Each spring, the Maine Business School and the Graduate School of Business honor our May graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, a blue cord to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re proud to announce the honorees of our Spring 2026 awards.

MBS faculty are also honored at this annual event for their achievements over the past academic year.

Academic Achievement Awards

This year, we awarded six students who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during their time at 91����. We also gave awards to one student in both of our concentrations for having the highest GPA.

Bao Duong
Mia Graci
Sarah Johnson
Samuel Lausier
William Robbins
Jacob Robinson-Smey
Eli Herzog, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Quincy Clifford, International Business

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.

Emily Ruocco, Accounting
Owen Bolster, Business Information Systems & Security Management
Taylor Katsube, Finance
Ellyson Bourgoine, Management
Bao Duong, Marketing
Quincy Clifford, Sport Management
Isabelle See, MBA

Outstanding Student Awards

Sarah Johnson, Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Samuel Tremblay, Outstanding Undergraduate International Student
Jacob Robinson-Smey, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
Mikayla Reynolds, MaineMBA Director’s Award
Micaela Sheehan, MBS Advisor’s Award

MBS Faculty Awards

Dr. Nadège Levallet, Carol B. Gilmore Community Impact Award
Dr. Yonggang “Tim” Lu, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Billy Obenauer, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Alexandru Roman, Best Paper of the Year Award
Adria LaRose, JD, Teaching Impact Award

At 7:30 a.m. on March 25, 30 undergraduate students entered the doors of the Donald P. Corbett Business building with luggage in hand. They weren’t heading to class; they were loading a bus bound for Boston.

The trip is part of the Maine Business School’s Bear Treks program, which takes learning outside the classroom and into the offices of major companies to expose students to career opportunities and workplace culture. Students have the chance to connect with industry professionals, many of whom are MBS alumni who once walked the same halls of DPC.

“You don’t learn the world through the classroom; you learn the world by going out into the world,”  says Leif Walker, a second-year finance and financial economics student who attended the trip. “To have that perspective is incredibly valuable.”

Morgan Stanley

The exploration began at , where students were greeted by Sundance Campbell, Bangor Branch Manager, Financial Advisor, and Associate Vice President. Campbell led a panel of financial professionals from the Boston office who discussed how to prepare for a career in wealth management while emphasizing that career paths are rarely linear. Panelists shared insights on skill sets and resources that can help students stand out when applying for internships and jobs, followed by a tour of the office.

“I enjoyed learning about their work culture,” Walker says. “Their values were displayed on the wall as we walked in. They mentioned curiosity a lot, as well as hard work paying off, consistency, dedication, and showing up when you don’t want to or when you’re tired.”

Alumni Networking 

After Morgan Stanley, students checked into the Omni Parker House, a Boston landmark with roots dating to 1855 and a returning stop from the program’s 2024 Boston Bear Treks. That evening, students suited up for a networking dinner with 10 91���� alumni hosted by First Citizens Bank in Boston’s Financial District. Among the alumni were Josh Francoeur ‘25, and Isabelle Armstrong ‘24, who had both attended Boston Bear Treks during their time as MBS undergrads just years before. Now, on the other side, they were proof that the path from DPC to a career is closer than it might seem.

Lauren Deighan, a junior studying management, sport management, and marketing, said the event went beyond company presentations and allowed for more personal connections. Deighan, a member of 91����’s Swim and Dive team, connected with Zack Magliaro, a former 91���� football player and Vice President of Commercial Banking at First Citizens.

“We talked about the discipline that comes with being a student-athlete and how that helped shape his work ethic and prepared him for his professional career,” Deighan says. “It showed how skills you build in college, even outside the classroom, can translate directly into the workplace and made me feel more confident about how my own experiences can carry over into my future career.”

Education First (EF) 

The next morning, students visited the Cambridge headquarters of . The building’s sprawling, multi-floor space featured a cafe, bar, and lush greenery on the lobby level, with each floor showcasing a collaborative and energetic work environment from porch swing seating to bean bag-filled event spaces.

After learning about EF’s range of programs, students heard from a panel of 91���� alumni whose careers brought them to the company. Alumni included Olivia Shipsey, Maggie Smoot, Victoria Nolette, and Kian Murray. The panel was followed by lunch, which gave students time to ask panelists questions and have more in-depth conversations about their individual career paths.

Meet Boston

The trip concluded at , where students heard from Michael D. Munn, Community Engagement Liaison. Munn introduced employees who collectively outlined how Meet Boston manages the behind-the-scenes work of the city’s tourism industry, from attracting travelers to hosting international sporting events.

