Challenges and Success: Jodi Philippon’s (‘89) UMF Story

“I was looking for a program in which I would end up helping others in a meaningful way.”

When getting ready to apply to colleges, Jodi Philippon ‘89, a Lewiston local, was already familiar with the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). She was excited about attending a college with “smaller classes and a personalized approach for students. I loved the idea of actually getting to know other students and the professors.” 

Once here, Jodi’s time was filled with a whirlwind of adventure. During her four years as a full-time student, she interned as part of her degree requirements, got married, had a baby, and worked part-time. When asked to reflect on this time at UMF she says “It was crazy! I would not recommend this path as it was HARD. However, because of the support I received, I was able to graduate on time having made the deans list six out of eight semesters.” Needless to say, Jodi was a dedicated and hardworking student not afraid to both ask for and give help when needed. 

In 1989, she graduated with a Bachelor degree in Rehabilitation Services and began working towards her goal of helping others. She ran a Behavior Management Program in California, worked as a Supported Employment counselor for a time, and as an Eligibility Specialist for TANF, Mainecare, and Food Supplements for the State of Maine. Regarding her time working with the Department of Families and Children in Child Protective Services, she said “The work is challenging, never boring, and very fulfilling.” 

Then at fifty years old, Jodi went back to school to earn her BSN in Nursing. Today she is still helping others working with the Maine CDC as a Newborn Bloodspot Screening and Follow Up Nurse. This work is “the perfect marriage between my education at UMF and USM. I cannot imagine doing the work that I do without UMF’s influence. I loved my time there.”