Criminal Justice Academy Graduation

WINTER/SPRING 2015 - 2016
MAGAZINE
Criminal Justice Academy Graduation
Homecoming & Family Weekend Highlights
WINTER/SPRING 2015 - 2016
MAGAZINE
6
From Classroom to Career
Meet the students and read about the programs
that make Thomas the premiere school for
Criminal Justice.
8
The Faces of Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice Professors at Thomas Steven Giorgetti, Dr. Tracey Horton, and Dr. Mark
Marsolais.
12
Center for Innovation in Education
Thomas College received a significant investment
from the Lunder Foundation in support of the new
education center.
14
Athletics - Men’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer captured its fourth North Atlantic
Soccer Championship in six years. Tre Ming ’17 was
NAC Player of the Year.
16
Catching Up with Tom Largay
As is the case in many young professionals’ lives,
former Thomas College professor Tom Largay
explored lots of career opportunities right out of
college.
25
Homecoming & Family Weekend
A great weekend catching up with friends and
enjoying activities.
5
Letter from the Board Co-Chair
22
Class Notes
29
In Memoriam
2 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
On the cover:
Recent graduate William Janakis ’16, with
a degree in Criminal Justice, is pinned at
his graduation from the Police Academy in
Vassalboro, ME.
This year Thomas College had four students
graduate from the Academy. Each one of them
has already secured a position with a law
enforcement agency in Maine.
Congratulations graduates!
For more information about a degree in
Criminal Justice, please see our story on page 6.
6
25
“I came to Thomas to better
myself and get my life started
on a better track. I want a
positive future for myself. I
want to further my education
not only to make my family
and loved ones proud, but
also to give myself a sense of
accomplishment.”
Faith Robinson, Class of 2016
THOMAS FUND
By giving to the Thomas Fund,
you can help hardworking students like
Faith make it to graduation.
thomas.edu/give
For more information, please contact Erin Baltes, Assistant VP of Advancement, at (207) 859-1327 or [email protected].
THOMAS MAGAZINE 3
www.thomas.edu
Editor
Jennifer Buker
Managing Editor
Shonna Humphrey
Copy Editors
Erin Baltes
Shonna Humphrey
Contributing Writers
Erin Baltes
Jennifer Buker
Shonna Humphrey
Bob Moore ’79
Design
Jennifer Buker
Letters and news items welcome
The Thomas Magazine is published
three times per year by Thomas College.
Signed letters may be sent to the editor
at Thomas College, 180 West River
Road, Waterville, ME 04901 or e-mailed
to [email protected]. Letters and news
items may be edited for length and style.
Mission
Thomas College prepares students for
success in their personal and professional
lives, and for leadership and service in their
communities.
4 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Board of Trustees
President’s Council
Board Co-Chairs
President
Conrad L. Ayotte ’77, H’98
Todd D. Smith ’92, M.B.A. ’99
First Vice-Chair
Douglas L. Cutchin H’09
Second Vice-Chair
Brian M. Bernatchez ’88
Secretary/Clerk of the Corporation
Kenneth P. Viens
Clifford C. Abbott, Jr.
Jim Doyle
William L. Dubay ’72
Marc Gendron ’77
Gary Goldman ’78
Dr. Katherine Haley
Charles “Wick” Johnson
Meredith Jones
Laurie G. Lachance M.B.A. ’92
Cary Olson Cartwright
Gregory Piper
Dorcas B. Riley
H. Allen Ryan H’08
William J. Ryan, Jr.
Howard E. Sevey
Kelley B. Shimansky ’89
Richard F. Spellman M.S. ’80
Trustees Emeriti
Edwin P. Carboni
James Hennigar H’03
Susan B. Lavenson H’94
Susan S. Roche
Laurie G. Lachance M.B.A. ’92
Provost
Dr. Thomas Edwards
Executive Vice President
Bernie Ouellette ’92, M.B.A. ’99
Senior Vice President and CFO
Beth Gibbs M.B.A. ’93, P’12
Vice President of Advancement
Bob Moore ’79
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Jonathan Kent
Vice President of Information Services and CIO
Christopher Rhoda ’88, M.B.A. ’89
Vice President of Student Affairs
Lisa Desautels-Poliquin
Assistant Vice President of Retention Services
Debbie Cunningham
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Mikaela Ziobro M.S. ’15
Dear Thomas
Community,
You would ordinarily
read President
Lachance’s words
here, but for this
issue, I have asked
for this space to
publicly honor some
of her most recent
accomplishments.
First, I am proud
to report that this year’s enrollment numbers have
increased by 4%, and Thomas now counts 815 full time
undergraduate students – the largest student population
in our history. Both recruitment and retention efforts
contributed to this record-breaking achievement, and
though it was truly a team effort, every team needs a great
leader – and President Lachance is one of the best!
In October, we announced our partnership with the
Lunder Foundation to create the Center for Innovation
in Education at Thomas College. With the Lunder
Foundation’s significant investment, we will look to
establish Thomas as regional, and, ultimately, global hub
of technological distinction and innovation within the
Education field.
leaders to campus to provide low-cost, expert professional
development for all Maine public school educators. No
other Maine college currently offers a STEAM-based
model and prepares classroom-ready new teachers for the
proficiency-based learning methods.
For this type of visionary and collaborative leadership,
President Lachance was chosen by Mainebiz to receive one
of ten “NEXT” awards in recognition of her work to reduce
the cost of higher education and the impact of this work
on Maine’s economy. This honor is given to trailblazers in
their respective industries, and I could not agree more.
President Lachance received this award on November 5,
and I invite the entire Thomas community – past, present,
and future – to join me in celebrating her accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Conrad Ayotte ’77, H’98
Co-Chair, Thomas Board of Trustees
The Center will train graduates to deliver proficiencybased learning methods, change the Education curriculum
to embed arts education and critical thinking skills
throughout the existing STEM model, and bring thought
THOMAS MAGAZINE 5
From Classroom
to Career:
Criminal Justice
By Shonna Humphrey
The Thomas College Criminal Justice program stands out
from others by focusing on practical training so graduates
can apply in-class instruction to real-world situations.
Faculty members are professionals who have worked
extensively in the field, and students explore career paths in
corrections, homeland security, and law enforcement.
Best of all, thanks to an agreement of mutual understanding
with the Maine Department of Public Safety, the criminal
justice degree program at Thomas features an option to
attend the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Course at
the Maine Criminal Justice Academy during a student’s
senior year. By completing this course, students become
certified to perform law enforcement duties in most
jurisdictions - while earning college credit and saving money.
Multicultural issues are addressed in Criminal Justice
classes, and students participate in engaging and lively
classroom debates. Students demonstrate flexibility and
responsibility in managing a real-world project with a
Criminal Justice Experience course, independent research
project, or internship.
