Commencement 2019

"Life is Not a Straight Line"

Maine’s First Female Governor Offers Words of Inspiration to UNE’s 184th Graduating Class

A cleaner planet, a good economy, affordable health care, educational opportunity, and a lot of love for each other” were the wishes for UNE’s graduating Class of 2019, expressed by Maine Governor Janet Mills, who served as the speaker for the University’s 184th Commencement.

More than 1,800 students received degrees and certificates in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, human services, education, management, and the liberal arts at the event, held at Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena on May 18.

Mills, Maine’s first female governor, acknowledged the positive impact that UNE has on the state and encouraged the graduates to nurture their connection to Maine. “I hope your future includes the great state of Maine and that you share my passion for this place and all of its people,” she said. “There is a world of opportunity right here, and we want you, and we need you here.”

A female student holds her diploma over her head in celebration at commencement
President Herbert applauds the graduating class at commencement
Four female students watch the commencement ceremony
A group of faculty pose outside of commencement
Governor Mills greets guests at commencement
Faculty pose at commencement
A band plays bagpipes at commencement
Students walk during commencement
Students stand at graduation
Students walk up to the stage during commencement
Faculty sit during commencement
A crowd of students sit with at commencement
Three male students stand at graduation
Students stand and talk during commencement

Mills also encouraged the graduates to expect the unexpected. She said that her own life took many twists and turns that she had not anticipated. “One thing I believe I learned,” she said, “is that one’s career, one’s future, is never etched in stone, that life is not a straight line, and that, to a great extent, life is what you make it.”

In his remarks, President Herbert echoed Mills’ sentiment that the graduates are masters of their own destinies and emphasized that lifelong learning is the key to being nimble and successful. “We live in a world of rapidly escalating change, and you will need to evolve with the world to stay on top of the latest developments in your field,” he cautioned. “So, don’t ever stop learning. Embrace the discomfort, fear, and anxiety that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Engage with people who think differently from you, including those with whom you disagree, and do so in a spirit of humility and genuine curiosity … Explore our world from a diversity of perspectives.”