The Free Press

05/15/2023

A Great way to end a semester - Production Day #11

05/05/2023

We sure do love our throwbacks.

Before we gave our Commencement speaker and Distinguished Alumni Achievement award winner Neil Genzlinger ‘77 a tour of the map library this afternoon, Libby, our Executive Director (and a historian) pulled up the digitized version of his class yearbook from 1976-1977 (when we were the University of Southern Maine Portland-Gorham, aka PoGo). She also snapped this candid picture of his nostalgic glance as he looked at a photograph of himself in the yearbook taken 45 years ago—standing next to an empty signpost that once held the Free Press sign someone had stolen!

A distinguished journalist, playwright, and critic, who currently writes for the New York Times, Genzlinger was the editor of USM’s student newspaper The Free Press while on campus. It was a total delight to show him around the map library, and to hear stories about his time on campus. We are looking forward to his Commencement address tomorrow morning.

05/05/2023

Today we had a special guest stop by and talk to us about Journalism and their time spent in the field.

New York Times Writer, Neil Genzlinger! A former Free Press Editor and speaker at commencement tomorrow!

Congratulations to all graduates tomorrow! Including our Editor-In-Chief Kelly Ledsworth, Arts + Culure Editor Ben Reed, and News Editor Doug Banks

Thank You Neil Genzlinger for your time!

(L-R Melanie Wiggins, Doug Banks, Will Fudge, Deklin Fitzgerald, Kelly Ledsworth, Neil Genzlinger / Photo courtesy of Lucille Siegler)

05/04/2023

Let’s give it up for Lucille!

🎉Congratulations to Lucille Siegler for being awarded Supervisor of the Year by our student employees!👏👏

Lucille has been an indispensable member of the Free Press student newspaper team for years, and we couldn't be prouder to see her receive this well-deserved honor. As an Administrative Specialist in student engagement & leadership for almost 19 years, Lucille has always gone above and beyond to support and guide our student employees, helping them achieve their full potential.

Thank you, Lucille, for your unwavering commitment to our team and for being an outstanding supervisor and mentor to our student employees. We are lucky to have you on our team!🤗

04/12/2023

Go check out our Website - We are fully up to date!
http://usmfreepress.org/

03/28/2023

Hey everyone!

Check out our newest issue of The Free Press! Find copies around USM, or click the link below to read!

https://issuu.com/usmfreepress/docs/03-27-23marchissue9fixedfinal

03/17/2023

Our Neighbors from WMPG are hosting a "Spring Begathon" from March 22 to March 28. Yes... I am talking about next week. Go check it out and ensure you tune into 90.9FM!

03/17/2023

Quick check out our page before its too late, updates are occurring as we speak!
Link; https://usmfreepress.org/

03/03/2023

Here's a snippet of a Movie Review by Brandon Kennedy, from September, 2022, that has since been published online at; https://usmfreepress.org

"I’d say the general tone of the movie, as well as all of the pieces that the movie is meant to convey, work well for what they are. The ending also makes sense. In it, Strange gains a new third eye he has from the comics... which not only reference his powers from the comics and the Eye of Agamotto, but that he was in a way corrupted by the Darkhold." - Arts and Culture Editor; Ben Reed

02/22/2023

These Maine college journalists let their website go dark to focus on print

Stay tuned; for exciting things are happening behind the scenes!

In a world that is increasingly online, a group of dedicated student journalists are working to save the print version of The Free Press.

05/02/2022

One of the first reviews of my memoir “Moon in Full: A Modern Coming-of-Age Story” can be found in the student newspaper The Free Press at my alma mater University of Southern Maine.

Moon in Full is available for pre-order on Amazon or on the Islandport Press website: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Full-Modern-Coming-Age/dp/1952143357

04/26/2022

How are you celebrating the earth this April?

Read about how USM is making sustainability a priority 🌎 🌱 🪴 💚
link in bio!

04/09/2022

Artist of the Week: Sigrid Sibley!

Sibley is a 2021 graduate from USM and just released her first album in February with her band, Flight.

Read all about Sigrid’s bluegrass background and time at USM on our website! 🌾🎻🪕 🎶

04/04/2022

On Saturday, March 5, students and faculty at the University of Southern Maine gathered together outside of Glickman library to show their support for Ukraine.

The event was organized by Jason White, a sociology major at USM.

