Bruno Mendes De Freitas takes you on his inspiring journey from UMA aviation student to MIF flight instructor, sharing his deep appreciation for Maine in this beautifully crafted self-produced video.

天美传媒 (UMA) Associate Professor of Justice Studies Sharon McMahon Sawyer has recently returned from six weeks of intensive engagement with faculty and students as a visiting professor at the (TUL) in the Czech Republic.

Sharon arrived on Sept. 21, 2024 and stayed very busy lecturing two to four times per week, offering workshops for professors and team teaching with various faculty on a broad range of topics, including American studies, psychology, mediation, conflict resolution, active listening and cross cultural communications.

In addition to teaching, Sharon鈥檚 time in the Czech Republic was spent reconnecting with education colleagues and collaborating to develop a network of TUL and UMA professors who will combine their expertise across disciplines to build international virtual classrooms for UMA students and students at TUL.

There are several professors at both universities collaboratively creating cross-cultural, interdisciplinary courses. 鈥淭his is something we鈥檝e been working toward since 2011,鈥� said Sharon. 鈥滻n 2019, I co-created a course module on international law and the Holocaust, which was my first attempt at Collaborative Online International Learning (). We are so fortunate to have the full support of President Cushman, the Provost and Deans in developing COIL opportunities at UMA. UMA has always offered our students the cutting edge in distance learning, so we are in a great position to expand our reach across national borders.鈥�

There is a lot of work involved to make sure that all the students have access to the same materials in their respective languages, and it can be challenging facilitating bi-lingual group discussions, but facing these challenges and finding solutions is part of what will make these programs special, meaningful and successful.

Sharon鈥檚 amazing work with TUL faculty and students in the Czech Republic exemplifies 天美传媒 dedication to creating opportunities that adapt to students’ unique circumstances and aspirations. By fostering innovative, cross-cultural learning experiences and building international networks, she advances 天美传媒 mission to deliver transformative, career-aligned education that extends beyond borders. Her efforts to integrate global perspectives into the classroom ensure that students are equipped to thrive in an interconnected world, making a lasting impact both locally and globally.

Ryan Browning, a dedicated music student at the 天美传媒 (UMA), recently achieved a remarkable feat by completing a relay swim across the English Channel. His story is one of commitment to achieving goals and doing what you love.

Ryan pursues his interests wholeheartedly. From an early age, he enjoyed both music and swimming. He swam competitively in his early and middle school years and began playing the saxophone at age 12. He earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics and a master鈥檚 in business. After college, he began doing marathons and triathlons, even completing a half-Ironman in 2012. However, the birth of his first son in 2015 led to a brief hiatus from his musical and athletic activities. Now a father to three young boys, Ryan shares his love of music and fitness with them and is setting an example by pursuing dreams, exploring potential and living life to the fullest.

Training for the English Channel swim was no small task. Ryan connected online with others who had completed the swim, learning about the logistics and permissions required, and found a team. The training involved open-water swimming, maintaining a pattern, cold-water endurance and preparing for the unpredictable weather conditions that could delay the swim.

With all the preparation and travel, there is no guarantee you will be permitted to swim. Waiting for good weather can be a real challenge. 鈥淲e were assembled and ready to go on Sunday, but after several false starts we got the green light to go on Saturday.鈥� Further, the call could come in at any time. 鈥淚t could be two in the afternoon or two in the morning. You never know when the conditions will clear and you absolutely could be doing your swim in the dark.鈥� Ryan recalled. In the end, the team did it. Ryan swam three one-hour-long legs of the relay and through his swim raised nearly $2,000 for Mencap, a UK charity that provides respite care for families with neurodivergent children.

Ryan sees parallels between the discipline and focus of both musical and physical training. The meticulous practice of music, focusing on rhythm and breathing, translated seamlessly into his swimming technique. 鈥淢uscle memory is key, establishing the rhythm and flow in your body so the other things can鈥檛 distract you,鈥� he explained.

His love of learning and passion for music drew Ryan back to school. At UMA, Ryan has found a supportive environment that allows him to pursue his musical interests and explore new ways to engage with music, while still maintaining balance between career responsibilities, family time, and athletic goals. Living just outside of New York City, Ryan had numerous local options for musical studies, but distance learning through UMA became his program of choice. He appreciates the flexibility of the program, 鈥淚 love that I can ratchet and fine-tune my program鈥攖hrottle the bandwidth, so to speak, and adjust as needed.鈥�

Part of that family time is sharing a love for music with his boys who are all learning stringed instruments with the Suzuki Method. 鈥淗aving built up my music theory skills, I鈥檝e arranged some songs for us to play together at Christmas鈥攎y two oldest on violin and cello, me on piano,鈥� Ryan said.

