Maine’s research university responds

Planning, performing and persevering in a pandemic

Maine’s research university responds

Planning, performing and persevering in a pandemic

These are extraordinary times. I hope you and those you love are healthy and safe. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their lives and those whose well-being has been impacted by the coronavirus. COVID-19 has touched all of us and has forever changed us. Despite the uncertainty, there are many simple truths and underlying principles that make us strong. Most important: We are in this together.

In spite of this virus that is transforming our lives in unprecedented ways, we at the University of Maine continue to plan, perform and persevere every day. We are making important decisions in as timely a manner as possible, and supporting our students and employees in all the ways possible. And we enact our values of fostering learner success, discovering and innovating, and growing and advancing partnerships, every day, everywhere — from online instruction, to research on coronavirus immunity, to partnerships with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Maine Emergency Management Agency.

The very best of Black Bear Nation is coming through at this very difficult time. Despite their own professional and personal challenges, faculty and staff continue to focus on helping ensure student success and service to the state. In the UMaine community, the examples of innovation, vision and goodwill are endless, firm in the commitment that we must come together and work in partnership to come through the significant challenges and to continue to define tomorrow.

As the state’s only public research university, we have formed an innovation team to help evaluate and develop solutions to the shortages of supplies faced by Maine’s health care centers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many of our researchers as possible have turned their efforts to supporting the coronavirus fight in partnership with businesses, agencies and organizations statewide. And it is making a difference.

UMaine Today magazine will share stories of that leadership and collaboration in subsequent issues. In this issue, we wanted to offer some UMaine stories that provide familiar context in these uncertain times. These stories get to the breadth and depth of the state’s land grant university, and reaffirm that the University of Maine is here for you and all we serve as members of Black Bear Nation.

Take care of yourselves. Be well.

Ferrini-Mundy Signature
Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President

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