UMPI hosts “Free Hugs” speaker on April 5

UMPI hosts “Free Hugs” speaker on April 5

The University of Maine at Presque Isle presents “the Free Hugs Guy,” Ken E. Nwadike, Jr., on Friday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Campus Center. A motivational speaker, peace activist, video journalist, and founder of the Free Hugs Project, Nwadike empowers his audiences as he spreads love, inspires change, and raises awareness of social issues. This event, sponsored by UMPI’s Student Activities Office, is free and open to the public and donations will be accepted at the door. Free “Free Hug” shirts will be given away to the first 40 people who attend.

UMPI hosts annual spring blood drive

The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s National Society of Leadership and Success will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 16 from Noon to 5 p.m. in the Gentile Hall gym. Members of the campus and community are invited and encouraged to participate in this free event; walk-ins are welcome.

CCNY and NOAA CREST delegation visits The County, hosts weather balloon launch

A delegation from the City College of New York will visit Aroostook County on April 3 and 4 as part of the weather research efforts that have been undertaken in northern Maine over the past decade. The University of Maine at Presque Isle began collaborating on this weather research in 2012 and will help to host the delegation during its visit. The Aroostook Band of Micmacs has been collaborating with the CREST team since 2016 and is also helping to host the group.

UMPI student living his second chance

For Shyquinn Dix, going to college isn’t just about getting an education, it’s about having a life-changing experience. The University of Maine at Presque Isle sophomore, Social Work major, and point guard for the Owls basketball team was featured on 60 Minutes in late March because of his unusual journey from success to second chance.

UMPI celebrates 18th annual University Day

In Their Shoes is the theme of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s 18th annual University Day, taking place on Wednesday, April 10, and students will be showcasing that theme in presentations on everything from student work with the Hope and Justice Project to the Underground Railroad in Maine to using floor worker feedback for changing recordkeeping procedures.

Reed Gallery presents exhibit by Michelle Mishaan

The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Art Gallery will present Painted Landscapes of Aroostook County by Michelle Mishaan from April 1 through May 10, 2019. The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the Gallery Reception on Friday, April 5, from 5-7 p.m. with an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

UMPI hosts Geological Society of Maine spring meeting

Working and aspiring geologists from throughout Maine, as well as geology educators and students, will gather at the University of Maine at Presque Isle when it hosts the Geological Society of Maine 2019 spring meeting on Friday, April 5. The meeting will be held in UMPI’s Campus Center from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

UMPI hosts “Compassionate Journey” book reading

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host a book reading by Maine writers Dr. Jenny Radsma, a faculty member at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and Cheryl Grant Gillespie, a long-time public school educator, on Wednesday, April 3, at 7 p.m. in Campus Center. The two are among five women who authored the anthology Compassionate Journey: Honoring Our Mothers’ Stories. The book reading is free and open to the public.

“Looperist” Taylor Reed set to perform at UMPI

Tampa, Florida-based musician Taylor Reed will travel to the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center for a rhythm and soul-filled performance that swerves from pop to R&B to jazz music. This event, sponsored by UMPI’s Student Activities Office, is free and open to the public and donations will be accepted at the door.