UMF holds festive Commencement ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2026
FARMINGTON, ME (May 9, 2026)—The lilt of bagpipes filled the air at the University of Maine at Farmington today, Saturday, May 9, as it celebrated the Class of 2026. More than 280 of the 324 graduates, including 252 bachelor’s and 72 master’s graduates, marched in the festive ceremony to the enthusiastic cheers of loving families and friends, dedicated faculty, staff and dignitaries.
“Today’s graduates—bachelor’s and master’s alike—came to UMF to discover and pursue their passion,” said Joseph McDonnell, UMF president. “They stayed at UMF bonded by friendship, professional mentorship, career growth, and a love of place and learning. It is with a great sense of pride and optimism that we send our graduates into the world today where they will teach, explore, lead and shape the future in service to society.”
Dr. Dora Anne Mills, a leader with rural roots and national reach in the world of public health and community well-being, delivered the keynote address to students, their families and honored guests. She also received a UMF honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
Mills grew up on the UMF campus in Farmington, Maine. Her grandmother and great-grandmother were both graduates, where they trained as teachers. That deep, multigenerational connection to UMF continues to shape how she thinks about health, leadership and what it takes to build systems that truly reach everyone.
After completing her medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and a Master of Public Health from Harvard, Mills returned to Farmington to practice pediatrics. To this day, she lives part-time here, grounding the national and statewide work she does across healthcare, public health and community partnerships, serving as the Chief Health Improvement Officer of MaineHealth..
Her career has focused on bridging medicine, public health and the social conditions that shape health long before someone walks into a clinic. For 15 years, she served as Maine’s State Health Officer and Director of Maine CDC, leading responses to complex public health challenges—from a nationally acclaimed H1N1 pandemic response and vaccination campaign to prevention efforts that reduced teen smoking rates from roughly 40% to 14%, one of the steepest drops in the country. Her accomplishments in those years demonstrated that meaningful progress happens when healthcare, public health, education and community organizations align around common goals.
At MaineHealth, Northern New England’s largest health system, Mills helped lead the health system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its vaccination campaign across the region. She also led the development of a hub-and-spokes model integrating healthcare delivery with public health and community partners, work documented in the American Journal of Public Health and contributing to a growing national conversation about how health systems can anchor community well-being, particularly in rural settings.
She believes the future of health in America will be shaped not only in major academic centers, but in rural and regional communities willing to innovate, collaborate and lead as we see right here in western Maine.
UMF Undergraduate Student Speaker
Adam Tosch – New Sharon, Maine
UMF graduating senior, Adam Tosch, gave today’s undergraduate student Commencement address to the Class of 2026. Tosch started his academic career at UMF in 2007 and recently returned to complete his bachelor’s degree in anthropology through the UMF Degree Completion program.
In between his times at UMF, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and worked in the industry, however his passion for history, Medieval architecture and fieldwork brought him back to his alma mater to pursue a degree that he could embrace as his life’s work.
“I was ready for a different career perspective and UMF made it possible,” said Tosch. “Changing careers is very stressful, but having UMF professors who always make time for you and support your efforts makes all the difference.”
In his speech to his classmates, he shared the thought that, “Graduation day is not the end of the journey but the beginning of multiple journeys as we branch out onto greater things. Graduation is not the end of our educational experience. It is a starting point.”
Tosch presented an original research project at UMF’s recent all-campus Symposium on the Northern Picts, an indigenous group that existed in Scotland from the period of Roman occupation. He has been accepted in a master’s program at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, to continue his research.
UMF Graduate Student Speaker
Kristyn Plamondon – Pittsfield, Maine
Kristyn Plamondon gave the first-ever graduate student speech at this year’s University of Maine at Farmington Commencement exercises. Plamondon graduated in the UMF Counseling Psychology with a focus on the Creative Arts master’s program—one of only three similar programs in the United States. Launched in 2020, the program is designed to provide a solid clinical foundation while also integrating creative and expressive arts into the practice of counseling and psychotherapy.
Plamondon comes from a long line of educators and both her mother and father are graduates of the UMF Class of 1970. She initially graduated from UMF in 2002, majoring in elementary education with a focus on visual and performing arts. After a career as a Maine classroom teacher, she returned to UMF in 2023 inspired by the opportunity to combine her creative side with her desire to make a profound difference to individuals dealing with mental-health challenges.