There is joy in the journey, and every step can bring new skill and new understanding that goes beyond the moment. While Ryan is working to complete his music studies at UMA, his next three-to-five year goal is a solo swim across the English Channel.

Parker White is a full-time freshman aviation student at the 天美传媒 (UMA). When he鈥檚 not engrossed in his studies, you鈥檒l find him behind the wheel of his racing simulator, honing the skills that led him to clinch his first eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series Championship. His ability to manage both demanding schedules highlights his commitment and time-management skills, and his success is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Though sim races are run virtually, often from the comfort of one鈥檚 own home, eNASCAR is a global competition that has been operating for over 15 years. Racers from around the world compete in several qualifying rounds, aiming to land in the top 40 for a chance to race before a live audience for $100,000 in first-place prize money, bragging rights, and team contract offers. 

His victory in the final race of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series was nothing short of exhilarating. In the highly anticipated finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Parker demonstrated exceptional racing prowess. The tension peaked in the final laps, where Parker鈥檚 strategic moves and unwavering focus drove him to victory. You can . His triumph was celebrated not only by his fans and family, but also by racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who presented him with the championship trophy, the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Cup.

For Parker, iRacing has been more than just a fun hobby; he enjoys reciprocal benefits between racing and flying. 鈥淢y driving and flying skills have helped with each other鈥攖he attention to detail going through flight checklists and race prep, as well as the precision needed to bank a corner with a car or land a plane safely. I鈥檝e really honed my focus,鈥� says Parker. 鈥淎lso, communication and working together as a team鈥攚e have to work together as a team every single race.鈥�

Parker鈥檚 championship win has had a significant impact, both personally and within the sim racing community. For Parker, this victory represents the culmination of countless hours of practice, dedication, and skill refinement. It also solidifies his reputation as one of the top sim racers in the world. 

While he could easily make a career out of iRacing, Parker is aiming for the sky, 鈥淚鈥檝e loved airplanes for as long as he can remember.鈥� Parker will be funding his aviation education with a portion of his prize money. “I chose UMA because it is close to home and has a very good aviation program. When looking at colleges, UMA made the most sense to me.鈥� After attaining a bachelor of science degree in Aviation at UMA, Parker plans to become a pilot for a major commercial airline. 

Parker White鈥檚 journey is far from over and his future looks incredibly bright. Balancing these two demanding pursuits, Parker embodies dedication and passion, inspiring his peers and fellow racers. Whether it’s in the skies or on the virtual track, Parker is set to make a lasting impact.

Casey Raymond is, by all accounts, a remarkable young woman. At just 20 years old, she has earned her commercial pilot certificate and is working toward becoming a flight instructor. She is involved in several aviation clubs and organizations, employed at Mac Air in Portland, Maine, and is working toward a bachelor of applied science degree in Aviation at the 天美传媒 (UMA). Casey鈥檚 love of all things aviation knows no bounds.

Early Interest, Early Setback

At the age of 15, Casey knew she was going to be a pilot, although it wasn鈥檛 her first career choice. 鈥淲hen I was younger, I wanted to be an aerospace engineer,鈥� she said. Casey had an aptitude for math and was enchanted by the idea of space flight. However, when her high school guidance counselor suggested she attend a piloting workshop sponsored by UMA, Casey jumped at the opportunity. After her discovery flight in January of 2020, her path became clear. Casey enrolled in flight school.

Casey鈥檚 fledgling aspirations hit some bumpy air at the outset. She began her aviation studies, working hard to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for that first big milestone鈥攕olo flight. In March of 2020, she went for the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight medical test and was faced with a setback. They discovered Casey had type-1 diabetes and the FAA requires one year of disease management data before granting flight approval. Though the setback was disappointing, Casey is ultimately grateful, 鈥渇lying saved my life,鈥� she said. This discovery coincided with the beginning of COVID-19 when access to medical care was severely inhibited. but Casey was given a plan and did what was needed to get her blood sugar under control and managed.

Casey persevered through the setback. Knowing she would eventually attend UMA, she earned college credits through AP high school classes and early college courses. In addition, through a partnership between UMA and the flight school Casey attended鈥擬aine Instrument Flight based in Augusta, Maine鈥攕he was able to apply her flight training as credits toward her university degree.

