Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
AUGUSTA — George Mitchell, former U.S. senator from Maine, will be the commencement speaker at the University of Maine at Augusta.
The commencement is 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, in the Augusta Civic Center auditorium.
College President Rebecca Wyke said that UMA is honored to have Mitchell participate in the commencement. “His dedication to supporting Maine students who seek to further their education and pursue a post-secondary degree is unparalleled, and at the heart of UMA’s mission,” she said.
Mitchell, a native of Waterville, represented Maine in the U.S. Senate from 1980 to 1995, and was Senate majority leader for several years. He had also served as a federal judge and was chairman of peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, helping to forge an agreement that ended the country’s conflict with Great Britain. He was most recently as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East. In 2008, Time magazine described him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
More than 500 students are eligible to graduate this spring and more than 350 are expected to participate in the graduation ceremonies.
UMA will also recognize Genie Gannett, with an honorary degree in humane letters. Gannett is president and founder of the First Amendment Museum at the Gannett House, 184 State St.
A granddaughter of Maine publisher, Guy P. Gannett, she and her family have a deep and lasting commitment to UMA, its students, and its mission, the college said.
A “tenacious advocate” for UMA, she has served on the Board of Visitors and supported many UMA philanthropic initiatives.
