April 7
There will be a book-signing at USM with Suzanne Strempek Shea, winner of the New England Book Award for Fiction in 2000. Shea taught in the Stonecoast MFA program, and has written five novels. Check out her latest, “Sundays in America – A yearlong road trip in search of Christian faith,” which was written after visiting churches all over the US. Free/ 7 to 8:30 p.m./ USM Portland bookstore/ 780-4702
April 8
Softball, or tennis? You could even alternate between the two, as the USM men’s tennis team takes on Rhode Island College at the Gorham High School at 3:30 p.m., and the women’s softball team plays St. Joseph’s at the USM softball field, also at 3:30 p.m. Games are free for students/ Gorham/ 780-5431
April 9
Shakespeare enthusiasts: A lecture entitled “Law, Justice and Love in Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice'” will be presented by Regina Schwartz from Northwestern University. This event is sponsored by the USM English department, and is free and open to the public. 4:15 to 6:15 p.m./ University Events Room, Glickman Family Library, Portland campus/ 780-4291
April 10
Graduating this year? Not graduating, but interested in making money over the summer? USM’s job fair will be a great place to start, continue, or conclude your employment search. Bring many copies of your resume, and meet with representatives from more than 65 companies and employers. The job fair will be hosted by USM’s Career Services & Professional Life Development. Free and open to the public/ Noon to 4 p.m./ Sullivan Gym, Portland campus/ 780-4695
April 11
It’s looking like a high-seas theme for the Portland Pirates tonight, as they take on the Worcester Sharks. As if watching a great hockey game isn’t enough, it’s also fan appreciation night. Gotta love it. Tickets purchased on game day are between $9 and $21 depending on where you sit, but you can save by buying in advance or at a group rate/ 7 p.m./ Cumberland County Civic Center/ 828-4665
April 12
The USM School of Music presents the 31st Annual Honors Recital – your opportunity to hear some of USM’s finest musical talent. This collection of student solo performances is free and open to the public, but reservations are highly recommended. 8 to 10 p.m./ Corthell Hall, Gorham campus/ 780-5555
April 13
The Portland Stage Company presents “Magnetic North,” by William Donnelly. This play is a tale of marriage, intimacy, and betrayal, told in a warm and humorous manner. It runs until April 20. Tickets are $29 for students/ 2 p.m./ 25A Forest Ave., Portland/ 774-0465