Hundreds come out for UMFK’s homecoming weekend

by Chris Bouchard
3 months ago
AC/DC tribute band AD/HD performs during the University of Maine at Fort Kent's annual homecoming event held last weekend. (Courtesy of the University of Maine at Fort Kent)

FORT KENT, Maine – The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s recent homecoming weekend, which featured balloon rides and the presentation of a newly created sculpture for the campus, saw hundreds of guests. 

UMFK Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management Heidi Carter estimated that about 200 came on Friday, Sept. 19 and between 350 and 400 came on Saturday, Sept. 20. The university gave out 300 vouchers for the food trucks on campus.

University of Maine at Fort Kent Business Management student Tieriese Studdart is pictured here during a soccer game held during the school’s annual homecoming weekend. (Courtesy of University of Maine at Fort Kent)

Soccer games were held between the UMFK Bengals and Central Maine Community College. The men’s soccer game ended in a 1-1 tie and the women’s soccer game ended in a 2-1 win for UMFK.

The homecoming brunch, held on Sunday morning, also included an awards ceremony in which awards were given to graduates with 50- and 20-year anniversary milestones. Lisa Lavoie, who is the chair of the UMFK psychology program and an assistant professor of psychology, received the Outstanding Alumni Award during the ceremony.

The homecoming also featured hot air balloon rides on both Saturday and Sunday morning, which was popular among guests on both days.

Homecoming requires extensive planning from a committee that consists of members from departments across UMFK including university relations, student affairs, athletics, media services, facilities, marketing, dining service and the president’s office.

Hot air balloon rides were a popular aspect of the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s homecoming weekend. The rides were made available on both Saturday and Sunday morning. (Courtesy of University of Maine at Fort Kent)

Artist Robert Brochu hosted the presentation of his sculpture, Landmark, a three-sided obelisk with each side containing a message with a theme acknowledging the region’s Indigenous people and emphasizing that, through education and the college experience, students will discover themselves. 

The statue was illuminated during the evening presentation and Brochu gave out hand-printed art representing each of the statue’s panels to each guest in the audience. Carter said that reflections on the artwork’s significance were shared by Paul Buck, professor of history and education; Michael Elliot, executive director of advancement; and Rebecca Sanchez, a nursing student.

“The event beautifully celebrated both the artwork and the UMFK community,” Carter said.