With an 18 student average class size, students forge close
relationships and learn together. Said Crystal Peatfield ‘16,
“ When I was in high school everything was taught out of a
book with no connection to real life. I came to Thomas and
have the honor of being taught by the perfect examples of
realistic professors in Criminal Justice. My professors talk
from experience more than they do from the book. There is
6 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
no better way of learning than learning through your own
experiences along with others’ experiences.”
Students graduate with the ability to:
• Comprehend and assess the importance of the
criminal system within any given society
• Demonstrate effective oral and written
communications skills
• Analyze the functional components of the criminal
justice system
• Explain the Constitutional rights enjoyed by citizens
of the United States
• Describe various cultural issues and diversity and
the manner in which they affect the criminal justice
system
• Apply philosophical, legal, and procedural principles
to problems and cases within the criminal justice
system
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to
become a professional in the criminal justice system
• Analyze and debate current critical issues affecting
the performance of criminal justice professional
Alumni tell us that Thomas prepared them well. Recent
Criminal Justice internships and field experiences
include the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law
Enforcement Course, Washington Center for Internships
and Academic Seminars, Interpol, U.S. Marshals Service, and
the U.S. Department of Justice.
Criminal Justice Professor
Criminal Justice Alum
Eric Sucy ’13
“Our Criminal Justice program
stands out from others by
focusing on practical training
so you can apply your degree to
real-world situations. ”
Eric Sucy ’13
By Shonna Humphrey
Trooper Eric Sucy ’13 patrols Aroostook County,
particularly between Bridgewater to Danforth, with Maine
State Police’s Troop F. As a graduate of the Thomas College
Criminal Justice program, Trooper Sucy credits his courses
at Thomas for beginning his interest in law enforcement.
Baseball, too, played a role, as well as the campus proximity
to his hometown. A graduate of Messalonskee High School,
Trooper Sucy says, “I chose Thomas because of the small
class sizes and it was close to home. I was able to play
baseball at a competitive level and get a four year degree
from a respected school.”
He also highlights the advantage of completing the Maine
Criminal Justice Academy requirements while still a
student at Thomas. “The tuition program is one of the best
things going. The hardest part about law enforcement is
getting hired by a law enforcement agency. By taking the
opportunity the tuition program gives you, you will be set
up with a foundation for a long and plentiful career.”
By completing the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement
Course at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy during
his senior year at Thomas, Trooper Sucy was able to earn
college credit and save money in the process.
Trooper Sucy is also quick to credit Thomas criminal justice
professor Steven Dyer. “He always believed in me and was
encouraging about law enforcement being the right fit for me.”
When asked how a potential student might know the
criminal justice program is the right fit, Trooper Sucy
advises visiting both the Thomas campus and the Criminal
Justice Academy. That way, he suggests, a potential student
will have a better sense of what is required and whether or
not it is something a student truly wants to pursue.
He also offers this advice. “Keep your head down, do
your job, and always tell the truth. Integrity is everything
in this career.”
THOMAS MAGAZINE 7
Criminal Justice Professor
Steven Giorgetti
Tell me about your accomplishments. I understand that
you have quite a history in the field of Criminal Justice.
By Jennifer Buker
For the first 7 to 8 years of the Criminal Justice Program,
Steve Giorgetti was the only professor teaching the
curriculum at Thomas College. He began his career with
Thomas as a consultant in 1999 when the College was
looking to expand. At the time, Giorgetti was the Director
of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and was very
supportive of educating future criminal justice students.
He began as an adjunct instructor and remembers his
first class, Introduction to Criminal Justice, had an initial
seven students enrolled. The same seven signed up for
the subsequent Patrol Class. With those two classes, the
program at Thomas had begun. Giorgetti became a fulltime professor in 2002 when he retired from the Criminal
Justice Academy. We talked with Steve Giorgetti about his
time at Thomas and how the program has evolved.
I was at the Police Academy for 25 years with my last 8
years as Director and 15 years here teaching Criminal
Justice. In 1990 the State of Maine purchased the Oak
Grove Coburn School complex. The site consisted of
over 105 acres with a main facility complex. In 1998, the
Legislature appropriated $11,271,203 to renovate the
former Oak-Grove Coburn School and build a criminal
justice training facility. In 2000, the Legislature gave us an
additional $2,000,000 to complete the project. I played a
large part in the creation of the new facility, from programs
to building design.
Most recently, I was honored with the President’s Award
from the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. (Pictured
below) I am the first civilian to receive this prestigious
award. It was quite the honor for me.
How has the Criminal Justice Program at Thomas grown?
What do you provide your students in Criminal Justice?
The program has grown immensely. As I said, my first class
was made up of seven students and I was the only CJ
professor. This year, more than 60 students have signed on
for the CJ program and we now have 4 full-time professors
as well as one Psychology professor in the program. We
offer majors in Criminal Justice as well as Criminal Justice
Administration. Students are exposed to management
classes as well as Criminal Justice related classes - it
gives them a well-rounded education and the ability to
apply critical thinking to their jobs when they start working
in the field.
I have stayed involved with the Legislature and the Police
Academy to keep myself current and aware of changes and
challenges in current law enforcement. I want to remain
connected for our students so I can integrate what I have
learned into my teachings and assist them in their job
placement after graduation.
“I want to remain connected for
our students, so I can integrate
what I have learned into my
teachings and assist them in their
job placement after graduation. ”
Steve Giorgetti
8 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Keeping the connection strong between Thomas College
and the Justice Academy is essential for our program to
remain relevant. When students graduate from Thomas
and pass the exam at the Academy, there is no position
outside of their reach.
Criminal Justice Associate Professor
Dr. Tracey Horton
By Shonna Humphrey
Dr. Tracey Horton worked
as a psychologist in the
criminal justice system for
15 years before beginning
her teaching career. Initially,
she taught psychology
courses at a North Carolina
Community College for
seven years, but after
earning a Ph.D. in Human
Services and Criminal
Justice, she wanted to
expand her teaching—as
well as relocate to New
England.
What can the Criminal Justice program offer to students?
The Criminal Justice program at Thomas offers a variety
of classes and opportunities for internships that gives
students the chance to learn about and experience all three
branches of the Criminal Justice system: law enforcement,
the courts, and corrections. There are many opportunities
for employment beyond being a law enforcement officer,
and classes in criminal justice, forensic psychology, and
forensic science can prepare our students to enter an
exciting and growing field.
Describe your ideal student.
My ideal student is one who is excited about learning. He
or she comes to class every day asking, “What are we going
to talk about today?” and is open-minded and ready to
take on new ideas. He or she is ready to be challenged and
stimulated by what is presented in class and interested in
going beyond that to learn more on his or her own.