“I feel so privileged to be the first master’s graduate to speak on this landmark day in all our lives,” said Plamondon. “As graduate students, we all came to UMF with a dream to serve others at important moments in their lives as teachers, specialists, counselors and leaders. We all worked hard and balanced everything else in our lives. We didn’t have to be perfect, just patient and present. And today I can say, the work is meaningful and we are all ready.”
As a classroom teacher, Plamondon saw the need for social and emotional learning. As a graduate student, she was excited about learning to integrate the creative arts into the practice of counseling and psychotherapy to assist with the mental-health challenges in Maine. She is currently interning at Kennebec Behavioral Health and hopes to be a school-based clinician.
The National Anthem was sung by graduating senior Hannah Hall from Waterville, majoring in Early Childhood Education.
Trish Riley,member of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, delivered greetings to the graduates and their family and friends.
Joseph McDonnell, UMF president, and Katherine Yardley, co-provost and dean of the College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation, conferred the degrees.
More on University of Maine at Farmington
A nationally recognized regional public university, the University of Maine at Farmington is known for its commitment to teacher preparation, the creative arts, health and science, environmental studies, business and public service. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF provides a challenging but welcoming academic community—here in Farmington and online—that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.
The list of the University of Maine at Farmington Class of 2026 includes:
MAINE
Albion: Emma Robillard, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Alexander: Joanna Korasadowicz, B.A., Biology, Magna Cum Laude;
Alfred: Derek Moore, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education;
Andover: Bryce Carr, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology;
Arundel: Chantel Smith, B.A., Professional Studies;
Auburn: Hunter Bosse, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Rachel Boucher, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology, Magna Cum Laude; Leo Caron, B.A., Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Kaitlyn Knight, M.S.Ed., Early Childhood; Sarah Martin, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Sara Peinado, B.S., Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Will Sampson, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration;
Augusta: Angelina Crocker, B.S., Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Chloe Ferguson, B.S., Special Education Online; Thomas Gingras, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude; Grace King, B.A., Business Administration; Kyle Long, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Cassandra Mitchell, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Amanda Perry, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Spencer Soiett, B.G.S., Bachelor of General Studies;
Avon: Joanne Roy, B.A., Professional Studies, Magna Cum Laude;
Bangor: Timothy Bullard, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Jacob Harris, B.A., Psychology; MK Karnes, B.S., Secondary Education – English;
Beals: Musette White, B.F.A., Creative Writing and English, Magna Cum Laude;
Belfast: Jenn Lewis, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Olivia Sanborn, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Belgrade: Carolyn Sue Kinney, B.A., Political Science and Biology, Summa Cum Laude;
Belmont: Michaela Newton, B.S., Early Childhood Education;
Benton: Sarah Poli, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Bethel: Sadie Harvey, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude; Brooklyn Kimball, B.S., Community and Public Health;
Biddeford: Kaitlyn Harmon-Bolding, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies; Holland Poisson, B.S., Earth & Environmental Sciences, Magna Cum Laude;
Bowdoin: Joslynn Couture, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership;
Bradford: Madison Speed, B.A., Professional Studies, Magna Cum Laude;
Brewer: Kathryn Grover, B.A., English and Creative Writing, Magna Cum Laude; Carissa Lamond, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education; Katelyn Wheldon, B.S., Secondary Education – English, Magna Cum Laude;
Bridgton: David DelVecchio, B.A., Geography & Environmental Planning, Summa Cum Laude; Avery Ver Wey, B.S., Elementary Education;
Brunswick: Thomas Crimmins, B.A., Computer Science, Magna Cum Laude; Josh Doring, B.S., Secondary Ed Mathematics and Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude; Jessica Gaudette, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Rebecca Griffin Bessette, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education; Aela Hemberger, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude; Whitney Reeves, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Anna Visco, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education;
