The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) will recognize two exceptional graduates with Distinguished Alumni Awards during its 2025 Commencement Ceremony, to be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Augusta Civic Center.
This year’s honorees are Justin Chenette ’21, a public servant and communications leader, and Mary E. Gibson ’07, a nationally recognized archivist and advocate for Indigenous cultural preservation.
Chenette, a graduate of UMA’s Public Administration program, made history as the youngest lawmaker in Maine and the youngest openly LGBTQ+ legislator elected in the entire country. He currently serves as a York County Commissioner and works as Senior Director of Public Relations and Advancement at Sweetser, one of Maine’s largest and oldest mental health organizations. His career has been defined by breaking barriers and creating opportunity for others.
He has authored and passed ethics reform legislation, founded a scholarship fund that has supported dozens of students over the past decade, and wrote a children’s book on civic engagement. Chenette has been recognized with several honors including being named to 40 Under 40 lists by Mainebiz and The Advocate magazine, earning a Harvard Kennedy School Fellowship, and receiving Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from two U.S. Presidents.
Gibson, who graduated summa cum laude from UMA’s Information and Library Science program, is the founder and Executive Director of the Noowuh Knowledge Center in Elko, Nevada. A proud member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, she has dedicated her career to protecting and promoting Newe language, culture and history.
Her work spans archiving, education and advocacy – from preserving collections of tribal history to representing her community at the United Nations and testifying on Native land and water rights. She also serves on advisory boards for the National Science Foundation and Great Basin Resource Watch, and she frequently mentors youth and educators through outreach and cultural programming.
UMA President Jenifer Cushman praised both alumni for their contributions to their communities and for embodying the university’s mission. “Justin and Mary represent the transformative power of education and the lasting impact UMA graduates have across the state, the nation and the world,” Cushman said. “We are proud to honor their achievements and leadership.” The ceremony will also feature keynote remarks from attorney Michael-Corey F. Hinton, an honorary degree presentation to Charles “Chuck” Hays, and remarks from student speaker Shannon “Mac” McNamara. The event will be held in person and live-streamed at uma.edu/commencement, with ASL interpretation and ADA access provided.