economic downturn

How can it play an intellectual, ecological, and economic role in the 15 Emphasis on the Arts community and the region? Imagination informs environmental solutions

We have established an organizational culture at Unity College in which questions such as 20 Academic Renewal these pervade all of the work that we do. We are so engaged not only because of the sheer virtue Partnerships and collaboration move college forward of asking such questions, but also because our success as a college depends on our versatility and creativity in addressing them. Higher education has come under a great deal of scrutiny in recent years. This scrutiny will only intensify in difficult economic times. At Unity, we are doing our best to promote a learning experience that emphasizes real world application so our students can serve their communities well, find themselves meaningful work, and pursue lives and careers of service. Perspectives The best way to do this is to create dynamic, interesting, and flourishing partnerships. This Unity Partners with Google 4 includes relationships with local, regional, national (and even international) NGO’s, businesses, From the White House to Unity and back again entrepreneurs, educators, and government agencies. It involves ar- rangements with other colleges with whom we can share resources. It’s helpful to remember that whenever Student Conference Highlights Sciences 6 We are currently exploring partnerships with community colleges, Preparation, creativity, and achievement on display other four-year colleges, and graduate schools, all in an effort to Unity College negotiates a fulfilling share resources, expand opportunities for our students, cultivate UCCPA Becomes Hub of Regional Art Scene 8 resources and funding, and broaden our influence as a college. partnership, we get to see ourselves From Jay Leno to the UCCPA stage, a world of talent visits Unity It’s helpful to remember that whenever Unity College negotiates differently. We learn about new a fulfilling partnership, we get to see ourselves differently. We learn Student Profiles 9 about new approaches to learning, we experience diverse cultural approaches to learning, we experience Kristie Smith ’12 and Lucas Benner ’10 on their Unity experience milieus, and we open our eyes to new ways of thinking. In doing so, we not only get great ideas for improving our college, but we diverse cultural milieus, and we open get a wonderful sense of what we have to contribute. We have a our eyes to new ways of thinking. powerful educational voice, and we have a great deal to share. Indeed, there are dozens of institutions that seek to partner In Our Element with us. We have choices to make. As a small college, we have to ensure that every partnership 24 Campus News broadens our opportunities without limiting our finances. We emphasize the importance of truly Awards, Community Involvement, and Athletics shared partnerships that will enhance our mission: broadening the constituency for conservation; Alumni promoting sustainable solutions; advancing field-based, hands-on learning. 30 New & Noteworthy For any small college, especially one as rural and niche-oriented as Unity, a partnership Career Fair, Student Conferences, and Partnerships 39 Class Notes future will ensure its long-term resilience and vitality. As you read this issue of Unity Magazine, I hope you enjoy learning about all of the wonderful partnerships that are intrinsic to the future 36 Faculty Notes Alumni Profiles of our college. Research, Publishing, and Service Define Faculty 40 Matthew Shejen ’00 47 Zachery Lehmann ’06

48 Stay Connected Mitchell Thomashow President, Unity College

2 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 1 From the Editor

Unity Magazine Volume 23, No. 1

Adventure doesn’t only mean collecting Managing Editor Mark Tardif specimens in the wild, it can mean making Design/Production Manager discoveries in the laboratory. Susan Fedoush Student Editors A wise environmental educator once observed that there can be no “environmental Olivia Hanson ’11 science” without the science part. While this is obvious, at times the popular images of Marissa Smith ’12 adventurous Unity College students overshadow our strong science curriculum. Class Notes Editors Letters Kate Grenier It is a curriculum that places students in classrooms, laboratories and as the cover Dot Quimby depicts, in the Koons Hall greenhouse for a healthy dose of hands-on scientific research. Editorial Assistants Community Partner Praises Unity article/39139). More than ever be- educators who came to Unity to discuss Hands-on learning is not only about pursuing activities under a big sky. Reeta Benedict What a privilege it is to have Unity fore, a more sustainable approach to alternative approaches to climate change Unity trains the next generation of environmental leaders to be creative problem Robert Constantine Kate Grenier College so close by. At Bangor Savings ­employment and the economy is impor- education gives following generations a solvers, fluid thinkers, researchers, and lifelong learners. This educational approach Cynthia Schaub Bank we strive to work with the people tant for our common future. I am proud feeling of collaboration and the hope that includes nurturing personal interests and talents, encouraging artistic expression through Photographers and businesses that make up our wonder- to say that many of those fields can be is important for tackling environmental Peter Finger, Cody Floyd ’11, interdisciplinary learning, and providing a strong skill set for professional success in the ful Maine communities. As the Coastal found through the teachings and experi- issues of today’s world. The educators sciences, government, entrepreneurial and other endeavors. Olivia Hanson ’11, Jake Harr ’09, Stephen Nason, Mark Tardif Market Manager (which includes Unity) ences at Unity College. As an alum in had mentioned how difficult it was to Hopefully, the result of this approach is that each year, well-rounded individuals who for the bank it is essential that I know one of those fields, I hope you continue remain optimistic at times, a sentiment are committed to service set forth at commencement. what is happening at Unity College. The the great work. that has been echoed across the country There is every indication to think this is in fact what happens at commencement, Board of Trustees Mr. William Glidden, Chair; Mr. William new and exciting activities and ideas Dana Kedziora ’07 in response to all environmental issues. and those graduates serve as the best measure of Unity’s value to those it serves and most Zoellick, Vice-Chair; Mr. Donald Foster, that are continuously coming out of the Yet, one of the most important ideas importantly, to the environment it is committed to preserving. Treasurer; Ms. Juliet Browne, Secretary; Mrs. Joan Amory, Ms. Sharon Bloome, College are truly amazing. Each fantastic raised at this workshop was that continu- Walking the Talk To continue its mission, Unity must take its cues from nature, consistently adapting Ms. Eleanor Briggs, Mr. Peter F. Didisheim, magazine highlights the exciting things ing to care about the environment will to meet the challenges of its environment. Mrs. Martha Dolben, Mr. Jaymie Durnan, It’s great to see that a college boasting Mr. Donald Kleiner, Mr. Mac McCabe, happening there. give you all the cause you need to keep environmental programs that grooms Every successful organization weathers challenging times, takes advantage of seasons Mr. Mark Miller, Mr. Robert Pollis, I like to think that I have a relatively fighting through strife and discourage- Mrs. Arlene Schaefer, Ms. Gloria Sosa ’80, future preservationists and conservation- to reap, and appropriately nurtures for a bountiful harvest. So it is with Unity College, close connection to the College as a busi- ment. Conferences such as this one are Mr. Robert Tonge, Dr. Paul Wade, ists is walking the talk. Unity House which in recent years has seen significant change that some liken to planting for a future Mr. Kenneth Winters, Mr. Matthew ness partner and supporter. I am honored an important step in the approach to Shejen ’00, Alumni; Dr. Michael as well as previous construction on the season. The noticeable changes made in this edition of the magazine are intended to facilitate our partnership with them. I such a large issue. Eventually people will Womersley, Faculty; college campus is a wonderful tribute to to more accurately reflect the full measure of this College. Such changes include a Ms. Rachel Mestas ’09, Student look forward to many years of working come together, take hold of the issue and environmentally conscience building. consolidation of the CommUnity Connections alumni newsletter into the magazine. together and promoting the various as- begin to solve it, one step at a time. Content continues to hopefully provide an accurate overview of the College as When the need to build arises we should pects that Unity College so proudly rep- Sarah Riley ’12 it continues to mature, for strictly speaking, a college begun in 1965 is far less than On the Cover all make an attempt to do it in a way that Jacqueline Hart ’12 of Troy, New York, resents. It is because of their mission and is friendlier to our environment. middle aged. Just as Unity graduates take on progressively greater responsibility as their recording data in the greenhouse at values—and how those align with our careers progress, so too is this magazine intending to offer a more accurate picture of the Koons Hall one afternoon when Olivia Keeping the Air Clean Hanson ’11 snapped her photo. own—that we are proud to display Unity Brett Bowser ’04 It’s nice to know that the environ- College as it is at present. in our branches, serve their students, and The goals for Unity College are indeed high. President Mitchell Thomashow has mental future of my children is in the employees and sponsor and promote their Training the Next Generation of We want to hear from you. hands of people like Unity College articulated impressive aspirations for the College. He has consistently pointed to all activities and accomplishments. Letters to the editor, story ideas, or Environmental Stewards graduates. The worries a mother has for that the College has achieved in recent years as evidence of what is still to come. Three address changes may be sent to: Dawn Place In response to the article “Education Fulbright Fellowship winners on the faculty, scores of student awards won, national Email: [email protected] her children are extensive and it’s com- AVP/Coastal Area Sales Manager in a Changing Climate” in the Fall 2008 media recognition, and the ever increasing academic preparedness of each incoming Mail: Letters, Unity Magazine forting to me that there are people out class are indications that Unity College is well on its way to achieving a place among the 90 Quaker Hill Road Bangor Savings Bank Unity Magazine, I was most impressed there that want to make a career keeping Unity, Maine 04988 with the emotional investment that the the earth habitable and prosperous for very best small environmental colleges in the United States. Web: www.unity.edu Green Jobs for Grads workshop’s attendees had in changing future generations. Knowing there are We reserve the right to edit submissions It is so wonderful to see that Unity society’s current outlook on climate people that will be working to keep the for length, clarity, and style. Submissions change. Many times it seems as though should be no longer than 250 words. College is promoting green sustainable furry critters around and the air clean for Mark Tardif living. I recently found an interest- the responsibility of addressing climate my children is a wonderful thing. Managing Editor ing article called the “10 Best Green change rests in the hands of future Reeta Benedict, staff Unity Magazine is printed by Franklin generations, without guidance of today’s Printing, Farmington, Maine, an FSC Jobs” on the Environmental News (Forest Stewardship Council) certified Network (www.enn.com/top_stories/ educators. However, reading about the printer and printed on Rolland Enviro 100, a 100% post-consumer paper manufactured using biogas energy.

2 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 3 Perspectives unity in the world unity in the world Perspectives

Partnership with Google Inauguration Draws Solar Panel to D.C.

Thanks to Unity College, one of the original solar panels we move away from our crippling dependence on foreign oil.” former President Jimmy Carter put up on the White House President Ronald Reagan took the solar panels down in has returned home—almost. The solar panel is on display in 1986 when the White House roof was repaired. the lobby of the Washington, D.C., headquarters of Google, Flash forward 20 years, when Swiss directors Christina in time for the presidential inauguration Tuesday of Barack Hemauer and Roman Keller started making a documentary Obama. Unity College has had the original 32 Carter solar film about the panels as a lead-in to exploring American oil de- panels since 1991. pendency and alternative-energy sources. The environmental college and the In- In the film, “A Road Not Taken,” the ternet search-engine company reached a “It gets you excited two directors join two Unity College loan agreement to transport the solar pan- students—Sara Trunzo and Jason Reyn- el to highlight the importance of alterna- not just about olds—and load two panels into­ the back tive-energy sources for the United States of the students’ pickup truck (modified and the possibility of greater support for alternative energy, to run on vegetable-oil diesel) and de- them under the Obama administration. liver the panels to the Jimmy Carter Li- “It’s an exciting journey for the pan- but about American brary & Museum in Atlanta, where they el. It’s about the green economy,” said history as well.” remain on display. The film debuted last Rob Constantine, the College’s vice July at the Maine International Film Fes- president for advancement. “We want to tival in Waterville. demonstrate that Maine is at the forefront of that as we talk of Trunzo, a 2008 graduate who is now the college’s com- Above, the array of 16 solar panels formerly atop the White House real-world, sustainable-energy solutions.” munity-market coordinator, said the latest journey of a attention of many Internet blogs and, ultimately, of Google of- ficials, who initiated contact with Unity College about the ar- have not been functional since 2002, however, they are still in As part of his economic-stimulus plan, Obama proposes Carter solar panel is “really exciting and not that surprising.” place above the cafeteria between the North and South Coop build- rangement, Constantine said. Under their agreement, Google to double the output of alternative energy over the next three “I feel like there’s a lot of serendipitous occurrences around ings. One of the names displayed on renovated panels is that of years. The Obama administration also has called for 10 percent the solar panels. It’s been a really great tool, because it gets you has been loaned the panel for one year. Academy Award winning actress Glenn Close, who donated money of the country’s electricity to come from renewable sources by excited not just about alternative energy, but about American Google sent a truck to load the panel—it’s 6 feet by 3 feet, to renovate them prior to their installation. 2012, and 25 percent by 2025. history as well.” Trunzo said. 6 inches—and it arrived at the D.C. headquarters on Friday, Below, President Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President Coinciding with the solar panel’s arrival is a “green ball,” to Recent news coverage of the documentary film caught the Constantine said. of the United States as his wife, Michelle, looks on, on the big be hosted by former Vice President Al Gore on Monday and “The panels are an important piece of American energy his- tory and policy, and we want to be good stewards of the panels. screen at the Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts LIVE on sponsored in part by Google, welcoming President Obama and January 20. his wife, Michelle, and other dignitaries. Mitchell Thomashow, We want to make sure whomever is using them represents what president of Unity College, plans to attend the ball. they represent,” Constantine said. Google will tell the story of Unity College and the former Google spokesman Jamie Yood said his company has invest- White House solar panels, college officials said. ed in alternative energy projects, such as spending $4.5 million In June 1979, Carter proposed a “new solar strategy” to to help companies develop renewable energy that costs less than “move our nation toward true energy security and abundant, coal and investing millions of dollars in developing plug-in readily available energy supplies,” according to the Jimmy electric vehicles that get 90 miles a gallon. Carter Library & Museum in Atlanta, Ga. To set an example— Yood said Google officials are thrilled to receive the solar and establish a prominent symbol—for the country, Carter had panel to highlight the importance of future energy solutions— solar panels installed on the roof of the White House West Wing and the history behind them. to heat water for the staff mess and other areas. “It’s a fun way to talk about the story of the panels,” Yood At the time, Carter warned, “a generation from now, this so- Documentary filmmakers Roman Keller (left) and Christina Hemauer said. “We’re excited about it.” outside Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville during the 2008 Maine lar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example Written by Scott Monroe and reprinted courtesy of the International Film Festival in July. They posed with several of the Morning Sentinel. of a road not taken, or it can be a small part of one of the greatest Carter solar panels and the grease burning 1990 Dodge Ram pickup and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American truck owned by Jason Reynolds ’06 and Sara Trunzo ’08, who were people; harnessing the power of the sun to enrich our lives as in the documentary.