Bryant Pond: Brianna Benson, B.A., Biology; Erika Fujimaki, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership;
Bucksport: Martha Ames, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Emily Keniston, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Burnham: Trenton Kitchin, B.A., Political Science;
Buxton: Kristi Berry, B.S., Middle and Secondary Education, Magna Cum Laude;
Camden: Aidan O’Connell, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Self-Designed, Summa Cum Laude;
Cape Elizabeth: Will Altenburg, B.A., Geography & Environmental Planning, Magna Cum Laude; Grace Erskine, B.A., Business Administration and Performing Arts;
Caribou: Andrea J. Ginty, M.S.Ed., Science Education; Kaitlyn Morningstar, B.A., Professional Studies, Magna Cum Laude;
Carthage: Holly Gary, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Chesterville: Kayla Rivers-Almeida, B.S., Early Childhood Education;
China: Haley Martin, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Clinton: Bethany Wright, B.A., Biology;
Coplin Plantation: Lance Dolan, B.S., Community and Public Health;
Corinth: Bayley Casavant, B.S., Community and Public Health, Cum Laude; Amanda Verrill, B.S., Special Education, Cum Laude;
Cornville: Elijah Canales, B.S., Elementary Education; Joyce Clement, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Dexter: Amber Peak, B.A., Professional Studies;
Dover Foxcroft: Mylana Shaw, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Theresa Makowski, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
East Dixfield: Laura Gunter, B.A., Business Administration;
Eliot: Marcus Wile, B.F.A., Creative Writing, Summa Cum Laude;
Ellsworth: Deena Segel, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Embden: Pasmodeus Clark, B.A., English and Creative Writing;
Fairfield: Rachel Benner, B.A., Professional Studies; Sarah Fallon, B.A., Professional Studies; Ryan Martin-Hachey, B.A., Biology, Summa Cum Laude;
Farmingdale: Kayla Lee, B.A., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude;
Farmington: Hoku Caroselli, B.A., Business Administration, Cum Laude; Andre Cormier, B.A., Professional Studies; Neve Dauphinais, B.A., Professional Studies, Cum Laude; Megan Dionne, B.S., Community and Public Health, Magna Cum Laude; Laura Hoeft, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Kolyn Mattson, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies, Magna Cum Laude; Emily Maxim, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude; Zack Morrell, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Nicole Putnam, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Megan Rackliff, B.A., Psychology; Sarah Reynolds, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Maev Rogers, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Pamela Roy, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Bobbi Smalley, B.A., Psychology; Hannah Wilbur, B.A., Art and Design, Cum Laude; Christa Wilcox, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Fayette: Andrea Harmon, B.A., Psychology;
Freeport: Thomas McLaughlin, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Frenchboro: Melyssa Hodgkins, B.A., Professional Studies;
Gardiner: Jackson Boudreau, B.S., Elementary Education; Tucker Boudreau, B.S., Earth & Environmental Sciences; Elizabeth Hall, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education;
Gorham: Nathan Philip Doane, B.S., Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Nico Germani, B.A., Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Business Administration and Interdisciplinary Studies – Business Psychology, Magna Cum Laude;
Greene: Aleks Bachkovsky, B.A., Psychology, Cum Laude; Felicity Tardif, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Guilford: Elizabeth Kendall, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Hampden: Jordan Hardy, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude;
Hancock: Sherry Abbott, M.S.Ed., Special Education ;
Hartford: Shawn Prokey, B.S., School Health Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Hartland: Holli Carmichael, B.S., Special Education Online, Summa Cum Laude;
Hermon: Emi Plummer, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education;
Hollis Center: Amanda Mains, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Individualized, Magna Cum Laude;
Islesboro: Lake Lindelof, B.A., Business Administration, Cum Laude;
Jay: Spencer Brennick, B.A., Biology; Alison Littlefield, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude;
Jonesport: Mariah Crowley, B.A., Professional Studies;
Kennebunk: Audrey McEnaney, B.S., Rehabilitation & Human Service, Summa Cum Laude; Hazel McEnaney, B.S., Earth & Environmental Sciences, Summa Cum Laude; Maddison Pike, B.F.A., Creative Writing; Simone Ruediger, B.A., Business Administration, Cum Laude;
Kingfield: Nicolas Lobdell, B.A., Business Administration;
