The UMA Saco Center is thrilled to welcome Maine native and survivalist Cheeny Plante for an uplifting community talk on Tuesday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. at 209 Main Street, Suite 104. The event is free and open to the public.
Cheeny is well-known to many as a U.S. Air Force SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) specialist, where she trained military personnel to endure the toughest environments. She also brought her skills to television, competing on Naked & Afraid: Last One Standing, the intense spin-off of the hit reality survival series Naked & Afraid, and ultimately earning the title of “last woman standing.”
Growing up in Maine instilled in Cheeny a deep love of the outdoors and a respect for nature’s challenges. During her 60-minute presentation, she will share stories of resilience from her survival training and time on the show, reflect on the mental toughness required to persevere, and highlight the life lessons that continue to guide her today. She’ll also show how survival principles—like adaptability, problem-solving, and focus—can be applied to everyday life.
“We are incredibly honored to host Cheeny Plante and share her powerful story with our community,” said Elizabeth Daly, Cheeny’s former teacher and UMA Saco Center’s Student Services Coordinator. “I am so proud of Cheeny. Her journey is one we all go on in our own way. Her trials were just shared on our televisions. Cheeny personifies resilience, quiet determination, and flexibility along with such strength. Through it all, she has retained a killer sense of humor, and more telling, her sense of honor.”
A Q&A session will follow her talk. Students, faculty, media and community members are warmly encouraged to attend.
Details at a glance
- Who: Cheeny Plante, U.S. Air Force SERE specialist & Naked & Afraid survivalist
- What: Survival stories, life lessons, and community Q&A (60 minutes)
- When: Tuesday, October 7, 1:00 p.m.
- Where: UMA Saco Center, 209 Main St., Suite 104, Saco
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Zoom: Join us online from anywhere via Zoom! https://maine.zoom.us/j/85678076136?pwd=7A3LerSXgaq733kfbPbEkoAPqNUVfv.1&jst=3
Questions? Contact the UMA Saco Center at (207) 282-4111 or elizabeth.daly@maine.edu.