4 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 5 Perspectives academics academics Perspectives

Student Conference Showcases Arts and ­Science Projects

Often the image of Unity College brought a fresh perspective to the com- is one of adventurous students shoot- munity and infused it with new pos- ing rapids, paddling a kayak to reach an sibilities. Often professors collaborate island in Casco Bay, or rappelling down with each other and praise the work of the side of a mountain. While these their colleagues. images are certainly accurate represen- “I think the work of (Assistant tations of life at Unity College, they are Professor) Kevin Spigel on lake sedi- just pieces of the complex puzzle that is ment and its relation to abrupt climate Unity at present. change is by far the most interesting The sciences at Unity College form thing anyone is doing,” said Associate the backbone of the curriculum. A Professor Mick Womersley. “The fact truth of environmental science is that that we could attract such a talented there can be no “environmental sci- faculty member speaks well for the “It is so important to expose newer students to a comfortably competitive atmosphere so that they can see how their work aligns with that ence” without the science, including a College’s changes over recent years. of their peers,” said John Zavodny (above, left), Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Instruction and Advising Services. firm grounding in computer science, Having Kevin around will do won- Award Winners biology, chemistry, mathematics, botany ders for students as they seek to gain … and the list continues. admittance into graduate school. But Creativity At the end of the fall semester in Kevin is just one of a half-dozen very Hazel Trinidad ’09 December, the Unity College Student talented, new, young science professors A Semester’s Work in Clay Special Award in Conference 2008 showcased student art at Unity College.” Academic Excellence Partnership with Unity and science projects. During the student conference in Jacob Urrutia ’11 “The purpose of the conference is to December, it was easy for visitors to be- Are Red-backed Foundation and Unitel recognize quality in Unity College stu- come engrossed in the enormous range Salamanders Territorial? The first ever Unity Partnership Award was dent work, and to celebrate excellence,” of projects pursued, some involving the presented to Kelly Safford ’09, an Environ- Unity Award explained John Zavodny, associate arts, which are also an important part mental Education major from Greene, Maine, Jake Deslauriers ’10, Andy Gagnon ’11, professor and chair of the Department of the curriculum. At the end of the and Patrick O’Roark ’10, a Wildlife Care and Alex Kendrall ’12, Jenny Lane ’11, of Instruction and Advising Services. conference, winners were announced Education major from South Hadley, Mas- Nate Miller ’10, Nate Taylor ’11, Talented, young faculty have and cash prizes awarded. sachusetts, for their documentary about Josh Youse ’09 the Camp Susan Curtis mentoring program Leave No Trace Master Educators involving students from Unity College and Sustainability MSAD # 3. A $250 cash prize was presented Adam Douin ’11 to Safford and O’Roark by Unity College Vice Modeling Viability of Wind Power in President for College Advancement Robert Waldo County, A GIS Approach Constantine, Lori Roming of the Unity Foun- Education dation, and Jim Carlson, Chief Operating Kristen Cowan ’10, Brian Thiebault ’10 Officer/ Vice President at Unitel. Species Aggregation of Tsuga Canadensis and Abies balsamea Roming and Carlson praised the documentary and the mentoring project it documented. Conservation Christopher Poulin’09 The What’s Where of Badger Hair

6 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 7 Perspectives arts students Perspectives

UCCPA Hub for ­Regional Arts Scene Kristie Smith ’12 Sees ­Challenge In the brief time since the Unity Centre for the as Important Part of Education Performing Arts was gifted to Unity College by the Clifford Family Foundation in 2007, since transform- At each turn, challenge presents itself to college students. Challenges abound in ing into the Unity College Centre for the Performing Mick Womersley’s Unity IDeal Leadership class. First year student Kristie Smith Arts (UCCPA), it has become an important part of sees the leadership class as a perfect combination of challenge and inspiration. the College and focal point for the arts in the greater The IDeal class helps students discover leadership talents while exposing them Waldo County region. The Lapping Lecture Series, to effective communication, conflict resolution, decision making, and orga- academic meetings, dance performances, student nizational building. As part of her curriculum for environmental education conferences, community events, college meetings and combined with teacher certification, Smith says the IDeal Leadership class has events such as The Art of Stewardship, art exhibitions, presented her with many opportunities to expand her horizons. “I’ve always free weekly film series showing films such as Acad- been an independent person and like to complete things on my own. Many of emy Award winner Man on a Wire, the Inauguration my classes, especially this one, require group work, which I find challenging.” of President Mitchell Thomashow, and exceptional Smith chose Unity for its environmental focus, hands-on learning, and in- concerts all take place at the UCCPA. timate community. She chose the IDeal class because she wanted to develop A vibrant mix of local, regional, national, and in- her leadership skills. “We have learned to accommodate everyone’s needs ternational musical talent covering a variety of genres while ensuring an optimal outcome,” Smith said. “I have learned more in this form the essence of the broad-based UCCPA appeal. course than I ever expected.” During 2008-2009, performers with special appeal to the younger crowd took to the stage. Acts included Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Lucas Benner ’10 Turns Passion­ for The Brew, Strangefolk, and Railroad Earth. The over fifty crowd was attracted to performances by talent Science Into Real World Solutions such as Frank Vignola, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Pa- Lucas Benner looks to the dirt for nections. He learned that some- rade, and Carlene Carter. Broad-based appeal spanning answers concerning questions about times big concepts are illuminated the generational divide was achieved with perfor- our Earth’s history. As a junior in small, frequently simple ways, mances by Watermelon Slim, ­Sometymes Why, The studying environmental science and such as learning the importance of Waybacks, Al and the Transamericans, Red Molly, geology, Benner has benefited from studying mud to determine an area’s and bluesman Guy Davis, in addition to performances the hands-on approach to teaching climate trends over time. practiced at Unity. He has worked by other talented musical artists. Fans of international closely with Assistant Professor Benner credits his field work music enjoyed performances by Liadan of Ireland and Kevin Spigel on a wide variety examining soils and sedimentation Kinobe and the Soul Beat Africa from Uganda. Diver- of projects. Two of these projects with sparking a growing interest sity of appeal is all part of the UCCPA experience. A include digging pits for experiments in geology. full listing of past concerts is online at www.unityme. in the campus woodlot and drilling org/theater/archive2008.htm. through seventeen inches of ice to “Spigel’s classes have given me in- analyze the sediment at the bot- sight, understanding, and a direction Photos: (top, left to right) Strangefolk, Frank Vignola, tom of Unity Pond. Such hands-on to follow that will no doubt lead The Waybacks, Guy ­Davis, Kinobe and The Soul Beat learning has allowed Benner to me to a fulfilling scientific career,” Africa, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, Al and the bridge the gap between theory Benner said. “Without his classes Transamericans, The Brew, Strangefolk, crowd shows and practice. and guidance I don’t believe my appreciation, Dog Wants Out, and Carlene Carter. career aspirations would be as well Opportunities like these have defined.” Finding his passion and shaped Lucas’s understanding of our doing hands-on, meaningful work planet. Virtually each day, Benner has allowed Benner to maximize his has made new discoveries and con- academic capabilities.

8 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 9 The economic downturn of 2008 that has continued to the present has ­affected many, none more so than families with college aged students. An examination of the higher education marketplace during the best of times presents a dizzying array of options and complexities for prospective students and their parents. This economic downturn has sent all concerned scrambling for high ground to survey Enrollment Management Keeps Unity the landscape and gain insight into what is on the horizon.

Positioned for Success Despite Challenges A fundamental approach to weathering the economic down- reviewing its approaches to marketing and recruitment. turn for Unity’s enrollment management and financial aid is to The geographic base from which the majority of Unity stu- of Economic Downturn sharpen the focus, messages, and improve efficiencies. dents come is evolving. Johnson says Unity’s prime recruitment A consistent message offered by those charged with oversee- territory was New England, and while that is still true, strides ing admissions and financial aid proves caution is warranted, but have been made in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, that Unity has key strengths and attributes to Washington, and Oregon. At first blush the help it weather challenging times. latter two seem to be a surprise, but John- In 2008, with the hiring of Alisa John- son points to the similarities between those son (right) as the first dean for enrollment states and Maine in environmental values management, Unity College continued tak- and even climate. ing steps to achieve a broader national pro- In good or bad economic times, Johnson file. For several years prior to the arrival of feels that small colleges must ensure accu- Johnson, the Admissions Office had been racy in marketing to support healthy reten- changing, incorporating new majors such tion. The cost of bringing students to campus as Sustainable Design and Technology and only to have them leave before graduation is a Marine Biology into the mix, along with steep one for small colleges.

10 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 11 Finding The Right Fit Maine’s only two colleges to be listed in the guidebook were Seattle, Washington native Unity College and the University of Maine at Farmington. CashCourse: New Online Financial Aid Resource Olivia Hanson ’11 (left), The web and e-recruiting are two areas that are being re- a Captive Wildlife Care and viewed by Admissions at Unity, which communicates with pro- During the fall 2008 semester, From the beginning of the 2008- college students, this program will Education major, found Unity spective students in a variety of ways including through blogs on students at Unity College are getting 2009 academic year, new and help young adults gain the financial the Admissions web site. using US News listings while a leg up on a strong financial future. returning students faced immediate savvy necessary for the real world.” searching for small environ- The College is working with Cash- challenges and choices concerning CashCourse offers unbiased Ensuring Wise Use of Resources mental colleges that were not Course, an online resource from the their finances. content with no advertising and no Among the goals, Admissions at present through Johnson’s located in a city setting. National Endowment for Financial Living away from the guidance of connections to commercial entities. “Once I applied to Unity leadership is to be increasingly strategic about the use of its re- Education® (NEFE), helping Unity their parents during college is often Unity College students access and some other schools I re- sources. It will evaluate marketing dollars spent and return on students to be proactive when it a time when many students make the site from the college’s financial ceived some publications and investment; wisely use financial aid resources and scholarship comes to their financial education. unwise financial decisions due to aid website. thought that the overall ap- awards to consistently improve the overall academic quality of Unity College was among the lack of knowledge. “Providing 24/7 access to pearance of Unity’s materials each incoming class; find students who are a good fit; sharpen was more appealing,” said Hanson. “My campus visit is what really marketing messages used, identify target audiences, and geo- first to offer CashCourse, an unbi- “CashCourse offers a reliable re- financial assistance will be an sealed the deal for me. The people I met seemed gen- graphic focus of recruitment efforts. ased and noncommercial financial source to help young adults develop indispensable tool,” said Dean uinely interested in me as a student and, more impor- Among the web-based recruit- education solution for students. financial know-how,” said Ted Beck, for Enrollment Management Alisa tantly, were genuinely passionate about the College.” ment approaches is a busy and in- Since the CashCourse pilot launch president and CEO of the Colorado- Johnson. “CashCourse has great The bottom line for Hanson was that Unity was formative Admissions part of the in fall 2007, 146 schools across based National Endowment for potential to effect positive change honest, unpretentious and warm. College web site with links to ev- the country have signed up to use Financial Education. “Through in how our students think about ery other part of the College. There “It was the honesty and sense of connectivity the program. attention to the needs of today’s and manage their finances.” that led me to choose Unity,” Hanson said. “It’s not is a blog on the Admissions web site something you can fake, or achieve by paying the called True View: Unity Students Tell right people, it’s real.” It Like It Is, that gives students “the Hanson has flourished at Unity College both in inside scoop on everything from of environmental concern,” is interested in the environ- and out of the classroom. She put her talent for pho- course loads and class dynamics to said Nemecek. “When I dis- ment,” Nemecek said. “It is tography to good use as a work-study student in the campus life and beyond.” The blog covered that they had started important that students who communications office, taking photos for use on the is online at www.unity.edu/Ad- a new program called Sustain- choose to come here have an web, in the college magazine, and in marketing pieces. She is missions/Visiting/TrueView.aspx. able Design and Technology, inherent love of nature, and also a student editor for the college magazine. The Unity work-study students who regularly interact with I was amazed at how perfect are ready to dedicate their life potential students on the blog are Jamie Nemecek ’09, a Sus- this program related to my to mitigating and solving en- Staying One Step Ahead tainable Design and Technology major from Brookline, New academic goals. It was hard for vironmental problems. The Diversification is also important to Hampshire; Shilo Cushman ’10, a Captive Wildlife Care and me to imagine finding another students here will one day be ensure that Unity flourishes in an eco- Education major from Albion, Maine; and William Knight ’11, school with a better message on the forefront of a new wave nomic downturn. a Conservation Law Enforcement and Wildlife major from Wa- and degree program.” of concern about environmen- The Marine Biology major that pre- terboro, Maine. “What lead me to choose tal problems, and Unity is the ceded Johnson’s arrival proved to be Often Nemecek, Cushman, and Knight share their reasons Unity was the commitment of place to gain a well-rounded for choosing Unity College with prospective students. A con- each professor to the environ- education that is focused on highly appealing to females and there- Director of Admissions Kay Fiedler (center) and her staff. fore played a strong role in helping to create near equal gender sistent approach of Admissions in good economy and bad is to ment,” Nemecek continued. the environment.” parity for the first time in the history of the College. give prospective students accurate information so that they are “All the degree programs here are related to the environment. Completing the picture for Nemecek is “the amount of ex- Johnson has had an immediate impact in increasing Unity’s choosing Unity for the right reasons, and therefore will be more Although they may be teaching a course about statistics, for in- periential learning offered through many avenues. Unity is not academic profile. During the fall 2008 semester, Unity attained likely to flourish, and one day graduate. stance, the professor will still find a way to involve some aspect only hands-on in the classroom, but it offers many opportunities a first ever listing in The Colleges of Distinction guidebook pro- “When I first found Unity, I was attracted by their environ- of the environment or express their personal love of nature.” for students to get involved in the community and learn through duced by Student Horizons. mental message and how each major was related to an aspect “I recommend Unity to anyone (considering college) who real-world experiences.”

12 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 13 Emphasis on the Arts The Allison M. Hall Welcome Center, home of the Admissions Office.