Kittery: Aili Webb, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude;
Lewiston: Kiani Camire, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education;
Lewiston: Daisy Delcourt, B.A., Professional Studies; Staysh Gadomski, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies; Ezra Mathieu, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration; Isabella Miller, B.A., Business Administration; Dominique Richard, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration; Alison Stimson, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Kaylie Thomas, B.S., Early Childhood Education;
Limestone: Jessica Moody, B.A., Professional Studies, Cum Laude;
Lincolnville: Adam Gremillion, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Lisbon Falls: Casandra Dyer, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Livermore: Holly Cutler, B.A., Psychology;
Livermore Falls: Allison Caron, B.A., Professional Studies, Cum Laude; Arlie Marcs, B.A., Psychology and Political Science, Cum Laude;
Madawaska: Jillian Vanier, B.A., Professional Studies;
Madison: Erika Dean, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Anna Paine, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude; Andrea Smith, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Devon Spencer, B.A., Psychology;
Manchester: Genevieve Cirello, B.S., Early Childhood Education; Grace Dwyer, B.A., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude; Danny Taylor, B.A., English and Creative Writing;
Mapleton: Clay Gregg, B.A., Business Administration and Outdoor Recreation Business Administration;
Mercer: Adam Hendrix, B.A., Computer Science and Mathematics, Summa Cum Laude;
Moscow: Emily Collins, B.A., Professional Studies;
Mount Desert: Susan Swift, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Mount Vernon: Katie Gasper, B.A., English, Summa Cum Laude; Molly Whittington, B.S., Special Education;
New Gloucester: Abigail Ladd, B.S., School Health Education, Cum Laude;
New Portland: Annalise Collins, B.A., History;
New Sharon: Brittany Bailey, B.S., Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Adam Tosch, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology, Summa Cum Laude;
New Vineyard: Kaden Allen, B.S., School Health Education and Community and Public Health;
Newcastle: Patrick McKenney, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration; Alice Skiff, B.S., Special Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Newport: Conner Malone, B.A., Business Administration;
Nobleboro: Erica Johnson, B.A., Computer Science;
Norridgewock: Abby Washburn, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology, Summa Cum Laude;
North Berwick: Lincoln Lambert, B.A., Business Administration; Noah Mayrose, B.A., Business Administration;
Oakland: Adonna Manzo, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Kiley Meader, B.A., Biology, Cum Laude; Natalie Tracy, B.A., Psychology;
Old Town: Chandler Davis, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Orland: Ben Branch, B.A., Art and Design;
Palermo: River Potter, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology;
Palmyra: Jasper Lawler, B.A., Psychology;
Penobscot: Sydney Gray, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Phillips: Isabella Cain, B.A., Biology;
Pittsfield: Kayla Kalloch, B.S., Rehabilitation & Human Service; Kristyn Plamondon, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Khloe Pyles, B.S., Early Childhood Education;
Plymouth: Tasha Gilbert, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Poland: Alex Hebert, B.A., Professional Studies;
Portland: Ruweda Ali, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude; Conner Cherniak, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Emily Dornblaser, B.A., Professional Studies, Magna Cum Laude; Nabella Erskine, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude; Connor Haskell, B.F.A., Creative Writing and Art & Design, Summa Cum Laude; Allen Little, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Valentina Lodola, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Ana Mutula, B.A., Professional Studies, Cum Laude;
Presque Isle: Matthew Hedrich, B.A., Actuarial Science, Business Administration and Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude;
Rangeley: Beth Carroll, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Readfield: Kelli Boucher, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Molly McGrail, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Rockland: Nick DeMarchi, B.A., Performing Arts;
Sabattus: Paige Gonya, B.A., International & Global Studies and Eath & Environmental Science, Magna Cum Laude; Meghan Hasson, B.A., Professional Studies, Cum Laude;
Saco: Whitney Casavina, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Jean-Philippe Guillerault, M.S.Ed., Special Education; Mackenzie Piechota, B.A., Professional Studies, Cum Laude; Kyle Sawyer, B.S., School Health Education; Tanner Walsh, B.A., Psychology;
Saint Albans: Danielle Savoy, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