More Than Just a Trip

Beyond the company visits, Bear Treks gave students the chance to build relationships with peers they might not have otherwise met. Leif Walker said the trip allowed him to deepen connections with fellow MBS students during the unscheduled hours between visits, in addition to continuing relationships with MBS alumni.

“I network with a ‘jump in the deep end’ approach,” Walker says. “You learn to swim quicker than you think you would. Just say you’re going to talk to people, and then it gets way easier. Getting over the initial hump is the hardest part.”

For Lauren Deighan, the trip made a post-graduation path feel less daunting. Seeing different companies and cultures firsthand helped her recognize that the right fit extends well beyond a job title.
“The most valuable thing I learned was that there isn’t just one ‘right’ path after graduation,” Deighan says. “Everyone we talked to had a different story, and it made me realize that it’s okay to explore different opportunities and figure things out as you go.”

That sense of possibility is at the heart of what Bear Treks offers. By stepping off campus and into professional spaces, students leave with a broader vision of what their futures can look like and the confidence to pursue it.

Story and photos by Andie Lovejoy

This spring, the Maine Business School held Industry Exploration Night: Wealth Management—a professional development event to connect industry professionals and students. The evening of wealth management industry exposure, education, and networking was another success for MBS, with over 50 students in attendance at the Buchanan Alumni House. 

Garrett McKnight, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of , our Presenting Sponsor, kicked off the event with a warm welcome. “Events like this allow students to really hear what people’s journeys are like and provide them the opportunity to potentially create relationships that can help navigate their next steps—which could be an internship or their entry into the job market,” McKnight says. 

Representatives from Camden National Wealth Management, Acadia Wealth Planning, Barresi Financial, Division of United Insurance, Bigelow Investments, Edward Jones, Guidance Point Retirement Services, LLC, Means Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley, and Skinner Retirement & Benefits Consulting shared their insights during our panel discussion. They discussed their career journeys, their ideas about wealth management before entering the field, and offered advice to students interested in exploring the industry as new college graduates. 

“I hope students gained a clearer understanding of what it really means to work in wealth management and the variety of opportunities within the field,” says Erin Barry, ’07, G’08, CEO of Means Wealth Management. “Events like this can help students see that there may be a career path here they hadn’t originally considered.” 

Presley Rideout, an Accounting and Management major from Brewer, ME, was excited to learn about how deeply client relationships matter in the wealth management industry. “As a people person, I see myself in a field where the customer relationship is the foundation of success,” she says. “I was happy to learn that these relationships are of importance in the industry.” 

Following the panel, students enjoyed refreshments sponsored by while networking with employers. “The ability to hear from experienced members of the community in a relatively relaxed manner is great,” McKnight says. “It provides an easy way to learn more about a field they may be interested in.” 

Hallie Taunton, a Finance and Management major from Saratoga Springs, NY, agreed. “My main takeaway was that wealth management isn’t just stocks and numbers, it’s also about connecting with your clients, hearing their stories, and helping them achieve their goals,” she says. “This event helped me fully understand the various opportunities in this industry.”

Professional development events such as Industry Exploration Night continue to help Maine Business School students better understand various careers, gain advice from professionals, connect with alums, and take meaningful steps toward their future goals.

Story by Regan Lawn | Photos by Andie Lovejoy

MBS is ready to kick off the Second Annual Career Week, a week of networking and professional development for all business students. Career Week gives students the opportunity to explore summer internships, build connections with top employers, and enhance their professional development. The highlight of the week is the 91���� All Majors Career Fair, held on Wednesday, February 11, at the New Balance Student Recreation Center.

What’s the best part of Career Week?

These events, hosted by MBS and 91����, are completely free for students! This gives all students the chance to take the next step in their careers without any financial strain. The Maine Business School is committed to providing MBS students with every opportunity for success, and Career Week is an ideal time for students and employers to connect professionally at the start of a new semester. 

What’s so important about Career Week?

“Career Week is a great opportunity to meet with employers, explore new industries and career paths, and grow your professional network,” says Trina Schuler, MBS Internship Coordinator. If students are actively looking for an internship or job, Shuler recommends they attend the MBS Lunch and Learn with Enterprise and the 91���� Career Fair at the New Balance Student Recreation Center. “This is your chance to make a great first impression on a potential employer,” Shuler adds.

What can you expect?

Our week-long lineup of events starts with improving your personal brand, moves to a Lunch & Learn with a top employer, and ends with a night of networking skills development. Here are the details: 

Monday, February 9 

Personal Branding Day 
12 pm – 1 pm in the Student Success Center 
Dress your best for a free professional headshot and networking cards to share with employers and professionals.