An Optimistic Future In terms of the overall economy and its impact on higher Another piece to the enrollment management puzzle in education, Newell feels recovery will take time. any economy is Financial Aid. In good times and bad, Direc- “I think it’s going to be a little while until all things play out Few individuals outside tor of Financial Aid, Rand in this economy,” Newell said. “We do know that in these kinds Newell (left) helps families of trying times, more students go to college, or try to. So that is the Unity College orbit through what can be a chal- a plus with more students that we can draw from.” lenging process. “We are unique in that we’re such a niche school, and we’re would list a connection He acknowledges that there such a small school, so we can take some actions to get that extra are challenges, but has found 10 percent or 15 percent,” Newell added. “A great opportunity to the arts as high on its plenty of reason for optimism will also be the fact that more students from Maine will be stay- concerning Unity’s future. ing in the state to attend college, and we don’t need that many list of key attributes, but Newell feels that the Col- more to make a difference in our situation. Plus, we might at- lege is making strides to im- tract more students that might have attended a more expensive increasingly the old no- prove the number of students institution before the economic downturn.” with strong financial capacity, Unity’s tuition is close to that which is paid by an out of state tions about the place of which in turn frees up more student to attend the University of Maine. resources to assist talented, capable, and accomplished potential While the time frame for the economic recovery is difficult the arts at the College students who are in need of financial assistance. to predict, the enrollment management system in place at Unity “We’re well on our way to improving the pool of students College is poised with the flexibility, efficiency, and responsive- are changing, and with with financial capacity,” Newell said, citing ever improving ness necessary to provide appropriate adaptability going for- marketing efforts and national exposure received by the College ward. Dean Johnson and her Admissions team are also identify- good reason. as two positive factors. ing markets that seem receptive to Unity’s message and mission. By Mark Tardif

14 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 15 From a recent well received student gallery show at Wa- Vice President for College Advancement Rob Constan- terfall Arts in Belfast, Maine, to full-time and adjunct fac- tine said that the K2 Family Foundation partnership will also ulty with significant reputations teaching at Unity, the news help transform the Unity College campus into a regional and “I want students to think ‘Why am I making a piece of art about the arts at Unity is that they are varied, vibrant, and national venue for environmental art. about this, rather than just writing a paragraph?’”, noted Pot- often surprising to the uninitiated. “In coordination with the Unity College master plan and ter. “My students should ask themselves ‘What does art have Ben Potter, an associate professor and curator of the Leon- vision of sustainability, the campus will be used as a canvas,” to do with the non-verbal transmission of ideas, why is that ard R. Craig Art Gallery, has brought dynamic shows to the noted Constantine. “Emerging from this process will be a of great value, and how can I deploy that way of perceiving gallery in recent years. He has connected the College with substantive programmatic vision for integrating sustainabil- and communicating?’” Maine’s art community and exposed his students to a world ity, the arts, and education. There will also be emphasis on Potter believes that a good way of engaging students at the of possibilities. creating regional, national, and international networks for outset of a course requires “giving them discreet tasks that The connection between art and sustainability took center promoting ecological awareness and the creative arts.” they can see.” stage during the fall 2008 semester when Unity partnered Constantine noted that the K2 Family Foundation part- Taking a course from Potter is like learning the piano by with the K2 Family Foundation. Over several days, artists nership will enable Unity College to reach its aspiration to “I want students to be able to marry technical skills and initially sitting down and beginning to explore the keyboard from across the United States visited the College to explore create a campus vision derived from sustainability principles, conceptual thinking, expressing evocative ideas that are well with a simple set of guidelines. The act of creation involves the connections between sustainability and art. ecological landscaping, and the creative arts. He added that executed in whatever medium,” Potter said. paths that eventually converge, one path a journey of intro- The Art of Stewardship Project is ongoing and in broad this vision, informed and inspired by The Art of Stewardship Each individual is challenged no matter what his or her ar- spection and discovery, the other of technical proficiency sweeps aims to use the entire campus as a canvas, exploring Project, will specifically allow the College to create art-based tistic background might be. Students in Potter’s classes soon and execution. the connections between art and sustainability in new, sur- programs, forums, gatherings, installations, exhibits, and ex- discover that art is as much about thinking as it is about the prising ways. periments all tied to sustainability. execution of a concept using brushes or pencils. The K2 Family Foundation is an operating foundation founded in 2006 by Margot and Robert Kelley. The Foun- dation independently or in partnership directs programs that strive through art, education, or action to pro- tion would partner with Unity College to explore and promote the intersec- mote more creative and sustainable ways of living. The Art of Stewardship on The Art of Stewardship Project. tion of sustainability and art. Associate Professor Ben Potter has the unique K2 Family Foundation Partners This project promotes the integration “The K2 Family Foundation is challenge of teaching art to students with vastly with Unity College, Exploring of creative art, ecological awareness, pleased to help Unity College to realize different backgrounds. ­Sustainability and Art and sustainability. The first phase of its vision of becoming an educational His approach is to help students broaden their conceptions of what they consider art, and what the project was a weekend retreat that nexus for art and sustainability,” said they are capable of achieving. Unity College has long been brought over 50 artists, patrons, and Robert Kelley, trustee for the K2 Fam- focused on sustainability, and now sustainability advocates together for a ily Foundation. “We believe that the the College has partnered with the conversation beginning to discuss the program we’re helping Unity to design K2 Family Foundation of Cambridge, Art of Stewardship and its role at Unity and implement is an ideal vehicle for Massachusetts, on a project to explore College. Next steps include developing meeting our commitment to making the connections between sustainability a summer workshop and exploring the sustainability concerns more visible and art. campus as a site for public installa- through artistic expression and educa- During the fall semester it was tions. In the broadest sense the entire tional programs.” announced that the K2 Family Founda- college campus will become a canvas

16 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 17 Ben Potter Combines Artistic ­Talent with Teaching

“I might present them Serving the needs of stu- “I want students to understand that art is another way of with a skeleton and say ‘here dents with vastly different deploying ideas,” Potter explained. “It’s not writing, or sci- it is, draw it,’” Potter said. levels of skill is a fundamen- entific research, it is its own way of exploring the world and “It’s a really discreet task tal, daily challenge for Potter, also disseminating experience that is unique in a way that that enhances your techni- but one which he welcomes. music is distinct, and writing is distinct.” cal skills if you engage it, “The students range from The way in which Potter relates art to the thinking pro- but early on I like to give those who have never taken cess evokes scientific inquiry. students a taste of the wide an art class and feel no con- For instance, it is not such a stretch to imagine a measure To find an artist with a growing national reputation open country. For instance, fidence whatsoever in their of creative re-framing as a necessary skill for scientists work- who can also teach is challenging enough, yet add in they might make a piece that own artistic ability, to stu- ing to solve global climate change. Such imaginative cogni- youth, a science background, and an aesthetic that incorporates elements of dents who are quite sophis- tion in part comes from a grounding in art, Potter suggests. considers rural Maine a fantastic place to be, and that repetition. With these more ticated,” Potter said. “Some In this way what Potter offers is no less valuable to future task seems overwhelming. conceptual assignments, stu- students have looked at a lot environmental leaders than a course in sustainability. In Associate Professor Ben Potter, Unity found all dents have to create a work of art and have a lot of tech- “The predominant culture at Unity College privileges of these qualities and more. of art from scratch. They nical facility. The challenge science and hard facts as the basis of the ‘real world,’” said Growing up in Sewanee, Tennessee, Potter have to ask themselves: is how do you teach them all Potter. “I want students to come away with the idea that art developed diverse skills and a curiosity about the How do I represent it? What within the same class.” is also reality. It’s another aspect of reality.” natural world. He also nurtured artistic talents that meaning do I want to get across with this?’ This runs coun- “I try to structure things so that students at all levels of now place his art in some of the most high profile ter to the old fashioned trajectory of doing a lot of grunt proficiency are being challenged, or pushed, to expand their galleries in the United States. work before you’re allowed to have autonomous exploration notions of what art is and how to make it,” he added. “I stress His diversity of interests led Potter to pursue a of your own concepts.” to my students that they are not being measured against their double major in art and biology at prestigious “The ideas are just as important as the execution, so how peers in terms of who is the most artistically accomplished in Williams College. do you impart within a semester the long trajectory of skills the class, and who is the least. The great value and benchmark He pursued both an art and science conviction. An to use in the pursuit of artistic creation?” asked Potter. Part of is where you start, and where you end up in your course of internship with the New York Zoological Society after the answer to that is to first meet students where they are, and study. That’s how I judge them. I put the responsibility on college was fulfilling, but the specialization required for impress upon them that they are being assessed not against them as well.” a career in science was not for him. the skills of other students, but by the terms of their personal Ultimately students come to the realization that art has The choice for Potter became whether to pursue a progress, says Potter. a role to play in their environmental education and careers. highly specialized graduate degree in a science field or a career in art. Potter chose the latter. He headed to the West Coast and the California College of Arts in “I try to structure things so that students at all Oakland, California, where he was awarded his Master levels of proficiency are being challenged, or of Fine Arts in 1998. Potter moved to Burlington, Vermont, where for pushed, to expand their notions of what art is several years he honed his teaching skill as an and how to make it.” adjunct art instructor at multiple colleges, and then moved to Wisconsin to teach full-time at Ripon Col- Associate Professor Ben Potter lege for four years. Unity has been his home for the past three years.

18 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 19 academic units. The Centers serve and 2009, colleges and universities Unity College and its commu- are not immune to economic pres- nity chiefly through the develop- sures generated by market forces. ment, delivery, and evaluation of Knisley sees the Centers orga- mission appropriate educational nizational structure and creative programming. The Centers will collaboration as a means of ensuring also provide a venue and vehicle for that the College address a variety Unity College academic personnel, of ongoing academic and economic students and partners to collaborate, challenges. consult, and gather. Each of the “The Centers will strengthen Centers encourage collaboration our ability to respond to the chang- between its membership and mem- ing realm of environmental higher bership of the other Centers. education, and respond to the Though the process is still on- environmental problems out there,” going, much progress has already These discussions will inevitably include noted Knisley. “We will have groups of been made to make a final version of the finding consensus on ways to consistently professionals that are oriented around Centers a reality. improve programs, and to adjust what is clusters of environmentally related “Centers will provide an opportunity being done educationally to best serve programs or problems. For instance, for smaller groups of faculty and aca- the needs of current and future students, we have a Center for Sustainability and demic staff to get together and have rich Knisley says. Global Change. They can keep an eye discussions about their curriculum, pro- As has been witnessed by the entire out and say ‘What’s going on out there Academic Renewal grams and students,” Knisley explained. higher education marketplace in 2008 in the realm of sustainability and global Reconfiguring to Better Meet the Needs of a Changing World

hen Congress passed the stimulus package of 2009, America’s growing green economy took center stage. While the various green initiatives in Wthe ­stimulus package are still being debated, members of the Unity College community are continuing a similar process of evaluation that began years ago.

From 2006 to the present, Unity’s and organize itself around a small set of tee of the Faculty Planning Committee faculty, departments, and administra- academic centers. to make recommendations regarding tion have been exploring how best to The College is also reviewing its the establishment of smaller academic meet the long-term environmental student learning outcomes, along with units at Unity College. By May 1, the needs of a changing world. Described as revisiting what it means for Unity Col- subcommittee on smaller academic “academic renewal,” the process is help- lege to be a liberal arts institution. units had proposed Centers configura- ing the College refine its curriculum by On February 22, 2008, Unity Col- tion and membership. sharpening degree programs to respond lege Senior Vice President for Academic The result was a proposal of Unity to 21st century global environmental Affairs Amy Knisley and the Unity College Centers for Education, Out- problems, respond to promising voca- College Faculty Planning committee reach and Service (Centers), a small set tional paths for environmental careers, jointly charged a taskforce/subcommit- of interrelated and mutually supportive

20 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 21 “[Centers] subject designations are seen as advancing the College towards achieving its aspiration of more closely aligning with Student projects occupying a place among the very best small environmental areas of student interest, A sampling of the activities being colleges in the United States. pursued by students of Assistant which will help Unity Professor Kevin Spigel demon- Convening Centers during strates the dazzling potential for this transitional year are Assis- College communicate its Centers given that every faculty tant Professor Aimee Phillippi member is also pursuing varied for Biodiversity; Librarian, values, principles, and projects: Melora Norman, for Environ- mental Arts and Humanities; opportunities more clearly Twenty students under the guid- ance of Spigel working to assess Assistant Director for Teacher to the world.” environmental change in the Uni- Education Angela Hardy for ty area as part of an Environmen- Environmental and Expe- Registrar Holly Hein. tal Citizen class. They partnered riential Education; Associ- Highlights of the process have with Friends of Unity Wetlands to climate change?’ In this way they can ate Professor Tom Mullin for Natural included campus-wide discussions and produce the first sedimentologic really help to lead the College (in these Resource Management and Protection; student receptions put on by the cur- for creative cross-fertilization of ideas academic renewal as a means of infusing history from Unity Pond. subject areas) in curricula and other and Professor Doug Fox for Sustainabil- rent iteration of Centers to encourage and new proposals,” said Norman. Unity College with new possibilities, Erik Larson ’10, an ­Environmental educational experiences.” ity and Global Change. student participation. The Centers meet “These subject designations are seen nurture new strengths, improve academ- as more closely aligning with areas of ic quality, expand the range of learning Analysis major, is assisting Spigel The same principle will apply to Also involved in the planning are twice monthly to discuss a wide variety with an ongoing research project student interest, which will help Unity and research opportunities, and locate all Centers, with educators collaborat- Knisley, chair of the Department of In- of topics ranging from scheduling to examining landscape responses to ing with each other and professionals struction and Advising Services (DIAS) curricular planning. College communicate its values, prin- resource development opportunities. rapid climate change events in the outside the College, seeking partnerships and Associate Professor John Zavodny, “The broad subject designations for ciples, and opportunities more clearly New and veteran faculty are currently upper Midwest. and projects to benefit the College, and DIAS Vice-Chair Pat Clark, and centers really optimizes opportunities to the world. It will also provide more involved in varied class projects, fledg- opportune venues for establishing part- ling partnerships with external organi- During the fall 2008 semester, nerships and links with both local and zations, personal research and student Spigel’s groundwater and surface hydrology class completed a proj- global communities engaged in environ- projects that are ready to be plugged into ect at the request of the town of mental education.” the centers concept. China, Maine, to investigate water “Centers provide a springboard for Zavodny echoes the enthusiasm of the quality, water flow, and erosion college action and experiential learning faculty as a whole for the potential that problems with an impounded wet- Community Based Learning Coordinator design,” she added. Centers might create to secure extensive land adjacent to China Lake. An examination of current faculty opportunities for applied, field-based, Jennifer Olin Helps Partnerships Flourish Cayce Salvino ’11 is working and student projects underscores the tre- and inter-disciplinary learning with ties on a project to simulate wildfire mendous potential for centers and overall to addressing real world problems. Also, If the greater Unity area were likened to a family, no supported by that organization and Unity College. impacts on seedling growth and Centers might improve the opportuni- two siblings would share a closer bond than the Unity She feels her time at UBR gave her valuable insights mortality. ties for students to pursue case studies Barn Raisers and Unity College. Both the College and into the needs of the community. Her knowledge of the and practical applications for scientific Peter Knipper ’09 is designing a Barn Raisers were founded by members of the area community and contacts brought to the College form projects, which is directly relevant to flume to study the role of different community for specific purposes, the Barn Raisers the basis for reciprocal, collaborative exploration of ground cover types and erosion. their future career and graduate school, to provide support in a variety of contexts, and the Col- community oriented partnerships and projects. Zavodny says. lege initially as an economic engine. Not every organization is a good fit to share a partner- Students in a soil science class taught by Spigel completed a se- In the summer of 2008, Jennifer Olin began as the ship with the College. Accurately assessing the needs mester long project on soils on the Community Based Learning Coordinator at the College. of external organizations against the capacities of the campus of Unity College. The role is well suited to Olin, who did not have far to College, its professors, along with the desired learning move from her previous job, which was at the Unity Barn outcomes of classes or individual students, is key to Raisers (UBR). Olin spent several years at UBR in a job evaluating the potential for any partnership proposal.

