College for ME-Androscoggin Excellence Awards Presented

CMCC Alum, Students, & Staffer Honored

December, 2009

Central Maine Community College students were honored recently at the College for ME- Androscoggin annual awards luncheon. They were selected for their great success in overcoming odds and excelling in their college studies.

Jan Phillips, associate dean at USM/L-A College and chairwoman of College for ME-Androscoggin, described the student award recipients as “inspiring people you’ve never heard of.” The four winners are CMCC students Alicia Webber and Mary Lou Thibodeau; CMCC alum and USM student Stephen Bolduc; and Andover College student Norman Newton.

Alicia Webber of Lewiston was described by her nominator as “an engaged and motivated student . . . who has an enduring thirst for knowledge.” While in her teens, Alicia was homeless for a time before becoming a resident of New Beginnings in Lewiston. While there she pursued completion of her high school diploma so she could apply to college.

While at CMCC Alicia has blossomed and has successfully balanced her academic load with work responsibilities. A liberal arts student who has been awarded high honors in four of her eight semesters at CMCC, Alicia is modest about her achievements. She helps other students in the college’s TRiO support program, and has convinced her advisors that she will continue to “grow personally, academically and professionally.”


Mary Lou Thibodeau of Auburn is a second year student in the Medical Assisting program. A first-generation college student in her family, she is described as an “extremely dedicated and hard working student . . . who went from being poor and unemployed to being an outstanding college student.”

Before coming to CMCC, Mary Lou worked at a telemarketing firm but was laid off due to the slowing economy. When she enrolled at CMCC, she had to count every penny and struggled to find enough money for her studies and household expenses. Despite these challenges, she earned honors in her first semester and has since become very active with the TRIO Program and currently works as a student mentor and tutor in Medical Terminology. Her advisor describes her as “a very caring person who has become a role model to many students.”

Stephen Bolduc of Mechanic Falls graduated with honors from CMCC’s Machine Tool Technology (MTT) program in 1994. He subsequently suffered an injury that prevented him from continuing to work in this field. MTT instructor Fred Donovan suggested to Stephen that he become a machine tool instructor. He began to teach part-time while he enrolled at USM to earn his bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. Betty Robinson of USM/L-A describes Stephen as one who works hard for his family and his education and “one of the quiet heroes in this community.”

Kathleen Harrison, gender equity coordinator at CMCC was honored as one of the Student Advocate Award recipients.

In her position, Kathleen works to eliminate barriers faced by women who are pursuing careers traditionally dominated by men. She also serves as advisor for the Women in Technology student organization.


Harrison, who holds a master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, has been with CMCC for seven years. Prior to joining the College, she worked for Lewiston Adult Education for twelve years. She lives in Auburn.

In making the presentation of this award Randall Lee, dean of student services at CMCC, noted that Harrison is “fantastic at what she does! She has a knack for identifying students at risk, and she is adept at providing just the right type and amount of support. For many women, Kathleen is the reason they stayed in school and graduated.”

College for ME–Androscoggin is a coalition of business, education, community and government partners who seek to ensure the future quality of life in this community by dramatically raising educational attainment in Androscoggin County. Learn more at:
http://collegeformeandroscoggin.org/.

Photo 1: TRiO Staffers Mary, Fraser, Erica Watson, and Sheila Lawlor are all smiles at the College for ME-Androscoggin Awards Luncheon. Two TRiO students were among those honored.

Photo 2: Award recipient Alicia Webber, left with TRiO Director Mary Fraser.

Photo 3: Awardee Mary Lou Thibodeau, left with Erica Watson, TRiO retention and transfer coordinator.

Photo 4: Kathleen Harrison, gender equity coordinator atCMCC, acceptd the College for ME Androscoggin Student Advocate Award from Dean of Students Randall Lee.