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A Warm Welcome for the 2022 Mitchell Scholars

After a two-year hiatus, the Mitchell Institute plays host to new Scholars and their families at a joyous, in-person Welcome Celebration

By Mitchell Institute

August 24^th, 2022

Smiles Abound as New Scholars Meet and Greet Each Other

We couldn’t have been happier to be back in person for the annual Welcome Celebration of new Mitchell Scholars on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. More than 200 Scholars and their family members gathered in the Wells Conference Center on the University of Maine campus to learn about the broad range of supports and programs offered by the Mitchell Institute, hear some uplifting speeches, tuck into a delicious brunch, and have professional headshots taken.

A Warm Welcome for the 2022 Mitchell Scholars

The Importance of Expressing Gratitude

The annual Welcome Celebration is also a time for Scholars to hear some speeches — and to receive some well-timed wit and wisdom.

In his turn at the podium Mitchell Institute President and CEO Jared Cash (below) explained the meaning of the card and stamped envelope tucked inside copies of Senator Mitchell’s memoir, “The Negotiator: Reflections on an American Life,” which were given to every Scholar in attendance.

Cash recounted one of the Senator’s regrets: that he had never personally thanked his high school English teacher, Elvira Whitten, for introducing him to the works of Steinbeck and other literary greats in his junior year.

“I’m certain that my life would have been different, far less meaningful, had I not been one of her students,” writes the Senator in “The Negotiator.”

“My early failure to comprehend and thank her for her role in my life is consistent with our society’s failure to properly recognize and value the contributions made daily by thousands of Elvira Whittens,” the Senator continues. “All across America, extraordinary and devoted men and women teach, and also shape and inspire, our children … We all benefit if in our society as many young Americans as possible reach their full potential.”

Which, Cash told the Scholars, is where they, the card, and the pre-stamped envelope come in.

“I encourage all of you to take a moment to write to and thank a teacher, a coach, or a mentor that made an impact on your life the way Elvira Whitten did for Senator Mitchell,” he said.

Patrick's Words of Wisdom

In his turn at the podium, Patrick Luizzo, the 2018 Mitchell Scholar from Edward Little High School who is pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on marketing analytics, entrepreneurship, and innovation, began by recounting a bumpy start at Northeastern University.

“Transitioning from Auburn to Boston was such a daunting experience,” he said. “I consider myself a very outgoing person, and honestly when I entered this school of nearly 25,000 students and a city filled with another 100,000, I had never felt so alone. It was as if I had forgotten how to make friends … Heck, for the first year I think I talked to three other people on the floor of my dorm. Needless to say, I had very few friends in my first year … I found myself alone in my dorm, staying in on weekends doing nothing but schoolwork, and while I believe schoolwork is important, there is so much more to college than what you gain from the classroom.

“It was around this point that I remember first reaching out to (Scholarship Director) Kim Gustafson. I explained how difficult it was to find friends, and she made me feel a lot more at ease with the situation. She assured me that what I was experiencing was perfectly normal, and she encouraged me to explore clubs on campus, and really hyped me up. She made me feel empowered again and reminded me of my strengths. Even though it was over email, you get the sense that Kim really cares about you and your success, because she does, as does the rest of the staff at the Institute. It was this encouragement that prompted me to swallow my fears and explore new clubs and organizations on campus. I ended up joining a social fraternity and even became a Senator for the D’Amore-McKim School of Business on Northeastern’s Student Government Association.”

Luizzo’s takeaway: The Mitchell Institute offers much more than a scholarship. It also offers fellowship on the journey — and guidance when the way forward is unclear.

Paige's Words of Wisdom

Paige Thibodeau, the 2018 Mitchell Scholar from Penobscot Valley High School and graduate of the University of Maine Augusta, is now a veterinary technician. She began her remarks by recounting her frame of mind in the fall of 2018.

“When I started my college experience, I was not very good at talking to people,” she told the more than 200 attendees. “It made me anxious, and I often tripped over myself and my words. But in my years at UMA, I became a Campus Admissions ambassador. This allowed me to give prospective students tours as well as get involved on campus. At first, giving tours made me so nervous I would sweat right through my shirt. But I spent three years giving tours, and it was amazing to see all of these new students who were excited about continuing their education. I eventually got much better at giving tours, and they became a fulfilling part of my (college) experience. The most rewarding part was that I saw the students on my tour become more confident about their goals, which, in turn, made me more confident in mine and my ability to achieve them.”

Thibodeau’s takeaway: Helping others find their way is the path to sure footing on your own journey.

A Reunion at the Celebration

Sometimes the Mitchell Institute’s annual Welcome Celebration for new Scholars and their families can also be a reunion. That’s how it was this year when longtime friends Beth Luce (above left) and Lori Goodwin Gingras met up at the University of Maine campus to honor the 147 new Mitchell Scholars, including Beth’s daughter, Mia, the 2022 Scholar from Monmouth Academy, and Lori’s son, Tom, the 2022 Scholar from Gardiner Area High School.

“Beth and I have been close friends since we met while working at Sugarloaf in the early ’90s,” said Lori. “I felt so proud of Mia when I learned she was named a Mitchell Scholar. Then, about a week later, Tom received the same honor. It was a thrill to share in the excitement of this proud parent moment with my dear friend.”

Footnotes

The Mitchell Institute gives special thanks to the University of Maine Dining Services & Conferences and Events teams for their hospitality and help in making the 2022 Welcome Celebration a success.

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FootNotes

The Mitchell Institute gives special thanks to the University of Maine Dining Services & Conferences and Events teams for their hospitality and help in making the 2022 Welcome Celebration a success.

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