Alumni Spotlight: Rob Gordon, ’07

UMM’s Alumni Spotlight shines this week on Captain Rob Gordon of Calais, a 2007 UMM graduate with a degree in Outdoor Recreation Management. Rob is currently a captain for Eastport Windjammers and an admissions’ counselor for Washington County Community College.

 

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

 

I’m working as an Admissions Counselor at WCCC which has me traveling all over Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Brunswick, Canada. I’m also captaining whale watching trips & deep sea fishing trip for Eastport Windjammers during the summer. I still have my Registered Maine Guide license as well.

 

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

 

The importance of conservation, the importance of compromise, Search & Rescue, and I will always treasure everything Rick Scribner taught me, especially the story of the Margaretta and the Unity.

 

Do you have any advice for current students at UMM?

 

Well for the Rec Management students I would say don’t just learn it, live it.  Breathe it in while you can and just let it all sink in.  Any day in the woods or on the water is a good day!

 

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

As far as the Admissions Counseling, I think Rec Management gave me the skills to be able to comfortably speak with the people on something I’m passionate about while getting a good education in a field that I am truly interested in. As for the Captain and Guide’s licenses, I think my time at UMM and talking with Rick Scribner just gave me more confidence to go out and do what I love for a living.  I could see how passionate he was about the outdoors and guiding and passing on his knowledge to those that truly wanted to learn it and that made me want the same thing.

 

How has UMM made a positive impact on your life?

Well first I met some really great people while at UMM.  Second I think it’s had a positive impact on me because I got to get a quality education while staying in my backyard, Downeast Maine.  What better place to learn about.