Alumni Spotlight: Brad Jordan, ‘12

Today’s Alumni Spotlight shines on Brad Jordan, UMM Class of 2012. Originally from Saco, Brad now is a registered Maine sea kayak guide at Bar Harbor.

 

Tell us a little bit about what you are doing now:

I am currently very busy in my capacity as the President of the Psi Delta Alumni Association. As an organization we are dedicated to Leadership, Brotherhood, and Service. My goal is to continue those principles as alumni and provide positive impacts to our various communities. I am employed in the summer months at two sea kayak outfitters that are owned and operated by a fellow Alumni (Robert Shaw). This job is my life’s passion, as I am using the fundamentals of Outdoor recreation taught to me during my time at UMM and making a positive impact on many families vacation and leisure times. I recently purchased a Westerly W25 sailing vessel from Maine Maritime Academy which I plan to sail through the intracoastal waterway, through the Panama Canal and eventually down to South America, visiting the wilderness of Patagonia. So much of my time is spent researching everything related to the world of cruising and seamanship!

 

What is the most valuable thing you learned while at UMM?

The most valuable thing I learned from UMM was to find the things you love and have deep passion for and then surround yourself with others who will motivate you to achieve your life’s goals and passions. I learned this lesson from the dedicated faculty, many friends, greek family, and the downeast region in general.

 

Do you have any advice for current students at UMM?

Befriend your professors, they are there because they are passionate about their subject matter and they truly love to share that information with all who are willing.

 

How did your time at UMM prepare you for what you are doing now?

My recreation professors taught me so many lessons that have carried over to the guiding world. I learned ocean fundamentals, water time management, fundamentals of paddle, trip planning, and countless other valuable tidbits I gained enormous confidence and leadership skills through my affiliation with greek life, it was a time period when I truly came into my own and was able to fine tune life skills.

 

How has UMM made a positive impact on your life?

The University of Maine At Machias built me into the individual I am today. The people you meet at this academic institution will prepare you for real world experiences no matter where life’s journey may bring you. My time at UMM was centered around learning the ways of recreation and leisure, but more important than the coursework to me was the ability to engage in extra curricula activities. Through the outing club, Psi Delta, and many other informal social activities I have become a stronger, more resourceful, compassionate, and I’d like to believe wiser individual.