At 100 years of age, Lillian Keirstead, of Easton, Maine, will don an academic robe to help celebrate her alma mater's centennial. Lillian will join other alumni, including several from the 50th class, for the University of Maine at Presque Isle's commencement ceremony on May 10, 2003.
Lillian graduated from what was then the Aroostook State Normal School in 1923 with a teaching certificate. The school was opened in 1903 as part of the normal school movement to train teachers. After teaching in one-room schoolhouses for several years, following her military husband from state to state and raising a family, Lillian still fondly remembers her years at ASNS.
"I am so proud and excited that I am able to take part in this ceremony," Lillian said. "It's always great to return to the campus. And I've been practicing with my walker all week!"
The University will showcase a trio of prominent alumni as commencement speakers. Irvin Belanger '65 spent more than 30 years as a teacher and administrator in a northern Maine school system, and was subsequently elected to the Maine Legislature; Kathy Spangler '79, is the Marketing Director for the National Recreation and Park Association; and Mark Wentworth '76 currently serves as Counselor for Public Affairs in the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.
Over 200 degrees will be conferred during the commencement ceremony that begins at 10:30 a.m. in Wieden Gymnasium. The University of Maine at Presque Isle provides its 1400 traditional and non-traditional students with adventurous learning opportunities for personal discovery and individual adventure so that students develop the skills and self-confidence to succeed in life. One of seven autonomous campuses within the University of Maine System, UMPI combines liberal arts and selected professional programs and serves as a cultural and educational resource for the entire community.
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