FARMINGTON —The University of Maine at Farmington proudly celebrated the Class of 2023 Saturday at a gala Commencement ceremony in Farmington. More than 300 of the 347 bachelor’s and master’s graduates marched to the lilt of bagpipes as they prepared to turn their tassels and cap off their academic accomplishments. UMF President Joseph McDonnell, UMF faculty, staff, administrators, dignitaries, families, and friends gave them a rousing welcome.

“Today, the University of Maine at Farmington Class of 2023 took a huge step into the future as college graduates. UMF has prepared these graduates to become educators, professionals, business leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens. Most importantly, the UMF experience has transformed their lives,” said McDonnell. “And our masters graduates are prepared to address the shortage of teachers, administrators, and counselors in Maine.”

Dr. Doris A. Santoro, professor of education at Bowdoin College, researcher, and author delivered the keynote address to UMF graduates, their families, and honored guests.

Dr. Santoro, professor of education at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, is a philosopher of education who conducts empirical research to study and theorize about the moral and ethical sources of teacher dissatisfaction and resistance. She is a teacher educator for pre-service and experienced practitioners and examines how norms and values are communicated in professional communities.

Santoro taught high school English in Brooklyn and San Francisco, and GED prep as an alternative to incarceration program. She also served as a bilingual literacy consultant.

She is a senior associate editor for the American Journal of Education. She has written two books called: “Demoralized: Why Teachers Leave the Profession They Love and How They Can Stay” and “Principled Resistance: How Teachers Resolve Ethical Dilemmas.” She has published widely in academic journals and publications geared toward teachers and school leaders. Santoro is regularly called upon for expert insight into issues about teacher satisfaction nationwide.

Living in Rangeley, Maine, Professor Santoro continues to be an inspiration for her community. She has collaborated with the Portland Public Schools for several years to create schools where educators of color can thrive. She is a public intellectual devoted to ensuring that all students can benefit from excellent teachers.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Rochester, and a Doctorate of Education in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College at Columbia University.

The ceremony included a poetry reading by Wes McNair, UMF professor emeritus, who served as Maine Poet Laureate from 2011 to 2016.

UMF graduating senior Emalyn Remington from Bennington, Ver., gave the student address. Remington graduated with a double major in creative writing and performing arts.

She attributes her dedication to her academics to her father who passed away her freshman year and the importance he always put on her education.

Her love of theatre and written language can be seen in her academic commitment while at UMF. She served as the president of Student Theatre UMF and managed the UMF Theatre costume shop for two years. She also served as president of Alpha Psi Omega, the UMF  honors theatre fraternity, and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the UMF English honors fraternity

A gifted actor and designer, she has appeared in every UMF Mainstage production during her time at UMF and has designed the costumes for four major plays.

“Farmington has become a home away from home for me,” said Remington. “My mentor professors are like my second family who have watched over me and given me the ability to grow and change as an artist.”

After graduation, she will be teaching a theatre audition workshop at a high school in her hometown. She has been accepted to Goddard College in Plainfield, Ver., where she will be studying to receive her M.F.A. in Creative Non-Fiction Writing.

The National Anthem was sung by graduating senior Morgan Steward, a performing arts major, from Anson, Maine.

Joseph McDonnell, UMF president, and Katherine Yardley, co-provost and dean of the College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation, conferred the degrees.

David MacMahon, member of the University of Maine System, Board of Trustees, delivered greetings to the graduates.

Additional information and a link to the Commencement livestream can be found at: https://www.umf.maine.edu/commencement-2023/

Local graduates include:

Albany TWP: Reese Remington, B.A., Political Science;

Mexico: Abbey Duguay, B.S., Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Peyton Hart, B.A., Psychology;

Rumford: Courtney Carrier, B.S., Rehabilitation Services, Magna Cum Laude; Lyv Lee, B.S., Early Childhood Education; Maddie Legere, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies: Self-Designed -Social Theory, Cum Laude; Mariah Pelletier, B.S., Early Childhood Education

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