News and Events - Atlanta
Alums Aim to Start Chapter
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UMaine alums gather at
Atlanta home of Pete and Ada Lee Correll
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University of Maine graduates living in the
Atlanta area are one step closer to forming an alumni chapter.
They recently got the ball rolling thanks to
Pete and Ada Lee Correll who hosted a dinner at their Atlanta home
attended by more than 50 UMaine alums as well as by President
Robert Kennedy and representatives from the University's Office of
Development.
The idea was to see if there was any interest
in developing a UMaine alumni chapter.
Several Atlanta alumni pronounced the event a
huge success. They praised the Corrells for their graciousness and
said they welcomed the opportunity to meet other Black Bears. They
said they enjoyed listening to President Kennedy discuss the
exciting projects in which UMaine is involved. With more than 350
graduates in the Atlanta area, the time is ripe to create a UMaine
alumni organization, they agreed. Members could build support for
UMaine, spread word of the impressive things happening on campus,
and even recruit students.
"All it takes is two or three people with some
ideas and the willingness to pull people together," says Patrice
Krant '78, who planted the seed for the Atlanta event and
co-hosted with the Corells.
For Patrice, it's an especially fitting time
to form an alumni group. "We've got Campaign Maine to tie it to,"
she says, referring to UMaine's $150 million campaign currently
underway.
David Driscoll '87 is ready to roll. "I'd like
to start laying the groundwork. I think there's enough people who
have shown an interest. I got several business cards from folks
and I definitely will start getting in touch with them."
The event was the first opportunity for Dan
Lawless ‘75 to meet alums from Atlanta. He says he looks forward
to more occasions to connect with UMaine grads.
"It would be great to build relationships
around the University - it's something we all have in common."
Dorcas Goodwin Wilkinson '78 and '80 also is
enthusiastic about the prospect of an alumni organization.
"Our primary mission should be to help share
information about the great things that are happening at UMaine
and engage alumni in supporting our alma mater. When you hear Dr.
Kennedy and others speak about the important research going on and
the great students we are recruiting, you want to give back
because you realize you can have an impact."
Alumni agreed that among the highlights of the
dinner event was President Kennedy's presentation about the
cutting edge research and development initiatives UMaine is
spearheading -- such as the work being done in the Antarctic to
find solutions to global warming -- and the new educational
opportunities the flagship University is providing - including the
creation of the new school of policy and international affairs.
"It's good to know UMaine is still growing,"
says David.
Atlanta alumni say they were impressed with
President Kennedy's vision and leadership as well as his focus on
economic development.
Patrice noted his obvious pride in UMaine and
in the widespread recognition the flagship University is receiving
both from in and outside the state.
"He's a very good leader, very engaging," she
says. "He's humble but his confidence in the school comes across."
Alumni agree it did their collective hearts
good to belt out the Stein song and reminisce about old times.
"It just warmed my heart to see to see so many
people with fond memories and a strong connection to Orono," says
Patrice. "Everybody had a different story."
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