“When I saw the advertisement for someone to administer
the Forensic Psychology concentration at Thomas, I knew it
was the perfect fit for me.” Dr. Horton said. “It combined my
two loves: psychology and criminal justice, and I had years
of experience in the field, so I applied for the job and got it.
Who are/were some of your mentors or inspirational
I love teaching in both programs and
figures? Why?
using my experience and education
I was inspired by some of the
to teach about criminal behavior
“I
try
to
challenge
my
psychologists in the correctional
and offering a different perspective
students to see things from system with whom I worked in North
on the system from a psychologist’s
Carolina. They were very dedicated
point of view.”
a different perspective
and did difficult work under stressful
conditions for low pay compared to
than
the
one
they
walked
Dr. Horton began at Thomas in 2010,
what they could have made in the
and she teaches in both the Criminal
in
the
door
with.
”
private sector. However, they wanted
Justice and Forensic Psychology
to make a difference in the lives of
programs.
offenders and they did. On a larger
Dr. Tracey Horton
scale, I’ve been inspired by Sister
What got you interested in the field
Helen Prejean, a nun who works with
of Criminal Justice?
offenders on death row and wrote
When I was in my first graduate program getting an MA in
“Dead Man Walking”, and Judy Clark, an attorney who has
Clinical Psychology, I got a chance to do a practicum with a
represented some of the toughest defendants out there,
pre-release program for offenders getting ready to leave
such as Ted Kaczynski and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Both of
prison. I found the population interesting and receptive to
them do work that others aren’t willing to do, working with
intervention. I went from there to a six-month internship
people that are seen as “the worst of the worst,” and do it
in a medium custody male prison and continued to work
with a quiet dignity that I admire and respect.
with offenders for most of the rest of my career until going
into teaching.
Do you have a particularly memorable classroom
experience to share?
What courses do you teach at Thomas?
My best moments in the classroom are when I see that
I teach in both the Forensic Psychology and Criminal
“lightbulb moment” in a student’s face. I try to challenge
Justice programs. My relevant classes are Forensic
my students to see things from a different perspective
Psychology, Psychology and the Law, Restorative Justice,
than the one they walked in the door with, and when their
Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Drugs, Addiction and
eyes tell me that they just realized something new, it makes
Crime, and a new class this spring, The Court System.
it all worthwhile.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 9
“Thomas is unique;
if you want to add a
course or try something
new, you can assemble a
plan, justify it, defend it,
and the administration
here will back you.”
Criminal Justice Assistant Professor
Dr. Mark Marsolais
Dr. Mark Marsolais
By Erin Baltes
What courses do you teach at Thomas?
Currently, I teach Introduction to Criminal Justice,
Criminology, Victimology, Law of Evidence, Community
Corrections, and the Canine in Criminal Justice and
Homeland Security, which is a new class this semester. It’s
based on my thirty years working with canines in the field,
including several years when I provided canine detection
services overseas.
That sounds interesting! Tell us more.
My employer was based in Washington, D.C., but I traveled
to Afghanistan, northern Iraq and other parts of the Middle
East, and Guatemala demining conflict zones and doing
recovery work after natural disasters.
How did your career path bring you here to Thomas?
In college, I majored in Psychology, then went to Texas with
an interest in policing. What had been an interest became a
passion. I completed my master’s degree but knew I would
also want to teach someday, so I earned my Ph.D. while I
was an officer.
I taught and worked in the field for years, and more
recently, I was committed to the canine work I described.
10 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
I wanted to return to teaching and discovered an opening
at Thomas. After I spoke with [Professor] Jim Libby, I knew
that Thomas would be a great fit for me. I am originally
from New England and like the small campus and small
class sizes here.
Now that I have been here for more than a year, I realize
that Thomas is unique; if you want to add a course or try
something new, you can assemble a plan, justify it, defend
it, and the administration here will back you. Thomas
deserves kudos for developing new programs that make
sense.
Describe your ideal student.
When a student develops a passion for Criminal Justice
– not just police work, but the entire field – that student
might struggle, but never gives up.
What career advice would you give students or alumni?
I tell my students to be expansive when looking at the
world of Criminal Justice. Do not focus just on one aspect,
such as corrections. There are lots of ways to be involved
and create a career.
Four Thomas College students graduated
from the Maine Criminal Justice
Academy’s 29th Basic Law Enforcement
Training Program on Dec. 18, 2015.
Joshua Hammond ’15 (left middle) has a
job with the Winthrop Police Department,
and William Janakis ’16 (left bottom) will
work for the Houlton Police Department.
Both Hammond and Janakis attended the
Academy through Thomas College tuition
exchange, which allows students to attend
the Academy at the same cost to attend
Thomas for the semester. Nathan Bernier
‘15 (left top) and Toral Nelson ’15 (right top)
will both join the Maine State Police.
“Not everyone gets a chance
to graduate from something
like this. It is a really great
honor and eighteen weeks is
a long time.”
Toral Nelson ’15
THOMAS MAGAZINE 11
Center for
Innovation
in Education at
Thomas
By Shonna Humphrey
With a significant investment from the Lunder Family Foundation, Thomas
College announced plans to design a new Center for Innovation in Education.
During the next five years, Thomas will re-envision the Education curriculum
in a manner that embeds arts, education, and critical thinking skills into the
existing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) model. Thomas
will also respond to the Maine Department of Education’s mandate that all
public schools implement proficiency-based learning standards by preparing
classroom-ready Education graduates to successfully meet this requirement.
The Center for Innovation in Education will include a flexible, physical
Educational Design Center to integrate technology within the curriculum.
And, the Center for Innovation in Education will bring experts to campus
to provide low-cost, expert professional development for all Maine public
school educators.
No other Maine college currently offers a STEAM-based model and prepares
classroom-ready new teachers for the proficiency-based learning methods.
Because of the Lunder Foundation’s generous investment, Thomas will build
a world-class (virtual and physical) environment and establish itself as
regional, and, ultimately, global hub of technological distinction and
innovation. The Center for Innovation in Education will enhance and support
the Thomas College Strategic Plan by increasing enrollment and positioning
the central Maine region as a nexus for technology-rich innovation in the
field of education.
12 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
“By incorporating STEAM
methods of teaching into the
curriculum, I am confident
Thomas College will be
graduating students who
are well-versed in crossdisciplinary fields of study,
creating well-rounded
educators.”
Dr. Richard Biffle
Key Elements of
Center Success
Proficiency-based Education
Proficiency-based education refers to any system of
academic instruction, assessment, grading and reporting
that is based on students demonstrating mastery of the
knowledge and skills they are expected to learn before they
progress to the next lesson, get promoted to the next grade
level or receive a diploma. By 2018, all Maine high schools
will offer a proficiency-based diploma.