Read more about what’s happening in Ukraine and how USM is showing their support on our website. Link in bio.

03/31/2022

Congratulations to our Editor-in-Chief for this award!

Please help us congratulate Cullen McIntyre, the co-recipient of the Communication and Media Studies Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in Media Studies!
He may look a bit familiar to our followers, he was the co-recipient of the 2020-2021 Maine Association of Broadcasters Award!

Pronouns: he/him/his
Major: Media Studies Major; Sports Media Minor
Extracurricular Activities: Editor-In-Chief at The Free Press, photographer for the athletic department, intern for the Maine Mariners Hockey as the team photographer, and the radio show host of Sports Jam at WMPG FM.

“My time at USM has been meaningful from my time spent at the free press, WMPG, the athletic department and in the media studies program. I appreciate all the opportunities available, and the support given from the media studies faculty.” -Cullen

Congratulations Cullen, keep doing great things!

03/03/2022

Did you know that a USM Assistant Professor won a National Education Association Foundation Envision Equity Grant for $5,000?

Meet Dr. Larissa Malone, an assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department, School of Education and Human Development at USM.

Link in bio 🖊

03/02/2022

Interested in being a part of leadership at the Free Press? We are currently accepting sign ups for the Editor-in-Chief and the entire Editorial Board for next year!

You can sign up at the link in our bio or come to our office at 92 Bedford St on the Portland Campus to sign up.

03/02/2022

“Students voice distaste for Sodexo and Usm dining despite semesterly survey,”

Second-year exercise science major Andrew Wessling said he’s frequently been served uncooked chicken and over cooked pork.

“Nine times out of 10 you’ll find something edible,” said Wessling. “But it’s not necessarily what you want. We spend way too much money on crap food. I feel like they put out these surveys all the time, but nothing ever changes.”

Link in bio for more content 👀 🍴 🪳

Photo courtesy of Michelle Karam

02/18/2022

TODAY!

Come to our open house from 1-4pm to get involved with the Free Press. We are looking for staff in all positions, especially in our upcoming editorial board applications.

We will be raffling off gift cards and a few other prizes! Additionally, we will have cookies, pie, coffee, coco, tea and more!

02/10/2022

Meet Shane Harinxma-Toelg of Covid-19 Community Workers!

“Shane Harinxma-Toelg, who is currently the Testing Lead through the Health and Counseling Department for both the Gorham and Portland campus locations…has had a different view on the pandemic as the coming of Covid-19 has allowed him to have opportunities otherwise never to have existed.”

Read more about Shane and the great ways he is helping our community! Link in bio.

02/03/2022

Huskies! Have you ever been curious about how a newspaper functions? Do you want to get involved on campus while building your resume? The is having an open house on Friday, February 18 from 1-4pm in our office located at 92 Bedford St. on the Portland campus!

We need writers, photographers, designers, and ad executives. After this semester there will be multiple openings on the editorial board. Come by the open house to learn more! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Masking required.

11/02/2021

We had a great event last week as former Free Press staff Noah Hurowitz spoke about his book “El Chapo: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Infamous Drug Lord.”

Joining Noah at the event was current and former Free Press staff members! Including our own Director of Photography Nora Devin and News Editor Haley Hersey. Former staff includes Kevin Steeves, Dylan Martin, Noah Hurowitz and Paul Koenig. And our great Business Manager, Lucille Siegler (picture 3). It was great to have new and former staff come together!

10/27/2021

Vice Provost of Student Affairs position created and filled - The Free Press

Vice Provost of Student Affairs position created and filled 🗞

Damian Medina has been active in the role since September 15. The job description for Vice Provost of Student Affairs is, “Under the direction of the Provost, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs will have oversight in planning, developing, implementing, and advising on programs, services, activities, and processes for students in their life at the university, including student conduct and community standards, identity-based experiences, sexual violence, Title IX, leadership development, intercultural student affairs, student government, student organizations, disability services, health & counseling services, residence life and housing, veteran services and other student resource areas. The Vice Provost will be responsible for helping to realize the full potential of a combined academic and student affairs division, including integrating learning opportunities across the student experience in alignment with USM’s academic vision and strategic plan.”