22 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 23 in our element campus news campus news in our element

Empty Bowls and Hunger Report Unity House Earns LEED Platinum and Nationwide Attention ince the beginning of its construction the University Business web site. Tedd 26, President Mitchell Thomashow was A report researched by students at Unity The “Hunger at Home” Sduring the summer of 2008, Unity Benson, owner of Bensonwood Builders joined by Maine’s 1st District Congress- College says that hunger is a growing problem report was compiled by House has attracted significant regional of New Hampshire and primary builder woman Chellie Pingree. The then cam- in Waldo County and more community action students as part of an en- and national media attention. It has of Unity House, offered an entry on paigning congresswoman visited Unity is needed to help people make ends meet. vironmental citizen class also attracted the attention of industry his blog about the significance of Unity House to learn firsthand of its energy The report was unveiled November 18 at taught by Nancy Ross, an specific publications like the Chronicle of House attaining Platinum LEED Cer- saving features. Now on the job in her the 14th annual Empty Bowls dinner at the associate professor of en- Higher Education and University Business tification status. The entry is available new role as a Congresswoman weighing Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts. vironmental policy. magazine. A blog about Unity House by online at www.unity.edu/NewsEvents/ in on national energy policy, Pingree “This comprehensive Associate Professor Nancy Ross is joined by Rachel O’Brien President Mitchell Thomashow and his News/UnityHouseLEEDPlatinum.aspx. promises to draw from the significant research project on area ’11 and Gavin Cummings ’11 at the Empty Bowls dinner. wife Cindy, also a lifelong environmen- During a special alumni weekend tour resources available at Unity College. hunger provides a real- tal educator, is being offered at a link on of Unity House on Saturday, September time snapshot of need within the Waldo Coun- and volunteers, community leaders and oth- ty area,” said Jennifer Olin, a community- er experts. The report released in November based learning coordinator at Unity College. summarizes the major findings of the class; The students examined trends in food more detailed reports on programs that in- stamp use at local grocers, food pantry and volve community feeding, schools and food school nutrition programs; data from the stamps will be released at the end of the col- U.S. census, Maine state government and lege’s semester. other sources for information on poverty Written by Scott Monroe and reprinted rates and hunger. courtesy of the Morning Sentinel. Empty Bowls participants choose their hand They also conducted more than 30 inter- For the full reports go to www.unity.edu/ made bowl before enjoying the meal. views with hunger relief program managers NewsEvents/News.

My Name is Paco One day I took a long car ride and went to a new house with birds, squirrels, lots and lots of trees, streams, cats and sometimes other dogs. There I live with my masters Mitch and Cindy. I’m not happy whenever either is gone, though especially so with Cindy, since she’s always walking me. Many times I get to ride in the car to a place with lots of people where they kick balls, throw me balls, pat me, I say “hi” without barking … sometimes there are other dogs, there is a s

big white house with a bird feeder in front and I like to run up er ild u to it, right to the end of my lash, and watch birds fly away. I’m not scared and don’t bark. I do like to talk, especially when nsonwood b

someone new visits, or when I see someone I haven’t seen in a e

long time. I’ll give you my paws if you let me. really nice and sometimes, I take my ball or a bone from the y of b s e My new home has a big yard with puddles that I like to drink place near the kitchen on the floor where Cindy and Mitch put t ur from sometimes; that muddy taste is great. There is a place to them, and show them to the visitors.

watch the animals outside, lay in the sun, and it is warm, warm, My name is Paco and I’m usually with Cindy. Pat me and I’ll photo co and warm. Lots of people visit and I like to see them. They’re remember you, I promise. Right, President Mitchell Thomashow was joined by Maine ­Congresswoman Chellie Pingree for a special alumni weekend tour of Unity House, above.

24 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 25 in our element campus news campus news in our element

Spotlight on Athletics Dean’s Cup Innovative Program at Unity College Wins Two Awards

Women’s Athletics Shines Unity ­All-Americans Woodsmen Team Achieve, During the fall 2008 semester, Unity Prior to a women’s volleyball team prac- Bridge Gender Divide College women’s soccer team goal keeper tice in preparation for the United States Deirdre “DJ” Ousterhout ’11, was named Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) During a Family & Friends Weekend com- Yankee Small College Conference Player national tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana petition at Unity College on September 26, of the Year and a United States Collegiate in October 2008, women’s volleyball player Jackie Roux ’11 took aim in the axe throw Athletic Association (USCAA) All-Ameri- Angela Jackson ’10 was interviewed by competition. The Woodsmen’s Team com- can. Kristy Manuell ’12, Ousterhout and Bangor-based WVII-TV ABC 7 news re- petes during the fall and spring semesters. Sara Woodman ’09 were named to the porter Aaron Jackson. Jackson was named They had spring meets on February 14 in YSCC All-Conference team. The women’s a USCAA All-American and Yankee Small Nova Scotia, March 21 at the University soccer team finished 2nd in the YSCC College Conference Player of the Year. The of Maine (Orono), April 4 at Colby College, during the regular season. “DJ always has women’s volleyball team completed an and will have a meet April 24-25 at Dart- An innovative program at Unity College has been recognized as among the very “This program ensures a game changing performance and has the outstanding year with a trip to the USCAA mouth. The Woodsmen’s Team has been best in Maine, winning both the Maine Association of Student Affairs Practitioners and NASPA Program of the Year Awards. talent to play on higher level teams,” said national tournament, where they were both active and successful. This co-ed that no student is able collegiate sport features men and women The Dean’s Cup program, a comprehensive community-building approach cre- women’s soccer Coach Jeremy Von Oesen. eliminated in straight games. The team fin- ated by the Office of Student Affairs at Unity College, is being hailed as a “what’s training, competing, and cheering for each ished 9th in the USCAA. Earning academic next” template for re-framing residential life at Maine institutions of higher educa- to fall through the cracks other. Nowhere in the Unity culture is the All-American status were Kelly Safford ’10, tion and beyond. Lauren Ferguson ‘09 and Angela Jackson. idea of selfless support for teammates Created by Dean for Student Affairs Gary Zane and Director of Residence Life/ and be unconnected to Becky Cunfer ’10 earned All-American across the gender divide more ­evident than Assistant Director for Student Affairs Stephen Nason, the Dean’s Cup program rallies Honorable Mention. on the Woodmen’s Team. the entire college community around a series of events that take place throughout the academic year. our campus community.” “The Dean’s Cup is a comprehensive student affairs approach to fostering a focused, supportive, engaged and positive campus community throughout the year,” noted Nason. “This program ensures that no student is able to fall through the cracks and be unconnected to our campus community, which is one of the biggest contrib- uting factors to students leaving before they have earned their degree.”

26 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 27 in our element campus news campus news in our element

Unity College Sponsors Voter Parade Volunteers Winterize Neighbors’ Homes In a celebration of democracy begun during the Presidential election of 2004, Unity College hosted Unity students among those making a difference a voter parade from campus to the Unity Com- munity Center on Election Day, November 4. The non-partisan voter parade was an electoral rallying ore than 40 volunteers, many of them Unity College students, point for the greater Unity community. fanned out into Greater Unity on Saturday (October 25, M The voter parade was organized at 10 a.m. 2008) to help their neighbors winterize their homes. outside the Student Center. Members of the Unity Dot Quimby, an octogenarian who lives alone, watched as one Experience class and Constructive Activist Club team put foam insulation on pipes in her cellar, someone installed oversaw sign making activities. Participants were the glass panels in her storm door, an unused chimney was sealed encouraged to make signs at that time, though and insulated, and caulking was used to stop air leaks around her signs brought were welcome. windows and doors. Individuals or groups representing positive Greg Winston of Troy, a Husson University teacher, installs glass in political perspectives were welcome to create signs storm doors for Dot Quimby of Unity. Winston was one of dozens of for the parade. Members of the general public volunteers who winterized 10 homes in the area Saturday, national joined Unity College students, faculty and staff for Make A Difference the voter parade sign making and march from the Day. Winston’s team “How can I ever say thank campus on Quaker Hill Road to the Unity Com- also installed insula- munity Center, 32 School Street in Unity. President tion and foam protec- you? This is so wonderful. Mitchell Thomashow led the march. tors on exposed pipes. “How can I I’ve lived here 53 years, ever say thank you?” Quimby wondered as and I didn’t even know College ­Participates in Global ­Warming Teach-In she watched them On February 5, Unity College the day entitled “Solutions for the First lifestyle and make responsible choices; work. “This is so that these little fixes could faculty, staff and students participated 100 Days.” Speakers included Assistant and Unity College Interim Sustainabil- wonderful. I’ve lived in a teach-in on global warming and Professor Kevin Spigel who spoke about ity Coordinator Aaron Witham, who here 53 years, and energy policy in the Student Activities rapid climate change and methane; As- discussed Unity College’s involvement I didn’t even know make such a difference.” bangor Daily news e bangor Daily Center. Sponsored by the Unity Col- sociate Professor Mick Womersley, who in the American College & Univer- that these little fixes Unity resident Dot Quimby

y of th lege Sustainability Office, the program addressed the topic of peak oil; Unity sity Presidents Climate Commitment.

s could make such e t took place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. College Catering Chef/Student Center Enjoying a movie about climate change

ur a difference.”

, co and featured speakers, discussions, films Manager Charlie Krause spoke about and energy policy were (left to right) Peter Abello, one of the winterization team members and a Unity ack and a link to the national webcast for the responsibility to live a sustainable Annica McGuirk ’11, Kayla Bubar ’11,

ey m College alumnus, said the program is invaluable. “Look at our and Cody Floyd ’11. Floyd helped to lives here,” he said. “In the winter in Maine, as we sit in our own

on kil organize the events of the day at Unity r houses, nice and warm, it is hard to think of others being cold.” College. “The information offered y sha The event was sponsored by the Unity Barn Raisers as part of an today is very valuable,” Floyd said. “It is

photo b even wider long-term program, Energizing Our Community. astounding the consumption that occurs in America. There are so many positive Tess Woods ‘95, executive director of Unity Barn Raisers, said that things people can do to address global Greg Winston of Troy, a Husson University (a partner of coordinating the winterization program has been eye-opening. Unity College) teacher, installs glass in storm doors for warming and be more sustainable in former Unity staff member Dot Quimby. Winston was one “We know there are people living paycheck to paycheck their lives, from recycling to supporting of dozens of volunteers who winterized 10 area homes on in our community, but much of what we found [for repairs] were their local farmer’s market. Changes in national Make A Difference Day. The team of volunteers also easy fixes,” she said. “There are small repairs and­ winterizations behavior usually happen before there installed insulation and foam protectors on exposed pipes. that make a huge difference in energy consumption.” are changes in public policy.” Read the whole story online at www.unity.edu/NewsEvents/News.

Written by Sharon Kiley and reprinted courtesy of the Bangor Daily News.

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New to Unity Unity Hosts Maine’s Largest Environmental ­Career Fair Full-Time Faculty Environmental career employers from across the United States connected with job seekers at the Unity College Environmental Ca- reer Fair 2009 on Wednesday, February 11 in the gymnasium. The environmental career recruitment event was open to the general public, though focused on recruitment of recent or antici- pated college graduates from across New England. Sponsored by the Unity College Career Resource Center, the event was the largest of its kind ever hosted by Unity College and included 85 participat- ing organizations. Career Consultant/Career Coordinator Nicole Collins ’00 stressed that the career fair serves as a clearing house for college students Assistant Professor Erika Assistant Professor Kevin Sarah Cunningham is a Assistant Professor Beth and career changers seeking internships to find opportunities or ful- Latty focuses in the area of Spigel is a new faculty visiting Assistant Professor of Arnold was hired as a regular fill academic requirements. botany. She earned her Ph.D. in member with an environmen- Captive Wildlife Care and Educa- faculty member in the area of Ecology and Evolutionary Biol- tal geosciences focus. Spigel tion. In addition to her B.S. in “Unity College students typically build their careers during their Jay Perez ’05, a Refuge Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Adventure Education Leader- college years through hands-on internships and study abroad op- Service in Milbridge, Maine, and Amanda Hardaswick ’07, a Refuge ogy from Cornell University, and earned his Ph.D. in Geography Biology from Brown University ship. She had previously taught portunities,” Collins said. “Unity students have pursued intern- Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Patuxent her B.A. in Biology from Har- from the University of Wisconsin and Ph.D. in Integrative Biology on an interim basis but was ships in more than 40 of the continental United States and 22 Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland, offered their insights to vard University. She comes to at Madison. He earned a B.S. in (animal behavior focus) from the chosen after a national search. foreign countries.” Mackenzie Kelsey ’12 during the environmental career fair. Unity College from a position as Environmental Studies from the University of California at Berke- Assistant Professor in Biology, University of Buffalo in the State ley, Cunningham brings several and Chair of the Environmental University of New York system. years of experience as an animal Studies Program, at Hollins He previously was an Assistant keeper in carnivores at the San Maine Senator Susan Collins Announced University in Roanoke, Virginia. Professor in Earth and Envi- Francisco Zoo. Her work at the as ­Commencement Speaker During the search process Latty ronmental Sciences at Mercer San Francisco Zoo included noted that her personal and University in Georgia. working with primates, herptiles, In recent years, Maine Senator professional commitment to hoofstock, and birds. Her doc- Susan Collins became one of the sustainability was among her toral research involved extensive most important Republicans in reasons for seeking a position fieldwork with the dusky-footed the United States Congress. Her with the College. woodrat, and her college teach- centrist independence and will- ing includes Introductory Biology and Animal Health. ingness to transcend the partisan divide has distinguished her as a leading voice in the Senate. In Full-Time Staff

2008, Collins earned a perfect served in several positions including Admis- 100 percent score from the sions Counselor, Assistant Dean of the Supporting Maine’s League of Conservation voters. College, Interim Director of Teacher Educa- Lobster Industry Collins has listed Maine’s legendary U.S. Senator Marga- tion, and Special Assistant to the President. ret Chase Smith (1897-1995) as a role model. When Unity Among her major projects included serving During the fall 2008 semester, Unity College launched as Chair of the Budget Committee and writ- obtained the array of solar panels formerly atop the White an effort to do its part to help Maine’s struggling lobster ing the Staff Governance document. She industry. Dining services purchased 400 pounds of House during the administration of President Jimmy Carter, holds an M.S. in Enrollment Management lobster to serve in the Student Center café Senator Chase Smith was among the individuals who donated from Capella University, an MAT in Second- and cafeteria. funds to refurbish the panels before their installation atop the ary Education from the University of Maine; The effort was the idea of Student cafeteria. A solar panel atop the cafeteria bears the name of and a B.S. in Biology from Wheaton College. Center Manager/Catering Chef Charlie Senator Chase Smith in thanks. Over the summer of 2008, Alisa John- tions within the New Hampshire Commu- Krause, who spent many years working son began serving as Dean for Enrollment Diane Laliberte began as an employee nity College System, including Admissions as a chef on Maine’s Monhegan Island Management, overseeing Admissions and in January of 2008, serving as an Assistant Recruiter, Alumni Director, Adjunct Faculty and has friends who are lobster fishermen. Financial Aid. The Dean for Enrollment Director of Admissions. She holds a B.S. member and Project Manager. Her varied Management is a new position. She is a in Organizational Management from Daniel experience includes serving as an Account veteran employee of Unity College, having Webster College. She has held various posi- Manager and Office Manager.