Casey Takes Off

At long last, after a year of diabetes management, countless calls to the FAA, paperwork, and more than a little patience, Casey made her first solo flight in May of 2021. 鈥淢y favorite thing about flying is the moment when you initially lift off the ground. That moment of separation; there’s no way to describe it until the first time you do it solo.鈥� Casey has been unstoppable ever since. She earned her private pilot certificate in February of 2022, her instrument rating in June of 2023, and her commercial pilot certificate in July of 2024. But Casey isn鈥檛 done yet. She is working toward becoming a flight instructor and began her studies at UMA Aviation Maintenance Technician School in pursuit of a bachelor鈥檚 degree.  

Though Casey is the only female student in her cohort, she is in good company. Maria Wilcox, Aviation Maintenance Program Coordinator and instructor at UMA, has worked in aviation maintenance for over eight years and serves as a role model for Casey. Despite the challenges she has faced, Maria finds fulfillment in her work. 鈥淚 love what I do and can鈥檛 imagine doing anything else,鈥� Maria says. 鈥淚t isn鈥檛 easy being a woman in this field, but if there is anyone who can succeed at it, it鈥檚 Casey. She has a lot of drive and interest, and she fits in well with others.鈥� Casey鈥檚 enthusiasm, curiosity and drive buoy her above stereotypes as she focuses on the work and the joy of doing something she loves.

When Casey completes the five-semester certificate program she can immediately sit for the exams required to become an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant technician/mechanic, allowing her to work on a wide range of aircraft, including general aviation planes, airliners and helicopters. 

Giving Back

Casey鈥檚 studies are important to her, but there is more to her life than just school. She is involved in leadership roles in a number of aviation clubs and organizations in her area. She was a summer counselor in Bangor at ACE Camp鈥擜viation Careers Education鈥攁 nation-wide program co-sponsored by the FAA and the U.S. Military. Geared toward high schoolers seeking aviation careers, the camp offers classes, hands-on projects, leadership training and, of course, flying. She never got to attend as a highschooler but loved being a counselor and getting to see the behind-the-scenes planning and sharing her love of flying with the campers.

Casey volunteers at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Rockland, Maine, home to numerous functioning antique planes that require regular maintenance, and sometimes her smaller stature also comes in handy. 鈥淭he planes were not ergonomically designed,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey often call on me to get in a cockpit or to reach behind an engine.鈥� Unfortunately, Casey hasn鈥檛 had much opportunity to fly the antiques. 鈥淢ost are tailwheels. I鈥檝e got my endorsement, but the museum requires 200 hours of tailwheel to fly their planes. I鈥檝e got about three so far.鈥�

Currently serving as the public relations officer of the UMA Aeronautical Society, Casey builds community within the aviation program through support and advocacy. 鈥淲e鈥檒l be at a fly-in and she will know everyone there. She has more connections in the aviation world than anyone I know.鈥� said Cole Martin, president of the UMA Aeronautical Society. 鈥淐asey makes sure each student gets connected with an experienced pilot who shares the student鈥檚 interest and can explain career options,鈥� he noted. 鈥淔lying is more than airlines and private jets. There鈥檚 mail flights, cropdusting, rescue and humanitarian work,鈥� remarked Cole, 鈥淥ur main things are showing people what鈥檚 possible and spreading the love of aviation. Casey is a huge part of that.鈥� 

Another strength Casey brings to the club is organization. Cole remarked, 鈥渟he organized an entire fly-in here in Augusta with pilots from all over Maine, coordinating everything with the airport and pilots. Everyone knew where to park; she arranged for food. They all got to see the school. It was great!鈥�

Her newest role, however, is also her biggest. Casey was recently appointed chairwoman of the Katahdin Wings Chapter of the New England section of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots. Founded by 99 women pilots, Amelia Earhart was the group鈥檚 first president in 1931. As chairwoman, this young aviator not only organizes and runs meetings for the approximately 30 members in her chapter but also facilitates section meetings which includes securing meeting space, hotel rooms and meals for the attendees. 鈥淣ext year our chapter is hosting the international conference,鈥� Casey beamed. She is clearly up for the challenge.