Tuesday, February 10 

Elevator Pitch Workshop Hosted by AMA
5 pm – 6 pm in DPC 111
Join this interactive workshop to learn how to introduce yourself effectively to employers at the 91���� Career Fair and beyond. 

Wednesday, February 11 

91���� All Majors Career Fair
10 am – 2 pm at the New Balance Student Recreational Center 
Connect with employers from all fields of the workforce. 

Thursday, February 12 

Lunch & Learn: Enterprise 
12 pm – 1 pm in DPC 109
Learn more about the culture and career opportunities at this employer, with office locations across the United States. Free lunch provided. 
. 

Networking Skills Night
5 pm – 6 pm in DPC 205 
Learn how to network with confidence and intention. 

Story by Sydney Lavigne

What do handshakes, small talk, and silverware have in common? They were all part of the learning (and fun!) at the Maine Business School’s recent Doing Business at Dinner event.

Held at the , this three-course etiquette dinner gave students the chance to practice professional skills in a real dining setting. Led by etiquette expert Jean Papalia, owner of A+ Etiquette, the evening covered everything from how to introduce yourself with confidence, to what to do if you drop a utensil, to why you should never ask for a to-go box at a business dinner.

For Taryn Asvestas, a fourth-year student from North Andover, Massachusetts, the experience was packed with takeaways. “I learned so many things!” Taryn says. “Jean helped me perfect my handshake, learn how to interact with other diners, and what silverware, plates, and cups to use. I also learned that you should never go to a business dinner hungry, because it’s not about the food, it’s about the connections.”

Logan Spratt, a first-year student from Castine, Maine, said he was impressed by how interactive the event was. “This was my first professional event at MBS, and I loved how hands-on it was,” Logan says. “I’m excited to continue to learn and put the skills I learn into practice.”

For Jean Papalia, the highlight was seeing students dive in and practice what they were learning. 

“Many pivotal career conversations don’t take place in a boardroom or on a Zoom call—they happen over coffee, during interview lunches, at business dinners, and at networking events,” she says. “I was truly impressed by the level of engagement from MBS students, especially seeing so many first-year students taking advantage of opportunities like this dinner. Several students came up to me afterward to practice their professional introductions, which showed both initiative and eagerness to grow.”

Both Taryn and Logan agreed that Doing Business at Dinner is an event every business student should sign up for.

“You learn so much, meet new peers, and make connections,” Taryn says. “The skills learned from this event are skills students will have to use in their future,” Logan added. “Why not learn them now?”

In the end, students walked away with new friends, practical skills, and the confidence to shine in future networking and dining situations. And yes—they even figured out which bread plate was theirs.

Photos by Andie Lovejoy

The Maine Business School recently hosted its annual Accounting Firm Night (AFN) at the Buchanan Alumni House, bringing together 61 business students and 11 91���� alumni. Representatives from 10 leading accounting firms across New England shared information about internships and early career opportunities in public accounting.

For many students, the highlight of AFN is the chance to connect with alumni who once stood in their shoes. For the alumni, it’s an equally meaningful opportunity to give back, share guidance, and meet the next generation of business leaders.

Heather Goan, ’20, tax manager at Baker Newman Noyes, loves hearing what students are excited about. “Whether that’s classes, internships, or job prospects, I love being able to answer their questions,” she says. “It’s great to see them taking initiative by attending firm events and starting those conversations early.” 

Riley Andrews ’24, ’25G, a staff auditor at BerryDunn, enjoys the opportunity to relate to what students are going through and share tips and advice she learned during her time at 91����. “Events like AFN help us build relationships with students who are passionate about the profession and identify future team members who align with BerryDunn’s values and goals,” she says.

“With job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of résumés,” says Craig Blackwell ’16,’ 22G, an audit senior at . “These networking events are where we can meet prospects face to face, giving students another opportunity to showcase who they are off-paper.”

The impact of professional development events goes beyond one evening. Alumni like Riley Andrews encourage students to attend as many networking opportunities as they can—even those outside their major. “Each time a student attends, they not only expand their opportunities but also build confidence in speaking with recruiters,” she says.

Dave Barrett, Lecturer in Accounting at MBS, says that his current students appreciate getting to chat with both the older alumni who have made a successful career in public accounting and the younger alumni who are just starting out. “It also gives the students the chance to ‘interview’ a bunch of different firms so they can figure out where they might feel the most comfortable after graduation,” he says.

Events like Accounting Firm Night underscore the powerful role alumni play in shaping the Maine Business School experience. By sharing their time, expertise, and encouragement, 91���� graduates open doors for current students and strengthen the Black Bear business community.

