A unique mix of kindness, generosity University of Maine student excels in both classroom, community

OLD TOWN – If Noah Winslow had excelled only in the classroom during his four years at the University of Maine, he would have made an impression on his professors and classmates.

But his activities outside the classroom as a volunteer and a citizen in his adopted hometown of Old Town are what set him apart.

The Mapleton native and Presque Isle High School graduate earned a 3.69 grade-point average with a major in resource and agribusiness management. He will continue his studies in the summer in the master’s program in agricultural economics at Purdue University.

“Noah is unique because of his kindness and generosity,” said Judith Round, director of development and assistant to the dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. “He is just a good person – an exceptional young man.”

Winslow’s activities include organizing soup kitchens for the Salvation Army; recruiting trips for the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture; leading an agricultural careers session for high school students; organizing a public debate about genetically modified foods; tutoring and working as a teaching assistant; and helping to organize UMaine’s World Food Day presentation.

He is also a member of national honor societies and the founder and first president of UMaine’s Collegiate Future Farmers of America chapter.

Winslow was awarded an American FFA degree in 2000 in recognition of his service to the organization.

In addition, Winslow and his wife, Melissa, serve as Lifeline partners for an elderly neighbor, Anna Wareing.

Wareing was particularly impressed with Winslow’s care of her when she was rushed to the emergency room.

“Noah drove behind the ambulance and waited at the Eastern Maine Medical Center emergency room with me until about 2 in the morning. He brought along a textbook to study for a test the next day. I told him to go in the lobby and find a quiet spot to study. Instead, he stayed in the emergency room with me until a room was available,” Wareing said.

The Winslows were married after their first year at UMaine. Melissa Winslow will graduate with a degree in mathematics and education and hopes to teach when they move to Indiana.

Noah Winslow, for his part, values the opportunity he has had to contribute at UMaine and in the community.

“I’ve gained many experiences and met a lot of good people through those activities,” Winslow said.

He is the seventh of eight brothers – four of whom are UMaine graduates. His father also attended UMaine.

“UMaine has offered me high-quality training in my field of study,” Winslow said, “and I could go home on the weekends when I wanted to. UMaine has prepared me to think scientifically, communicate ideas and use resources around me to make better decisions.”

He eventually hopes to pursue a doctorate in agricultural economics as a way of maintaining the love of farming he gained growing up on a potato and dairy farm.

“I’ve always had a strong desire in my heart to do something to advance farming. The agriculture industry excites me,” Winslow said.