Educational Design Center
The Educational Design Center will house various mobile and hand-held
devices, a multi-media film-making and editing studio, laptop computers,
as well as other tools as they emerge. Acting as a physical hub, the Design
Center encourages students, professors, and instructional and software
designers to collaborate on educational design, robotics, classroom
simulations for teacher education virtual field work, online course
development, and competency based instructional models.
STEM to STEAM
STEAM embeds arts education and critical thinking throughout
the curriculum as an enhancement to the national Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) agenda. These
skills include creativity, problem solving, critical thinking,
communication, self-direction, initiative, and collaborative design
in an interdisciplinary model that emphasizes a STEAM instructional format.
Professional Development Series
A key part of the Center for Innovation in Education is bringing thought
leaders and experts to campus to provide low-cost, expert professional
development to educators in Central Maine and beyond. Right now, Thomas
is planning speaker presentations, workshops, and seminars focused on
proficiency-based learning across disciplines, STEM to STEAM models,
technology integration, and universal instructional design.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 13
Athletics
Men’s Soccer
By Jennifer Buker
14 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Tre Ming ’17
Thomas College captured its fourth North Atlantic
Conference (NAC) Men’s Soccer Championship in six
years after winning a penalty-kick shootout, 5-4, over
Castleton at Smith Field on November 7, 2015.
Thomas College Senior Tre Ming, had an amazing
season and was named the tournament MVP after
scoring a goal, an assist in the final, and adding an
assist in Thomas’ 2-1 overtime semifinal win over New
England College. We sat down with Tre to find out
what drives him and why he chose to come to Thomas.
Q: Why did you choose Thomas College?
A: [Fellow player] Shaquille Trott brought me to
Thomas. We played soccer together in Bermuda and
he spoke very highly of the soccer program here at
Thomas.
Q. How has the soccer program affected your time
at Thomas?
A: It has taught me to manage my time between
academics and being on the team. We have a great
coach and a great group of people on the team.
Everyone is supportive, plays hard, and is dedicated to
the soccer team. It was a great feeling to win the NAC!
Thomas College senior midfielder Tre Ming (Devonshire,
Bermuda) finished his career at Thomas by being named
to the All-New England Region First Team by the National
Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Ming, the 2015 North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year,
started 18 games this season for the Terriers, posting a teamhigh 32 points on six goals and 20 assists. He recorded at least
one point in 15 of 18 games, including a career-high six on a
goal and four assists in a 5-0 win over Johnson State in the
regular-season finale. The goal against the Badgers was also
Ming’s only game-winning goal of the season.
He led all NAC players in assists for the third consecutive
season and ranked fifth in total points. In NAC play alone,
Ming had a league-leading 15 assists --- nearly twice as many
as the league runner-up (8, Denali Sexton, Castleton). He also
ranked second in Division III in assists per game (1.11) and
third in total assists.
In his three-year Thomas career, Ming started 54 of 56 games
played, accumulating 80 points on 20 points and 40 assists.
He also had five game-winning goals.
The Terriers finished 13-5-1, won their fourth NAC title
and advanced to the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer
Championship.
Q: Will you go back to Bermuda after you graduate?
A: Yes, I would like to continue to play soccer for any
of the local teams in England. They conduct trials and
you can be a walk-on for some of the smaller teams.
Q: What is your ideal job after college?
A: My ideal job would be a physical education
teacher in Bermuda. I would be open to working
with any age group.
Q: What advice would you offer a new Thomas
Soccer player?
A: Balance is everything. You have to find a balance
in your studies, your commitment to the team, and
yourself. If you want to play the game, you have to
work hard. The same goes for your education.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 15
Catching Up With
Tom Largay
By Bob Moore ’79
As is the case in many young professionals’ lives, former
Thomas College professor Tom Largay explored lots of
career opportunities right out of college.
Raised in Bangor, Largay attended the University of Maine
and earned four degrees. He left the state to teach in
Virginia, became a purchasing agent for B&M Baked Beans
in southern Maine, then returned to the University in the
purchasing department. Shortly thereafter, he returned to
teaching at Husson College in their continuing education
program. “While at UMO I taught at Husson at night,”
Largay recalls. “During the day, I still found time to sell real
estate and start a small tax practice, and in 1982, earned my
CPA designation.”
After 16 years at Husson, Largay came to Thomas, where
his instruction in accounting and friendly demeanor
with students made him a beloved faculty member for
15 years (1993-2008).
Says Largay, “I met with [then Thomas Academic Dean]
John Young and [former Thomas President] George Spann
about the teaching opportunity here, and everything just
clicked. Thomas was where I was meant to be, and it was
clear that I would be a welcomed addition.”
When Marty Bressel resigned in 1996, Largay took over
as Chair of the Business Department. Some of his favorite
Thomas memories? Says Largay, “Chairing the committee
that hired Tom Edwards and Jim Libby – that was special.
And I’ll always be grateful for having the opportunity to
work with wonderful colleagues like Peter Gilbert, Mary
Hatch, Doug Lepley, Dog Wallace, and Beth Gibbs – who
was a student of mine at Husson!”
16 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
“It was my time at Thomas, though, that really helped me
reignite my love for teaching,” Largay notes. “In a student’s
senior year, helping a student get his or her first job lined
up – that would make my day.” Indeed, Largay’s careerfocused approach became a hallmark of the Thomas
experience. Prior to his chairing of the faculty, there were
no substantial internships offered to students. “More
in-depth opportunities really helped opened the doors to
students upon graduation,” he reflects. “It was true then and
it’s true now.”
Largay’s dedication for teaching continues, and is best
illustrated by his nine-year streak of teaching a financial
literacy elective during the month of January at nearby
Colby College. One class has led to two offerings, and
despite limiting participation to juniors and seniors, a
business elective continues to have a waiting list at a liberal
arts institution. Largay flies back to Maine each January
from Florida, where he is now retired, just for the course.
Largay and his wife Betty-Jo (to whom he has been married
for 47 years) enjoy the slightly warmer Florida climate and
all it offers, including, for Tom, a round of golf two or three
days a week. Maine – and Thomas – are never far from
the Largay family’s hearts; two of their children, Anne and
Mike, graduated from Thomas in the Classes of 1998 and
2000, respectively, and still reside in the state. Largay is
also known to compete in the Terrier Alumni Tee-Off golf
tournament in the summer, and has been back to campus
several times.
“I wish people at Thomas in the ‘70s and ‘80s would go back
today,” he suggests. “It’s like being on a different planet, and
it’s poised for tremendous growth.”
Tom Largay with
wife Betty-Jo
Tom and his wife
Betty-Jo with their
five grandchildren.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 17
Homecoming & Family Weekend
Each year Thomas hosts Homecoming and Family Weekend for students, families, and alumni. This year started with
the traditional Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony with special guest speaker Stump Merrill of
the New York Yankees. The festivities continued with alumni sports games, Thomas Players performances, alumni
receptions, and the 5th Annual Terrier Trot 5K.