Each spring, the Maine Business School and the Graduate School of Business honor our May graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, a blue cord to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re proud to announce the honorees of our Spring 2025 awards.

Academic Achievement Awards

This award is given to one student in each of our majors and concentrations for having the highest GPA.
Meghan McBreairty, Accounting
Trevor Morrison, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Mike Marchessault, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Sydney Brown, International Business
Thomas Freel, Finance
Nick Pino, Management
Cooper Williams, Marketing
Colin Fitzgerald, Sport Management

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.
Tristan Woodruff, Accounting
Evan Hollander, Business Information Systems and Security Management
Wyatt Kenney, Finance
Abby Thibodeau, Management
Lucas Ronco, Marketing
Colton Albertson, Sport Management
Ben Isenhour, MaineMBA

Outstanding Student Awards

Morgan Bisecco, Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Thomas Freel, Outstanding Undergraduate International Student
Colin Fitzgerald, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
Caroline Gylstorff, GSB Dean’s Award
Phil Tapscott, MBS Advisor’s Award

MBS Faculty and Staff Awards

Dr. Pank Agrrawal, Teaching Impact Award
Dr. Manuel Wörsdörfer, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Nadège Levallet, Best Paper of the Year Award
Dr. Henri Akono, Community Impact Award
Dr. Nick Swim, Student Success Award
Eric Beal, Spirit of Maine Award

MBS is thrilled to announce our inaugural Career Week, which will run from February 3 to 7 and will give MBS students the edge they need before the 91���� Career Fair on Wednesday, February 12.
Think of Career Week as a personal career boot camp packed with workshops and resources to help you land that dream internship or job. “Career readiness events are one of the best ways to connect with employers, explore different industries, and expand your professional network,” says Trina Shuler, MBS Internship Coordinator.

The Maine Business School is committed to providing students with the tools and connections needed for success. From on-campus recruiter visits and lunch and learns to professional development workshops and our immersive Bear Treks, we offer a wealth of opportunities to explore career paths and build your professional network. And the best part? All of these events are FREE for MBS students!

Why is Career Week so important?

It’s about more than just finding a job; it’s about building a foundation for your future. “These opportunities provide our students with the tools, resources, and connections that will have a lasting impact on their long-term career goals and aspirations,” says Schuler. “By fostering opportunities for students to connect one-on-one directly with local and national employers, students are able to build and grow their professional network as well as discover internship and early career opportunities.”

What’s in store for Career Week?

We’ve curated a dynamic lineup of events covering essential career development topics, from optimizing your LinkedIn profile to mastering Handshake, the go-to platform for internships and jobs. Here’s a sneak peek:

Monday, February 3

Personal Branding Day

12-1 pm in the Student Success Center
MBS students can stop by and receive a professional headshot and sign up for MBS Networking Cards.

Tuesday, February 4
LinkedIn Workshop, hosted by the American Marketing Association

5-6 pm in DPC 217
HR consultant and owner of Hello Marigold, Hannah Koeller, will share best practices to build or evolve your LinkedIn profile.

Wednesday, February 5
Cover Letter Workshop with Cross Insurance Agency
4-5 pm in DPC 205
Find out how to craft a compelling cover letter to accompany your resume. Michelle Ibarguen from Cross Insurance will share examples of what to do and not to do when applying for internships and jobs.
.

Thursday, February 6
Bear Treks to Sargent Corporation
2:30-4 pm
Take a tour of Sargent Corporation and find out how a business background is integral in the engineering industry. Transportation is provided.
Space is limited. .

Friday, February 7
Handshake Workshop
2-3 pm in DPC 205
All MBS students have free access to Handshake, the #1 internship and job search platform for college students. Trina Schuler, MBS Internship Coordinator, will walk you through the steps of claiming your profile and show you how to use this powerful search tool.
.

Six first-year business students took center stage at the inaugural MBS Shark Tank competition, pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of judges and vying for scholarship prizes. From solving local childcare shortages to offering personalized blankets and international snacks, these budding entrepreneurs demonstrated creativity, business acumen, and a passion for addressing real-world challenges.

Meet the finalists who impressed the judges with their vision and determination:

First Place:
Colleen Thamsen
Hometown: St. Agatha, ME
Majors: Finance & Management
Business Name: CM Childcare Services

CM Childcare Services aims to support busy and hardworking parents by offering flexible and affordable childcare options in the Fort Kent area. Whether parents need a night off to recharge or a day to tackle household chores, CM Childcare Services provides tailored solutions. The business offers convenient services, including transportation to events, practices, and outings. Overnight and evening care is also available, making this childcare service unique in its offerings and committed to meeting the needs of families in the community.

