FARMINGTON — While they celebrated the class of 2012 in Saturday morning’s commencement ceremony, the University of Maine at Farmington community also bid a bittersweet farewell to its president, Theodora J. Kalikow.

The large crowd under a clear, blue sky on campus broke into frequent standing ovations after emotional tributes to Kalikow, who is retiring after 18 years of leading the small liberal arts college.

Additional Photos

WE DID IT: University of Maine at Farmington Senior Merissa Beaulieu gives the thumbs-up to classmates during commencement ceremonies at the college on Saturday. Staff photo by Michael G. Seamans

Commencement speaker Wesley McNair, Maine’s Poet Laureate, told the audience Kalikow has presided over a renaissance at the college, calling her one of the most effective leaders in its already long and prestigious history.

As a longtime professor emeritus at UMF, McNair reminded colleagues and students never to forget the new path forged by their president, known on campus simply as “Theo.”

“Whenever she talked to others during her time here about her desires for UMF or a college project, she didn’t go on and on, as if about her; she spoke from the heart about what mattered to her, and she invited us to do the same as we collaborated with her,” McNair said.

He said Kalikow is his friend and has managed to teach the entire community the importance of heartfelt conversation. McNair challenged the 387 graduates Saturday always to remember that lesson when they feel overcome by life’s many trials.

McNair recited three of his poems about overcoming hurdles in his own life. He touched on themes that challenged graduates to adapt to unforeseen changes, to cherish loved ones and to remain open to unique personal experiences.

In a poem titled “The Rules of the New Car,” he recalled his experiences as a young father of four children, who quickly broke the rules pertaining to the family’s pristine new car and forced him to rethink how to reach his goal of becoming a poet.

The experience helped McNair realize that life seldom follows the initial plan young adults carefully lay out to reach their dreams — a bit of advice he shared with graduates.

“When unforeseen obstacles get in the way of your dream, find another way to dream it,” he said.

Several hundred people filled the seats in the High Street parking lot on the Farmington campus, with dozens more spilling onto sidewalks and a nearby hill beside the stage.

Kalikow, 71, deflected the praise for her accomplishments toward graduates throughout the ceremony, at one point singling out a Farmington native, Kelly Greene.

She was among the small group of graduates Saturday to receive the first bachelor’s degrees awarded in a new UMF program, outdoor recreation business administration.

Greene is headed to Columbia University this fall to pursue a master’s degree, and she is just one example of the many accomplishments of UMF graduates who marched in the college’s 159th commencement ceremonies, Kalikow said.

After she introduced the class of 2012 and thanked her colleagues, Kalikow closed the ceremony by expressing appreciation for the entire community embracing her over the years.

“It’s been a terrific ride. I’ve enjoyed the heck out of it, and every day has been a surprise,” she said, eliciting a rousing ovation. “Thank you so very much.”

David F. Robinson — 861-9287

drobinson@centralmaine.com

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