The Inauguration of
President Selma Botman

  • Saturday, April 25, 2009

Congratulations

Congratulations and good wishes have been extended to President Selma Botman on this historic day from members of Maine's Congressional delegation and from Governor John Baldacci. Read those letters below.


Senator Olympia J. Snowe

Please accept my warmest greetings and very best wishes as you gather for the inauguration of the University of Southern Maine’s new president, Dr. Selma Botman. What a milestone moment in the life of this university and, indeed, in Maine!

President Botman brings to her office sterling scholarship, rigorous intellect, a tenacious work-ethic, and a visionary sense of purpose that is not only emblematic of predecessors such as Rich Pattenaude, Chancellor of the University of Maine System, but also indicative of an even brighter future for USM.

The daughter of a shoe factory worker and a first generation college graduate, President Botman received a world-class education and reached the pinnacle of academia, obtaining degrees from Brandeis, Oxford, and Harvard. And President Botman has been inspiring students to achieve academically ever since – as a professor, administrator, and public servant – from Holy Cross College and the University of Massachusetts System to the City University of New York, where she served as professor, Executive Vice Chancellor, and University Provost. A recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Hewlett-Mellon Presidential Fellowship – to name just two of the many accolades she has earned, President Botman has been rightly recognized time and again for being on the vanguard of education as an exceptional steward of learning.

On a personal note, I have been grateful for the opportunities to meet with Dr. Botman—most recently during the wonderful dedication of the Wishcamper Center. Under her aegis, I know USM will continue to stand as a beacon among universities, exemplifying and fulfilling President Botman’s belief in “providing the highest quality education for students and living up to the public trust.”

President Botman, congratulations to you and your husband, Thomas, on this landmark occasion as you begin to usher USM further into the 21st century!

Sincerely,

OLYMPIA J. SNOWE

United States Senator


Senator Susan M. Collins

I am pleased to offer my sincere congratulations on your installment as the President of the University of Southern Maine.

Throughout your more than 25 years in higher education, you have exemplified an exceptional commitment to your work. During your tenures as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, Special Assistant to the Chancellor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost at the City University of New York system, you were an effective and inspiring leader for students, faculty, and staff. Your experience will be invaluable during your presidency.

Again, congratulations, and best wishes at the University of Southern Maine!

Sincerely,

SUSAN M. COLLINS

United States Senator


representative Michael H. Michaud

Please accept my congratulations at today’s inaugural ceremony, as you are sworn in as the University of Southern Maine’s (USM) tenth President.

You bring a wealth of experience to this position as an academic leader and an innovative educator. Your service as the Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost for The City University of New York (CUNY); as Special Assistant to the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Lowell; and as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts system, makes you uniquely qualified to lead this stellar institution.

We all recognize that access to an affordable, quality education is inseparable from our economic prosperity, our national security, and our civic health. But as a first-generation college graduate, you know first-hand the challenges faced by many Maine families and prospective students, and have focused your energies to make the dream of a college education a reality for these families.

The Irish Poet William Butler Yeats once said that, “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” There are so many “sparks” around Maine, and I wholeheartedly applaud you for reaching out to present and prospective students. Through these efforts and your commitment to student success, young people in Maine will know that USM is a place where they can come to learn, to work hard, and to be inspired to follow their dreams. A successful university is always listening and responding—whether it be to its own students, the community, or the businesses in the area, and your door is always open.

So, on this important day, I wish you much success. I look forward to working with you to build on the University’s proud tradition of excellence, and hope that you will call upon me whenever I may be of assistance.

With warmest personal regards,

MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

U.S. Congress, 2nd District, Maine


representative Chellie Pingree

Congratulations on becoming the University of Southern Maine’s 10th president.  From its roots as a teaching school in 1878 to the complex university of the 21st Century, USM has maintained its commitment to training students of all ages and backgrounds for careers and opening their horizons to the world.

Your own story as the child of a shoe factory worker and a first generation college student makes you insightful into the needs of Maine.  While Maine has one of the highest high school graduation rates, we have one of the lowest college attendance rates.  We will need your skill and compassion to encourage more Mainers to continue their education.

In these turbulent times, it is important to have someone at the helm of USM who understands the core value of teaching and the necessity of graduation.  I am impressed by your efforts at both ends of the college process, from high school recruitment to your focus on the university’s graduation rate.  What a wonderful idea to visit high schools across Maine. 

I am also impressed by your understanding of the unique needs of our mature students and their difficulties balancing the demands of work while furthering their education.  A modern university needs to offer these students a variety of scheduling, the opportunity for face to face meetings with professors during off hours, and on-line course possibilities.

The University of Southern Maine with its varied academic schools, covering the arts and sciences, nursing, engineering, law and public service, is truly at the center of learning in Southern Maine.  I look forward to partnering with you and the university in the future.

Sincerely,

CHELLIE PINGREE

U.S. Congress, 1st District, Maine


Governor John E. Baldacci

Thank you for the kind invitation to join you at the Inauguration of Dr. Selma Botman as the tenth President of the University of Southern Maine. Although I am unable to attend I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Botman.

The University of Southern Maine offers outstanding opportunities to its students, and I am confident that under Dr. Botman’s leadership and vision, it will continue to offer students the best in education and prepare our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Dr. Botman’s accomplishments and her reputation as an innovator illustrate her ability to take on this task with vigor. She is a role model for this generation and for those to follow. Dr. Botman brings the skills and the energy to the important task of building on the quality of the University, which benefits its students and the entire State.

Dr. Botman, congratulations on your appointment and please accept my best wishes for the future.

Sincerely,

JOHN E. BALDACCI

Governor of the State of Maine


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