UMA will celebrate the achievements of its Class of 2025 at this year’s commencement ceremony, recognizing approximately 500 graduates and honoring several distinguished leaders in the community.
UMA is honored to welcome Michael-Corey F. Hinton, a respected attorney and citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, as this year’s keynote speaker. Hinton leads the Tribal Nations Practice Group at Drummond Woodsum in Portland, advising Tribal Nations on federal Indian law, environmental policy and economic development.
His career includes prior roles with the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, as well as ongoing work as a trustee of the Abbe Museum and member of the Thompson Brothers’ 4 the Future Foundation Executive Committee. Hinton’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, advocacy and leadership.
UMA President Jenifer Cushman praised the graduating class for their dedication and perseverance. “UMA’s Class of 2025 represents the strength and determination it takes to pursue higher education in today’s world,” she said. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and confident they will make a meaningful impact in their communities and careers.”
In addition to celebrating its graduates, UMA will recognize several individuals for their exceptional contributions to their communities and fields:
- Student speaker Shannon “Mac” McNamara, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, will address her fellow classmates. Known for her creativity, perseverance and passion for using design as a force for good, McNamara embodies the innovative spirit of UMA’s architecture program.
- UMA will confer an honorary degree on Chuck Hays, a transformative leader in Maine’s healthcare landscape. UMA recognizes his longstanding commitment to accessible, community-based care.
- Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to Justin Chenette and Mary Gibson.
- Justin Chenette ’21, is a dynamic public servant, communications leader, author and founder of a nonprofit scholarship fund that empowers future leaders. Through his personal and professional work, Chenette champions civic engagement, mental health and expanding educational access. He has earned national recognition, including 40 Under 40 honors from The Advocate and MaineBiz, as well as Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from Presidents Bush and Obama. Chenette completed his postbaccalaureate in public administration at UMA in 2021.
- Mary Gibson ’07, founder of the Noowuh Knowledge Center, is an advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. She works to protect the language, heritage and history of the Western Shoshone people while advancing human rights both locally and internationally. She has represented her community at the United Nations and leads youth and community efforts in cultural education and environmental justice. Her work reflects her commitment to keeping Indigenous knowledge alive through grassroots action and global advocacy. Gibson earned her bachelor’s degree in information and library science from UMA in 2007.
UMA’s 2025 commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed and available for later viewing at uma.edu/commencement, where additional details about the event can also be found.
UMA is committed to making commencement accessible to all. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available throughout the ceremony, and the Augusta Civic Center is ADA compliant. Family members and guests who need accommodations are encouraged to contact Sydney Olson by April 28 at 207-262-7825, toll-free at 1-877-862-1234, ext. 7825, or via email at sydney.olson@maine.edu.