University of Maine at Presque Isle

Erika Valtinson, a Certified Physician Assistant with Pines Health Services in Caribou, will be presented with the award during the University Day Luncheon at Noon on Wednesday, April 16 in the Campus Center. Valtinson graduated summa cum laude from the University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in biology with a pre-med concentration and a chemistry minor. Two days after graduation, she moved to Philadelphia to complete a 27-month Physician Assistant [PA] program at Drexel Hahnemann. While in the program, she earned the Elizabeth Peabody Stolberg Memorial Award for Clinical and Academic Excellence. When she returned home last fall, she quickly landed a job with Pines Health and now provides primary health care at offices in Caribou and Limestone. According to her former advisor and biology professor, Dr. Bonnie Wood, Valtinson could have worked anywhere in the country after successfully completing the PA program, but she and her fiancé chose to make their home in Fort Fairfield. "I am certain that she will not only thrive as a health care provider, but will also continue her leadership and public service in the communities in which she lives and works," Wood said. "She is truly an alumna who enhances the University's reputation as an institution providing a high quality and well-rounded educational experience." These qualities are what prompted the Alumni Board of Directors to honor Valtinson with this year's recent alumni award. "Since her departure from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Erika has exemplified the goals and ideals that higher education seeks to instill in all who choose its path," Keith Madore, Director of Alumni Relations, said. "Her career, though brief, has been filled with inspiring achievements and if the past speaks for the future, Maine will be well served by her for years to come. The University is proud to call Erika one of our own." The Distinguished Recent Alumni Award is given to a graduate who has been out of college between 2-12 years and has distinguished himself or herself in his or her career or service to community. Past honorees include Scott Boucher '00, Andrew Murphy '94 and Bryan Thompson '03. This is the third time the award will be presented during University Day, an event that heightens student awareness of the work being done by peers and how that work applies to service and the professional life of a community.

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University of Maine at Presque Isle
181 Main Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207.768.9400