[Contributed story and photos, courtesy of UNE] By ALAN BENNETT | University of New England Approximately 20 students from the University of New England strapped into their boots on Wednesday, April 29, to remove invasive plant species from the shoreline along the Saco River on the university’s Biddeford Campus. The uprooting is part of ongoing … Continue reading COMMUNITY | Students prepare ‘Living Shoreline’ at UNE campus
Category: UNE
A collection of posts related to the University of New England, including the Gazette’s investigative reporting, feature stories submitted to us by UNE; and letters to the editor and guest columns about the university.
OPINION | Biddeford needs a team effort and UNE needs to get on board
The city of Biddeford's financial challenges requires a team approach and the University of New England should get on board.
LETTER | Gazette should try harder on UNE reporting
Editor: I agree with Linda Morrison's point about the contributions that the University of New England brings to the communities of Saco and Biddeford. [UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community; Biddeford Gazette, April 26, 2026] UNE Professors, students, and graduates bring immeasurable talent, knowledge, and positive energy to our communities. Their civic-minded assistance … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette should try harder on UNE reporting
LETTER | UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community
Editor: I write as a former homeowner in Biddeford and a faculty member for over 30 years at the University of New England. I have been astonished at recent allegations and questions regarding UNE and what we actually offer the community and taxpayers of Biddeford. THE WRITER points out the many significant impacts that UNE … Continue reading LETTER | UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community
‘There’s no crying in lacrosse’
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The University of New England Nor’Easters club lacrosse team was full of enthusiasm and high spirits during their warm-up stretches in the moments before their final game of the season Saturday against the St. Anslem Hawks. But unfortunately, the Nor’Easters walked away with a disappointing 5-4 loss. While a cold … Continue reading ‘There’s no crying in lacrosse’
IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
A weeks-long investigation by the Biddeford Gazette reveals a million-dollar real estate deal, a 25-year option on a large parcel of riverfront land and a lack of disclosure that has fueled negative public commentary By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England continue to boil, … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
UNE nutrition students bring healthy-meal tips to Biddeford grocery shoppers
[Contributed Story] By DEIRDRE FLEMING STIRES | University of New England University of New England students majoring in nutrition hosted a “Cooking Matters” grocery store event for the Biddeford community at a local Hannaford supermarket on Friday, March 27. The students in UNE’s Nutrition program set up stations throughout the store where they taught curious … Continue reading UNE nutrition students bring healthy-meal tips to Biddeford grocery shoppers
Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
The city announced today that it will appeal the dismissal of a legal complaint filed in connection with the university's controversial research pier. UNE describes the move as "frivolous" and a waste of taxpayer money. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England seem to be … Continue reading Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
Wave gauges deployed off the Saco shoreline join a growing network of sensors spearheaded by UNE researchers to inform coastal resilience planning for weather-beaten communities By ALAN BENNETT | University of New England Researchers from the University of New England have installed specialized wave-monitoring equipment off the coast of Saco to better understand how a … Continue reading NEWS | UNE leads study to measure impacts of coastal engineering on Maine’s shoreline
UNE puts 166 new doctors into the world
The University of New England recently announced that 166 graduating physicians have matched to residencies in Maine, New England and Beyond [Contributed Story | By ALAN BENNETT, University of New England PORTLAND/BIDDEFORD — The University of New England today announced that 166 graduating physicians have matched to residencies in Maine, New England, and beyond, with more than 50 … Continue reading UNE puts 166 new doctors into the world
UNE president expresses frustration
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England. In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s … Continue reading Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
UNE students will help plant dune grass
By DEIRDRE STILES, UNE Communications Specialist BIDDEFORD, Maine — For the second year in a row, University of New England students will help the Biddeford Pool Conservation Trust plant dune grass along a section of beach in Biddeford Pool to help make the beaches more climate resilient. UNE students help with dune grass restoration On … Continue reading UNE students will help plant dune grass
Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Even as a lawsuit filed by the city of Biddeford against both the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission continues winding its way through York County Superior Court, a Biddeford resident is ramping up his own efforts to raise awareness about the issue. John Schafer, the former … Continue reading Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?
Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor One by one, more than a dozen area residents approached the podium to offer comments and concerns about development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus during a public hearing held by members of the newly created Institutional Zone Review Committee. The committee, which includes UNE President Dr. James Herbert, … Continue reading Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE
LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly
By BERNARD ROY, Special to the Gazette I understand there is a moratorium on UNE initiated by the mayor and city council. UNE is an institution that is a huge plus for Biddeford. They hire professionals as professors, adjunct professors and administrators who live in our community. More importantly, UNE educates young people from Maine … Continue reading LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly
OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee
By MAYOR LIAM LAFOUNTAIN, City of Biddeford On Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m., the Institutional Zone Review Committee will hold its first public hearing at City Hall. The meeting begins the public input phase of a broader review of how Biddeford regulates institutional development. For many residents, the term “Institutional Zone” may not be … Continue reading OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee
UNE considers gas line extension project
From staff reports Representatives from the University of New England say they are now in “early conversations” with Biddeford city officials about the possibility of extending a natural gas line from the city’s downtown area, along the Rte. 9 corridor, to the school’s Biddeford campus. A UNE spokesperson said the potential infrastructure project could bring … Continue reading UNE considers gas line extension project
New UNE oversight committee begins work
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The first meeting of Biddeford’s revived Institutional Zone Review (IZR) Committee was held Thursday evening, giving members a chance to introduce themselves and to complete several organizational and administrative tasks, including scheduling their first public hearing. The committee was launched earlier this year, at the direction of Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain … Continue reading New UNE oversight committee begins work
It’s all about the smiles: UNE and Rep. Fecteau both focus on Maine kids
UNE dental students again provided free care to local students; Rep. Ryan Fecteau introduced a bill to expand dental coverage for Maine children. Contributed stories Students from the University of New England’s College of Dental Medicine and Department of Dental Hygiene welcomed 85 elementary students from Old Orchard Beach to the university’s Oral Health Center … Continue reading It’s all about the smiles: UNE and Rep. Fecteau both focus on Maine kids
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 