Senators Collins, King Attend UMaine Alumni Association’s Black Bears on the Hill Event
Click HERE and HERE for high-resolution photos of Senators Collins and King with Dr. Hunter
Washington, D.C. – At the University of Maine Alumni Association’s 2018 Black Bears on the Hill event, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King delivered remarks and met with UMaine alumni. They also presented UMaine President Susan Hunter with statements entered in the Congressional Record honoring her distinguished career in higher education and her exceptional leadership of the university as she approaches her retirement.
“One of the most accurate measures of the strength of a university is the bond among its alumni. The affection and pride that unite UMaine graduates transcends the generations and moves our university forward,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We were delighted to meet with so many Black Bears of D.C., and to have one more opportunity to thank President Hunter for her decades of contributions to our state and our great university.”
Each spring, the University of Maine Alumni Association coordinates a “Black Bear Road Trip” and hosts dinners and receptions throughout the country to connect with alumni. This year’s event marks the 60th anniversary of the Peter Madigan ’81 Congressional Internship Program, a program that provides students with the opportunity to live in Washington, D.C., while working in a congressional office. Both Senators Collins and King have had multiple interns work in their offices through this program.
Dr. Hunter, the current president of UMaine, became the first female president in the university’s 150-year history in June 2014. Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy will become UMaine’s new president when Dr. Hunter retires in June.
Earlier this month, Senator Collins delivered the commencement address at UMaine’s 216th graduation ceremony, where more than 1,650 students were honored for their accomplishments.