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Full-Time Staff Students Attend Conferences During the fall 2008 semester Jennifer and Office Assistant. Along with her duties Olin became a full-time Unity College em- in the Advancement Department, Benedict Unity’s Presence Seen on National Stage ployee as Coordinator of Community-Based is also assisting the business office with Learning. Though she has been working data entry, and coordinating mail and phone No college or university may realistically aspire to occupy a place World Affairs. Unity students who attended were Hannia Candelario with Unity College for several years as an responsibilities for the campus. She holds a upon the national stage in any context without being seriously en- ’11, Jacob Deslauriers ’10, James Harr ’09, Lisa Nason and Aaron employee of the Unity Barn Raisers (UBR), B.S. in Business Management from Western gaged in significant issues. Participating in key events is an impor- Witham (staff members), Jamie Nemecek ’11, Steven Swartz ’10, she crossed town and ascended Quaker Connecticut State University. Hill to continue the work she began with tant way to become involved. and Matthew Zane ’10. UBR in the newly created Coordinator of Juanita Spaulding serves as the In recent years Unity College has become increasingly engaged In March, Interim Sustainability Coordinator and a group of Unity Community-Based Learning position. The Secretary/Receptionist to the President’s with national affairs, with members of the college community at- students attended Powershift 2009, the second youth summit to Unity Barn Raisers is a longstanding, close Office. Spaulding comes to Unity College tending regional, national and even international events often fo- solve the climate crisis, in Washington, D.C. Unity students who at- partner of the College. Olin holds an M.S. in from Nokomis High School, where she Ryan Howes ’04 served as the Men’s cused on environmental affairs. tended were Ashley Zook ’11, Kaley Sullenger ’11, Emily Pike ’12, International and Intercultural Management held several different positions including Soccer Coach during the 2008 season. In December of 2008, Associate Professor Mick Womersley and Amy Kennedy ’12, Jamie Nemecek ’11, Steve Swartz ’10, Cody from the School for International Training in registrar, secretary, and receptionist to the He holds a B.S. in Adventure Education Vermont, with a concentration guidance office. She also worked for the Leadership and Adventure Therapy and fiveU nity students attended the 9th annual National Council for Sci- Floyd ’11, Gavin Cummings ’11, and Thomas Ianello ’12. While in in Sustainable Development; and a B.A. Superintendent’s office. Spaulding attended has an M.S. in Experiential Education from ence and the Environment conference in Washington, D.C. Students Washington, Witham and Unity students met with Congressional in Anthropology from the University of the University of Maine and studied Early Minnesota State University. In late Febru- who attended this conference were Kelly Barber ’12, Kaylee Sulleng- leaders, attended rallies and climate change panels on a variety of New Hampshire. Childhood Education. ary, he became an Experiential Programs er ’11, Rachel Mestas ’09, Heidi Kowlski ’09 and Peter Knipper ’09. climate change issues. Assistant for the Career Resource Center, In February, President Mitchell Thomashow led a group of stu- Reeta Benedict returns to Unity Col- Carol Palmer is serving as Administra- Community Based Learning Office and dents to the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) meeting at the lege after spending a year away living and tive Assistant to the Senior Vice President Outdoor Adventure Center. He had been working in Vermont. Benedict returns to for Academic Affairs. A native of Pennsyl- serving as Interim Experiential Programs University of Texas at Austin. Students attending were Kayla Bubar the Advancement Department where she vania, she has varied experiences in office Assistant since the fall 2008 semester. ’11, Rachel Mestas ’09, and Jessica Todd-Brown ’09. Information had previously worked. She holds the newly administration. She studied physical educa- about CGIU is online at www.clintonglobalinitiative.org. created position of Advancement Data Entry tion at Pennsylvania State University. Also in February, President Thomashow attended The 22nd An- nual Camden Conference, Global Leadership and the U.S. Role in Students Investigate Energy Plans of Tardif Gains Exposure for College Presidential Candidates The hotly contested presidential election with its record voter turnout proved that A poem entitled The Native by As- college students could be deeply engaged with political issues. sociate Director of College Commu- One Unity College class project proved particularly popular and directly related to nications Mark Tardif was published the presidential election. Above, Steve Swartz ’10, majoring in Sustainability Design and in the 2008 edition of Maine-based A natural resource policy class project by Associate Professor Nancy Ross required Technology, meets Maine Congressman Mike Michaud. Below, Harbor Journal, Volume II, a literary Michaud meets with Unity students attending Powershift 2009 in students to research the energy policy proposals of Republican presidential nominee Washingrton, D.C. sampler from over 50 Maine writers John McCain and his Democratic party rival Barack Obama. Once the extensive and artists. During the fall 2008 research was completed, students created an eye catching and informative series of semester comments by Tardif were posters that were displayed in the activities building. The posters illustrated the energy Colleagues on a Mission Award featured in a USA Today article. He policy differences that existed between the two major party candidates. Each year The Colleagues on a Mission Award honors the Students gave the project very high marks. also appeared as a guest on the achievements of faculty and staff who have gone “above and Before the project, Heidi Kowalski ’09 did not consider herself to be well informed Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s Chicago, beyond” the call of duty in their service to the College. At the about politics and the policy proposals of politicians. Illinois based XM satellite radio show. outset of the spring semester the recipients of this award were Kowalski’s research took several months and included a significant amount of infor- In February, Tardif was profiled on announced during the semester opening convocation. The re- mation. The research gathered by Kowalski and her classmates was organized onto the CareerApple.com. He offered insights cipients gathered for a group photo in the President’s Suite. posters for display. about the skills needed for success They are (left to right) Doug Van Horn, assistant professor; “I don’t think (the posters) changed anybody’s vote, but I did hear one of the stu- Sandy Donahue, director of dining services; Mitchell Thom- in the public relations field. dents say to his buddy, ‘You’re going to vote, aren’t you?’” Ross said. “I think it did ashow, president; and Cheryl Crowell, accountant. Not in the inspire some people to at least chastise a friend to go out and vote.” photo was Julie Johnson, clinical counselor.

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College Plays Key Role in Regional Sustainability Effort

Unity Named to ­Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service Unity College Interim Sustainability Co- In February, Unity College was named Launched in 2006, the Community ordinator Aaron Witham is taking a leader- to the Presidential Honor Roll for Commu- Service Honor Roll is the highest federal ship role in an unfolding effort to unite the nity Service. The Corporation for National recognition a school can achieve for its greater Waterville, Maine area into a sus- and Community Service honored Unity commitment to service-learning and civic tainable region. In January of 2009, the College with a place on the President’s engagement. Honorees for the award were City of Waterville City Council spearheaded Higher Education Community Service chosen based on a series of selection the effort with its sustainability committee Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and factors including scope and innovation of by creating a variety of sub-committees. In service to America’s communities. service projects, percentage of student turn, the sub-committees are transforming “Unity College believes that com­munity participation in service activities, incen- into an organized collaborative for the re- service is the ­foundation of environmental learn- tives for service, and the extent to which gion to benefit from sustainable approaches ing,” said President Mitchell Thomashow. “It is the school offers academic service- to all aspects of town business. Private busi- also a core value of the College community.” learning courses. nesses are also involved in the effort and may adopt sustainability recommendations. Brian Morway ’10 prepared food during the 3rd Sportsmen’s Conference and Wild Game Dinner at the Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts. Proceeds were used to purchase In January, the committees, area citi- an all-terrain wheelchair for the National Wild Turkey Federation, Maine Chapter. zens, members of educational concerns like Unity College, along with 60 business The Mid-Maine Sustainability Coalition has worked to push model state-wide energy legislation and community leaders met for a three day and started a program to help low-income homes become energy efficient. Mick Womersley Focuses on Wind Power Partnership Leads to Community Market sustainability summit at the Waterville Op- Members of the Unity College community no doubt recall Just over one year ago, Waterville Main Street, an organi- era House. Witham played a leadership role orative that operates under an over-arching sustainability efforts likely providing ample the impressive cover of the Spring 2007 edition of Unity maga- zation focused on cultural and commercial vitality in down- in the meetings and now serves on the sus- plan for regional sustainability practices. educational and related opportunities. The zine, showing Associate Professor Mick Womersley silhouetted town Waterville, initiated plans to open Barrels Community tainability committee charged with building Meetings are ongoing and Witham says effort is online at www.2020visionformaine. against a blue sky, ascending a 100-foot wind tower on Knox Market, a local foods market and community education space. organizational capacity and assessment that Unity College students are becom- proboards.com/ Ridge just a few miles from campus. The ascent was by no “Each year we conduct a survey to find out what the commu- tools, making it into an independent collab- ing involved, with the long-term regional means unusual for Womersley, nity thinks about downtown,” says Shannon Haines, executive d whose hands-on activities fre- irector of Waterville Main Street. quently uphold his status as alum- Consumers and business owners alike have conveyed that an in-town grocer is desired. nus of the elite Royal Air Force Haines enlisted David Gulak, an organic grower and entre- Mountain Rescue Team (the U.K. Thomashow Keeps Connected preneur, to act as project manager. Gulak began preliminary cross between the Army Rangers organizing with volunteers and students; in short order the and Navy Seals). to His Teaching Roots path lead to Unity College. On the occasion of the cover In addition to traveling with Unity College students This semester, as the Barrels Community Market project in February to attend former President Clinton’s shot, Womersley was installing a continues with Unity College as a partner, key faculty have summit entitled Clinton Global Initiative University wind gauge. That gauge provided found opportunities for experiential learning. Dr. Nancy Ross, in Austin, Texas, President Mitchell Thomashow MSAD 3 with data on whether the conditions were right for in- associate professor of environmental policy and local food sys- has continued to teach. During the spring 2009 se- stalling a wind tower to power a planned new Mt. View High tem researcher, is incorporating her Ethics, Advocacy, and the mester, Thomashow taught a President’s Seminar School nearby. In February, Womersley once again focused Environment class into the advocacy and research process. on Environmental Security. The seminar provided positive attention on both the College and a transformative wind In addition to Ross, recent graduate Sara Trunzo ’08 acts as introduction to the emerging field of environmental power project with articles about the possible use of wind to Community Market Coordinator to liaise between Unity and security. During the fall 2008 semester, Thomashow power Peaks Island in Casco Bay, one of Maine’s most widely Waterville Main Street and help find curricular connections. co-taught a seminar with Associate Professor Kate recognized natural treasures. Haines agrees that the benefits are mutual. “The integration Miles entitled The Future of Life on Earth. The semi- of Barrels Community Market into Unity’s coursework is a nar was designed out of a deep and abiding con- tremendous way to leverage the expertise of Unity’s faculty and cern: climate change and threats to biodiversity are staff while at the same time providing students with a real-life extraordinary and urgent challenges that require the lab and a true connection to community.”—Sara Trunzo ’08 very best thinking. Seminar meetings were held at President Thomashow (foreground) teaches a seminar with Associate Profes- Unity House. sor Kathryn Miles at Unity House. Seated between is Timothy Godaire ’12.

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Professional Development: Professor Charles Cinnamon $600,000 for enhancements in the December issue of Facilitated Project Learn- to the performing arts facil- the Journal of Experiential Assistant Professor Kevin Spigel Associate Professor Kathryn Miles ­ Associate Professor Ben Potter Exhibits Cinnamon ing Tree and Project WET ity, part of the new Mt. View Education with Associate Presents Results of Unity Pond Study Promotes Adventures with Ari Art from Maine to Chicago and nine faculty training for regional complex. They are now close Professor J. Andrew Mc- A book by As- students During the spring semester Assistant In January, As- teachers and Unity pre-ser- to completing the master plan Innes. The article contains a sociate Profes- spent the Professor Kevin Spigel led students in his sociate Profes- vice teachers. (fall 2008) and the campaign should start critical review of the recently sor Kathryn week be- Environmental Citizen class to collect sor Ben Potter soon. Van Horn is also con- published book, The Promise lake sediments from Unity Pond (Lake Miles entitled showed his Assistant fore classes tinuing to serve as the Chair of Wilderness Therapy by Jen- Winnecook) as part of a project being Adventures with work and gave a began Professor of the Town of Freedom nifer Davis Berman, PhD and done in conjunction with Friends of Ari, A Puppy, a lecture about the for the spring 2009 semester Budget Committee, deal- Dene Berman, PhD. Unity Wetlands. Leash, and Our creative process Beth Arnold practicing winter mountain- ing with tight budget con- Students braved Year in the Great at Waterfall October eering skills in the field. Each straints because of the present Associate Professor the elements to Outdoors was Arts in Belfast, 6, 2008. day was a full winter experi- economic situation but with Christopher Marshall recover cores of published and distributed to bookstores Maine. Recently Potter’s works have Adventure ence, in 15-25 degree tem- the added concerns relating to 4.5 to 5 meters across the United States in March by been exhibited at the Navta Schulz Gal- in Educa- peratures, learning the skills Marshall both income and expense for of sediment on Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. Miles is lery and the Beverly Art Center in Chi- tion, Co-presented at the of ice climbing and winter has been the new wind turbines. each trip. The participating in book signing appear- cago, at the 2008 Biennial Exhibition Maine Science Teachers As- travel. The semester will find working objective of ances and media interviews. A recep- at the center for Maine Contemporary sociation Annual Conference, students learning about the with his tion and book signing Assistant Professor this work is to Art in Rockport, Maine, the Court- Gardiner, ME (with Professor history and design of tools for Research- was held at Quimby Timothy Peabody examine environmental changes around house Gallery in Ellsworth, Maine, the Gerry Saunders; see reference winter travel, avalanches, and ing Local Library on the Unity Peabody Unity Pond. The students examined June Fitzpatrick gallery in Portland, above). Served as a workshop rope physics. Places class College campus. A completed organic matter content, charcoal, and Maine, and Toshei Village, Taiwan. reviewer for the Association investigating a Nineteenth Skyhorse Publishing his Master’s nitrate levels in the sediments to explore Potter has also given artist talks at the for Experiential Education Assistant Professor Doug Van Horn Century African-American how natural and man made factors have press release describes Maine College of Art in Portland and Degrees (AEE) regional conference Van Horn serves on the board settlement in nearby Troy, impacted the environment. Students Adventures with Ari as at Waterfall Arts in Belfast, Maine. He in Public using archaeology, oral “a beautifully crafted 2008 (see also reference for of FUTURE MSAD 3, and authored a technical report summarizing also arranged a show of works by Unity Policy and histories, and documentary tale of a blossoming Director of Adventure Ex- is Co-Chair of the Ath- their work and completed a poster with College students at Waterfall Arts en- Manage- research. Marshall delivered nature lover. It will open your mind to periences Nicole Caruso in letic Enhancement Advisory their coring team to be showcased dur- titled Unity Under the Falls, thematically ment from the University of a paper on the research at the the more simple pleasures in life. An New and Noteworthy). Committee, a subcommittee ing the Unity College Student Confer- dealing with issues of climate change Southern Maine. conference of the Northeast ence at the end of the spring semester. In honest attempt to understand the world and environmental degradation. of FUTURE, a grass roots Associate Professor Amy Arnett Anthropological Association February, Spigel offered a presentation at from a pup’s perspective, this book re- community organization Professor Don Lynch As part of in March. the China Board of Selectmen meeting. veals the ins and outs of dog ownership incorporated to enhance the Lynch was a Fulbright The presentation focused on a study by in a nurturing and optimistic manner.” local public school facilities. invited to Associate Professor Nancy Ross Schol- Unity College students of a wetland area FUTURE considers not only present a arship, Nancy presented findings near China Lake. the needs of the school com- training Arnett will from her sabbatical research at munity, but broad commu- workshop be teaching two recent events: nity use as well. Van Horn is on the Colon produced a High Peaks Saunders, G. Approaches to tion. Ed: Al Bodzin. ASTE four cours- Professor Christopher Beach working on the master plan Differential September 2008: Common Recreation Paradise video Environmental Education. (publication date: Jan 2010) es (undergraduate and gradu- As a director for the specific enhancements Diagnosis of Psychosexual Ground Country Fair Teach which is being used to pro- In: Environmental Education Poster Presentation: ate) in the Department of of the Maine for which FUTURE will Disorders at the Maine Coun- In on Farm to Cafeteria. mote the project. in Science Education. Ed: Al National Conference Biology at the University of Appalachian be raising seling Association’s Annual June 2008: Back to the Farm: Bodzin. ASTE (publication Parrish, J. Saunders, G. Janu- Maribor, in Maribor, Slove- Trail Land Professor Gerry Saunders funds, Conference in March. He has How and Why a Restau- date: Jan 2010) ary 2008. Effects of Tiered nia, from mid-February 2009 Trust, Beach holding also accepted another invita- rant in Portland, Maine and Professor Gerry Saunders has Instruction on Learning in a to mid-June. She gave a pre- has been Frisch, J.K., Unwin, M.M., public tion to travel to Kansas City, a School made several presentations Middle School Science Class. sentation on April 10th at the active in preparing a 13,000 Saunders, meetings, MO to be a reader for the District in and published, or will soon Annual Convention: Asso- University about her research acre federal forest legacy G., Name and secur- Educational Testing Service’s Riverside, publish, the following papers ciation for Science Teacher and about Unity College. She land conservation applica- that plant! ing esti- AP Psychology Examina- Califor- and book chapters: Educators. St. Lois, MO. will also collaborate with a tion focusing on the western Overcom- mates from vendors and the tions. He will be one of more nia (Re) Referenced Journal Article: State Conference Presentation: colleague at the University of mountains region. He is also ing plant architects, to determine what than 400 psychology profes- connected Kreps Frisch, J. & Saunders, October 6, 2008. Adventure Maribor, investigating behav- involving Unity College blindness the community most wants sors and instructors from all to Local G. (2008) Using stories in an in Education, Maine Science ioral and evolutionary differ- students in the project. Dur- and devel- in terms of enhancements and over the United States and Foods and Farms. Meeting of introductory biology course. Teachers Association Annual ences between Neuropterans ing the fall 2008 semester, oping a sense of place using to estimate related costs. This from several foreign countries the Agriculture, Food, and Journal of Biological Educa- Conference. Gardiner, ME (net-winged insects) in North Chris Colon ’09 and Jake science and environmental will then give FUTURE the who will be participating. Human Values Society. tion, 42, 164-169. with B. Arnold, K. Scantle- America and Europe. Deslauriers ’09 completed a education. In: Environmental monetary goal for the next Van Horn has coauthored an New Orleans. Chapters in Edited Book: bury, N. Miller. High peaks Recreation Study. Education in Science Educa- fund raising campaign. FU- article which was published Winther, A.A., Sadler, K., TURE has already raised over Ross has also submitted a

