AUGUSTA — Jim Christie, of Rockport, likes a challenge. He has accomplished a lot in his half-century or so of life, lived in many places and aboard Navy ships, and pursued many interests. But on May 14, he took to a different stage, the Augusta Civic Center, where he finally completed what he began decades ago in the Navy, earning his bachelor’s degree in applied science with a minor in justice studies. In doing so, the University of Maine recognized him with its Distinguished Student Award.

Christie, along with fellow graduate Donna J. Davis-Rankin of Manchester, were chosen from the 700 students to receive the award for their demonstration of excellence in scholarship, extracurricular participation and leadership, as well as and community service.

“I went back to school for a variety of reasons,” said Christie. “First and foremost, because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. Also, nowadays when you are looking for work, almost every job posting requires you have a degree. It doesn’t necessarily matter what your degree is in, they just want to know that you have one. More often than not, the postings read ‘bachelor’s required, master’s preferred.’ I knew it was time to get that degree.”

The graduation took place at the Augusta Civic Center, where graduates who had been enrolled in UMA’s Augusta and Bangor campuses, online programs, and University College Centers across the state received their associate and baccalaureate degrees.

“Jim is an outstanding student with a corresponding outstanding GPA,” said Dean of Students Sheri Fraser, at the graduation. “In class, he is known for sharing helpful insights with other students and has also served as a teaching assistant.  He notes that he and his wife [Heather] volunteer for almost everything that comes up in their community that would benefit from their assistance.  I think it is telling that he met his wife at a volunteer project and they were married at a volunteer project.”

Christie grew up a Navy child. His father was in the Navy, so they moved often early on. He was born in Maine, and then moved to the Azores, California, Alaska, Hawaii, and then back to Maine, and Camden, where his father retired. By then, Christie was in seventh-grade.

Fast forward multiple decades, and Christie himself retired from the Navy and its legal field, returning to Camden. 

“I also managed volunteers, and managed volunteer projects/programs in the Navy,” he said. “After the Navy, I managed the community relations program in the Northern Region for MBNA. I then worked for a few nonprofits in Maine, and finally accepted a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bedford, Mass. I now do outreach for veterans, educating and informing them of the benefits they’ve earned, and how to access them.”

Christie’s justice studies professor described him as a talented, cooperative, generous and committed workhorse, said the dean. 

“The more we dug into Jim’s background, the more we saw how commitment and service are themes throughout Jim’s life,” she said, at graduation. “In more formal roles, he is involved with the Camden Lion’s Club, volunteers for UMA Constitution Day, coaches softball and also served in the U.S. Navy.... A former employee of Make-A-Wish Maine, Jim has continued as a volunteer with the organization by helping to grant wishes to Maine children.”

She ended by saying: “Jim, I am delighted that today you are granted a wish of your own by completing your baccalaureate degree.  I understand that your wife is equally delighted by this wish and that your return to college was inspired by your daughter, a student at UMA’s Rockland Center. I congratulate you on your many successes and thank you for your service to your country and community.”

In addition to the Distinguished Student awards, a Distinguished Alumni award was bestowed on Regina Anderson Northouse, a 2003 graduate of UMA. UMA Professor Emeritus Barry M. Farber received an honorary degree, and recently retired UMA faculty members, Sheila Bennett, Jill Rubinson and Grace Leonard were presented with the distinguished ranking of UMA Professor Emerita.

This year’s keynote speaker was state Sen. Roger Katz. Serving his third term in the Maine State Senate, he represents the people of Augusta, China, Oakland, Sidney and Vassalboro.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6657.