Finding Community

Though Casey does not fit the stereotypes for either a pilot or a mechanic, she feels at home in the aviation community. 鈥淎viation is a small, interwoven community and I find everyone to be really supportive and protective,鈥� said Casey, who often brings her parents along to fly-ins. 鈥淧eople will sometimes walk up to my dad and start talking about planes. He鈥檚 a nurse and has never been into this stuff,鈥� Casey mused. 鈥淲hen he tells them that I鈥檓 the pilot, they may be a little surprised and embarrassed, but just shift the conversation over to me.鈥�

Charting a Course for the Future

For folks interested in aviation, Casey offers this advice: 鈥淒on鈥檛 think it鈥檚 not an option. It will take a lot of time and a lot of money, but everyone in the aviation community has been through the exact same thing, and they want to see you succeed. They have genuine enjoyment and passion for flying and want to share it, and there are many organizations that offer scholarships and support. I鈥檓 not going to pretend it鈥檚 easy, but there are a lot of people to help you.鈥� Casey herself is one of those people. 鈥淲hat inspires me most about Casey is she never takes no as an answer,” says her mother Carrie Raymond. 鈥淚nstead, she says ‘I can do this,鈥� and 鈥榣et me show you how.鈥�” 

Casey has high hopes for her future after graduating from UMA. Her goal is to own her own plane and fly humanitarian missions. 鈥淔lights are a lifeline for remote populations. It’s a specific type of work, going into their very small airstrips in challenging conditions. I鈥檓 studying maintenance because if something goes wrong on a mission, I will need to repair my own plane,鈥� she wisely notes. Exactly what form her humanitarian service will take is still up in the air. 鈥淭here are so many options. I want to help smaller communities thrive by flying in food and supplies or flying their goods out to more lucrative markets where they can fetch better prices,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I鈥檇 also like to do work flying for Doctors Without Borders or aerial firefighting.鈥� Whatever course she chooses, if her future is anything like her present, Casey will likely do it all and do it with excellence. Friend and flight instructor Jonathan Ward says, 鈥淪ometimes you meet people in life that you know are going to change the world. Casey is one of them.鈥�

Debora Rountree, director of 天美传媒 (UMA) East Millinocket Center, is the recipient of the Maine Development Foundation (MDF) Honors 2024 Champion of Rural Economic Development Award.

According to the MDF website, 鈥淭he Champion of Rural Economic Development Award was created by MDF to honor an individual or organization that envisions great potential and possibilities for Maine鈥檚 rural communities and works to make that vision a reality. It recognizes organizations and individuals who are dedicated to high standards for their community, defend its unique character, profess a vision, and rally behind its economic potential. Awardees demonstrate outstanding collaboration, leadership, innovation, a commitment to a shared set of values and may be professionals, volunteers, whole organizations or businesses.鈥�

Presenting the award, Rosie Vanadestine, Chief Operating Officer with MDF said, 鈥淒eb is the poster child for all of this. Her official title is: Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives for Eastern Maine Community College and the 天美传媒. It is a big title and yet it only scratches the surface of all the broad ways Deb helps improve lives and fuel careers for thousands in the Katahdin region.鈥�

Rountree has served the people of the Katahdin region for nearly 30 years connecting people with jobs, job training, higher education, and childcare. Rountree herself earned her associate of science degree in social services from UMA, and both her bachelor鈥檚 degree in mental health and human services and master’s degree in education from the University of Maine.

The honor came as a surprise to Rountree. 鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 expecting it!鈥� she said, 鈥淚 just get personal satisfaction seeing others succeed. It just drives you to want to help more people and provide hope.鈥�

Rountree鈥檚 work at 天美传媒 East Millinocket Center began in 1995 when she was brought on as assistant director, and she has dedicated her career to helping others succeed. In 2002, when the closing of the paper mills nearly devastated the Millinocket area, she worked tirelessly to help the displaced workers find new employment. Approximately 8,000 people across the state sought career retraining as a result. Rountree partnered with individuals who reached out to the center. By evaluating their previous education and job skills, and also recognizing the skills they possessed beyond their trade job titles, she helped workers find new career paths in IT, nursing, mental health and more, and guided those who needed or wanted further education into programs that matched their goals.

When she saw how big the need was for childcare, Rountree was instrumental in establishing a facility onsite at the East Millinocket center. In 2022, she wrote a grant to refurbish and expand it to meet the community鈥檚 growing childcare needs. Vandestine said, 鈥淒eb鈥檚 project of passion, the state-of-the-art childcare center is meeting early childhood development for hundreds of children while simultaneously erasing a significant barrier for countless families, allowing parents to pursue their dreams while knowing their children are in safe and nurturing hands.鈥�

Addressing the needs of students experiencing food insecurity, the UMA center provided a food pantry for over seven years.

Rountree actively serves on several boards including the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce, the Katahdin Collaborative, The Katahdin Region Development Board and is a founding member of Katahdin Revitalization. As part of the Katahdin Revitalization efforts, she works with companies looking to relocate to the area, thus increasing much needed job opportunities, revenue, and new technologies to the region. As a result of her efforts, the area鈥檚 first indoor salmon farm will be built next year.

