Reflecting on 2024 at SMCC

As we welcome everyone back to campus for 2025, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones of 2024. From student successes to campus developments, SMCC continued to grow and thrive, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in education and workforce training.

LEADERSHIP: Kristen Miller was introduced as the new SMCC president.

TRANSFER: Unveiling three new transfer programs: the sweeping "Transfer ME" program with the University of Maine System, Maine Transfer Guarantee program and Black Bear Advantage programs.

FUNDING & PARTNERSHIPS: SMCC launched a Mobile Learning Lab, offering STEM training and plans for future statewide welding and advanced manufacturing training. We are set to enhance our healthcare training capabilities with a significant investment of $4.1 million to establish a state-of-the-art Health Care Simulation Lab.

COMMENCEMENT 2024: We were honored to have Maine Governor Janet Mills speak to our 2024 graduates, where students were awarded nearly 1,200 degrees and certificates.

NEW FACILITY: We opened a first-of-its-kind Veterans Resource Center in September.

SMCC PODCAST: We launched Bed & Butter: THE Hospitality Podcast. Bed & Butter explores the hospitality industry hosted by SMCC partner and mentor, seasoned hotel executive Sean Riley. The podcast is produced in collaboration with SMCC's Communications & New Media Studies (CNMS) program and SMCC Communications & Marketing departments.

ATHLETICS

• Noah Riskind was named Men's Soccer Coach in January. He helped lead the SeaWolves to a 13-1-1 record and an appearance in the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) semifinal.
• Scott Nevers was named Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach and helped lead them to the YSCC Championship win.
• SMCC Athletics inducted three new members to the SeaWolves Athletics Hall of Fame.
• Rachele Burns was appointed Head Women's Basketball Coach in May.
• SeaWolves Volleyball won the YSCC Championship and appeared in the USCAA National Tournament, winning a set for the first time at nationals by a YSCC team.
• Changes to the SeaWolves front office. Matt Richards, former Associate Dean of Athletics and Alumni Affairs, to the role of Interim Chief of Institutional Advancement and Engagement. Ethan Wells, who served as Associate Director of Athletics, will take on the duties of Interim Director of Athletics.

We celebrated our incredible community in many ways in 2024:

• SMCC student Ali Edwards named 2023 Maine Educational Opportunity Association Lifelong Learner
• SMCC's Culinary Arts team wins "Maine's Best Breakfast" at the 2024 Maine Restaurant Week's Incredible Breakfast Cook-Off
• Bea Martin named 2024 SMCC Student of the Year
• SMCC honors nearly 100 employees for service milestones
• SMCC celebrates student advocacy, the community at 2024 A Light on the Point Gala

You can follow all the latest SMCC news at www.smccME.edu/news.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helps make SMCC such a special place-our students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Your dedication and support make a lasting impact, and we can't wait to see what we accomplish together in the year ahead. Here's to an amazing 2025!