President's Message

President Robert A. Kennedy   Links related to this story

This issue of UMaine Today features several stories about University of Maine faculty and student researchers whose work has international implications. Good examples of the worldwide reach of UMaine expertise are Brenda Hall's groundbreaking research in Antarctica, Joyce Longcore's prominent role in the international effort to solve the puzzle of widespread amphibian die-offs and Louis Fortin's contributions to new archaeological discoveries in Peru
UMaine's strong academic programs with international affairs components are a powerful draw for the significant number of students who are interested in those disciplines. Our students have opportunities to study and intern abroad, and to interact with international members of our university community in Maine.

Our students also benefit from service learning activities that support their studies and provide the opportunity to help improve the lives of others. Professor of Spanish Kathleen March is a leader in this area, working primarily in Honduras. Another great faculty example is Sheila Pechinski of the Maine Business School, who recently led a student group to Belize, where they worked through Sustainable Harvest International to help people with agriculture-based businesses to develop effective land-use practices.

Modern communications technology and other factors have dramatically changed the ways in which we interface with those in other countries. Because of the international stature of so many UMaine faculty members, our students have the opportunity to learn how to interact and communicate across time zones and cultures, preparing them for leadership roles in the worldwide society of the future.