The Alumni Spotlight shines this week on Jack A. Frost, Class of 1989, who is originally from Baldwin and now lives in Ellsworth. Frost graduated with a business education degree and is now the Director of Philanthropy for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Foundation in Ellsworth.<\/p>\n
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I am responsible for the Hospital\u2019s fundraising initiatives, which includes: grant writing, annual fund, major gifts, planned gifts, and charity events. \u00a0For the past decade, I have worked closely with the Hospital\u2019s CEO and Board of Trustees to develop the Hospital\u2019s planned giving program.<\/p>\n
Prior to joining Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, I served 14 years with Training & Development Corporation as a Project Manager. \u00a0This work included oversight of a state-wide job training program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.<\/p>\n
The most valuable things I learned while at UMM were flexibility and grit. \u00a0I have been fortunate to have a successful career and to be deeply involved in civic activities in the Downeast Region of Maine. \u00a0I have found that being flexible is a key to success. \u00a0It is essential to listen and recognize others perspectives. \u00a0Understanding when to compromise and shift in a direction that is best for the majority is not always the path you would like to choose, but it is most often the most successful path. \u00a0I have found you can accomplish great things by joining forces to work toward a common goal \u2013 whether it be raising $5 million for a new capital expansion project for the community hospital, or organizing a $5,000 event to benefit the Rotary Club\u2019s Scholarship Fund.<\/p>\n
I feel that \u2018grit\u2019 makes a big difference in life. \u00a0Luck is a wonderful gift, but having grit often allows one to succeed beyond expectations. I\u2019ve always taken pride in my work. \u00a0Putting in the extra effort often makes for a greater impact.<\/p>\n
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The current UMM marketing brochure includes the following quote from Professor Emeritus Rick Scribner – \u201cI get tremendous feeling of accomplishment from watching students take what they\u2019ve learned here and make meaningful careers for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is a great point. \u00a0I would remind student to keep in mind the importance of obtaining their degree. \u00a0It is an extremely valuable credential which can lead to a meaningful career and a purposeful life. \u00a0It\u2019s about the doors that become open to you and the steps you take to create openings for others. \u00a0Reflect on your passions and interests. \u00a0While at UMM, seek out opportunities to give back to the University and the local community. \u00a0This will enrich your life.<\/p>\n
My time at UMM provided the opportunity to have broad and diverse experiences. \u00a0Balancing studies, service activities, work study, physical fitness, personal relationships and social activities was so valuable. \u00a0I try to maintain this balance today. \u00a0Life if not perfect, but I find that I keep myself in check by seeking out a life balance that is engaging and fulfilling.<\/p>\n
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The greatest impact has been the opportunity for career growth. The level of education needed to succeed in the workforce has changed drastically in the past three decades. \u00a0\u00a0Those with a college education are in the minority. \u00a0I am fortunate to have created a fulfilling lifestyle that allows our family to be happy and live within our means. \u00a0A mantra I have adopted in recent years has been \u201cavoid the drama\u201d. \u00a0When considering how to solve problems, UMM Professor Emeritus Richard Larson often reminded me to keep it simple \u2013 AKA: the KIS principle. \u00a0It seems very common that people find ways to complicate their life and become overwhelmed with professional and personal challenges.<\/p>\n
This quote below from Gordon B. Hinckley is a favorite, and is a constant reminder to appreciate all that I have and never to shy away from giving back.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenerally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others… \u00a0By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Alumni Spotlight shines this week on Jack A. Frost, Class of 1989, who is originally from Baldwin and now lives in Ellsworth. Frost graduated with a business education degree and is now the Director of Philanthropy for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Foundation in Ellsworth. Tell us a little bit about what you are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":431,"featured_media":12109,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,6],"academic-area":[],"umaine-feed":[884],"region":[],"class_list":["post-4099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-news","umaine-feed-bus-alum"],"yoast_head":"\n