Sanford: Tiegan Eisenhaur, B.A., History; Kim Minchin, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education;
Scarborough: Zach Chaisson, B.A., Psychology; Iris Mikeska, B.A., Performing Arts, Magna Cum Laude; Ethan Taylor, B.F.A., Creative Writing, Cum Laude; Emily White, B.S., Elementary Education, Cum Laude;
Sidney: Fayth White, M.S.Ed., Early Childhood;
Sipayik, Pleasant Point: Noela Altvater, B.A., Psychology;
Skowhegan: Jasmyne Beaulieu, B.A., Psychology; Chrissie Davis, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Ahnalese Higgins, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Solon: Soren Hatfield, B.S., Secondary Education – English, Magna Cum Laude;
South Berwick: Bryanna Bradley, B.S., Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Jada Brown, B.A., Psychology, Cum Laude; Sam Peterson, B.S., Community and Public Health;
South China: Kaitlyn Potts, M.S.Ed., Early Childhood;
South Paris: Kyleigh Croxford, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Abby Hanson, B.S., Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Allison Nolan, M.S.Ed., Early Childhood;
South Portland: Lillian Aldrich, B.A., Art and Design; Sydney Beecher, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Rachel Foster, B.A., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude; Emily Gray, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Ally Richards, B.S., Community and Public Health; Ky Terroni, B.S., Secondary Education – English, Magna Cum Laude; Alexandra Trefsger, B.A., Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;
Standish: Erin Harper, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Erin Keenan, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Starks: Caden Sterry, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;
Strong: Austin Marden, B.F.A., Creative Writing and Community & Public Health, Cum Laude;
Sullivan: Caelan Billings, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;
Sumner: Emily Carrasquillo, B.A., Biology; Jamie Richardson, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
Surry: Arden Weaver, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;
Troy: Kerri Davis, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
Turner: Kaydence Gamblin, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude; Mark Herman, B.S., School Health Education, Magna Cum Laude; Kai McCormick, B.A., Art and Design, Cum Laude; Tristan Ridley, B.A., History and Political Science, Magna Cum Laude;
Vassalboro: Rita Brown, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Desarae Dearborn, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Wade: Aaron Skinner, B.S., Secondary Ed Social Studies, Magna Cum Laude;
Waldoboro: Grace White, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude;
Waterboro: Tanya Littlefield, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Waterford: Rebecca Lynne Hunt, M.S.Ed., Science Education;
Waterville: Hannah Comfort, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Lyriam Gray, B.G.S., Bachelor of General Studies, Summa Cum Laude; Hannah Hall, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Cum Laude; Makenzie Juliano, B.A., Psychology; Ian Mayberry, B.A., Computer Science, Cum Laude; Cathy Taylor, B.A., Political Science, Summa Cum Laude;
Wayne: Christian Doucette, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude; Samuel McKee, B.A., Business Administration; Ally Phair, B.S., Secondary Education – English;
Wells: Jamie LaPointe, B.A., Professional Studies; Ruby McMinis, B.S., Community and Public Health, Cum Laude;
West Gardiner: Skye Cotnoir, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude; Trinity Marshall, B.S., Elementary Education; Cole Willette, B.A., Psychology;
Westbrook: Anais Aguirre, B.A., Professional Studies, Magna Cum Laude; Lily Grant, B.A., Mathematics and Actuarial Science, Magna Cum Laude;
Wilton: Floret Duchesne, B.S., Rehabilitation & Human Service, Summa Cum Laude; Shaylynn Koban, B.F.A., Creative Writing and Psychology, Summa Cum Laude; Amy Walston, B.S., Rehabilitation & Human Service, Summa Cum Laude; Lauryn-Jaimie Walston, B.A., Business Administration;
Windham: Izack Enman, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration; Destiny Potter, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude; Liz Small, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
Winslow: Cal Beckwith, B.A., Business Administration, Cum Laude; Alicia Corron, M.S.Ed., Special Education; McKayla Fortin, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude; Kyle Gurney, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership;
Winthrop: Lori Clark, M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership; Emily Finch, B.S., Rehabilitation & Human Service;
Yarmouth: Golsin Rashid, M.S.Ed., Mathematics Education; Caitlin Scholl, M.A., Counseling Psychology; Akim Zulu, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
York: Rebecca Rooke, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
CONNECTICUT