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paper proposal for this year’s statistics resulting in another ME, with another summer of reviewed a manuscript for the Kate Grenier Keeps Alumni OfficeM oving Forward meeting of the Agriculture, stats CD; this one titled Non- filed data collection. She has Journal of Hazardous Materials. Food, and Human Values parametric Statistics Using Excel. been working with officials Since the arrival of Kate Grenier in her have existed before. We know that alumni sup- Society on her last semes- The CD will be used this at the Associate Professor Mick Womersley role as Alumni Relations Coordinator begin- port the College through those connections ter’s Environmental Citizen semester as an aid in teaching Schoodic Womersley carried out an ning in 2004, the range of services available and through donations. Without that base en- course, Hunger at Home. Biometry. Research external program review for to alumni and scope of communications have gaged and continuing to offer its support, the two environmental programs consistently improved. Grenier serves as the College will not reach its full potential.” The class developed research Woods also presented at the and Educa- at a different college, and primary liaison for alumni. With the experience Among the exciting initiatives currently un- objectives, then worked with New England Mathematics tion Center reviewed proposals for NASA of having served in a variety of alumni rela- derway is a partnership between Alumni Rela- local partners to investigate Association regional confer- on designs in their most recent funding tions capacities while a student at the Univer- tions and the Career Resource Center. This and document hunger in the ence, held at Southern New for a new opportunity (for sustainability sity of Maine, Grenier brings with her a catalog partnership is creating new opportunities for area, the recent history of, Hampshire University in laboratory complex. Finally, curricu- of varied skills which she has marshaled to alumni to connect and collaborate with stu- and resources devoted to, the April. The title of his pre- with Doctors Womersley and lum). His achieve consistent progress for all aspects of dents and each other. problem, and the communi- sentation is JMP: A Statis- Remsburg, she took a group work as alumni relations. “Partnering with the Career Resource Cen- ty’s view of the problem and tics Demonstration. JMP (or of students to the 9th annual a content As the primary bridge between alumni and the College, Gre- ter allows the wealth of knowledge to flow easily from student to possible solutions. Students in “JuMP”) is the campus-wide NCSE conference on Biodi- consultant nier’s daily focus is to nurture a robust sense of connection alums and back,” Grenier said. the class conducted over 30 statistics package used here at versity in Washington, D.C. for Peter between the two. She added that alumni have many services from which to interviews with hunger relief Unity College. before the holiday break. The program managers and vol- College once again had the G. Brown “Since 2004, the single most important piece of my job has choose each year, and Unity is expanding those services with unteers, community opinion The College Board’s Ad- largest group of faculty and and Geoff Garver’s impor- been to improve and expand the alumni database,” said Grenier. hopes to connect with more alums every year. leaders, and other experts. vanced Placement program students from any one institu- tant new book on morality Each day, Grenier keeps her focus on what is most important. Alumni Relations Coordinator Kate Grenier is the primary con- They reviewed literature on has once again invited Barry tion at this important annual and economics, Right Liveli- “Alumni are part of the foundation upon which a college is tact linking alumni to the College. She may be reached by email at the causes and nature of hun- to score AP Statistics Exams conference. (The NCSE con- hood: Building a Whole Earth built,” she noted. “They network through each other and current [email protected] or by phone at 207.948.3131 ext. 301. ger in the US, and analyzed in Louisville, KY, in June of ference helps set the science Economy, was released in students to provide a plethora of connections that may never Alumni may also connect to the College at [email protected]. data on poverty rates, hunger 2009. and public policy agenda for January 2009 (with a testimo- and poverty program partici- Adjunct Instructor Randy Fein the country by drawing atten- nial from Jimmy Carter). He pation, and free and reduced- tion to an important envi- has contributed a journalistic His daughter, Erin, is a student at Unity. Fein is completing a project 70 76 rate school lunch participation ronmental science topic each article on green packaging with her Jerry Harding is looking forward to Gary and Sherry (Russell) Wil- locally, nationally, and state- year. This year was biodiver- and a book review of Sus- 78 Inter- retirement in 18 months. Juanita retired liams say “Hi” from Texas. Sherry is wide. The class also planned sity, last year climate change.) tainability by Design by John mediate in May and is enjoying volunteer work. now the office manager for their hom- Rich Nealley works at Fidelity In- and carried out a successful Ehrenfield to recent editions vestments as a security rep, and just Pottery/ Associate Professor Lois Ongley They are planning to repair their vaca- eowners association, which has its own bread and soup supper to ben- of Sustainability: The Journal of received a promotion after getting his Ceramic tion home in Maine, where they will water system. Sherry says she’s putting efit several organizations that Ongley was invited to speak Record, and has been asked to New Hampshire EMT certification. Sculpture spend the summer months. They have her environmental science to use with fight hunger, Empty Bowls, to the Buffalo State Univer- submit an essay on his praxis He spends the majority of his free time class during five grandchildren. oversight of water quality. to raise money for commu- sity Women in Science and of sustainability teaching hunting, fishing, and taking videos and the spring 2009 semester to nity feeding programs. At Mathematics seminar during to Ometeca Journal. Work- 73 77 pictures. He would like to hear from design and install a relief tile the event students reported the fall 2008 semester. She ing with Assistant Professor Cheryl Fenn ’79, Rock Augustino, work on an exterior facade on David Denbow retired from teaching Sybil Blazej-Yee has been in the Los to the community and to the presented the work previ- Aimee Phillippi and Assistant and Corrine Poulos ’77. campus. They are consider- English after 33 years, and is back in col- Angeles area for over thirty years now. press, and presented posters ously undertaken on arsenic Professor Alysa Remsburg, ing a wall on the exterior of lege in his third year of a five year course She works as an adult librarian for the describing hunger in the area. contamina- Womersley led a team of Uni- 79 South and North Coop. They studying to become a deacon at Loyola Los Angeles Public Library’s Wilshire This report examined cur- tion in the ty students to the 9th annual Diane Byers is an associate professor designed the installation to be University in New Orleans. His wife Te- Branch. She paints watercolors, is in a rent programs and resources, Zimapán NCSE conference on Biodi- of biological sciences at Illinois State mobile with the understand- resa is retired. They have two daughters writers’ group, and has learned to play unmet needs, and included Valley in versity in Washington, D.C. and five grandchildren. the keyboard. Sybil would love to hear University, where she is chair of the eco- ing that the buildings may be recommendations for action Mexico. before the fall 2008 semester from people who were at Unity in 1976 logical section of the Botanical Society changed in the future. Fein by the College. She gave an break. During the fall 2008 Steve and Vickie (Duguay) Goodwin and 1977. of America. She attended the annual documented the process with additional semester, Womersley contrib- are enjoying their grandson, Aiden, age meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia. Professor Barry Woods digital photos. talk on her impressions of uted to a USA Today article 3 1/2. Vicky is still an assistant teacher Chris Schoppmeyer was elected as one While there she and Charles took extra Woods has Assistant Professor Saudi Arabia, where she once about the transformative in Biddeford, and Steve is at Fairchild of four vice presidents for the Federal time to visit Vancouver Island, Pacific Semiconductors in South Portland. Law Officers Association. He was named Rim National Park, and Victoria. completed Aimee Phillippi worked, in a Geography class. potential of wind power. a research She will return to Saudi Ara- vice president of agency affairs and will Phillippi has been continuing Doug Thomas won election to the be the liaison to 65 agency heads. He has 80 grant on bia to teach Physical Geology Maine State Legislature in November. Excel and her research into the invasive for the third time in the com- been a NOAA fisheries service special Ron Desrociers received a merit He owns a retail firewood business agent for 21 years in New Castle, NH. nonpara- crabs of the Schoodic penin- ing year. She also recently award from the Maine Rural Partners, in Ripley. He was at the Career Fair in February. metric sula of Mount Desert Island,

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Matthew Shejen ’00 a statewide organization devoted to 86 87 assistant at Widevine Technologies in 90 fostering effective collaboration among Seattle, WA but is planning to go back to Barbara Drury’s holiday wish came Greg Burr was named Maine Fisher- Tammie (DeGrasse) Stammers and tribal, federal, state, local, and private school to work on a master’s. Daughter true - she had her picture taken with ies Biologist of the year in 2007. He and her husband Scot have two children: sector interests. Ron received his award Kayla is attending beauty school for her Barry Manilow! She owns and runs Ma- his wife Susan have three children. The Kristie, 10; and Jared, 5. She would very for strategic initiatives and relationship senior year of high school. nilow’s Canine Playground in Leomin- oldest daughter is a first year student at much like to hear from college friends. building. He is a soil conservationist for ster, MA. University of Maine Farmington. Marie (Morenc) Barker is a correc- the Natural Resources Conservation Jim Dowd is married to Sharon “Bo” tional systems officer for the Bureau of Service in Augusta. Pat Emig is contract liaison for K&H Corey Francis is a field biologist for Abrams, and they have two children: Prisons. She has been married to Kyle for Custom Window Treatments in Trex- Normandeau Associates in PA. Rebecca, 7; and Aiden, 3. Jim and nearly five years. They have a son, Jacob, 81 lertown, PA. She coordinates contracts his brother-in-law founded a business 3, and live in Mississippi. Marie would Matt Mattus’ first book, Beyond Trend: for this commercial construction sub- HelpGuest: “A Marketplace for Skills”. It like to hear from friends. How to Innovate in an Over-Designed World contractor. connects people with experts in a variety was published in August. Matt works 89 of fields. for Hasbro as senior creative director for Karen (House) Appleton will graduate Brand Design and Intellectual Property in May with an associate’s degree in nurs- Brian Adams is a professional health- Richard Dubois has been assigned to Development. He has two big green- ing. She has been working at Dartmouth- care representative for Pfizer, Inc. He the detective division of the Augusta houses, one for South African plants and Hitchcock Medical Center for four years has two sons: Keith, 10 ½; and Sean, 9. Police Department and is a special agent Matthew Shejen ’00 is the director of the other for an alpine house. His blog as a nursing assistant, and hopes to con- Brian has been divorced since 2006. He with the Maine Drug Enforcement the International division of MetLife has been featured on Martha Stewart and tinue there. David ’85 runs his own forest played in the alumni soccer game during Agency. He now lives in Smithfield. His based in Connecticut, and is responsible CNN.com. service business in Reading, VT. Alumni Weekend. children are Alexender Hunter, 9; and for managing the overall product devel- Chloe Rose. 6. 82 Kim McKenzie is a land surveyor. She Duncan Churches has a new job as opment process for 16 countries on five and her partner, Alison Gant, live in assistant manager of the city gym in Heather (Lindquist) Gerquest has a continents; including Argentina, China, Jim Morrissey had a small part in the Sebastopol, CA. Bowie, MD. His wife, Carol, teaches certified Border collie service/medical Mexico, and the United Kingdom. show 42 Ways to Kill Hitler on the Na- and is the after-school program direc- alert dog trained to perform tasks that tional Geographic channel in November. Susan (Quarterman) Van Asselt is tor for Key School, a private school in help mitigate a person’s disability. Heath- Shejen graduated from Unity College His “job” was to do a medical evaluation a mental health clinician and is teach- Annapolis. They have a four-year-old er is taking courses at University College in 2000. He went on to earn an MBA ing mindfulness based cognitive therapy of Hitler after an explosive assassination Graham Buck ’87 daughter, Abbi. in Bangor in adult mental health. at Western New England College with a attempt. Jim is an EMT-P homeland group for depression, which allows concentration in computer information security disaster and WMD preparedness others to benefit from meditation. Arjan 88 Rhett (Hutto) Huttman is project Tracey Hall is a licensed massage systems. He recently received a master’s coordinator for Alamed County, CA. is teaching social studies and is work- manager for Project Canopy at the Pine therapist and a certified reconnective certification in Six Sigma from Villanova ing with high-risk behavior children. Maria Broadbent has a new job as Tree State Arboretum in Augusta. She healing practitioner with her own busi- University. Prior to joining MetLife he 84 Daughter Sarah and Susan went to Hon- environmental program coordinator for and her partner, Leticia, have a son, Eli- ness, Massage and Healing Practice. duras last summer working for an AIDS the city of Annapolis. She completed the was a business consultant with Mass- Wayne Berger is the director for chal- jah, 4. Rhett was at the Career Fair Mutual Financial Group where he as- organization. Daughter Nadia is dancing city’s carbon emissions inventory and is in February. Kenichi Kashima has a new position as lenge course design and installation for in the process of developing a sustain- sisted with business improvements. 10-15 hours a week. environmental engineering technician Project Adventure in Hamilton, MA. ability and climate action plan. She and Greg Sands teaches third grade in at the U..S Naval Facility in Yokosuka, His daughter Jordan is a senior in high Throughout his career, Shejen achieved Cheryl Salvati has her own concierge June purchased a new home. They were Gorham. He and his wife, Mary, have Japan. He works in the field of industrial school. several highlights, but an internship business, Cheryl’s Home Services LLC, at President Obama’s inauguration. four children: Justin, 24; Stephanie, 12; wastewater management. with the Connecticut Department of 26 miles off the coast by ferry on Whid- Jeremiah, 9; and Amel, 8. Rick Roy and his Native-American Todd Brown is a challenge course Matt McClintock has left the corps of Environmental Protection proved espe- bey Island, WA. She has been running Paiute lacrosse team was the subject of an builder for High 5 Adventures, a com- Chris Werhane is executive director engineers and is now an environmental cially exciting. “One day on duty, I was her business for eleven years. article in the November issue of Lacrosse pany that he helped to start. He has of Challenge New Mexico in Santa Fe, a police officer for the Commonwealth afforded the chance to guard the Presi- Magazine. He also coaches lacrosse at the Steve Tetreault’s book The Bear two children: Charli, 16, a sophomore nonprofit agency providing recreational of Massachusetts. He and his wife, dent of the United States as he landed high school level and summer camps. He Dogs of Katahdin and Other Recollections in high school and Jesse, 13, an eighth opportunities for the disabled. For the Betty, a nurse’s assistant, have a daugh- in our park. At the time, that internship and Cammie home school their eldest of a Baxter State Park Ranger, published grader. past twelve years, Chris has been an ter Shelby, 14. Matt is still in the Coast was very prestigious for Conservation three of five children: Andrew, 17; Car- in November 2007, has been very instructor at the National Disabled Vet- Guard Reserve. Law Enforcement majors, but being ley, 14; Kinnon, 12; JJ, 6; and Bradi, 5. well-received and is sold at the park, Kerrin Dame is a senior physical sci- erans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, able to say I guarded the President Rick was promoted to field manager of online, and at bookstores. He will have entist program manager at the Army Co. He is also assistant chief for the local Jamie Sincage is zoological manager at was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” the Three Rivers Resource Area of the a book-signing at Wonderland Books in Chemical and Biological Center at fire department. He and Jean have two Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando. Shejen says Unity has always been Burns District. He oversees 1.8 million Putnam, CT on March 28, 2009. Steve Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. children: Ally, 15; and Nate, 14. He oversees a group of keepers and a a significant part of his life, but that acres of stagebrush-steppe and forest. is employed as shift supervisor by Foam She has an eight-year-old daughter and is collection of animals that include inver- experience was phenomenal. “It was Concepts Inc. in Uxbridge, MA. He and working on a master’s in the University Chris Wiebusch is a park law enforce- tebrates, reptiles, amphibians. parrots, thrilling to know that Unity provided me Pat have two daughters: Amie, a sopho- of Maryland. ment ranger at Acadia National Park. He and birds of prey. He has been married more in college; and Emily, a junior in was at the Career Fair in February. to Kathleen for thirteen years. They have with this great opportunity.” Bonilee Derlien’s is an administrative high school. three children: Heather, 21; Zachary, 12;

