Alumni Spotlights

Marianne Hartford earned her bachelor degree from UMF in 1997 before continuing her education at Syracuse University. Today, she works as a Speech Pathologist as the founder and director of her own private practice, “Great Things Speech & Executive Function,” in Ipswich, Massachusetts.  In…

Austin Phillips, University of Maine at Farmington 2017 graduate and skilled craftsman, preserves a disappearing art as one of the last full-time ventriloquist puppet makers, according to a recent New York Times article. Originally from Cape Neddick, Philips majored in Visual & Performing Arts at UMF, which…

For UMF alumnus Tanner Webb, a lifelong love of Maine’s outdoors became the foundation for a successful career. A graduate of UMF’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA) program, Tanner turned his passion for paddling and outdoor adventure into the business…

“College was the perfect basecamp for me to grow as a person.” For 2026 graduate Eve Poteet, UMF was more than the place to get a degree. It was where she found a community, discovered her confidence, and built the foundation for a career dedicated to caring for…

“[UMF is] a place where students are seen, supported, and challenged to become their best selves.” UMF alumna and recent UMF Outstanding Alumni Award winner Brandi Rideout ’06, Community Health Education, is the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Executive Director of the Alumni Association at Metropolitan State…

“UMF allowed me to explore my various passions.” Saskia Reinholt has built a career at the intersection of art, education, and community engagement. A UMF Studio Art graduate, she is the founder and volunteer executive director of the High Peaks Creative Council and founder of the…

Maine teachers have a deep community connection and that goes especially for the recently named 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year. This year’s recipients, one from every Maine county, include two outstanding University of Maine at Farmington alumnae—Rachel Norgang from Waldo County and Gina Welch from Oxford County.

“The University of Maine at Farmington has empowered me to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my leadership skills, and further my commitment to ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging and access to meaningful educational opportunities.” Erika Bickford, a kindergarten teacher and 2026 graduate of UMF’s M.S.Ed. in Special…

“My time at UMF has been a transformative journey that rooted my professional and personal practices in growth, presence, and possibility.” Hannah Comfort is a 2026 graduate of UMF’s Master’s in Educational Leadership program with a concentration in Administration. During her time…

“UMF is a place where you are never just a number; everyone from every department is genuinely rooting for you and wants to see you succeed.” Sarah Reynolds is a 2026 graduate of UMF’s Masters of Science in Educational Leadership with…