Retiree Homecoming
June 6, 2007

Once again, the Retiree Homecoming was a tremendous success.  We had our largest number of retirees in attendance to date; the McIntire Room was at maximum capacity! Harold "Brownie" Brown, Chair of the President’s Council of Retired Employees, welcomed everyone to what has become a much anticipated annual event—a time to see friends and coworkers and to get an update from President Kennedy on how things are going at UMaine.

Homecoming will be especially memorable for Brownie this year as he received the second annual Barbara Hikel Award.  This award is given in memory of University of Maine retiree, Barbara Hikel, in recognition of her long, devoted, and exemplary volunteer service to the University after retirement.  Brownie retired from Cooperative Extension in 1996 and has continued to serve UMaine – his alma mater – in numerous ways.  In addition to chairing the Retiree Council since it began in 2000, he has continued to work with 4-H, both at the local and national levels.  He works on important fundraising activities through the President's Development Council and the retiree portion of the Combined Charitable Appeal for University Employees.  Congratulations, Brownie!

Professor Emeritus Katherine Musgrave wowed the crowd with her presentation, "What's Happening in Foods and Nutrition".  We received many positive comments; Professor Musgrave is certainly a wealth of knowledge and information and we so much appreciate her being with us.

After a lovely lunch in tight quarters (it will be wonderful to meet in the newly renovated Wells Commons next year!), we ended the day with the drawing of the door prize winners.  A special thanks to the University Bookstore and the University of Maine Foundation for the door prizes.  Please mark your calendars for the 2008 Retiree Homecoming to be held on June 3.