AUBURN — With over 75 cumulative years teaching and helping to see the college through decades of growth, Central Maine Community College announces the retirement of four longtime employees.

For 38 years, starting as a groundskeeper, Ray Masse oversaw and helped create the beautiful lakeside campus CMCC is today. Masse was part of every small job, renovation and new building project for nearly 40 years, overseeing the modernization of the campus. Throughout all of this, he maintained a friendly, open and humble attitude. With an outgoing and friendly personality, Masse knew everybody by name and everybody knew him – both on and off-campus.

Roger Philippon came to CMCC in 2006 after working at St. Joseph’s College in Standish and University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College. As dean of planning and public affairs, Philippon directed institutional assessment and research efforts; led the development and implementation of the college’s strategic plans; managed federal grants and served as accreditation liaison officer; directed community, legislative, and media relations and college marketing efforts; and served as executive director of the CM Education Foundation.

Philippon is a former member of the Lewiston City Council and serves on the Lewiston Finance Committee. He is also a member of the L-A Metro Chamber of Commerce, the L-A Rotary Club and the Maine Public Relations Council. Philippon holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine and a master’s degree in adult education from the USM. He and his wife, Celeste, live in Lewiston and devote much time and energy to the L-A Community Little Theater.

Lester Ordway started in the Automotive Program at CMCC in 1997 as part of the Ford ASSET program. As a primary recruiter for the program, Ordway spent many days meeting students and visiting high schools, many of whom came to CMCC, growing the program to what it is now. He had a significant role in running the Ford/AAA auto skills competition and he also ran the ME/NH/VT contests and contributed to the finals for the past 10 years.

In 2015, Ordway became a representative for House District 23. He was re-elected in 2020. As representative, Ordway serves on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Leaves of Absence Committee. Ordway lives in Standish.

Don Varney spent a decade at CMCC creating a thriving Building Construction Technology department. A creative and energetic leader, and inspiring teacher, Varney turned the lab into a modern learning center with redesigned curriculum to focus on student-first learning. In 2013, he was presented with the Faculty Member of the Year award.

A graduate of CMCC, Varney earned a baccalaureate degree in applied technical education at USM and is certified as a Building Analyst Professional. He also spearheaded the creation of the Building Construction Jobsite Program.