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����ֱ�� (����ֱ��) President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., has from the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award, bestowed at the chamber’s annual IMAGINE PORTLAND! event on January 26, recognizes Ripich for her leadership in ����ֱ��’s many contributions to the region’s education and economic expansion.

Ripich, who has guided ����ֱ�� through a period of unprecedented growth during her tenure as president, increased enrollment from 4,000 to more than 10,000 students and generated an economic impact of more than $1 billion in 2016. Under her leadership, ����ֱ�� has expanded dramatically, adding new colleges, centers, educational and recreational facilities, residential halls, an innovation hub, and a revolutionary study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco. She also restored the iconic Alumni Hall and many other buildings on both Maine campuses. In addition, ����ֱ�� acquired an Atlantic island to serve as a field station to its budding marine scientists.

Ripich said that she was honored to receive the award but noted that ����ֱ��’s achievements have been the result of a team effort. “Ten years ago, when I assumed office, I challenged ����ֱ�� to ‘steer for the deep waters,’” she said, “and the university met that challenge tenfold. The students, faculty and staff have all played a crucial role in our bold voyage.”

Portland Chamber CEO Chris Hall praised Ripich. “Leadership is all about having a vision and finding a way to make that vision a reality,” he explained. “Danielle Ripich embodies the best qualities of leadership, and her vision, implemented by her great team at ����ֱ��, has brought our region remarkable benefits.  Great jobs, exciting new opportunities and the highest quality educational experiences only begin to describe what President Ripich’s leadership has meant to our community.  We are deeply grateful for her leadership, and for the legacy she has helped ����ֱ�� create.”

Read the news in the Journal Tribune

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions