Inventing A University In Vietnam

with Bill Hiss

Food for Thought Luncheon

Friday, September 14th

Bill Hiss with students at the Fullbright University, Vietnam

When Ngan Dinh, Bates College class of '02, asked Bill Hiss to help create the first liberal arts college in Vietnam, it was an irresistible invitation. Retired from Bates as Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, he traveled to Vietnam last March to help create those offices at the new Fulbright University Vietnam. He will share his experience with us at the USM LAC Senior College Food For Thought luncheon Friday, September 14th.

Bill and his wife Colleen first met Ngan when she was in high school.  Relationships between the USA and Vietnam had improved and students were being offered the opportunity to study at American colleges.  Ngan was the first student from Vietnam to study at Bates.  She then earned her Master's degree at the University of Chicago and her Doctorate at Cambridge University.  Returning to Vietnam, she was a professor in a graduate Fulbright program in public policy.  Now she is the founding Dean of the Undergraduate College in the new university.

The government in Vietnam set aside 70 acres of land and with further support including funds from the United States, Fulbright University Vietnam will open this Fall with 50 students, gradually expanding to 2000.  What is it like to build a university "from scratch" particularly in a country only one generation removed from a war zone?

There are now more than 25 Vietnamese student who have studied at Bates.  The "Where It All Began" photo shows Bill Hiss speaking to then high school junior Ngan's class on American higher education.  Seed money from Bates helped establish VietAbroader a program to disseminate information to high schools in Vietnam about international education.  It now has 30,000 members.

How has all this come about? Join us on September 14th to find out more about this exciting pioneering work.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at noon. Food for Thought luncheons take place in room 170 at USM's Lewiston-Auburn campus, 50 Westminster Street in Lewiston. The public is invited to attend all Food for Thought presentations. If you wish to have lunch, the cost is $8.00 and an advanced reservation is required. To reserve call 753-6510 before noon on the Wednesday before the luncheon. Food may also be purchased at the campus café.

Submitted by Mary Jane Beardsley,  USM Lewiston-Auburn Senior College

SAGE Kick Off!

The SAGE Kick Off for its Fall Session was on Friday, September 7 at the UMPI Campus Center. The Kick Off included lunch, an introduction to courses, socialization and door prizes. 

SAGE Spring 2018 Plumbing Class

This semester, SAGE members will be learning about the Geological Wonders of our Western National Parks, UFOs and Astronomy, and a close look at Optimism: Possibilities, Benefits and Risks. They will also be exploring a variety of TED Talks, and delving into Theatre Arts Appreciation. Those interested in local history will hear about John Allen, Maysville Pioneer and His Journal and The Civil War Diary of Presque Isle's Jeweler Robinson.

SAGE Spring 2018 History Class

Courses designed for fun include Let's Go to the Movies, Lockbox Lunch, SAGE Night Out and a variety of SAGE groups, including Games, Book, Outing, and Chess Clubs. The holiday season is not forgotten either! Also on offer are holiday crafts such as Decorating a Gingerbread House, Make it Merry; A Homemade Christmas Decoration, or working on the SAGE entry in the Festival of Trees Project, 2018.

SAGE Spring 2018 Knitting Class

SAGE is again offering their popular Presque Isle Citizens' Academy, Red Cross Ready for Seniors, Finding your Ancestors, and the AARP Smart Driver Course.

SAGE Spring 2018 " Let's Go to the Movies"  Class

Field Trips are also available thanks to a partnership between the SAGE Outing Club and the Caribou Recreation Department.

Submitted by Susanne Sandusky,  Seniors Achieving Greater Education (SAGE) at UMPI

Apply Now For Upcoming Training To Become A Foster Grandparent Or Senior Companion Volunteer!

The Opportunity Alliance has openings for Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Volunteers in Cumberland, York and Oxford counties. These rewarding 

 volunteer opportunities provide individuals 55 and older with the opportunity to take part in active and meaningful volunteer work while receiving many benefits, including a small pay for folks who meet generous income guidelines, as well as much needed support to children and older adults. 

Foster Grandparents serve at sites such as schools and Head Start centers, acting as a tutor or mentor to children in need of academic assistance in one-on-one and small group settings. 

Senior Companions are matched with older adults who are homebound, isolated, or disabled and in need of companionship to help maintain their independence, health, and quality of life. Visits may take place in homes or adult day programs.

Hours: both programs offer between 15 - 40 hours per week, with opportunity to join anytime during the year. Benefits: a tax-free stipend, assistance with mileage and meals, paid time off, accident and liability insurance, training before and during service, improvements to your physical and mental health, and the opportunity to connect with other volunteers regularly! 

Program applicants must be 55 or older 

CALL 207-773-0202 FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Sponsoring Organizations  

The Opportunity Alliance offers both a Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion program, serving residents of Cumberland, York, and Western Oxford Counties.
Learn more on the Opportunity Alliance website

Submitted by Alayna Mladucky, Volunteer Coordinator, Senior Volunteer Programs, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions

Fall 2018 Catalogs