Governor Janet Mills addresses graduates at UNE commencement ceremony

The University of New England celebrated its 184th Commencement on May 18, 2019 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

More than 1,800 students received degrees and certificates in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, natural sciences, human services, education, management and the liberal arts.

“This ceremony represents the culmination of your hard work,” President James Herbert told the graduates. “It offers occasion for you to reflect on how far you’ve come and to look forward to all the places you’ll go.”

President Herbert urged the graduates to continue to learn throughout their lives.

“Don’t ever stop learning and growing. Your time at UNE has provided you with the foundational knowledge and tools to critically examine our world,” Herbert said.

Janet Mills, Maine’s 75th governor, served as UNE’s 2019 Commencement speaker. Mills who is Maine’s first female governor, first entered public service as an Assistant Attorney General, where she prosecuted homicides and other major crimes. After a few years, she was elected District Attorney for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties, making her the first woman to be elected as a DA in New England. Prior to becoming governor, Mills served as the Attorney General of Maine – the first and only woman to hold the job. 

During her Commencement address, Mills told the graduates that while they have worked hard to get to this day, their work is far from over.

“Our state, nation and world need you,” she said. “We need your talents, your passion and your dedication to create a brighter, fairer future. I am entering a new phase of my life, as your governor, as are you as graduates of UNE. I hope that we both leave a cleaner planet, a good economy, affordable health care, educational opportunity and a lot of love for each other.”

To learn more about UNE’s 184th Commencement and to watch the ceremony, visit https://youtu.be/uvSwF5HMRVc