Please enjoy these pages filled with images from the fantastic weekend. This year’s Homecoming & Family
Weekend is scheduled for October 21 - 23. We hope to see you there!
(L) Skydiver from
Vacationland
Skydiving lands on
Bernatchez field
with the Thomas
Terrier flag.
(R-Middle) Men’s
Basketball - Eric
Westbrooks, Adam
Beal ’06, James
Godley ’06, Franklin
Salvador, Marquis
Pollard ’14,
Ray Bernier ’12,
M.B.A. ’13, Scott
Raymond ’01.
(R-Bottom) Faculty,
staff, and students
collect donations
for the “Fill ‘Em Up”
food drive.
18 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
(L) The Athletic Hall of Fame
inductees for 2016 included
Julie (Fabian) Benecke ’92, Scott
Raymond ’01, Joy (Ireland) Owens
’06, M.B.A. ’08 and Matt Pavlis ’07.
The 2004 softball team for their
NAC Championship season was also
inducted.
(Below) Attendees of Homecoming
& Family Weekend were treated to
a frisbee dog show on the campus
quad.
(L) Runner Dave Peatfield
P’16 finishes at the 5th
Annual Terrier Trot 5K
race.
(R) VP of Advancement
Bob Moore ’79, welcomes
alumni in Jeanie’s Cafe.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 19
Homecoming & Family Weekend
Baseball: Jeremy Stanford ’05, Joey Hersom ’15, Ryan Rulman ’06, Colby Averill ’13, M.B.A. ’14, Tom Beaudoin ’13, Chris Farrar ’12,
M.B.A. ’14, Rob Nutter ’12, Jevon Owens ’04, and Dylan McNally ’15.
Men’s Lacrosse: Doug Tibbets ’12, M.B.A.’12, Scott Dumas ’13, Erik Tiner, Jesse Morkeski, Bud Prue ’15, Mike Ross ’09, Joe Caraglia
’14, Charlie Buckingham ’08, M.B.A.’11, Josh Colello, Derek Racine ’12, Lenny Shevenell ’13, M.B.A. ’13, PJ Strebel ’09.
Men’s Soccer: Chris Parsons ’98, Derek Gervais ’98, Keith Morneault ’96, M.B.A. ’96, Wayne Campbell ’85, Brad Pelletier ’01, M.B.A.
’07, David Roussel ’93, Matt Peck ’09, Daniel Otieno ’13, Zach Ward, Jake Sirois ’15, Christian Guzman-Patino, Kenny Cano, Shaq
Trott ’15, Ali Pak, Dakota Duplissie, Marcus Johnson, Mike Guarino ’92, M.B.A. ’92, Zeon Robinson.
20 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Women’s Lacrosse: Jasmine Ryan ’13, Terissa Ridge ’12, Brittany Premo ’15, Jenn Day ’15.
Women’s Soccer: Abby (McCarthy) Michaud ’90, Mitzi (Daigle) Skehan ’91, Kelly (Beard) Sellars ’91, Sara Moynihan ’15, Jenn Day
’15, Vikki Devonshire ’12, M.B.A. ’13, Jasmine Ryan ’13, Mary Grace Morris ’15, Nina Chaiken, Lizz McPhillips ’15.
Softball: Kelsey Crowe ’13, M.B.A. ’14, Courtney Corbett ’04, Kristy (Clements) Rogers ’09, Lauren Hachey ’14, Joy (Ireland) Owens
’06, M.B.A. ’08, Jen (Higgins) Veino ’09, M.B.A. ’12, Charlee Hayes ’07, Sam Moore ’13, Sam Robison ’12, Jenn (Couture) Callahan ’06,
Alyssa Eugley ’15, Sara Pavento ’12, Lindsay (Sierra) Corbett ’09. (Not pictured - Ali Kriegel ’11, M.B.A. ’12)
THOMAS MAGAZINE 21
Alumni Class Notes
1969
Robert “Bob” Clement will have his third
novel released this fall. “Fore Play” will be
available in stores nationwide, as well as in
e-book format.
Sergeant Major with the Maine Army
National Guard in Bangor, ME.
Kristen (Bergeron) Lavoie has accepted
the position of Executive Assistant to the
President at 501hub, Inc. in Nashua, NH.
Bermuda Run Country Club in Bermuda
Run, NC, which is a member of the
ClubCorp Group, based out of Dallas, TX.
2003
1972
1997
William “Bill” Dubay has accepted the
position of Chief Executive Officer at
Baxter Brewing Company in Lewiston, ME.
Mia Martino Yang ’03 and Chris Yang
were wed on May 8, 2015, at The Barn on
Bridge in Collegeville, PA.
Sonya (Martin) Henderson ’97, ’99,
M.B.A. ’00 has been promoted to
nationwide ACA compliance specialist at
ADP, based out of Manchester, NH.
2004
1976
JoEllen (Cuthbert) Cottrell was recently
recognized by the United Way of
Kennebec Valley with the 2015 Norm
Temple Community Service Award for
service to her community.
1991
Thomas Parynik M.B.A. has accepted the
position of Director IT, Supply Chain at
WestRock Company in Richmond, VA.
1992
Bernie Ouellette ’92, M.B.A. ’99 has
accepted the position of Executive Vice
President of Operations at Thomas
College in Waterville, ME.
Barry Rock ’92, ’94 has accepted the
position of Director of Total Rewards
where he will oversee employee benefits,
compensation, HRIS, payroll, and
employee engagement for the BMC
Healthnet Plan/Well Sense Health Plan in
Boston, MA.
1994
Mark Long has accepted the position of
Compliance Manager at Wicked Staffing
Solutions in Bedford, NH.
1995
Alexander Clifford ’95, M.B.A. ’96
has accepted the position of Dean of
Academic Affairs at Washington County
Community College in Calais, ME. He
has also been promoted to Command
22 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
1998
Angela (Cormier) Dostie ’98, ’01, M.B.A.
’04 has accepted a position as Business
Academy instructor with the Capital
Area Technical Center in Augusta, ME,
where she will be partnering with Thomas
College and other area colleges through
their dual-enrollment program.
1999
Peter Beloff ’99, M.B.A. ’11 has accepted
the position of management and program
assistant with the Federal Aviation
Administration in Bangor, ME.
2000
Stephan Michaud has accepted the
position of assistant project manager at
CMC Design Build, Inc. in Quincy, MA.
2001
Mark Tardif M.S. has accepted the
position of Director of Communication,
Marketing and Production Services at
University College, an administrative unit
of the University of Maine Augusta, in
Augusta, ME.
