PRESQUE ISLE ? On a day that marked a milestone in the lives of both students and faculty at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Dr. Caroline Gentile took center stage.

The career of the university’s longest-serving faculty member was highlighted during the school’s 96th commencement Saturday, as the 81-year-old retiring health and physical education teacher was lauded for her dedication to UMPI.

A total of 321 people received undergraduate degrees during the ceremony.

Gentile, English professors Drs. Stanley Scott and Kenneth Taylor and biology professor Charlton Loder were recognized as emeriti faculty during the two-hour ceremony.

When Gentile first came to the college in 1946, interim President William A. Shields explained, there were only three buildings on campus. Nearly 60 years later, the number of structures has quadrupled, and one of them soon will have Gentile’s name on it.

The veteran educator also is the namesake of the soon-to-be completed Caroline D. Gentile Health & Physical Education Complex. The $9 million dollar facility will feature a pool, 16-meter track, multipurpose courts, a fully equipped fitness center and climbing wall.

The complex also will provide classroom and laboratory space for programs in physical education, recreation-leisure services and athletic training. The 45,000-square-foot-facility is slated for completion later this year.

“To say that she [Gentile] is a legend on this campus is an understatement,” Shields noted during the ceremony. “In many ways, she is this institution. Certainly, she is what it symbolizes … It is a great pleasure to honor her today.”

The president presented Gentile with a plaque commemorating her 59 years of service to UMPI.

“Thank you, to both the students and the trustees of the university, for this honor,” said the petite woman who sported running shoes below her cap and gown.

Gentile received a standing ovation from the more than 1,000 people who attended the commencement ceremony Saturday.