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and Laura, 11. He works closely with the Whitney Messersmith-Foskey and Charles Bitely, have a daughter, Kath- Jennifer (Pearson) and Jason ’92 95 Jennifer (Courville) Stagner com- education department and has met with Brian have a new daughter, Heather ryn Francis Bitely, born April 4, 2008. Stowe have bought a new house in the pleted her twelfth year working season- Chuck Penney is a USDA soil conser- several Unity students on internships. Raine, born June 9, 2008. Big sister Heather is the school program director town of Pepperell, MA. Jen is still cap- ally in the Gunnison National Forest in vationist now working out of Belfast. He Aubrey Rose is 3. They moved to West at the University of Maine Cooperative tain/ranger III for the northeast district western CO. Husband Kurt is employed was at the Career Fair in February. Andy Wendell and Annie will be Virginia where Brian is a chef. They Extension Tanglewood Camp and Learn- of the Division of State Parks. Her K9 by the forest service and they have three releasing their book Welcome Radio: Tales hope to move back to Maryland or to ing Center in Lincolnville, ME. unit leader responsibilities and the co- 96 children: Joshua, 5; Luke, 3; and Juliana, from the General Store in March. It is based New England. ordination of seasonal training keep her 2. In her spare time, Jen runs marathon on their radio show “The General Store Melissa McCalla Manassee is a lec- busy. Jason is a computer scientist for the John Blais is watershed project director trail-runs and also high-elevation moun- Variety Show”. Andy is a senior chemist Kerri (Preble) Godfrey, Dave and turer at the University of Colorado. She MA Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. for the Kennebec County Soil and Water tain races. at Clear Water Labs in Newport, testing five-year-old Liam moved to Milwaukee and Mark have three children: Marie, 7; Conservation District. John recently water and wastewater. in July. Annie, 5; and Jimmy, 4. Ron Sheffield is a water resources received a merit award for audit program Joel Flewelling is a fish and wildlife engineer at the Louisiana AgCenter in development. He also has his own com- specialist with the Vermont Fish and 91 Ed Ryan is in charge of Multimedia Ser- Jim McKnght is head of security at Shel- Baton Rouge. He received his master’s pany: Belgrade Bassin’, a fishing guide Wildlife Department. He conducts sur- vices at Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor. burne Shipyard on Lake Champlain. He Joe Benedict has been named state from Virginia Tech in 1996 and a Ph.D. business. He and Pamela, a Kindergarten veys in caves and mines to examine the also works part-time for the Shelburne waterfowl management program coor- from North Carolina State in 2002 in teacher, have been married for eight causes of white-nose syndrome in bats. 92 vehicle enforcement team. He owns dinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife biological and agricultural engineering. years. They have two children: Jack, 4 He and Gwen have recently bought a Emergency Warning Systems Inc., sell- conservation commission in Tallahassee. Chris Davenport is a petroleum trans- 1/2; and Brooke, 2. new house in Poultney, VT. ing and installing emergency lights and John Stevens is Director of Conserva- He will be working at the North Florida fer engineer (fuel truck driver) providing equipment in emergency vehicles. He tion Services at the Northwoods Stew- Jason DeJackome is an environmental Dan Gambino is a professional photog- Waterfowl Field Station. Joe earned his fuel for fighting wild fires throughout spends his free time hunting and fishing. ardship Center in East Charlestown, VT. police officer for the Commonwealth of rapher in Denver with a website at www. master’s in wildlife science from Auburn the western states. He is also an EMT He and his wife Tamara have two sons: Massachusetts. He and his wife Jennifer [email protected]. He is married University in 1998. He and his wife and a volunteer firefighter. John and Debbie (Farnham) McMil- Jed 10 and Quinn 7. John was at the have three children: Logan, 12; Samuel, to Polly Anderson. They have a daughter Lindsey, who gives music lessons, just len have been married for twelve years Career Fair in February. 4; and Ava, 4 months. He was at the Lily, born July 11, 2008. celebrated their tenth anniversary. They 93 and have two children: Christopher, 4, Career Fair in February. have a five-year-old son. Todd Clement is landscape manager and Kaitlin, 15 months. John is a cor- 94 Charity (Robinson) Goller is man- for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in rections officer for the Suffolk County Judi Friedman is a physician’s assis- ager of the Rite Aid in Bar Harbor. She Marc Hein is laboratory manager at Dan Brunton is married to Mary Ann, Mashantucket, CT. House of Corrections in Boston, and tant in Charlotte, NC. She received her and husband Jay, a handyman, have two ClearWater Laboratory in Newport. He and they have two children: Tucker, 6; Debbie is a stay at home mom. master’s from the University of Southern children: Aiden, 7; and Rylee, 4. was at the Career Fair in February. Heather Francis and her husband, and Molly, 3. They work at home for a California in 2000 and practiced premed government contractor. there for six years. She has a daughter, Jo Scanlon works for a tech company in Massachusetts and has an eight year Eric Heinrich is in his seventh year Morgan, born in July 2007. She is look- old daughter. Quimby Urges Stronger Alumni Giving working for the town of South Windsor, ing forward to doing some medical mis- Dot’s Spot sion work when Morgan is a little older. CT Parks Department. He and his wife Ryan ’94 and Hannah (Smith) Annis Anne have two sons: Campfield, 8; and 97 have a daughter, Laura, born Novem- Retired Unity College Libra­- “Unity College alumni should be giving at a level compara- Paxton, 5. He is planning on attending ber 12, 2008. Ryan is an environmental Alumni Weekend next fall, and hopes Hilari (Benson) Varnadore has been rian Dot Quimby has seen many ble to that of similar sized colleges, and I’m not talking the Ivy specialist III in the environmental office his housemates will be back. promoted to director of the office of of the Maine Department of Transpor- changes since she began work- Leagues,” noted Dot Quimby in the library that bears her name environmental sustainability for Fred- tation. Hannah is a marine scientist II Peter Ruksznis is a biologist for the ing for Unity College in 1966, on the campus of Unity College. Quimby added that some alumni erick County government. Her position in the Maine Department of Marine Department of Marine Resources in the first year of its operation may have the mistaken notion that more than a $1,000.00 do- guides policy, practice and partnership Resources. Bangor. He is married to Danielle and development in the areas of clean en- after being founded and orga- nation is required. “That is never what was being asked by the has a stepson, Hayden, 9. Pete was at the ergy; green building; waste prevention; Leigh Stansfield, after thirteen years nized by area townspeople in College,” said Quimby. “Any amount, even ten and twenty dol- Career Fair in February. preservation; and sustainable economic of seasonal work, is now a permanent development. Hilari and her husband, worker at Shenandoah National Park in 1965. One change that has not lars, by each alum will help Unity College boost its giving overall. Joshua Sommer is co-owner and thera- Jason, a musician and at home dad, have Virginia. come to pass that she hopes will Small amounts add up and the larger percentage of alums who pist at the Moon Lodge Massage and a daughter Bree, 3, and are expecting a take place is a greater percent- give help Unity’s overall advancement efforts.” Holistic Day Spa in Issaquah, WA. He baby boy in May. Bill Urquhart has resumed his duties age of alumni who give to the College. Some changes that Quimby praised were the improved over- has a LMP in massage therapy. with the Maine Forest Service’s Ento- Amy Jane (Burke) Brandolo is the mology Lab in Augusta. He will contin- The issue is important not only for the present but the future of all academic quality, higher student standards and more fe- Robb Wistner is a security supply chain owner and director of The Dancing Bear ue his work with exotic and/or invasive the College, Quimby stressed. Quimby feels a key reason to give males in each class. “There were years when to have two or specialist for the US Customs. For his Family Childcare Center in Uxbridge, wood boring insect and help with the job, he travels around the world and just is that with the improving academic quality and reputation seen three females in any given class was a lot,” said Quimby. “Now, MA. She has been married to Tony for Hemlock Wooly Adelgid program. He returned from Mexico. He and Laurene five years and they have two children: will also be working with firewood im- in recent years, each alum is now enjoying the fruits of a diploma things have changed for the better. It is a better college thanks have two boys Koby, 9; and Keagan, 6. that is increasing in value. to a balance in number of male and female students.” Mia, born in October 2008, and An- portation issues, since these they apply to thony, 3. potential invasive insect introductions.

