At the University of Maine, engineering students are known for their technical ability, resilience, and work ethic. But for some of the university’s most engaged student leaders, growth extends beyond co-ops and classrooms. Through tradition societies — respected student organizations rooted in leadership, service, and character — they are building essential skills that will carry them into their careers and communities.
For many UMPPF Scholars, earning membership into one of UMaine’s tradition societies represents more than recognition. It’s a call to lead with integrity and a commitment to something larger than themselves.
We spoke with four UMPPF students who are active members of these societies. Their reflections offer insight into the powerful connections between tradition, engineering, and leadership.
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Jacob Levesque: Leadership in Action
Jacob Levesque, a senior chemical engineering student, is a member of the Senior Skulls, one of the university’s oldest honor societies. The group recognizes senior men who have demonstrated leadership, character, and a commitment to the UMaine community.
“For me, being selected into the Senior Skulls is a recognition of all the work I’ve put into my academic, professional, and personal life throughout my time at UMaine,” Levesque said. “It’s helped me grow my professionalism and carry myself more confidently.”
Levesque first connected with the University through UMPPF’s Consider Engineering program as a high school student. Today, he serves as president of UMaine’s TAPPI student chapter, leads research at the Process Development Center, and is preparing for a career with Packaging Corporation of America.
He credits UMPPF with giving him a strong foundation early in his academic journey. “The foundation gave me a home away from home,” he said. “It helped me become a more well-rounded student, and that’s directly shaped my path to leadership on campus.”
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Kenzie Karpinski: Leading by Example
For Kenzie Karpinski, a senior chemical engineering student and member of All Maine Women, tradition society membership reflects a deeper sense of responsibility. “You are trusted to act as an ambassador for the university and are tasked with upholding the standards, values, integrity, and legacy of your organization,” she said.
Karpinski’s experience includes co-ops at Twin Rivers Paper and Procter & Gamble, and she will begin her post-grad career in manufacturing. But the skills she’s developed go beyond technical expertise.
“UMPPF helped me grow as a leader by pushing me out of my comfort zone,” said Karpinski. “Speaking in front of peers, networking with professionals, and taking on co-ops helped me round out my professional toolkit.”
To Karpinski, leadership is a quiet, continuous practice: “It’s not just about having a title. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you show up for others, and how you support your community.”
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Nora Freeman: Finding Confidence Through Community
Nora Freeman, a sophomore from Saco, Maine, is a member of the Sophomore Eagles. As a student early in her academic journey, Freeman views her tradition society membership as both an honor and a responsibility.
“Being selected means I have a responsibility to show pride for my school and actively support my community with a group of driven people,” said Freeman.
She’s also preparing for a co-op with Smurfit WestRock in Virginia and is passionate about pursuing a career in sustainability. She said the support she’s received from both her tradition society and the UMPPF community has been critical to her growth.
“Everyone I’ve met through UMPPF and my honor society has been welcoming and supportive,” Freeman says. “It’s made me feel like I belong in this field.”
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Jackson Haskell: Pushing the Standard Higher
Jackson Haskell, a sophomore chemical engineering student from Bangor, is a member of the Sophomore Owls. For him, the value of tradition society membership lies not just in recognition, but in the relationships it fosters.
“It’s less about being recognized for my efforts and more about the people I get to spend time with,” Haskell said. “You can learn a lot from like-minded people, and just as much from those who think differently but hold themselves to a high standard.”
Haskell has already completed a co-op at PCA in Louisiana and will return to the company for a second rotation in Virginia. He said his experiences in both the field and through UMPPF have helped him refine his goals and clarify his direction.
“The foundation’s industry connections are an incredibly valuable resource,” he said. “They’ve helped me figure out where to focus my energy and what kind of professional I want to become.”
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A Shared Legacy of Leadership
Across each story, there’s a common thread: These students lead not only through academic excellence, but through accountability, reflection, and community. Our tradition societies ask their members to show up consistently, not just for themselves, but for others. That mindset has clear parallels with the work of engineers in the real world.
Through UMPPF’s support, these students have been able to take advantage of every opportunity available to them, both on campus and in industry. Whether they’re leading a research team, preparing for a co-op, or mentoring younger students, they’re demonstrating the values these societies uphold.
Tradition societies don’t just recognize strong students. They help shape strong people. And for UMPPF Scholars, that makes all the difference.
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