Governor Janet Mills addresses graduates at 51品茶commencement ceremony
The 51品茶 celebrated its 184th Commencement on May 18, 2019 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
More than 1,800 students received degrees and certificates in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, natural sciences, human services, education, management and the liberal arts.
鈥淭his ceremony represents the culmination of your hard work,鈥 President James Herbert told the graduates. 鈥淚t offers occasion for you to reflect on how far you鈥檝e come and to look forward to all the places you鈥檒l go.鈥
President Herbert urged the graduates to continue to learn throughout their lives.
鈥淒on鈥檛 ever stop learning and growing. Your time at 51品茶has provided you with the foundational knowledge and tools to critically examine our world,鈥 Herbert said.
Janet Mills, Maine鈥檚 75th governor, served as UNE鈥檚 2019 Commencement speaker. Mills who is Maine鈥檚 first female governor, first entered public service as an Assistant Attorney General, where she prosecuted homicides and other major crimes. After a few years, she was elected District Attorney for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties, making her the first woman to be elected as a DA in New England. Prior to becoming governor, Mills served as the Attorney General of Maine 鈥 the first and only woman to hold the job.
During her Commencement address, Mills told the graduates that while they have worked hard to get to this day, their work is far from over.
鈥淥ur state, nation and world need you,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e need your talents, your passion and your dedication to create a brighter, fairer future. I am entering a new phase of my life, as your governor, as are you as graduates of UNE. I hope that we both leave a cleaner planet, a good economy, affordable health care, educational opportunity and a lot of love for each other.鈥
To learn more about UNE鈥檚 184th Commencement and to watch the ceremony, visit