2002
Justin Michaud has accepted the
position of senior program analyst with
the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School
District in Palmer, AK.
Kandice Sage ’02, M.B.A. ’02 has been
promoted to office administrator at
Ben Fairclough has been named President
of Crossfield Digital in New York City. Ben
’04 and Amy, along with big sister Ellie, are
proud to announce the birth of Carli Rose
Fairclough on August 25, 2015.
Bill Martel M.B.A. has been promoted
to VP TD Bank Group & SVP TD Bank
US Technology Strategy, Planning &
Large Program Management in Toronto,
Canada.
Scott Mullen has accepted the position of
strategic sourcing manager with Delhaize
America, based out of Scarborough, ME.
Melissa Wildes ’04, M.B.A. ’08 has
accepted the position of executive
assistant/marketing specialist with Coffee
News in Bangor, ME.
2005
Kirk Toth has been promoted to General
Manager at NextEra Energy Resources in
Yarmouth, ME.
2006
Ron Dexter has accepted the position of
project technology lead with the VA Maine
Healthcare System, as they join the Maine
Health Information Exchange, based in
Augusta, ME.
2007
Kristy (Squiers) Beaulieu has accepted
the position of payroll and benefits
coordinator at Hancock Lumber in
Casco, ME.
Congratulations Newlyweds!
Top Row (L-R): Nick ’15 & Amanda (Brooks) Barish ’13, Samantha (Pelkey) ’12 & Thomas Beaudion ’13, Mia Martino Young
’03 & Chris Yang; Middle Row: Annie (Skinner) ’10 & Dana Randall, Tiffany (Willman) ’12 & Willis Moody, Nicole (Grant)
’10 & Brandon Flint ’10, M.B.A. ’10; Bottom Row: Megan Denby ’11, M.B.A. ’12 & Brendon Pomerleau, Rachel (Reed) ’13 &
Mark St. Vincent ’11, Nickole (DeMerritt) ’09 & Justin Wesley.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 23
Alumni Class Notes
Newly
Engaged!
Congratulations to the next
generation of Thomas love
stories. We wish these couples
a bright and happy future!
(L) Jillian Sloban ’12, M.B.A. ’12
and Jeff Banville ’13, M.B.A. ’14
(R) Michelle McCorrison ’11
and Samuel Hardy
Send your own special
news to Jimmy Veino ’10 at
[email protected]
Kari Grant-Gagnon ’07, M.B.A. ’09 has
accepted a position as Director, Care
Coordination at St. Mary’s Regional
Medical Center in Lewiston, ME.
Holly (Chapdelaine) Wess M.S. has earned
a Doctorate of Education degree through
the College of Professional Studies at
Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
Dustin Green has accepted the position
of software developer with International
Association of Privacy Professionals
(IAPP) in Portsmouth, NH.
Christine Nadeau ’07, M.S. ’10 has been
promoted to business systems analyst at
Cianbro in Pittsfield, ME.
2009
Justin Lagasse ’10, M.B.A. ’10 has
accepted the position of Assurance Senior
Manager at BDO USA, LLP in the greater
Orange County CA area.
Jeff Whittaker has been promoted to unit
prevention leader with the Maine Army
National Guard in Augusta, ME.
2008
Russell Beckwith, Head Baseball Coach
at Gardiner (ME) Area High School, was
named Kennebec Journal (ME) Baseball
Coach of the Year for the 2015 season.
Jennifer Cliff has accepted the position of
senior financial analyst at the Vanderbilt
University Medical Center in Nashville,
TN.
Cory Munsey and his wife Brandi are
proud to announce the birth of their
daughter Bryn Locklyn Munsey on
October 15, 2015, at 8:19 a.m. Bryn
weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz and was 21.5 inches in
length at the time of her birth.
24 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Nickole DeMerritt married Justin Wesley
on July 12, 2015, at the Cumberland
County Courthouse in Portland, ME. She
was thrilled to have fellow alumnae Laura
Brian Ricker ’10 and Nicole Belskis are
Boucher ’09 and Bailey (Philbrick) Grattelo proud to announce the birth of their
’11 by her side as bridesmaids.
daughter, Cassia Jane Ricker, on July 6,
2015, at 9:17 a.m. in Lewiston, ME. Cassia
Tom Ellis M.B.A. has accepted the position was 9 lbs, 5 oz and measured 20.5 inches
of Director of Compensation at Delhaize
in length at the time of her birth.
America in Scarborough, ME.
Ann-Marie “Annie” Skinner and Dana
Louise “Anni” Roming has accepted a
Randall were wed on September 19, 2015,
position as commercial portfolio loan
in Dover-Foxcroft, ME.
administrator at Kennebec Savings Bank in
Waterville, ME.
2011
2010
Brandon ’10, M.B.A. ’10 and Nicole
(Grant) Flint ’10 were wed on June 21,
2015, at Martindale Country Club in
Auburn, ME.
Michelle McCorrison and Samuel Hardy
were recently engaged and are planning
a September 2016 wedding. Michelle
was promoted to customer assistance
specialist at Camden National Bank.
Scott Migliore has accepted a position
in technical support with Carbonite in
Lewiston, ME.
Alumni Class Notes
Josh Nickerson has been promoted to
creative marketing specialist at Pine State
Trading Company in Gardiner, ME.
Shawn Knox has accepted the position of
engineering project manager with General
Dynamics – Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME.
Megan Denby ’11, M.B.A. ’12 and
Brendon Pomerleau were wed on
September 5, 2015, at the Knights of
Columbus in Oceanside, NY.
Margo Mackenzie has accepted a position
as a 6th grade math teacher at Winthrop
Middle School in Winthrop, ME.
Mark ’11 and Rachel (Reed) St. Vincent
’13 were wed on June 27, 2015, at the
1812 Farm in Bristol, ME.
2012
Chris Farrar ’12, M.B.A. ’14 has accepted
the position of marketing specialist
associate at UNUM in Portland, ME.
Lauren Fish ’12, M.B.A. ’12 has accepted
a position as administrative assistant at
Greene & Torio OMFS LLP in Nashua, NH.
Cassandra Ingrassia has accepted the
position of Spa Coordinator at River’s
Edge Spa and Salon in Kennebunk, ME.
Samantha Pelkey ’12 and Thomas
Beaudoin ’13 were wed with son Grady
by their side on September 5, 2015,
in Dayton, ME. Sam has accepted the
position of Inside Sales Representative
with Micronics, Inc. in Portsmouth, NH.
Jillian Sloban ’12, M.B.A. ’12 and
Jeff Banville ’13, M.B.A. ’14 were
engaged in May, during a cruise of the
Bahamas. She works at Mercy Health
Systems in Portland as a marketing and
communications specialist; Jeff is a senior
accountant at Chasse & Company in
Auburn.