Second Place:
Marcus McLain
Hometown: Falmouth, ME
Major: Finance;
Business Name: Custom Coziness

Custom Coziness offers fully customizable, high-quality blankets to help customers personalize their spaces during the colder months. Through the website, customers can upload approved images to be printed on soft, durable blankets. Founder Marcus McLain leverages his experience in international commerce to ensure positive relationships with manufacturers and customers. Custom Coziness provides an affordable way to stay warm while expressing creativity.

Third Place:
Nastassja DeLoge
Hometown, Bath, ME
Major: Computer Science and Business
Business Name: Nastassja DeLoge Media Design & Branding

Nastassja DeLoge Media Design & Branding helps businesses thrive by creating authentic brand identities that connect with their audiences. With five years of experience in professional photography, Nastassja offers services, including brand strategy, website design, marketing campaigns, and branding photography. This business combines creativity with strategy to deliver personalized solutions that empower brands to stand out in a competitive market.

Other Three Finalists:

Nevaeh Bartlett
Hometown: Shapleigh, ME
Majors: Accounting & Finance;
Business Name: Spiral Spreads

Spiral Spreads offers beautifully designed and functional planner spreads to help individuals manage their busy lives. These planner spreads are sold as digital downloads on Etsy, allowing customers to reuse them indefinitely for a base price of $1.90. Inspired by her success with to-do lists and bullet journaling, founder Nevaeh Bartlett combines academic efficiency with artistic design to help others stay organized and productive.

Colton Flaherty
Hometown: Franklin, MA
Major: Finance
Business Name: Fun Foreign Food

Fun Foreign Food brings international snacks to college students looking for a unique and fun experience. This business offers a variety of snacks not typically available in the U.S., providing students with new flavors to try and enjoy. Founder Colton Flaherty draws on his background in sales, including a successful high school fundraising effort, to deliver snacks that range from single-serving to multi-serving options. Fun Foreign Food adds excitement to everyday life and helps students discover their next favorite treat.

Hallie Taunton
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Majors: Finance & Management
Business Name: Group-Pop

Group-Pop simplifies international ordering by handling customers’ purchasing and shipping processes. With a network of trusted team members in foreign countries, Group-Pop ensures that products are legitimate and arrive safely. By consolidating multiple orders into a single shipment, the business reduces shipping costs and minimizes risks. Founder Hallie Taunton leverages years of experience and a strong global network to help customers access products from places like Korea and Japan, catering to growing interest in international fashion and culture.

Read more about this project in this 91���� News story.

On September 25, 60 Maine Business School students gathered at the Penobscot Valley Country Club to practice their professional skills during the annual MBS Doing Business at Dinner event. This engaging evening is part of the college’s Doing Business At series, which helps students master essential business skills in a variety of non-traditional settings.

The Doing Business At series was inspired by the MBS Ambassadors, who expressed an interest in learning how to conduct themselves professionally while playing golf. From this idea, the Maine Business School leadership expanded the program to include events like Doing Business on the Golf Course and Doing Business at a Sporting Event. These opportunities are made possible through the generous support of the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund.

“Professional development is a key component of our culture,” says Executive Dean Jason Harkins. “Throughout the year, we offer various programs that give students the opportunity to network with industry professionals, thought leaders, and 91���� alumni—both on and off campus. The Doing Business at Dinner event has become a highlight of our fall programming. I thoroughly enjoy connecting with students at these events and helping them develop into career-ready young professionals.”

Doing Business at Dinner provides students with valuable experience in a professional dining setting. They learn about appropriate business attire, how to introduce themselves, table manners, and how to engage in conversation with people they’ve just met.

“My favorite part of Doing Business at Dinner is interacting with my peers in the business school whom I might not otherwise know due to our different majors,” says Anna Shantz, a senior Marketing and Management major from Wellfleet, MA. “The main thing this event has taught me is how to network,” she says. Anna explained that with only a few minutes to connect with the professionals attending the event, it was an ideal time to practice making strong introductions and asking insightful questions to gain valuable information.

“Doing Business at Dinner creates an environment that allows natural conversation over a shared meal,” says Emerson Jones, a sophomore from Orrington, ME, studying Finance, Accounting, and Financial Economics. “This event taught me there is value in every conversation and to be open to dialogue with anyone.”

The Doing Business At series continues to grow, providing Maine Business School students with unique opportunities to prepare for their professional lives in diverse and engaging environments. Professional development events complement the rigorous, robust, and relevant education at the Maine Business School.