Gorham sexual assault
The University released a community warning after a sexual assault was reported last week in Gorham.
The victim contacted police last Sunday reporting she had been sexually assaulted at an off-campus party. Police would not release the exact location of the incident or say if there are any suspects because the case is still under investigation.
An e-mail was posted on the USM Listserve notifying the USM community what had happened and offering safety tips.
A federal law requires the University to notify the community of potentially dangerous situations.
“The purpose is to warn the community if the University feels there is a possibility of danger,” said Craig Hutchinson, vice president for Student Development.
He said the fact that there hadn’t been an arrest in the case led him to believe there may be danger for the University community.
The University urges students to heed the following safety tips: Be aware of your surroundings; if attending parties, travel in pairs and agree to be responsible for each other; never leave your drink unattended; if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, leave and/or report it to someone.
The USM Police ask you to contact them with any information on the case at 780-5211.
Graduating seniors sign up for gift
Destination Graduation is sponsoring Celebrate Graduates 2002 Days on April 23 and 24. Students graduating in May are eligible for discounts at campus dining services and USM bookstores by using a yellow postcard mailed to them.
On Wednesday April 24 at 4 p.m. there will be drawings for prizes in the Destination Grad Office at 107 Payson Smith.
However, to be eligible for the prizes, graduating students must fill out a ticket in the Career Center in Gorham, Destination Graduation Office in Portland, the administration office in Lewiston-Auburn or the Information Center in the Woodbury Campus Center. Students can enter until 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Students do not need to be present to win, but they need to enter to be eligible. The gifts include books, chair massage, palm pilot and gift certificates. If anyone has questions please call 780-4626.
Accreditors note strength of grad school
USM’s master’s program in occupational therapy offered at Lewiston-Auburn College has won high praise from a national accrediting body.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, a national group that awarded a seven year accreditation to the graduate program, said it was “one of the strongest,” it had reviewed.
The Occupational Therapy program has been growing steadily since its initiation in 1995. Overall, Lewiston-Auburn College has been experiencing significant yearly growth.
This spring USM enrollment on the Lewiston-Auburn campus grew by 4.5 percent. New teacher education and entry level nursing programs have been added at the undergraduate level and a master’s in leadership studies is scheduled to open in fall 2003.
Leader of the pack
Do you know a student who has made the campus better or is an active member in the community? Recognize student leaders for their work and effort by nominating them for an award.
“Celebrating University Heroes,” will be held on May 2 in the north end of the Brooks Student Center. A buffet dinner will be served. To nominate a student and learn more about the awards contact Rodney Mondor at 780-5241 or visit the Web site http://www.usm.maine.edu/involve/Events/recognition/index.html.
Working at the car wash
STRIVE (socialization, transition, reflection, innovation, vocation, education), a program for young adults with disabilities, is attempting to break a Guinness’ World Record for “The World’s Largest Car Wash.”
This record attempt will take place at Fun town Splash town USA in Saco on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will have eight hours to wash 3,845 cars to break the record.
STRIVE is looking for volunteers for at least a four-hour shift. However, there is a limit of 300 volunteers. All volunteers will get a free commemorative T-shirt, as well as the chance to be a part of a World Record.
They also need car wash supplies, 70 50-foot hoses, hose splitters and nozzles.
In order to successfully break the record there are nine lanes and eight hours 480 minutes to complete the record.
The time allotment for each station (rinse, wash, rinse, dry) in each lane is one minute. Each car will be washed in four minutes.
This project will take leadership on many fronts. Each lane will have a “team leader” for a total of nine volunteers. For each of the major stations (rinse, wash, rinse, and dry) they will have a “station leader” for a total of 36 volunteers.
These people will oversee the work to make sure cars are washed in the time allotted. They intend to have a large countdown clock on site.
STRIVE encourages volunteers from area high school key clubs, fraternities, sororities, civic groups, corporate employees, and local citizens to be part of the action.
If interested in volunteering or more information in needed please contact STRIVE at 253-1645 or visit their Web site www.pslstrive.com.
Lend a hand
Celebrate the American spirit and volunteer. National volunteer week is April 21 to April 27.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the entire week for students. On Monday April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. volunteer at the Preble Street Resource Center. On Tuesday April 23 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. help the children at the Nathan Clifford Elementary School.
On Thursday April 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. lend a hand for Habitat for Humanity. On Friday April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. help out with Neighborhood Youth Program at Chestnut Street Church.
For more information and to sign up call Andrea Thompson McCall at 228-8355 or e-mail [email protected] .
Memorial Garden begins construction
The Marcia Carner Memorial garden will have its ground breaking on Wednesday April 24. The garden will be next to the Alumni House on the Portland campus.
Marcia Carner was an artist and art instructor in the art department for 20 years. She lost her battle with cancer last summer.
The garden will be in remembrance of her spirit and love of gardening. It will hold perennials, including an assortment of Peonies and Irises among others and rocks and boulders.
There will be places to sit, stroll, relax and meditate. The garden plans to be planted by early summer. A ceremony to commemorate the garden is planned for August or early fall.