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Joe Zipparo is a stewardship assistant ness, Turtle Town Baskets. He and Alisa ney General’s office. She is also doing Wally Opuszynski has a new job 02 Sarah (Thornbury) and Patrick for Coastal Mountain Land Trust in (MacArthur) ’01 have two children: contract work for the Maine DEP. She is as trail director for Northern Forest Kieran ’00 have a second son, Liam Amanda Baker received her master’s Camden, and manages two preserves. Daniel, 6; and Rose, 5. Marc was at the engaged to Jeff Fredenburg ’00, a GIS Canoe Trail out of Waitsfield, VT. This Theodore, born March 26, 2008. Big in ecology from the University of South One preserve features 20 acres of or- Career Fair in February. analyst in Augusta. trail links the waterways of New York, brother Owen Michael is 4. Sarah Florida in 2006. She is now a graduate ganic blueberry fields. He, Barbara, and Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire and teaches 5th grade special education and teaching assistant, working on her Ph.D. her 2 1/2 year old son, Malikai, live in Cristin Bailey was at the Career Fair 00 Maine in a 740 mile canoe trail. He was Patrick is a national park wildland fire in February representing the White Lincolnville, ME. Peter Deane still works for the US at the Career Fair in February. Aubrey Belanger is back home from fighter/engine foreman at Natchez Trace Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger Customs and Border Protection, but he Colorado and working in shipping for Parkway. District where she is trails manager/vol- Nathan Purington is a boatswains 98 and LeeAnne (Ouellette) have moved Jotul Stoves. unteer coordinator. mate in the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Wayne Cronin has been promoted to from Maine to Vermont. 03 safety and security team of Boston. They Gina Condo is a lab technician at TEVA sergeant in the Wells Police Department, Diana Boyd is a RN at Dartmouth- Tony Cardoso has passed the New Kevin Donnell has moved to Maine specialize in anti-terrorism and security, Pharmaceuticals in Sellersville, PA, but and was at the Career Fair in February. Hitchcock Medical Center/Cheshire York State bar exams, and when he is and is the supervisory ranger at Acadia and Nate is the leading petty officer of a she has been out of work since June 2008 He earned his master’s degree in public Medical Center in Keene, NH. She formally admitted, he will be a deputy National Park. He and his wife Sara have 36 man team. Nate was married in Oc- with Lyme disease. She hopes to go back policy and management from the Muskie received her RN in 2008 from county attorney for the Nassau County a daughter Lauren, 10 months old. He tober 2008 to Ashley Mondragon. to work soon. Center at University of Southern Maine. New Hampshire Community Attorney’s Office in Mineola, NY. was at the Career Fair in February. He has a son, Brandon, 5. Technical College. Nicole (Shell) Pecori is a senior Ryan Gates and his wife Erica have David Clark has been elected president project coordinator in land development a daughter, Cora Hayden Gates, born Chad Drew and his companion, Cori, Joe Dionne is a landscape operations of the Maine Arborist Association. He is for Clough, Harbour Associates LLP in January 18, 2009. Ryan is a registered have started their own business, Sierra manager for A.C. Parsons Landscaping utility supervisor for Lucas Tree Experts, Syracuse, NY. She is also a real estate Maine recreation/whitewater II guide Stonescaping, which specializes in tradi- & Garden Center in West Tremont and and was at the Career Fair in February. agent for RealtyUSA. John ’99 is a for North Country Rivers as well as a tional dry-stacked walls, flagstone patios, Bernard, ME. He attended Unity from sales representative for Batesville Casket self-employed carpenter. Jennifer Nagy and Ted Frazer are and water features. He operates the busi- 1995-1997, and graduated from Florida Company. They have two labs, Duke engaged and will be married October ness in the off-season from his job on a Southern College. He is married to and Ben. Zachary Koziol is a park ranger for the 3, 2009 in Miles City, MT. Ted works trail crew for the U.S. Forest Service in Cindy (Liszka) ’98, a vet tech at Acadia Army Corps of Engineers. He was at the for the Fire Use Module in Yellowstone Inyo National Forest in CA. Veterinary Hospital in Bar Harbor. They Tom Stern is a lawn and plant care Career Fair in February. National Park and Jen works for the have two dogs, Buster and Tara. Joe was technician for Belknap Landscape Ryan Harmick has been running the Bureau of Land Management. at the Career Fair in February. Company in Gilford, NH. He was at the Amy “Blue” MacLeod and Gregg family business for six years, after work- Career Fair in February. Shedd are now in Wyoming. Gregg is Andrew Nelson is a survey technician ing for NOLS, and is hoping to start his Ann Harrie is starting her second se- a wildlife biologist for a private consult- for the White Mountain Survey in Os- own business someday. mester of law school in Montana. She has Andrew Weiner is developing a finan- ing company in Pinedale, and Amy just sipee, NH. a master’s in public heath from USC, and cial advisory practice with a partner in Jeff and Christina (Smith) ’99 In- moved there. is a fish standards specialist for the state Ann Arbor, MI. Their business focuses gemi have two daughters: Sarah, 8; and Amber Hayden ’00 and family Olivia “Summer” Stone and Brian of Montana Department of Environmen- on green and alternative investments and Kelly Martin is married to Mike Gold. McGorry ’02 are engaged. Summer is Danielle, 7. He was promoted to sergeant CPT. Amber Hayden is an environmen- tal Quality. holistic financial planning. He and his They have a daughter, Willow Sierra Gold, studying at the University of Alaska to in the Maine State Police in 2006, and tal science officer in the US Army at wife have two daughters: Lila, 2; and born December 19, 2008. Kelly works at become a nurse practitioner and has a is also a town selectman for Marshfield. Mike Mahmood is campground coor- Fort Wainwright, AK. She works with Penelope, 5 months. Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Albion. part time job at a clinic. She also works Tina teaches bible class at the local dinator for the city of Seward, AK Parks the Wounded Warriors from Iraq and in the summer as a program coordinator Christian school. They started a Chris- and Recreation Department. He and Afghanistan, helping the soldiers return Charlie Pitts and Nicole Stier were 01 in Glacier Bay and as a mountain host tian Cafe, called the Livingroom Café, a companion Abby are hoping to make to duty or to transition into a civilian. married on September 20, 2008, in Tom ’03 and Jennifer (Pettis) at Alyeska Resort. Brian is a sea kayak substance free location for young adults a road trip in October and end up in She and her husband Cory have three Buzzards Bay, MA. Charlie is a fisheries Greene have a daughter, Chloe Elaina guide in the summer and a ski patrol in to gather. Maine. children: Seth, 5; Tucker, 4; and Winter observer for AIS in New Bedford, and born June 14, 2007. Both Jen and Tom the winter. Sophie Wain, born April 13, 2008. Nicole is an EPA consultant in Boston. Jason Pelchat is senior project en- Owen Montgomery is a wildlife spe- work for Tooney Residential and Com- Joey Werner is in graduate school at vironmental scientist for Terracon in cialist with the USDA, Wildlife Services Tracy Leet and Gaysha are engaged to munity Services, working with people Antioch/New England studying mar- Manchester, NH. in Berlin, VT. be married. They had been high school with developmental disabilities, in Syra- riage and family therapy. classmates. Tracy is senior photogram- cuse, NY. Tom is a program coordinator Amy (Rancourt) St. Pierre is a cus- Elyse Peterson is an education coor- metry technician at James W. Sewall in running an intermediate care facility for tomer service representative for Anthem 04 dinator for Nearby Nature in Eugene, Old Town. adult males, and Jen is a shift supervisor Blue Cross Blue Shield. She and her hus- OR. She received her master’s in envi- working with teenage girls. Heather Baker received her master’s band, Matt, have two children: Noah, 5; ronmental education from Antioch New Jeff “Fonzie” McCabe won election to in GIS from the University at Albany, and Carly, 3. England Graduate School in 2002. the Maine State Legislature in Novem- Nicole (Lazure) Collins is career SUNY in 2006. She is a GIS specialist ber. He is executive director of Lake counselor and internship coordinator at for Washington County, NY. 99 Deirdre Schneider is in her last se- George State Park in Skowhegan. He Unity, and was in charge of the very suc- Marc Arnts is an agricultural specialist mester of law school at the University of and Sara (Colburn) have two children: cessful Career Fair in February. She and Alex and Sara (Dickenson) DeLucia for the U.S. Customs and Border Protec- Maine School of Law in Portland. She Carly, 2; and Finn, 3 months. Fonzie was Travis ’00 bought a house in Unity. were at the Career Fair in February. is pursuing an internship in the Attor- tion at Calais. He also runs his own busi- at the Career Fair in February. Nicole (Stier) ’02 and Charles Pitts ’02

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Alex is volunteer programs supervisor Catherine Haase is working on her Ben Gillis has been a field instructor Zachary Lehmann ’06 and Sara is adventure programs supervi- master’s thesis on the overall effects of for a therapeutic boarding school, Stone sor for the Appalachian Mountain Club climate change on moose at SUNY. She Mountain, since August 2008. He lives in Gorham, NH. They are expecting a is a graduate assistant at the Adirondack in Asheville, NC. baby in July. Ecological Center in Newcomb, NY, and president of the graduate student Dustin Meattey is a research wildlife Jonathan Dumais is a park ranger for association. biologist at the Biodiversity Research the Army Corps of Engineers. He and Institute. He was at the Career Fair his wife, Amanda have a son Camden Ryan Howes has been named experien- in February. William, born January 10, 2009. He was tial education assistant Unity, and he also at the Career Fair in February. was the soccer coach last fall. Former Faculty and Staff Dirk and Ulli Dunbar’s daughter Travis Leeman is a superintendent for Glen Lucas is a conservation officer Julia is modeling in Atlanta. Daughter SAB Network Services of Biddeford, for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Annabelle is in high school and hoping ME, and builds communication towers. Department. to become a veterinarian. Son Jeremy to He was married on September 20, 2008 play basketball and transferred from a D1 to Heather Brewer, a CNA. Last year Peter Newcomb was a park ranger in to a D2 school. Travis passed the Maine State Arborist interpretation at Mesa Verdi National Park in CO last summer and will return exams, and received his first class utility Ed Hinkley retired in July after 39 years Zachary Lehmann ’06 is an environ- there again this summer. This winter he arborist and first class landscape arbor- as a teacher and administrator, and his mental scientist for Great Eastern Ecol- has been working at LL Bean in Mans- ist licenses which he has used to start his wife, Louise also retired from the Maine ogy, a company based in New York that Unity Rocks! Garden and Quimby Library field, MA. own business. State Library after 27 years. Ed is still works strategically with clients from the public and private sectors to manage emy. He is a police officer in Rockport, 07 Sarah Ogden is the program coordina- coaching tennis at both Thomas College ME. and at Messalonskee High School. projects with a focus on ecology. Ashley Ackroyd-Kelly and Mike tor at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, but she was at the Career Fair for the Lehmann began at Boston University Seth Dunn has a new job as spatial data- Bradford ’06 are engaged and plan on Susanne Kibler-Hacker and Mark’s Loki Wolf Refuge where she volunteers and decided that wasn’t the place for base specialist for the Maponics Com- an October wedding. Ashley is a profes- son Christopher spent a month in as special program coordinator. him. Growing up, Lehmann loved being pany in Norwich, VT. He and Melissa sional riding instructor and Mike is test- China last summer in an alternative outdoors. Once on campus, he loved recently purchased a house in NH. ing for the New York State Police. Peter Taliaferro and Ilaria Sabatini study program. the community, setting and woodlot were married October 4, 2007. They Chris St. Pierre is a patrol officer for Sara Blocker is finishing her thesis re- Charlie Rabeni retired from the federal and decided then to transfer into Unity. met while Pete was in Italy with Diane the Old Orchard Beach Police Depart- search on fish assemblings and mammal Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit in Murphy’s course abroad. ment. He has an 11/2 year old German documentation in the Calaveras River in July, but will stay on at the University of He graduated in 2006 and his first job wasn’t far off. “I actually received Shepherd K-9 dog, which he brought CA. In March she will be presenting her Nicole Vinci and Michael Kalkstein are Missouri part time to finish with gradu- with him to the Career Fair in February. work at the San Joaquin Valley Natu- living in Philadelphia together. Nicole ate students and projects. Charlie and a call an hour after the ceremony ral Communities Conference. She will designs flower arrangements and works Jane have two new grandchildren. from GEE offering me my first job.” 06 graduate with a master’s in biology from in the orchid greenhouse of Robertson’s Lehmann was originally hired to per- the University of the Pacific in May. Deb Sugerman was on campus in No- form biological surveys. Soon after, Travis Leeman ’00 and Heather Brewer David Bedini and Linda Snow were Flowers, and Mike is an assistant teacher vember to speak to WE Lead (Women’s he worked on small projects including married September 20, 2008. They are Ryan Caudle and Tiffany Pulli were at Germantown Friends School. Carol Moulton is in graduate school at Environmental Leadership). She does a lot data management and environmental living in Columbia, CT. married December 18, 2008. Ryan the University of Texas Arlington, and of foreign travel for her consulting busi- risk assessments. works for Stanley Associates National 08 expects to receive her master’s in biology Marcus Gray is a graduate research ness, Experiential Concepts. Passport Center in Portsmouth, NH, and Bob Costa works for U.S. Fish and in May 2009. assistant working on his master’s in wild- His title may be environmental scien- Tiffany is a direct service provider for Wildlife at the Rachel Carson National life at South Dakota State University. He tist, but that includes being a wetland Residential Residences. Wildlife Refuge in Wells. He also is Ben Wurst has a new job as habitat is studying black tailed prairie dogs. delineator, GIS expert, biologist, ecolo- program manager for the Conserve involved with the Maine Conservation Keith Crowley is the traveling natural gist and ornithologist. He largely attri- Wildlife Foundation of NJ, a non-profit Shawn Guilmette is a Law Enforce- Environmental group. He was at the history activities program director for butes his skill and knowledge prepara- corporation whose mission is to pro- ment Specialist with the Department of Career Fair in February. Chewonki. He was at the Career Fair in tion to his education. “Unity is a great tect rare species. His job includes both Homeland Security in Williston, VT Jared Erskine is the manager of Acadia learning environment filled with people restoration of habitat and management of February. who have a common calling to work in Dana Kedziora will receive a master’s Bike and Kayak in Bar Harbor. He spent nesting habitat for ospreys. Christopher Guilmette was recently in conservation biology from Antioch his summer in Bar Harbor as a registered the environmental field. You simply can hired by the US Immigration Customs New England in Keene, NH this Maine guide for sea kayaking and he also not gain more experience about envi- 05 Enforcement as a law enforcement spe- spring. Her project is observing nest gave bike tours in Acadia National Park. ronmental issues anywhere else.” Wesley Butler recently graduated cialist. He lives and works in Vermont. from the Maine Criminal Justice Acad- parasitism among waterfowl species in western Maine.

46 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 47 alumni stay connected alumni

Stay Connected with Facebook and Alumni Database The close-knit Unity College community is only a mouse click away. An ever growing online alumni directory is a valuable resource for the entire alumni community. Access the directory online at www.netdirectories.com/~unity/login. cgi. The Unity College Facebook web page is yet another resource for alumni to use when sharing their lives. To join simply visit Facebook and create a free account, then use the search term Unity College Alumni.

Mid-Year celebration Unity College Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Instruction and Advising Services John Zavodny (right), was joined by Community Market Coordinator Sara Trunzo ’08 (center) and Director of Student a Natural Setting for Your Next Event Health Services Anna McGalliard in performing at the Commencement Reception in the Art Gallery. Eighteen graduates were recognized at the reception. The December event was organized by Alumni Relations and Event Coordinator Kate Grenier and hosted by Senior Vice Presi- workshops events conferences retreats dent fro Academic Affairs Amy Knisley. We offer a unique blend of environmentally friendly facilities and programming Career Fair Reunites Old Friends Soccer for Kicks During Alumni Weekend last fall the Unity Col- lege men’s alumni soccer team played the Col- on 225 acres, nestled among the forests and fields in the picturesque town of lege’s men’s varsity soccer team. It was a closely contested game where good fellowship defined Unity, Maine, adjacent to Lake Winnecook. Our campus is conveniently located each participant as a winner. The alumni team won 4-2. 30 minutes from Waterville and the coastal town of Belfast, and within 45 minutes of Augusta and Bangor.

The Unity College Environmental Career Fair 2009 was both a way for em- ployers to meet with talented potential employees and an occasion for alumni • Flexible packages with affordable rates to reunite. Alumni attending the fair were: Left to Right FRONT Row 1: Gun- ther, Jen Noonan ’01, Jon Dumais ’03, Ryan Howes ’04, Nicole Collins ’00, Contact: Chris Weibusch ’89. Row 2: Chris St. Pierre ’05, Matthew Holmes ’05, John • Multiple event spaces, overnight Kate Grenier Stevens ’93, Emily Jones ’04, Jason Dejackome ’96, Lee Griffith ’70, Alex accommodations, theater performance Delucia ’03, Sara Delucia ’04, Amanda Hardaswick ’07, Rhett Huttman ’89, [email protected] Marc Arnts ’99, Nancy Zane ’88, Nathan Podsiadlo ’99, Jay Perez ’05. Row Left to Right Front Row: Brian Adams ’89, Ed Hurlburt space with seating 207.948.3131 ext 301 3: Sarah Ogden ’07, Walter Opuszynski ’00, Bob Costa ’08, Jason Cooke ’90, Andy Brower ’03, Nick Shown ’08, Dax Pinto ’00, Marc Hein ’90, Zachary Koziol ’02, Dustin Meattey ’08, John Wimsatt ’99, Peter Taliaferro ’07, John Korkus Left to Right • Also offering athletic, art, and lakeside ’91, Joe Dionne ’99, Dave Clark ’03, Jeff McCabe ’00, Tom Stern ’00, Cristin Back Row: Dave Clark ’03, Ryan Howes ’07, Peter Bailey ’98, Paul Sannicandro ’96, Peter Ruksznis ’94, Chuck Penny ’95. Not Farrington ’00, Matt Belonick ’07, Larry Johannesman outdoor recreation facilities, nature pictured: Keith Crowley ’07, Chris Schoppmeyer ’77, Mark Dufresne ’96. ’84, Luke Savoy ’99, Jeff Dunham ’00, Coach Gary Zane ’83. trails, outdoor meeting spaces, America’s Environmental College catering, and internet access 90 Quaker Hill Road • Unity, Maine 04988 • www.unity.edu

48 | UNITY Summer 2009 UNITY Summer 2009 | 49 Non-Profit Status Presort Standard US Postage PAID Farmington, ME 90 Quaker Hill Road Permit No. 30 Unity, Maine 04988

Unity’s Connection to American History Interim sustainability coordinator, Aaron Witham (inset, the Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts in Unity. left) and Sara Trunzo ’08, Unity’s Community Market The panel was on display in the lobby. Trunzo was featured Coordinator, pose next to a display of a solar panel in the documentary about the panels entitled A Road Not formerly atop the White House during the administration of Taken, by Swiss filmmakers Christina Hemauer andR oman President Jimmy Carter. Witham and Trunzo attended the Keller. It was screened during the 2008 Maine International inauguration of President Barack Obama broadcast LIVE at Film Festival in Waterville, Maine.

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50 | UNITY Summer 2009