Tiffany Willman and Willis Moody were
wed on September 18, 2015, at the
Atlantic Oceanside Inn in Bar Harbor, ME.
They traveled West for their honeymoon,
Tiny Terriers!
Thomas loves baby and family photos! Send us your best family photos
for everyone to celebrate. Alumni and friends would enjoy seeing you and
your family - children or your furry friends!
beginning in Las Vegas, NV, and continued
on to travel the entirety of the Pacific
Coast Highway, along with stops in
Lake Tahoe, CA, Reno, NV, and Mammoth
Lakes, CA.
2013
Nicole Auger ’13, M.B.A. ’14 has accepted
the position of Accounting Technician with
the Natural Resource Service Center in
Augusta, ME.
Jeff Banville ’13, M.B.A. ’14 and
Jillian Sloban ’12, M.B.A. ’12 were
engaged in May, during a cruise of the
Bahamas. She works at Mercy Health
Systems in Portland as a marketing
and communications specialist. Jeff
has successfully completed his CPA
examinations through the State of Maine
and is currently a senior accountant with
Chasse & Company in Auburn, ME.
Heather Bayley M.B.A. has been
promoted to tax section manager with
Maine Revenue Services in Augusta, ME.
(L - R): Ben Fairclough ’04 - Carli Rose
Fairclough, August 25, 2015; Brian
Ricker ’10 - Cassia Jane Ricker, July
6, 2015; Cory Munsey ’08 - Bryn
Locklyn Munsey, October 15, 2015.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 25
Alumni Class Notes
Thomas ’13 and Samantha (Pelkey)
Beaudoin ’12 were wed with son Grady
by their side on September 5, 2015, in
Dayton, ME.
Owen Becker has been promoted
to program manager I with Odyssey
Systems Consulting Group (USAF) at
Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA.
He also recently earned his MBA with a
concentration in Homeland Security from
Endicott College.
Amanda (Brooks) ’13 and Nicholas Barish
’15 were wed on September 12, 2015, in
Dover, NH.
Sam Fisher has accepted the position of
customer experience specialist - Outlook
at Yesware in Boston, MA.
Thomas Labrie M.B.A. has been promoted
to MITA Business Architect at Molina
Healthcare in Augusta, ME.
Rachel Larrabee ’13, M.B.A. ’13 has
accepted a position as an accountant
with Madeline Tomlin Associates (MTA)
Accounting in Belfast, ME.
Rachel Reed ’13 and Mark St. Vincent ’11
were wed on June 27, 2015, at the 1812
Farm in Bristol, ME.
2014
2015
Kaley Brown ’14, M.B.A. ’15 has accepted
the position of marketing and public
relations consultant with the Maine
Commission for Community Service.
Nicholas ’15 and Amanda (Brooks) Barish
’13 were wed on September 12, 2015, in
Dover, NH.
Veronica Beaudoin has accepted a
Caroline Carr ’14, M.B.A. ’15 has accepted position as an assistant account executive
the position of credentialing analyst at
with NL Partners in Portland, ME.
athenahealth in Belfast, ME.
Caroline Ferrelli has accepted a position
Jackie Hartwell ’14, M.B.A. ’15 has
as clerical support with the Strafford
accepted the position of personal lines
County Department of Corrections in
underwriting technician at Central
Dover, NH.
Insurance Companies in Waltham, MA.
Spencer Gray has accepted a position as
Alyson Kornsey M.B.A. has accepted the
implementation software engineer with
position of Pricing Manager at MESCA
Bottomline Technologies in Portsmouth, NH.
Freight Services in Augusta, ME.
William Janakis has accepted the position
Carly McCarthy ’14, M.B.A. ’14 has been
of police officer with the Houlton Police
promoted to Project Manager at J.S.
Department in Houlton, ME.
McCarthy Printers in Augusta, ME.
Sara Moynihan has accepted a position
Tom Nadeau has accepted a position as
of police officer with the Augusta Police
a credit investigator with AutoCapital
Department in Augusta, ME.
Canada Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Anthony Papsis has accepted the position
Marcus Pratt ’14, M.B.A. ’15 has accepted of delivery driver with Graybar in Portland, ME.
a position as a tax accountant with Baker
Jim Prenier has accepted the position
Newman Noyes in Portland, ME.
of Rental Coordinator with Cianbro in
Jayne White has been promoted to senior Pittsfield, ME.
accountant at Skowhegan Savings Bank in
Julie (Trask) Rand M.B.A. has accepted the
Skowhegan, ME.
position of Sexual Assault Response State
Coordinator with the Massachusetts Army
National Guard.
Dawn Dinnie ‘83, Michelle (Gilmore)
Thorpe Hayes ’81, ‘83, Shirley (Elliott)
Edbrooke ‘83, and Karen (LaPlante)
Restivo ‘83 (pictured here from L to R)
gathered frogs' eyes and newts' tails to
cook up some Thomas alumnae trouble
this fall. Their social gathering in Salem,
MA resulted in this great pic, proving yet
again that Thomas alums know how to
have fun!
26 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Buy-A-Brick
Program
Connects to
Alumna
Alumna Margo MacKenzie ’12
visited campus to help install several
engraved bricks in one of the campus
patios. Margo worked at MacKenzie
Landscaping, owned and operated by
her uncle Ken MacKenzie and aunt
Renee MacKenzie. Here, Margo poses
by a brick dedicated to the late Bill
Lawler, a close MacKenzie family friend
and beloved member of the Thomas
Physical Plant team.
Good news from Margo: she earned
her first teaching role working at the
Windsor Elementary School. Margo
was very excited about her new role as
a sixth grade math teacher when she
visited campus, and had already begun
designing her classroom.
In 2014, Thomas launched its Buy-ABrick Program to support the Dream.
Transform. Achieve. Campaign, which
concluded in the fall. The program
continued into the spring and summer,
with additional engraved bricks
available to support the Thomas Fund,
the College’s annual fundraising effort.
Bricks are available for purchase yearround (and installed in warmer seasons).
For more information, please contact
Erin Baltes at [email protected] or
(207) 859-1327.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 27
Employee Happenings
Project Managers Join
Center for Innovation in
Education
Chris Toy and Jill Spencer
have been hired as Project
Managers for the Center
of Innovation in Education.
To learn more about the
Center, please see the
article on page 12.
Thomas College is excited to announce the addition of
Jill Spencer and Chris Toy as the project managers for
the Maine Center for Innovation in Education. Both Jill
and Chris come to Thomas with years of experience in
the field of education.
On October 20, the College announced the opening of
the Maine Center for Innovation in Education. With a
significant philanthropic investment from The Lunder
Foundation, Thomas has built a world-class (virtual and
physical) environment that establishes the institution
as a regional and, ultimately, global hub of technological
distinction and innovation. The Center will integrate
proficiency-based learning systems, technology use, and
STEM to STEAM philosophies in the new educational
model.
