Every May, caps fly and bright futures begin. At the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation (UMPPF), graduation is more than a milestone—it’s a launchpad into an industry with virtually endless opportunities. For the Class of 2025, that launch is already well underway.
This year’s graduates are stepping into a range of opportunities, from papermaking to structural design to doctoral research, but all carry the same sense of readiness and resolve. It’s a testament to the students’ efforts and UMPPF’s unique model: rigorous academics paired with real-world experience and a community of unwavering support.
Sydney Roy, CHE ‘25
Take Sydney Roy, for example, a chemical engineering major headed to Procter & Gamble in Auburn, Maine. As a new process leader, she’ll oversee product quality and training initiatives on the line. “I’m excited to keep getting my hands dirty,” she shared. “That’s something I really loved during my co-op — and now I get to keep doing it as part of my career.”
“I learned so much about myself through my co-ops with Procter and Gamble. They helped prepare me for this next step because I will continue working there once I graduate.” – Sydney Roy, CHE ‘25
Justin Pelletier, another chemical engineering graduate, is moving over a thousand miles away to begin his role as a process engineer at PCA in Filer City, Michigan. For him, the support of UMPPF made all the difference. “Being a shy kid from the sticks of Maine, I feel like I finally came out of my shell in college,” he reflected. “I can credit most of that to the mentors and students I came close to through UMPPF.”
Madison McCarthy, CHE ‘25
Some students, like Madison McCarthy, are taking their education even further. Madison is headed to Princeton University to begin a Ph.D. program in chemical engineering, where she hopes to focus on renewable and sustainable soft materials. “I’m excited to put my skills to the test and learn how to become a successful researcher,” she shared. Her internships at Sappi and WestRock helped her understand how research connects to real-world applications—something she’s eager to build on.
“Through my co-ops, I learned about the process of translating research to commercial applications. This will help me be an effective researcher that can work towards feasible, practical solutions to problems.” – Madison McCarthy, CHE ‘25
No matter the path, the Class of 2025 has one thing in common: preparation. UMPPF students graduate with more than a degree. They leave with industry insight, professional connections, and in most cases, a job offer in hand before they even walk across the stage. It’s no coincidence. UMPPF proudly maintains a 100% job placement rate for its graduates.
As these future engineers begin their next chapters, from Maine manufacturing facilities to global research labs, they carry with them a deep understanding of what it means to lead, to innovate, and to grow.
Congratulations, Graduates!
Matthew Albert, Chemical Engineering – Bradford
Makenzie Alley, Chemical Engineering – Frankfort
William Brown, Mechanical Engineering – West Enfield
Luke Buck, Mechanical Engineering – Sidney
Kylie Carrier, Civil Engineering – Buckfield
Jacob Cook, Mechanical Engineering Technology – Perry
Mya Eno, Mechanical Engineering – Fort Kent
Nikolai Krebs, Chemical Engineering, Turner
Jake Lajoie, Chemical Engineering – Madawaska
Ian MacKinnon, Mechanical Engineering – Presque Isle
Kyle Marino, Chemical Engineering – Pawcatuck, CT
Madison McCarthy, Chemical Engineering – Cape Elizabeth
Conner Michaud, Mechanical Engineering – Presque Isle
Nathan Newgard, Mechanical Engineering – Winslow
Madeline Noble, Civil Engineering – Lincoln
Justin Pelletier, Chemical Engineering – Madawaska
Nicholas Rioux, Mechanical Engineering – Auburn, NH
Sydney Roy, Chemical Engineering – Lewiston
Leo Rubin, Chemical Engineering – Norwich, CT
Allison Thompson, Chemical Engineering – Pflugerville, TX/Lancaster, NH
Jacob Thornton, Chemical Engineering – Westbrook
Allison Vogel, Chemical Engineering – Bridgton
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