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The
University of Maine System is one of the State’s
most venerable, celebrated, and successful
institutions, serving over 34,000 students. It is
one of New England’s premier universities and, I
believe, one of the best in the nation. Established
in 1862 as a Land Grant University, UMaine schools
have provided valuable research, education, and
services to Mainers for well over a century. My
alma mater has educated many individuals at the top
of their fields, such as Stephen King (1970), NHL
star Steve Kariya (1999), WNBA player Cindy Blodgett
(1998) and Nobel Peace Prize winner Barnard Lown
(1942).
I had the
honor of addressing the University of Maine’s 6th
Annual Technology Forum that took place in
Washington, D.C. just a few days ago. The forum
serves as a place for the exchange of ideas as well
as helps garner support in Congress for the
University’s research priorities. I was thrilled to
see the numerous exhibits that were on display
highlighting the University’s numerous research
programs.
The
forum’s focus was on UMaine’s achievements in ocean
and maritime research. One project that has been a
priority of mine and that the University has been
instrumental in collaborating on is the Ocean and
Coastal Observation Systems Act. This legislation
would link together regional ocean observation posts
like the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System (GoMOOS)
to create a single, reliable, accessible reservoir
of information about the sea- temperature, currents,
waves, winds, and more. The national data system
would augment and integrate a loosely-knit network
of regional observation systems currently
established in coastal zones across the country,
giving all those who count on consistent and
complete ocean data access to real-time information.
This kind of groundbreaking research is conducted
every day at all seven universities.
Beyond research and
educational opportunities, UMaine campuses serve as
cultural and intellectual centers of their
respective communities. They enrich surrounding
communities with their vast resources that are open
and available to the public- resources that include
libraries, lectures, programs, museums,
observatories, grounds, and forests. This is just
one more reason I will continue my efforts to garner
federal support for UMaine. The Maine Delegation
secured more than $20 million in research dollars
last year and this year we will make sure that each
funding request is considered as Congress begins the
appropriations process. It is an incredible
investment because for every dollar invested in the
University, six dollars go back to the state- a
truly amazing return. The innovation that begins in
the University of Maine System echoes through the
economy and improves life throughout the state,
nation, and the world.
All Mainers can be
proud of our exceptional University System. Its
reputation as a world-class organization, its steady
stream of technological advances, the incredible
faculty and students, and its continued service to
the public make it one of the State’s most valuable
assets. I am proud to be an alumna of UMaine, and
am confident my alma mater will continue to serve
Maine, its citizens and its communities far into the
future.
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