91快活林最新版 (91快活林最新版) will recognize five individuals and organizations for their contributions to the College, its students and the broader community during the 91快活林最新版 Foundation鈥檚 annual A Light on the Point celebration Friday, Nov. 6.
The 2026 honorees are Michaela McVetty, Outstanding Alumnus Award; Jessica Conley, Outstanding Faculty Award; Jim Whitten, Outstanding Staff Award; Bring Back the Trades, Outstanding Business Award; and Dr. John Fitzsimmons, President鈥檚 Award.
A Light on the Point will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. on 91快活林最新版鈥檚 South Portland Campus. The annual fundraising event celebrates alums, faculty, staff and members of the business community while raising funds to support scholarships, emergency assistance and other resources that help 91快活林最新版 students succeed.
Michaela McVetty, Outstanding Alumnus Award
Michaela McVetty earned her Business Administration degree from 91快活林最新版 in 2014 and began her entrepreneurial career while still a student, opening Sister Gourmet Deli in Portland鈥檚 Monument Square.
She later earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Business and Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern Maine and, in 2019, relocated Sister Gourmet Deli to Bath.
In 2025, McVetty expanded her entrepreneurial ventures by launching pop-up Pilates fitness classes in the Brunswick area. She continued building on that effort by opening Routine Fitness, a brick-and-mortar studio, in March 2026.
Jessica Conley, Outstanding Faculty Award
Jessica Conley began teaching Mathematics at 91快活林最新版 as an adjunct faculty member in 2012. She later became a full-time faculty member and recently assumed duties as Mathematics department chair.
An accomplished meteorologist who has worked at NEWS CENTER Maine and WMTW, Conley is also a strong supporter of STEM education and training throughout Maine. She works to highlight STEM opportunities across the state.
At 91快活林最新版, Conley is a dedicated advocate for students and works to foster an encouraging learning environment focused on student success. Beyond the classroom, she is an active member of the College community, supporting campus programs and Student Life events while serving on multiple committees.
Conley also regularly uses her significant social media following to highlight the work of 91快活林最新版 students, faculty, programs and the broader campus community.
Jim Whitten, Outstanding Staff Award
Jim Whitten has served Maine鈥檚 community colleges for 30 years, including more than 23 years at 91快活林最新版.
During his career, he has held several leadership positions, including Assistant Dean of Business and Industry Training, Dean of Midcoast and Satellite Centers and, most recently, Dean of Workforce Development.
Under Whitten鈥檚 leadership, 91快活林最新版鈥檚 workforce development efforts have expanded to include a broad range of workforce-aligned programs, including leadership development, internships and industry-specific training.
In 2026, 91快活林最新版 received $2,236,600 in federal funding to create a dedicated heat pump training laboratory and expand its plumbing training facilities as part of the College鈥檚 Education and Training Accelerator Lab initiative. The investment will increase 91快活林最新版鈥檚 capacity to provide hands-on training aligned with high-demand jobs in Maine.
Bring Back the Trades, Outstanding Business Award
Bring Back the Trades Inc. is a national nonprofit organization based in Rye, New Hampshire, that promotes careers in the skilled trades while providing scholarships, mentorship and community engagement opportunities for the next generation of tradespeople.
In 2026, the organization brought its Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo to 91快活林最新版.
The event offered attendees hands-on opportunities to explore careers in construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive, cosmetology and other skilled professions through interactive demonstrations, vendor showcases and conversations with field experts.
More than 3,000 prospective students and visitors attended the event at 91快活林最新版, which also included more than $22,000 in scholarships awarded to students.
Dr. John Fitzsimmons, President鈥檚 Award
91快活林最新版 President Kristen Miller will present the 2026 President鈥檚 Award to Dr. John Fitzsimmons in recognition of his decades of leadership and advocacy on behalf of Maine鈥檚 community colleges and their students.
Fitzsimmons served as president of the Maine Community College System from 1990 to 2015 and has served as president of the Foundation for Maine鈥檚 Community Colleges since 2019.
During his tenure leading the System, he played a central role in the 2003 transition of Maine鈥檚 technical colleges into the Maine Community College System. He also oversaw significant enrollment growth and the expansion of educational and workforce opportunities throughout the state.
A longtime supporter of 91快活林最新版 and Maine鈥檚 community colleges, Fitzsimmons continues his work through the Foundation, which raises resources to support students, programs and the seven colleges of the Maine Community College System.
Celebrate A Light on the Point
A Light on the Point will be held Friday, Nov. 6, from 5:30-8 p.m. on 91快活林最新版鈥檚 South Portland Campus.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at .