When we asked Jill about her new role at Thomas, she
said, “Helping Thomas College establish the Maine
Center for Innovation in Education is an exciting and
challenging opportunity. I look forward to working with
Thomas faculty, staff, and students to bring to fruition
their vision of the Center as a ‘hub of technological
distinction and innovation.’”
Chris says, “I am looking forward to working at the
Maine Center for Innovation in Education with the
faculty and staff of Thomas College. The vision of having
Thomas and the CIE be the premier place in Maine for
preparing future educators is exciting!”
28 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Thomas College welcomes the
following individuals:
Corey A. Rogers, Adjunct Instructor
Donald G. Fournier, Driver
Marsh C. Gray, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach
Joshua E. Schroeder, Director of Athletic
Communications
Brendan S. Gilpatrick, Assistant Cross Country
Coach
Joey J. Waraskevich, Assistant Ice Hockey Coach
Robert Geaghan, Utility
Ashley Pullen, Student Financial Services
Counselor
Welcome to Thomas!
In Memoriam
Class of 1947
Malcolm G. Page passed away
peacefully on Saturday, August 15,
2015, at Mount Saint Joseph in
Waterville. He was born in Jefferson on
July 4, 1927, the son of the late Fred
and Flora (Jean) Page. Growing up, he
attended schools in Skowhegan and
graduated in June 1945 from Lawrence
High School in Fairfield. After high
school, he attended Thomas College.
Later Mac worked at First National
Stores for many years and then retired
from H.L. Keay General Store in Albion.
He cherished holidays and family
gatherings, and he especially treasured
his birthday when close family gathered
in Northport to have lobster and his
favorite, strawberry pie. He adored his
family, and he was a devoted husband,
father, grandfather, great-grandfather,
and friend to all who knew him.
Class of 1955
Patricia Gourley Morrison, 78, passed
away peacefully in her home, with her
loving and devoted children by her
side. Patricia was born on March 6,
1937, in Harmony, the daughter of
Arlie and Effie Gourley. Pat graduated
from Harmony High School in 1954
and Thomas College in 1955.. After
graduating from high school and
college, Pat worked for attorney
Dubord in Waterville. She then moved
back to Harmony to work in the office
at Sandler Shoe. In 1957, Pat and her
husband John married and started their
family, raising four children. Pat worked
faithfully by John’s side building their
businesses, Morrison Lumber, Morrison
Forest Products, and Morrison’s
Garage. In later years, they were always
together picking up parts and looking at
equipment.
Class of 1970
Richard Vasoll passed peacefully on
the morning of October 22, 2015, at
MaineGeneral Rehab & Long-term
Care at Gray Birch in Augusta. Rich was
born August 5, 1947, in Hackensack,
NJ. He attended the University of
Kentucky and finished his Bachelor’s
Degree in Business Management at
Thomas College, where he met his
wife of 45 years and some very special
friends. In 1972, he and his wife Billie
Lee moved back to Maine to be part of
the family business, William S. Williams
Construction Company; in 1987, Rich
became Vice President. Some of his
favorite memories were fly fishing at
Parlin Pond and spending time with his
family. His Weimaraner dogs and cats
Gladys and Fuzz were a special part of
his family.
Class of 1976
Debera “Debbie” L. Varney, 59, passed
away on September 17, 2015, with
her loving family by her side. She was
born May 15, 1956, to Carl and Louise
Kirner at Loring Air Force Base. She
graduated in 1974 from Houlton
High School and went on to earn an
Associates Degree from Thomas
College in 1976. She worked as a legal
secretary prior to working for MSAD
#70 as a special education secretary
since 1992. It is at MSAD #70, where
she found her “second family.” Above all
else, Debbie loved spending time with
her husband, daughters, and grandson.
She could light up a room with her
contagious smile and personality.
Class of 1979
Albert F. Hackett passed away August
26, 2015. He was a gentleman, a
loving and devoted husband, father,
grandfather, and great grandfather
who had a love for music. In his
younger years, he played the trumpet
in marching band and always loved
playing his show tunes records. Albert
was born on August 17, 1926, in West
Haven, CT, the son of Francis T. and
Margaret (Dolan) Hackett. Albert
received his Associates Degree from
Junior College of Commerce of New
Haven, CT, in 1950 (now known as
Quinnipiac University). In 1979, he
received his Bachelor of Science
Degree from Thomas College of
Waterville, ME. Albert worked as an
accountant during his working career
at several manufacturing companies,
including Olin-Matheson in New Haven,
CT, Bates in Chester, CT, VAST Inc. in
Bath, ME, and Cascade Woolen Mill in
Oakland, ME.
Class of 1984
Ray J. Sapp, 53, originally of South
Portland and long-time community
member of Hartford & Hartland,
VT, passed away on July 11 at the
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
in Lebanon, NH, surrounded by loving
members of his family. Born on March
13, 1962, in Aza-Kuwae, Chatan-son,
Okinawa, Ray then moved to Air Force
bases in NY, MT, and FL. At age 9, Ray’s
family settled in South Portland, and he
grew up around a large extended family.
Ray graduated from South Portland
High School in 1981. Ray attended
the University of Southern Maine and
Thomas College in Waterville. Ray
graduated from Thomas in 1985 and
enlisted in the Air National Guard. He
worked as a painting subcontractor
and then as a warehouse manager
for A.E. Sampson & Son. Ray loved
basketball; playing in the men’s league;
and, coaching for youth summer camps,
his children’s recreation teams, AAU,
and Hartland Elementary and Middle
School. In Hartland, Ray’s coaching
expanded to include soccer, baseball,
softball, and track & field. Ray’s hobbies
extended beyond coaching and included
family trips, camping, hunting, hiking,
and do-it-yourself home projects.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 29
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April 17
Compete in a challenging but fun run
with multiple obstacles winding through
out of mud pits. Get more information
and register online.
thomas.edu/mudrun
30 | Winter/Spring 2015 - 2016 | thomas.edu
Legacy Scholarship
Alumni who have family members applying to
Thomas College should be aware of our Legacy
Scholarship.
The Legacy Scholarship is a $1,000 per year
scholarship for undergraduate students attending
Thomas College. The scholarship is available to
children, grandchildren or siblings (step relations
count as well) of a Thomas alumna. If siblings are in
school at the same time, they split the award for the
time they are in school together.
Also, an alumna of Thomas College can waive
the application fee for a Thomas applicant by
contacting the Admissions Office.
Families can contact [email protected] or
207-859-1101 for more information.
THOMAS MAGAZINE 31
Phonathon 2016
Our students are calling you!
180 West River Road, Waterville, ME 04901
www.thomas.edu