鈥淭he most wonderful part of my job is when you get to know the people in your community and you get to help make positive transitions in their lives,鈥� said Rountree. University and community leaders attended the award ceremony to celebrate and thank her for her leadership, service, and the impact she has had transforming the lives and empowering the communities in the Katahdin Region.

Rudeness seems to be everywhere these days. In his new book, “Rudeness Rehab: Reclaiming Civility in the Workplace and Your Home Space” (2024, Indie Books International), psychologist and author John M. O’Brien compares the spread of rudeness in our culture to the spread of COVID-19, 鈥淸it鈥檚] like a new pandemic plaguing human interactions worldwide.鈥� One can hardly disagree as society is becoming more divisive.

It is easy to see the negative effects of aggression and violence, but this book shines light on the harmful impacts of rudeness. 鈥淢ost of us are less aware of the more subtle but nonetheless toxic behavior that is incivility,鈥� O鈥橞rien says in his book. Treating each other poorly, whether family members, coworkers, or perfect strangers affects both the physical and emotional health of all involved.

Throughout Rudeness Rehab, O’Brien guides readers to see the value in interacting with others kindly, presents tools to identify and nullify rudeness triggers, and offers strategies for a civil way forward. Colt Briner, author of “The Race to Relevance,” says “Rudeness Rehab,” 鈥渋s an investment in emotional intelligence. These are the sorts of lessons that pay dividends for a lifetime.鈥� Professor Brenda McAleer, Ph.D., Associate Provost of the 天美传媒 (UMA) and the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, says she feels more equipped to deal with incivility in her own life and in her ability to help others who may be struggling with this issue. 鈥淚 have even used the final sentence in his prologue in teaching my Organizational Behavior college course: 鈥楨very moment in life is a new chance for a reset and an opportunity to start fresh.鈥欌��

In celebration of the book鈥檚 launch on October 8, Amazon鈥檚 Kindle is offering the e-version of “Rudeness Rehab: Reclaiming Civility in the Workplace and Your Home Space” for just 99 cents through October 15.

John M. O’Brien, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice since 1998. He is founder of Mental Health Associates of Maine and Activate Success. O’Brien serves as an adjunct professor at the 天美传媒, teaching courses in psychology, trauma, and addiction-related topics, and also provides professional speaking on a variety of topics related to effective stress management with a special emphasis on civility. He is an International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ICF ACC) and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. O’Brien equips people with tangible skills and concrete tools that empower them to swiftly reduce stress levels and enhance wellness. More information about O’Brien, his work and his book, is available at .

As part of its continuing commitment to intellectual community, the 天美传媒 Research Colloquium (UMARC) series is a venue for UMA faculty, staff, and sponsored students to present completed scholarly works to their peers. The series provides a forum for the presentation of all UMA research (as defined by the Faculty Senate in 2010) including scientific investigations, innovations in education, creative works, and theoretical considerations.

The effects of human interaction on Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) behavior and nest predation

Two professors from the 天美传媒 (UMA) presented their research on the effects of human interaction on Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) behavior and nest predation on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the UMA Augusta campus.

Marielle Postava-Davignon and Jennifer Long, both UMA assistant professors of biology, compared jay behavior and nest predation levels in New Hampshire and Maine between sites where little human interaction has been documented, and sites located at popular recreation areas where feeding has been well documented. They captured, banded, tracked and recorded the birds鈥� behavior to determine if human interaction impacts important behaviors such as predation and breeding.

The Canada jay, when living near humans, can be a friendly little songbird that seems to enjoy engaging with humans and the free food we provide, whether in a feeder or out of a trash can at a scenic overlook. Known by several other names such as the gray jay, whiskey jack, and even camp robber, they might steal food from your picnic table and even eat right out of your hand. It was this bold behavior that caught the attention of Postava-Davignon, an avid hiker. 鈥淥ne tried to steal my lunch when I was hiking and was rather pesky about it,鈥� she quipped. She then wondered if it was or wasn鈥檛 okay to feed them, and if doing so caused them to be so audacious. Back home and after a thorough search for information, she found nothing definitive on the subject. She invited Long to join the project, and so it began. Through their research, Drs. Long and Postava-Davignon observed that Canada jays living in more remote areas often behave differently from their more urban-dwelling counterparts.

Visit uma.edu/umarc for more information and a schedule of future presentations.