Bethany: Hannah Medovnikov, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Enfield: Mia Carmichael, B.S., Elementary Education;
Glastonbury: Tyler Hutchinson, M.S.Ed., Special Education;
Griswold: Sarah Pederson, B.G.S., Bachelor of General Studies;
Groton: Peter Lawton, B.A., Psychology;
Ledyard: Christopher Houdeshell, B.S., Earth & Environmental Sciences, Summa Cum Laude; Tessa Tillman, B.A., Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude;
Newington: Samuel Parsell, B.A., Biology;
Southbury: Sydney Booth, B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude;
MASSACHUSETTS
Attleboro: Jameson Bloch, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Business Psychology, Magna Cum Laude;
Bedford: Jay Schwartz, B.A., Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;
Bolton: Declan Lachance, B.S., Rehabilitation & Human Service;
Dracut: Jordan Buckley, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude;
Dudley: Stephen Ekstrom, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude;
Lowell: Moose Dienta, B.G.S., Bachelor of General Studies;
Northborough: Jadyn Jacobs, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Web Media & Design, Summa Cum Laude;
Plainville: Dave Castles, B.S., Earth & Environmental Sciences;
Plymouth: Hail Welsh, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
Shrewsbury: James Riley, B.A., Geography & Environmental Planning and Earth & Environmental Science;
Sturbridge: Ella Grant, B.S., Middle and Secondary Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Walpole: Joseph Seastrand, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology;
Wenham: Nicole Lund, M.A., Counseling Psychology;
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Brookline: Paul Vachon, B.A., Political Science;
Grafton: Morgan Towne, B.S., Community and Public Health;
Loudon: Kaiden Clark, B.F.A., Creative Writing, Cum Laude;
North Hampton: Trey Gourgeot, B.A., Actuarial Science, Summa Cum Laude;
Phelem: Tyler Rosa, B.A., Business Administration, Cum Laude;
Salisbury: Jack Wormald, B.A., Business Administration;
Warner: Atticus Powell, B.A., Psychology;
VERMONT
Concord: Lauren Girouard, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Individualized, Magna Cum Laude;
Jericho: Noah Dostal, B.A., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude; Grace Leach, B.S., Early Childhood Special Ed;
Montpelier: Ayla Bodach-Turner, B.S., Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Pittsford: Kellette Boynton, B.S., Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude;
Tunbridge: Cole Banks, B.A., Psychology;
West Pawlet: Sophia Winters, B.S., Earth & Environmental Sciences;
ARIZONA
Anthem: Alden Farina, B.A., International & Global Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles: Sophie Bedrinana, B.A., Art and Design;
Pacifica: Christopher Hicks, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Public Policy;
ILLINOIS
Chester: Evryst Bryant, B.A., Psychology, Cum Laude;
Sycamore: Mar Byrd, B.S., Secondary Ed Mathematics amd Mathematics, Summa Cum Laude;
MARYLAND
Elkton: Evelyn Poteet, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Anthropology;
NEW JERSEY
Newark: Jeffrey Skinner-Perkins, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Public Policy, Summa Cum Laude;
PENNSYLVANIA
East Stroudsburg: Finley Narvesen, B.F.A., Creative Writing, Magna Cum Laude;
TEXAS
New Braunfels: Charis Thompson, B.A., Professional Studies;
San Antonio: Keira McGrath, B.A., Biology, Cum Laude;
VIRGINIA
Fairfax Station: Michaela Hendrix, B.A., Biology, Cum Laude;
Bahamas
New Providence: Cydnay Vanderpool-Wallace, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies – Public Policy, Summa Cum Laude;
Belgium
Brussels: Sky Condon, B.A., Performing Arts;
Congo, the Democratic Republic
Kananga: James Koni, B.A., Professional Studies, Summa Cum Laude;
# # #
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040A.webp
Photo Caption: Dr. Dora Anne Mills
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040B.webp
Photo Caption: Adam Tosch, UMF undergraduate student speaker
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040C.webp
Photo Caption: Kristyn Plamondon, UMF graduate student speaker
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040D.webp
Photo Caption: (Left to right) UMF President Joseph McDonnell, Commencement keynote speaker Dr. Dora Anne Mills and member of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees Trish Riley
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040E.webp
Photo Caption: New UMF graduates celebrating their well-earned accomplishment!
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040F.webp
Photo Caption: Members of the UMF Class of 2026
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040G.webp
Photo Caption: Members of the UMF Class of 2026
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/05/RP256-040I.webp
Photo Caption: Members of the UMF Class of 2026
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Share this article: