University of New England

Nexus
Message from the
President Emeritus

A Love Affair of the Highest Order

Goodbye. It is a small word, but one of the hardest to say to people you admire and love. As I write this last letter to you as president of the University of New England, I am overcome with sadness and reflection.

This wonderful University came together from two very special institutions - Westbrook College in Portland and the University of New England in Biddeford.

Both institutions had rich histories and cultures. One of the great things about the last decade has been the way in which these two different but similarly driven institutions merged into one seamless, outstanding educational force. Now this University is poised on the edge of greatness, moving up by leaps and bounds.

We have enjoyed extraordinary leadership from our board members, who have given incredible amounts of their time, talent and financial support to this institution. And the more they have given, the more we have tended to ask of them. The University has been blessed by their commitment.

Our talented senior administrators have also helped to shape the University. Many of them put in 60- or 70-hour weeks, allocating scarce resources among competing interests, in what are often vastly under-appreciated jobs. Together, they have made us one of the best-managed colleges in New England.

Our wonderful faculty and staff have provided outstanding educational and co-curricular experiences for our students, making a real diff erence in their lives. As Henry Adams said, “A teacher aff ects eternity.” Our students and alumni are a living testament to the values imbued in each of you by generations of caring and talented teachers and support staff .

In the end, an institution is measured by the quality of its graduates - by your skills, your attainments and your values. I have been so proud to be part of an institution with so many alumni for whom commitment, selfl essness and integrity are integral parts of your personas.

You, the alumni – from our newly-minted graduates to those whose classes date back to the 1930s and 1940s – are the living record of the University’s accomplishments. Our reputation and the worth of all that we have done is in your strong hands. Th e good things that you have done, and will do in the future, validate the sacrifi ces faculty, staff, board members and donors have made to provide you with the opportunity to have a Westbrook College, St. Francis College and University of New England education. As you go forward and upward, strive to give back, as others have before you, so that the next generation of students will be able to enjoy the same opportunities you have had. The work we do is so important. As Ariel and Will Durant said, “Education is the transmission of civilization.”

As I step down from the presidency, I think I shall not say goodbye to you, but rather farewell. Fare well, dear UNE. I will always remain a part of you, as you will always remain an integral part of me. Your magnifi cent values, your strong support and your true friendship have inspired me and sustained me.

Our time together has been a love aff air of the highest order.

Sandra Featherman, Ph.D.
President Emeritus

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