USM’s Cummings to make
case for name change

University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings will present his proposal to change the university’s name to a UMaine System committee May 15.

Cummings will address the Academic and Student Affairs Committee via video conference from the Wishcamper Center on the Portland campus, university spokesman Bob Stein said.

The proposal would change the name to the University of Maine at Portland. The university also has campuses in Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn.

The Gorham Town Council is at loggerheads with the proposal.

Gorham Town Council on April 2 passed 5-1 (Councilor Hager opposed and Vice Chairwoman Suzanne Phillips absent) a resolution opposing the renaming.

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The council’s resolution read in part, “Town Council finds that the proposed name change of the University of Southern Maine will not be in the best interests of the Gorham Community.”

Town Councilor Ronald Shepard said a name change would take away identity from Gorham, which has a long historical connection with the university.

But, Town Councilor James Hager said the proposed name change is a marketing venture to bolster enrollment. “I want this business to succeed,” Hager said.

A name change requires approval of the UMaine System Board of Trustees and Legislature. Gorham Town Council Chairman Benjamin Hartwell said before the council’s vote that its resolution would have influence in the Legislature.

Brush drop-off

Gorham Public Works, 80 Huston Road, will accept brush 8 a.m.-noon on May 4 and May 18. The drop-off is limited to residents only and stumps will not be accepted.

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Leaves and grass clippings will be accepted in the designated area throughout the season. For more information, call public works at 892-9062.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on April 18 that the U.S. public debt was $22,027,542,672,770.63.

University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings wants to rename it the University of Maine at Portland.


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