Read more: https://usmfreepress.org/2021/10/14/vice-provost-of-student-affairs-position-created-and-filled/

By: Haley Hersey, News Editor The University of Southern Maine (USM) has created and filled a new position titled Vice Provost for Student Affairs. Damian Medina, ailing from Texas, has been hired for the position. As of September 15, Medina has been active in his role. The job description for Vice....

10/26/2021

This Thursday, and alumni Noah Horowitz will be at Payson Smith 303 from 6-8pm talking about his book “El Chapo The Untold Story of the World’s Most Infamous Drug Lord”

Come check it out this Thursday!!

09/27/2021

NEW ARTICLE!

Graduate Student Conducts Vaccine Intervention Plan Research 🦠🩺

“‘Before they made the decision to make the vaccine mandatory for students to be on campus, it was going to be a very interesting challenge for USM’s health leadership to accomplish mobilizing a lot of people - students, faculty, and anyone in the USM community to get vaccinated…’”

Read more on our website (usmfreepress.org)!

08/22/2021

Looking to get involved this semester? Join !

We are looking for staff writers, photographers, designers and editors!

Email [email protected] if interested.

08/19/2021

University of Maine System requiring vaccination, masking for in-person presence in Fall 2021 - The Free Press

The University of Maine System shared via an important message from Chancellor Dannel Malloy on August 4 that requiring vaccination to participate in an on-campus experience in Fall 2021 is now UMS policy. As of August 18, masks are required indoors on UMS campuses again. Students must verify vaccination status, or be in the process of being vaccinated by August 20, or they will not be allowed on campus in the fall.

Read more:
http://usmfreepress.org/2021/08/19/university-of-maine-system-requiring-vaccination-masking-for-in-person-presence-in-fall-2021/

By: Haley Hersey, News Editor The University of Maine System shared via an important message from Chancellor Dannel Malloy on August 4 that requiring vaccination to participate in an on-campus experience in Fall 2021 is now UMS policy. As of August 18, masks are required indoors on UMS campuses agai...

04/23/2021

Movie Talk: Men In Black International - The Free Press

Men in Black International, a spinoff of the original MIB series, was released in 2019. Following a similar plot from the original film, by protecting the world from alien threats, the MIB faces a greater threat, which is a mole inside their own organization. A decent movie, this is one of the worst out of the other three. Being lackluster and forgettable, this film fails to live up the hype and expectations. Read more at the link below.

Byline: Isiah Leach Men in Black International, a spinoff of the original MIB series, was released in 2019. Following a similar plot from the original film, by protecting the world from alien threats, the MIB faces a greater threat, which is a mole inside their own organization. A decent movie, this...

04/17/2021

Movie Talk : the Magnificent Seven - The Free Press

The film The Magnificent Seven, which was released in 2016, is one of your classic western cowboy movies. The plot involves the antagonist taking control of a town, which leads the town to hire a group of people to save them from him. While overall it is good and has a lot of great things woven in, The Magnificent Seven is a film that can be viewed as predictable. Before you read the rest of the article, this does contain spoilers, so read at your own risk. Read more at the link below :

By: Isiah Leach, Staff Writer The film The Magnificent Seven, which was released in 2016, is one of your classic western cowboy movies. The plot involves the antagonist taking control of a town, which leads the town to hire a group of people to save them from him. While overall it is good and has [....

03/31/2021

Demolition of Woodbury Campus Center is well under way on the Portland campus.

Photos today by

03/29/2021

Our special issue print on Women’s History Month is out today! Check out the PDF version on our website, or look out for the issue around campus over the next day!

03/29/2021

Husky Heroes of the Month - The Free Press

"In honor of Women’s History Month, The Free Press wanted to highlight and honor three individuals who work, coach, and play in each of these important areas. This week The Free Press sat down for a Q&A with Women’s Lacrosse Player Hannah Gorham, Women’s Basketball Coach Samantha Norris, and Associate Director of Athletics Kim Turner." ... Read More! Click the link!

Three very important factors to making a Division III Athletics program successful are the players, coaches, and administrators. Without these pillars, the University of Southern Maine wouldn’t have the successful program it does. In honor of Women’s History Month, The Free Press wanted to highl...

