Linda Ives
Education Director
Upward Bound Math/Science and Classic Programs

Linda Ives has been an integral part of the Upward Bound program for 15 years,  the past 10 years as Director.  During this time she has dedicated herself to advancing the hopes, aspirations and education of countless students from Maine high schools. In her role as Director she worked tirelessly to maintain steady funding for Classic and Math Science Upward Bound and get the best level of programming for her students.  The College of Education and Human Development took great pride in her grant-writing abilities as she secured a 5th year of funding on a 4-year writing cycle three times.  She was a champion for Upward Bound and a beloved mentor and colleague to her staff.  She took every opportunity to reward the staff and build their skills and confidence.  As she retires from the University and the Upward Bound program, she leaves a program that is funded, with books that are balanced, and the direction of the program in good hands.

Linda passes on a legacy that is rich in commitment to the students of Upward Bound and a passion to assist them in breaking the cycle of poverty that all too often keeps students from realizing their dream of obtaining a college education and a better future for themselves.  It is her vision that created the “Friends of Upward Bound,” a fund to support graduating Upward Bound students into their first year of college.  The fund raising Art Auction, now in its fifth year, is another result of Linda’s determination to find community support for our students.

In her “active” retirement, Linda looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren, resuming her passion for travel and hiking, and exploring the next adventures that life has to bring her way.  We wish Linda, a Director with a very big heart, all the best in her new adventures as writer, gardener, fly-fisher, trekker, partner and “Grammy.”