Recognition

University of New England President Danielle Ripich was honored by the Maine business publication Mainebiz as a Business Leader of the Year in the nonprofit category at a reception held at the Portland Country Club May 5.

Ripich was recognized for the international prominence that she has brought to UNE in the past decade through the addition of the university’s College of Pharmacy, College of Dental Medicine, Oral Health Center and a new campus in Tangier, Morocco. The award also acknowledged her accomplishments in buoying the university’s student population by 70 percent and increasing its operating surplus by $127 million.

“She has set the pace for other universities,” said Mainebiz Editor Peter Van Allen, who presented Ripich with the award.

The Hartford Collection, designed by Adam Rogers of Cumberland for Thos. Moser, Handmade American Furniture, has received an Architizer A+ Award. The award represents the best of architecture throughout 100-plus countries worldwide selected by an industry-based jury.

Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, received the Legislator of the Year award from the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics at their Spring Conference for establishing a study on the social and emotional learning and development of Maine’s young children.

Giving Back

Pathways Rehabilitation Services of Brunswick was awarded a $30,300 Community Development Block Grant by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development to purchase adaptive equipment and technology for a special needs driving program.

AIGA Maine of Portland has distributed nearly 5,000 “un-coloring” books to children’s hospitals, specialty care and family crisis centers across New England.
“Imaginative ME” was produced with the help of 27 contributing Maine artists. Instead of staying within the lines, un-coloring books encourage children of all ages to draw from their own imaginations through prompts like, “Design a poster to advertise your favorite movie.”

Transitions

Jeffrey Kane, president of National Distributors, Inc. in South Portland, announced  that he will retire effective May 2, after 37 years with the company. Tim Longstaff, the general manager of National Distributors, will succeed Kane as president effective immediately. Kane will continue as a shareholder.

News from nonprofits

Bath Sunrise Rotary held a work day at the Food Bank to assemble a fresh produce display stand, stocked and cleaned shelves, organized the stock, fixed the vacuum and cleaned the front lobby. The club bought two new freezers to replace the oldest ones, along with a new printer for the office.  The Club is also using a $3,500 grant received last year to help the Bath Area Food Bank execute a plan to create a model food pantry “supermarket,” the food bank is physically transforming into a place where clients choose the items they want in each food category rather than being given a box of preselected food, which has led to less waste. The project also includes building and installing a fresh produce storage and display unit.

Topsham Post 2197 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars elected the following officers at the April membership meeting: Commander Roger Stevens; Vice-commander Lin Stevens; Quartermaster Al Bourque; and Trustee Kent Long. During the past year, more than $2,500 has been donated to help the local community and fellow veterans in need, including veterans at Togus, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program and Topsham Youth Sports.

Hires, promotions, appointments

The Maine Maritime Academy Board of Trustees welcomed new appointees Gregory Fryer of Cumberland and Carolyn Brodsky of Scarborough on May 6.

Bernstein Shur law firm has hired Hallie Flint Gilman of Portland as a shareholder in the firm’s Energy Practice Group in the Portland office. Gilman’s practice focuses on energy law, providing legal support for development and operation of energy infrastructure projects in Maine and nationally.

University of New England President Danielle N. Ripich announced that Jack McDonald has been promoted to vice president of student engagement in addition to his role as director of athletics.

CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization based in Portland, announced that Tim Propp has been promoted to chief operating officer.

Bath Savings Institution has promoted Melissa Libby to branch manager of its Yarmouth office.

E. Whitney Soule of Brunswick has been named dean of admissions and financial aid at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, effective July 1. She succeeds Scott A. Meiklejohn, who is moving to become senior vice president for development and alumni relations.

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