03/14/2021

Applications for Editorial Board positions for next year are now open. Positions include:
- News, Arts & Culture, Community and Sports Editors
- Director of Photography
- Design Director
- Web Editor

Email [email protected] to apply. Applications close 3/21

03/11/2021

Movie Talk : Tenet - The Free Press

This was a film I was very excited to see, as it was said to be a “distant cousin” from the film Inception, which was a fantastic film and also directed by Christopher Nolan, but it lived up to some of the expectations I had. Along with a great plot, a cast that consisted of John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Kenneth Branagh, all fantastic actors. Their performance and deliverance of their lines added to the film. Read more at the link below!

Byline: Isiah Leach, Staff Writer Longtime great director Christopher Nolan’s newest movie, Tenet, was one of the movies that was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. It was delayed three times before finally being released in certain theaters on Sept. 3, 2020. Before I go into reviewin...

03/01/2021

A Powerful Advocate for Representation: Hussein Maow hopes to be voice for change on campus - The Free Press

Representation matters, for everyone. This simple yet profound idea of representation and inclusion is exactly what sophomore Hussein Maow is passionate about. As the current Student Body Vice-President, political science and finance double-major and former Director of Racial Equity and Inclusion, Maow’s efforts on campus have been incredibly important. “I am able to advocate exactly what students are trying to do, things that students need,” he said. “How is the environment at USM and how can we change that because coming into it as someone who has lived in Portland, that idea of inclusion and the environment didn’t really exist and still doesn’t exist at USM.”

Read more: http://usmfreepress.org/2021/03/01/a-powerful-advocate-for-representation-hussein-maow-hopes-to-be-voice-for-change-on-campus/

By: Cullen McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief Representation matters, for everyone. This simple yet profound idea of representation and inclusion is exactly what sophomore Hussein Maow is passionate about. As the current Student Body Vice-President, political science and finance double-major and former Direc...

02/23/2021

Intramural and Club Sports Create Community Despite COVID-19 - The Free Press

Intramural and club sports have been apart of the fabric of the USM community for many years, and even through the midsts of COVID-19, it’s no different. Although the normal activities may have been modified, the long-lasting benefits it has on students remain.

Read the full story below!
http://usmfreepress.org/2021/02/23/intramural-and-club-sports-create-community-despite-covid-19/

Intramural and club sports have been apart of the fabric of the USM community for many years, and even through the midsts of COVID-19, it’s no different. Although the normal activities may have been modified, the long-lasting benefits it has on students remain. At USM Intramural Sports were design...

02/22/2021

Our first print issue of the year is here! Our special issue on Black History Month is here and will be hitting the campus today. The online version is available at the link in our bio: https://issuu.com/usmfreepress/docs/feb22_bhmfreepress_12page

02/22/2021

Students's Non-profit Shares Community Stories One Piece of Art at a Time - The Free Press

For junior Nate Henry being an active member of his community has always been a priority. Henry started a single member nonprofit called Art With Heart L3C, which connects homeless individuals or people who have previously experienced homelessness across the state of Maine with local artists in order to tell their story. Read more at the link below!

By : Lydia Simmons / Staff Writer For junior Nate Henry being an active member of his community has always been a priority. As a sustainable business major with a focus in marketing and a minor in economics, his passion for business is something that he always wanted to use to improve his community....

02/09/2021

USM Career Hub Launches New Podcast Aiming to Inspire Students - The Free Press

Last August, in preparation for a mostly remote semester, the USM Career Hub began brainstorming ideas on how to best reach and engage with the student body. “We started to think outside the box and consider ways that we could bring connections, information, and career development opportunities to students in different ways,” said Alex Carrier Hitchcox, the Employer Relationship Manager for the USM Career Hub. Read more at the link below.

Byline : Abigail Nelson / Arts & Culture Editor It is hard to name the activities and lifestyle habits that COVID-19 has not affected. We are all familiar with the academic adjustments that have been implemented to promote the safety and wellbeing of USM students, staff, and faculty. Last August, in...

02/05/2021

Artist of the Week : Nakia (Kia) Pickering - The Free Press

Art has always been a part of Pickering’s life, “I remember when I was little my dad and I would watercolor Pokemon together before school,” she said. Pickering’s art style is cutesy, stylized, imaginative and less realistic. Read more at the link below!

Byline : Kayley Weeks / Staff Writer Art has always been a part of Pickering’s life, “I remember when I was little my dad and I would watercolor Pokemon together before school,” she said. Pickering attended Waldorf School growing up. The Waldorf method of teaching focuses on creating well-roun...