UPDATE From: President Richard L. Pattenaude
Number 1, September2004
> Transforming USM
> Research Records
> Southern Maine PartnershipÕs National
Recognition
> Fall Celebrations
> USM Mourns Loss of Community Members
> Campus Notes
The full text of our strategic plan, "Transforming USM,"
is available at www.usm.maine.edu/pres.
As you review the document, I think you'll agree that the
plan isn't about making massive cuts. Rather, itÕs a means
of bringing greater focus to our work so that we serve the
people of Maine as effectively as possible. I said at our
annual breakfast that the five levers of change and the accompanying
action steps can be captured in one, overarching goal: To
build a better university.
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USM Research Reaches Record Levels
The recent Portland Press Herald feature on our growth and
development briefly cited our research success as one sign
of a mature university. We can take pride in the fact that
in 2003-04, we attracted a record $48.4 million in research
grants and contracts. In the last two years alone, we've experienced
a $14.1 million, or 41.1 percent, increase. But more important
than the dollar amount is the fact that growth in funded research
is seen across the University. This reflects what should be
at the core of any university, which is advancing knowledge,
be it knowledge that enriches a community's cultural resources,
contributes to economic development or helps individuals understand
the world. A copy of the latest research report is at www.usm.maine.edu/osp,
or call the Office of Sponsored Programs at 780-4413.
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The Southern Maine Partnership, which is headquartered in
our College of Education and Human Development, has been named
the 2005 recipient of the Richard Wisniewski Award for Excellence
in Teacher Education. The award, given by the Society of Professors
of Education, recognizes an institution that has made significant
contributions to the theory and practice of teacher education.
It's a tremendous honor for this school-university collaborative
that works with 36 school districts to develop and advance
education reform initiatives. Congratulations to co-directors
Lynne Miller and David Ruff, and to the entire staff.
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Fall Celebrations
This is an especially hectic time in the academic year,
but I want to call your attention to two special events scheduled
for this month. Our annual Homecoming, September 16 through
19, includes nearly 30 activities, among them our art faculty
show, tours of the Gorham campus Arboretum, and an outdoor
concert featuring the USM Concert Band.
It's a fun way to celebrate our rich campus history and environment
with alumni, the families of students, and the public. The
entire Homecoming schedule is at www.usm.maine.edu/homecoming.
The following week, we will kick off a yearlong celebration
of the 10th anniversary of the Osher Map Library and Smith
Center for Cartographic Education. The Portland Press Herald
put it best when editorial writers cited the library as "Éa
jewel without price, unique in northern New England." The
library--thanks to the vision of benefactors Harold and Peggy
Osher and the Smith family--has maintained a steadfast commitment
to share cartographic treasures with students of all ages,
scholars and the public. Be sure to check the schedule of
anniversary exhibits, lectures, and other special events at
www.usm.maine.edu/maps.
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Several members of the campus community have died, and it's
appropriate that we note their passing in the first Update
of the academic year.
Ed Kulawiec was an associate professor of educational leadership
from 1988 to 1994. Upon his retirement, the College of Education
and Human Development honored his work with the creation of
the annual Edwin Kulawiec Award for the Outstanding Research
Paper in Instructional Leadership. Ed also was well known
as a translator and scholar of the Jewish-Polish educator,
Janus Korczak. Memorial gifts can be made in Ed's name to
Community Partners, Inc., P.O. Box 363, Biddeford, ME 04005.
Jimmy Sullivan, professor emeritus of health, physical education
and recreation, retired in 1991 after 32 years of service.
Known for his boundless enthusiasm, Jimmy was instrumental
in the development of our therapeutic recreation program and
the founding of Lifeline. In 1993, we named the Portland gymnasium
in his honor. Jimmy's family asked that memorial gifts be
made to the James V. Sullivan Scholarship, c/o Advancement
& Donor Services, Room 522, Law Building, Portland. Each year,
the scholarship honors the outstanding therapeutic recreation
major.
Bob York, professor emeritus of history, served as professor
of history and dean of graduate studies from 1962 to 1984.
He helped create the Maine State Archives and the Maine Historic
Preservation Commission, as well as a number of local historical
societies. Governor Edmund Muskie appointed him the official
state historian, a volunteer position he held for several
decades.
Each of these colleagues will be remembered for wonderful
contributions as teachers and scholars, and for remarkable
records of public service.
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Campus Notes
Al Kirk, director of the Office of Campus Environmental Safety
and Health, reminds all faculty and staff that under state
regulations we are required to undergo refresher training
for hazard communication and for video display terminal programs.
Please complete the related forms (located online at www.usm.maine.edu/osh,
then click on "Annual In-Service Training..."), and return
them by October 1 to the Office of Campus Environmental Safety
and Health, 19 College Ave., Gorham.
Also noteworthy, Human Resources has relocated several offices
in an effort to continually enhance customer service. The
Employee Benefits staff has joined Payroll and Employment
Services staff in the McLellan House, Gorham. Student Payroll
has moved to HR and is now located in McLellan House. Additionally,
Coordinator of Employee and Community Outreach Nolan Thompson
is spending two days a week in the McLellan House. HR Information
Systems and Associate University Counsel/Manager of Labor
Relations Todd Cabelka have joined Director of Human Resources
Kathleen Bouchard and her staff, as well as the Employee Education
and Development staff at 7 College Ave., Gorham. Phone numbers
of the staff members who relocated remain the same.
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