Thomas College Newsletter

New Year, New Possibilities

There’s something about the new year that makes everything seem fresher and more promising. There are so many possibilities – especially for this special place, Thomas College.

We’ve already kicked off the new year with the official launch of our eSports program and arena space! Every time I walk in, it’s filled with students excited for this great opportunity. Both the Morning Sentinel and Newscentermaine stopped by to cover the story.

We also had a visit from the editor of Maine Magazine who wrote a piece about our President, Laurie Lachance. The story captures Laurie’s journey from being a first-generation college student to helping first-generation students succeed at Thomas College.

Students are also back from break and have already hit the ground running with internships, hosting tournaments (see story below), and making a difference at Thomas and in the community.

I hope your 2019 is off to a great start. Stay warm!

MacKenzie Riley Young
Assistant Director of Media Relations

Formerly Homeless, Student Thriving at Thomas College

Student Josh Crocker spent some of his childhood homeless. He never imagined he’d be succeeding in his first year at Thomas College. Josh feels lucky to have such a supportive community behind him. He was able to share his story with Channel 6’s 207.

Men’s Basketball Team Helps Out During High School Tournament

The Thomas College Men’s Basketball team stepped in when a team didn’t show up for the Unified Basketball Tournament earlier this month. The high school team, Hampden Academy, was appreciative – and both teams had so much fun!

New Conservation Law Enforcement Concentration Offered at Thomas College

Ethan Blake '19 has a military background, loves the outdoors, and is fascinated with science. So, he's very pleased that Thomas College now offers a Conservation Law Enforcement concentration as part of its Criminal Justice program. He's confident it will help him with his future career.

Alumni on the Move: Molly Woodward ’13

Congratulations to Molly Woodward for her new position as New Dimensions Federal Credit Union’s business development officer!

Student Philanthropy Team to Host Dining to Donate Event, February 11

Looking for an easy (and delicious) way to support Thomas?

On February 11, join the Student Philanthropy Team at Portland Pie in Waterville for a Dining to Donate event. Portland Pie will donate 10% of your bill back to Thomas!

Just bring a copy of the flyer – digital or physical – and Portland Pie will take care of the rest. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and applies to take-out and delivery orders, too!

Since 2014, the Student Philanthropy Team has been creating a culture of philanthropy on campus. Using money raised through athletic concessions, campus events, and donations, in 2018 they awarded two $1,000 scholarships to students in need.

Student-Athletes Recognized for Academic Excellence

Each fall, the President’s Council challenges varsity athletic teams at Thomas to participate in the Academic Challenge. The President’s Council hosts a dinner at Big G’s for those teams whose GPA is above 3.0 for the fall term. The event serves as recognition for those students who represent the College and its mission so well, and who embody the ideals of the NCAA Division III student-athlete.

This year’s winners who were recognized on January 22 include the following teams with a combined team GPA above 3.0: Field Hockey, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Track and Field, Golf, Men’s Cross Country, Softball, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Basketball, Baseball, Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Lacrosse, and Men’s Tennis.

Twelve of 16 varsity teams made the list, up from eight of 13 last year (Golf and Men’s and Women’s Track and Field became varsity programs this year). The award for the team with the highest team GPA for the second consecutive year was Field Hockey, with a team GPA of 3.58.

Congrats to all!

Alumni After Hours: Heading to Boston

Join us for our next Alumni After Hours event on Wednesday, February 27, as we head to Boston to watch the Celtics play against the Portland Trail Blazers. Prior to the start of the Celtics game, we will gather at BEERWORKS at 5:00 p.m. (Canal St. location) for appetizers, drinks, and socializing; so, come hang out with your fellow Terriers. Appetizers are on us! Around 7:00 p.m., we will head over to the Garden for a 7:30 game start time. FMI, please contact Chelsie Pleau ’13, Director of Alumni Relations, at pleauc@thomas.edu. Note that this is a limited ticket event, so please register to secure your seats at the link below. We hope to see you there!

Thomas College and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce to Host Business After Hours on February 13

Join us on Wednesday, February 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Summit Room for a fun Business After Hours event! Mix and mingle with business professionals, enjoy refreshments, and have a chance to win a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. No registration required, admission is free.

Meet Phonathon Caller Sam McIntyre ’22!

Sam is a first-year student from Holden, Maine, who is studying Elementary Education and hasn’t wasted any time getting involved on campus.

When she isn’t in the classroom, Sam is busy calling alumni through our student Phonathon program; you may have already heard from her!

After less than a year at Thomas, Sam already feels at home here.

“Thomas has become my family,” she said. “When I went home on break, I was counting down the days until I could come back! The education department is amazing, and the people here mean so much to me.”

Keep an ear out for Sam as she may call you to chat about your Thomas experience and your support for the Thomas Fund.

“I adore this school, and I want to give back to the people, the services, and the institution itself,” she says. “I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world!”

Professional Development Now in Augusta

Good news: Thomas College is now expanding its professional development offerings to Augusta! From leadership skills and effective teamwork tactics to grant writing boot camp we'll help you take your career to the next level.

Feel the Love: #BeMyTerrier in February

Calling all alumni, families, and friends who found love at Thomas! In February, the College will celebrate its annual #BeMyTerrier social media splash leading up to Valentine’s Day, and your story could be included! Send your photo, along with a brief description of who you met at TC you just can’t live without, to Director of Alumni Relations Chelsie Pleau ’13, at pleauc@thomas.edu. Did you meet your bestie here? Your spouse? Would your family just not be the same without your shared Thomas experience? Feel free to be creative! And, help spread a little Thomas love this February. Thank you!

Registration for Thomas College’s 5th Annual Dirty Dog Mud Run is Now Open!

Hey alumni! Do you know that you get a discounted rate of $15 for our annual Mud Run? Sign up today to have a fun day in the mud – exploring our new trail system and grabbing a complimentary drink with fellow alumni or friends at the end of the race.