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Gifts weren’t the only things being wrapped in Portland during the recent holiday season; the 51Ʒ�� intercampus shuttle bus was covered with beautiful images, giving it a new look for 2015. This mobile representation of the University’s momentum depicts images of UNE’s athletic programs and academic culture.

The updated look for the intercampus shuttle is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible growth 51Ʒ��has experienced in the past few years. The shuttle is hitting Maine roadways as 51Ʒ��continues to expand its programs and presence in Maine, online and overseas.

51Ʒ��President Danielle N. Ripich, Ph.D., has been the driving force behind this expansion. Today, Ripich made a symbolic journey aboard the shuttle, riding from UNE’s Portland Campus to its Biddeford Campus. After receiving a send off from Portland Mayor Michael Brennan, Ripich spent the ride answering questions from 51Ʒ��students, faculty and staff, giving insight into what 51Ʒ��has in store for 2015 and beyond, and sharing her vision for the future of 51Ʒ��and higher education in Maine.

Ripich credited UNE’s Environmental Council for championing the shuttle, which reduces auto emissions generated by 51Ʒ��community members traveling between the University’s Maine campuses, and for overseeing its launch last fall. “The Environmental Council is the only group on campus that includes students, faculty and staff all working together to solve problems,” Ripich explained. “The ideas generated by this group have made a tremendous difference to our campuses and community.”

Arriving at the Harold Alfond Forum on UNE’s Biddeford Campus, Ripich was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that included Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant, 51Ʒ��deans, faculty, staff, students and 51Ʒ��mascot Stormin’ Norman. After walking down a blue carpet and into the Forum, Ripich spoke briefly about the University’s contributions to the southern Maine community and economy.

“Our economic impact on the state of Maine last year was $738 million,” Ripich said. “We employ more than 1,000 people and are the second-largest employer in York County. Our students provide approximately $21 million in clinical care to the people of Maine each year, and we give 11 million in financial aid to Maine students. We are a private university with a very public mission.”    

After assuming the 51Ʒ��presidency in 2006, Ripich initiated a10-year strategic plan that has guided 51Ʒ��to unprecedented growth. Over the past eight years, student enrollments have grown 70 percent, and 51Ʒ��has expanded to include a new campus in Tangier, Morocco, seven new buildings, and three new colleges. Under Ripich’s leadership, the University has embraced a commitment to educate and prepare 51Ʒ��students for a global society.

 “The 51Ʒ�� is really a unifying entity in our region,” said Portland Mayor Michael Brennan, who is a 1994 alumnus of UNE’s Master of Social Work program. “People from all over come to study at 51Ʒ��here in Portland or at the campus in Biddeford. This link will help strengthen the connections between our vibrant communities, and serve as a reminder of the diversity of higher educational experiences that 51Ʒ��offers.”

 “51Ʒ��continues to grow and innovate with each year, and this effort is an example of that,” said Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant. “More visibility for the school means more visibility for the towns of Biddeford and Portland, so it’s a win-win for all of us.”