FORT KENT, Maine – Susan Tardie is Fort Kent’s newest Citizen of the Year.
She received the honor at the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce’s recent annual dinner.
The chamber, which covers Fort Kent and several surrounding towns including Allagash, Frenchville, St. Agatha, and Portage, also presented the University of Maine at Fort Kent with the Community Partner Award.
Tardie has volunteered and served on boards throughout the community, and has worked at the University of Maine at Fort Kent for more than two decades.
She works in University Relations, a position that she says helps her work closely with campus departments, engage with the alumni community, and maintain local and statewide connections.
She was nominated by co-worker Lisa Roy, who wrote in her nomination that Tardie’s work and volunteerism have touched nearly every corner of the community.
“Sue gives freely of her time, talent, and energy year after year — whether it’s helping prepare early morning meals at the Senior Center or staying up late to record race data during the Can-Am,” Roy wrote. “She is a proud community member who has devoted decades to improving the lives of others and making Fort Kent a stronger, more connected place to live.”
Tardie’s colleague Heidi Carter, UMFK’s executive director of marketing and enrollment management, said that while Tardie does outstanding work at the campus every day, her volunteerism stands out the most.
“She has made a positive difference in the community of Fort Kent through her support of many organizations and events,” Carter said. “She is always willing to put in the hard work, never looking for recognition. This honor is well deserved.”
In addition to Tardie’s work for the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, which includes helping with registrations and answering phones, she has worked for the chamber and serves as president of the Fort Kent Rotary Club and Fort Kent Business and Professional Women.
Tardie has also been a member of the Fort Kent Outdoor Center and the Senior Citizens Center, and is an ex-officio board member of the UMFK Alumni Association.
Tardie is always among the first to step up when help is needed, whether it’s for fundraisers, community events, or quietly helping a neighbor in need, Roy wrote in her nomination letter. She added that Tardie’s leadership and compassion have served as an inspiration for others around her to do more for their community.
“She never seeks recognition for her efforts,” Roy wrote. “She simply believes in doing what’s right for her community.”
Tardie said she found out she would be receiving the award while attending the annual dinner on Friday. After finding out, she said she was both deeply honored and speechless.
Tardie was accompanied on stage by Maine Sen. Susan Bernard of District 1, Rep. Lucien Daigle of House District 1, who read and presented her with a legislative sentiment.
Past Fort Kent Citizen of the Year George Dumond presented Tardie with a plaque.
“I love this community and the people in it more than words can say,” Tardie said.
