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Bangor

A City Council proclamation approved March 13 recognized Charles M. Hutchins for “exceptional enthusiasm and commitment” during his recent tenure as chairman of the United Way Campaign for United Way of Eastern Maine.

His challenge gift of $100,000 was the largest single contribution in the history of this United Way.

The proclamation pointed out that Hutchins’ gift “inspired new levels of giving, particularly from younger members of the community, and increased leadership giving to 26 percent of the campaign’s total.”

The campaign raised $2,628,471, an increase of 6 percent from last year.

Hutchins has agreed to serve as chairman of next year’s Leaders’ Circle Committee, and to continue to advise the campaign cabinet.

The Department of State recently announced the selection of Patrick Duddy, originally of Bangor, as the next U.S. Consul General in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Duddy is presently the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia.

As Consul General, Duddy will be the senior U.S. government official in the world’s third-largest city. The U.S. Consulate General in Sao Paulo is the largest in South America, and one of the largest in the world.

Prior to his present assignment in Bolivia, Duddy served at U.S. embassies in Chile, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Panama. He has also serve in Washington.

Duddy received his undergraduate degree from Colby College and a master’s degree from Northeastern University. He is also a graduate of the National War College. where he received a master’s degree in National Security Strategy. He is married to the former Mary Rose Huband of Wilmington, N.C. They have two children.

Twenty-five companies have received Seed Grants from the Maine Technology Institute, grants given for small research and development projects. Among the recipients are:

. Laurent Beauregard, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, to complete research on blueberry dietary supplements and human cognition.

. Nancy G. Kravit, Tethys Research LLC, Bangor, to complete proof-of-concept work for modifications of a drug-like molecule.

. Dean Smith, Sensor Research and Development Corp., Orono, to conduct market analysis for an in-line humidity sensor.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Bangor Lodge 214, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brewer Aerie 3177, were honored recently by the Bangor YMCA Tae Kwon Do Program with plaques in recognition of gifts that will help youth and adults attend national competitions in Olympic-style tae kwon do.

Exalted Ruler Dennis Allard accepted the plaque for the Elks, and President Ralph St. Louis one for the Eagles.

“We appreciate community support such as has been shown by these two caring organizations,” said Chase Poulsen, tae kwon do instructor at the Bangor YMCA. “Without local involvement, our 8- to 11-year-old athletes could never experience a national level event.”

“Our Tae Kwon Do program, like many of the YMCA programs,” explained Executive Director Rob Reeves, “teaches life skills including self-confidence, respect, leadership and responsibility. The Elks and Eagles recognize the positive influence these programs have on our youth, and their support allows us to continue to offer quality growth opportunities for Bangor area kids.”

Hampden

Hampden Historical Society will open April 2 for the season. The museum, including the Katherine Trickey Archives, will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at the Kinsley House, 83 Main Road South. For information, call 862-2027.

Orono

The University of Maine Alumni Association has announced that its president and executive director, Jeffery N. Mills, has been named to the Council of Alumni Association Executives.

CAAE members are considered the “gold standard” of quality alumni relations programs and member associations must offer a series of comprehensive services and events to its alumni body.

“It’s great to be recognized by our peers as one of the top alumni associations in the country,” said Mills. This honor is a real testament to the hard work put forth by the entire alumni staff and our devoted alumni volunteers.”

CAAE is a national organization limited to no more than 75 chief executive officers of alumni associations supporting major institutions of higher education. The group advocates the value of self-governance among alumni associations.

The University of Maine Alumni Association was founded by alumni in 1875 and serves the university in many ways. As administrators of the Annual Alumni Fund, the Alumni Association raises more than $1.3 million each year for UMaine, and sponsors alumni events such as reunions, Homecoming, and regional alumni chapters and events.