FARMINGTON — Four University of Maine at Farmington alumni and friends were recently honored for their significant contributions to the university, the community and the state at the annual UMF Alumni Awards Reception in the new Emery Community Arts Center.

Presentations were made by Ryan Low, class of 1997 and UMF vice president for administration, to Charlotte Warren, mayor of Hallowell; Chandler Woodcock, commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Alison Hagerstrom, executive director for Greater Franklin Development Corporation; and Lou Hight, area businessman. 

An alumna dedicated to public service, Warren was honored an Alumni Achievement Award. Established in 1979, the award honors a graduate who has achieved distinction in his/her field and brings honor to the university. Warren, class of 1994, is dedicated to the belief that everyone should have a voice and each voice should be heard.

She was elected as mayor in November 2009, after serving as a city councilor for eight years, including council president for two years. She also serves as associate director of the Maine Women’s Lobby and the Maine Women’s Policy Center and has worked for more than a decade with TRiO programs to increase the success of students involved with UMF’s Upward Bound program.

Presented with another Alumni Achievement Awards, Woodcock, class of 1978, was recognized for the way he has always valued education and service to others. Recently appointed by Gov. Paul LePage as commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, he has also served in the Maine State Senate representing Franklin County.

He taught high school for 25 years in Livermore Falls, Mt. Blue and Skowhegan and led the Mt. Blue girls’ varsity basketball team to two Class A state championships as their coach.

A model of dedication to service to her community and her alma mater, Hagerstrom, class of 1973, was presented with the Florence Hewey Archibald Service Award. For more than 25 years, the award has honored an individual or group for outstanding service to the university’s Alumni Association.

Hagerstrom has been a loyal ambassador to UMF since she was asked to serve on the alumni council nearly 20 years ago. She is serving as the executive director for the Greater Franklin Development Corp. and as co-chair of the UMF board of visitors. This is her second award from UMF. In 1991, she received the Alumni Achievement Award.

A contributor to UMF’s strategic directions, Hight was awarded the Friend of UMF Award. Established in 1978, the award shows appreciation to a non-graduate who has provided outstanding support or service to the university and the western Maine region.

A local businessman at the helm of a family concern with more than 100 years of success, Hight is an adviser and advocate for UMF and participant on the university’s board of visitors. Throughout the past decade, he has offered perspectives that have helped keep UMF vigorous.