School of Engineering Technology 50th Anniversary

The University of Maine’s School of Engineering Technology (SET) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking half a century of engineering education.

Established to provide high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities, SET has grown to offer a range of programs that blend traditional engineering principles with emerging technologies. Over the years, the school has played a pivotal role in preparing graduates who contribute to a wide array of industries, from manufacturing to renewable energy. This milestone reflects the school’s continued commitment to innovation, practical learning, and supporting the needs of both students and the community. The 50th anniversary year serves as a time to reflect on past achievements while looking forward to future advancements in engineering education.

Stay tuned for more exciting activities, events, and stories as we commemorate this momentous occasion!

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY TIMELINE

1975

April, 1975, the UMS Board of Trustees approved the formation of the School of Engineering Technology.

1975

In July 1975, Professor William (Bill) R. Gorrill became acting director of UMaine’s new School of Engineering Technology, consolidating engineering technology programs and absorbing general engineering courses.

1976

September, 1976, William (Bill) R. Gorrill was appointed director of the School of Engineering Technology.

1976

1976, School of Engineering Technology housed in the East Annex.

1978

1978, School of Engineering Technology Advisory Committee formed. The Advisory Committee was composed of individuals with engineering backgrounds, who were well respected in their fields.

1979

1979, John J. McDonough, assistant professor of engineering technology, part of three-week energy workshop for junior high and high school teachers sponsored by the College of Education and the College of Engineering and Science.

1980

1980, John J. McDonough, part of the UMaine Energy Advisory Committee, worked on ways to tighten up buildings to prevent heat loss.

1981

February, 1981, John J. McDonough, School of Engineering Technology promoted from assistant professor with tenure to associate professor with tenure.

1982

1982, the ASSET program was established to provide the opportunity for students to get a dual degree in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering Technology.

1983

September, 1983, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering John McDonough was appointed chair of the School of Engineering Technology, replacing William (Bill) R. Gorrill (see photo).

1987

1987, Bangor Hydro donates computer equipment to School of Engineering Technology

1988

1988, Caad Lab is dedicated (see photos).

1992

In 1992, UMaine was selected by the Department of Energy to establish an Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Center, where engineering students conduct free energy audits for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

1992

1992, Mechanical engineering technology seniors Ken Albert & Carlton Peabody volunteered to take on the challenge of inventing some means for Don Smart to more easily pull his wheelchair into the car after him.

1993

1993, School of Engineering Technology receive a donation of a computerized SCADA system from the Maine Public Service Co.

1993

1993, Mechanical engineering technology students designed and built a wheelchair video camcorder adapter for John Babcock.

1994

1994, Davy Logan, Mechanical Eng. Student, invented a crosshair assembly device which is mounted on a machine used in radiation therapy for cancer.

1997

1997, agreement between the School of Engineering Technology and the Northern Maine Technical College in Presque Isle for a pathway for architectural and civil engineering students at the College to a four-year degree.

1997

1997, an attorney from Florida is the University of Maine’s first distance education student to complete a course for credit entirely via the Internet.

1998

In 1998, UMaine’s Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) identified over $1.4 million in savings for Maine manufacturers through energy and waste evaluations. Established in 1993, the IAC offers students hands-on learning while providing free cost-saving recommendations to companies.

1998

In 1998, LANCO Assembly Systems partnered with UMaine, providing engineering students access to advanced industrial technology. The company loaned an automated assembly system with conveyors, robotic arms, and programmable controls for student research.

1999

1999, UMaine Students Building Concrete Toboggan for Canadian Competition. Most of the student participants are enrolled in the Construction Management Technology program in the School of Engineering Technology.

1999

1999, Jill Schoof, Scott Dunning, Jim Wilson help find new sources of power for Isle au Haut.

2001

Circa 2001, Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology David Dvorak appointed director of the School of Engineering Technology.

2001

2001, UMaine Construction Management Teams Enter Regional Competition. Two teams of University of Maine construction management technology students will put their construction planning and estimating skills to the test this spring in the Eastern Regional Construction Management Competition of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC).

2003

Surveying Engineering Technology (SVT) program starts within the School of Engineering Technology, starting Fall 2003.

2003

2003-2004, the new Engineering Entrepreneurial Minor program was introduced that enables students in the School of Engineering Technology to add business credentials to their resumes.

2006

2006, Knud Hermansen of the School of Engineering Technology faculty listed as one of the surveying profession’s “Top 25” by Professional Surveyor Magazine.

2006

2006, Philip Dunn Jr., professor of construction management in the School of Engineering Technology, receives the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Citizen Engineer Award for Region 1.

2007

Spring 2007, John McDonough retires from the University of Maine.

2007

2007, David Dvorak receives a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and conduct alternative energy research at the University of Akureyri in Iceland during the upcoming year.

2007

2007, Philip Dunn, assistant professor of construction management in the School of Engineering Technology, received the Associated Schools of Construction’s National Teaching Award.

2007

2007, the John and Claire McDonough Scholarship was established. The fund will aid undergraduate students who are enrolled in the School of Engineering Technology and the School of Nursing.

2007

In 2007, UMaine graduate and Advanced Manufacturing Center director, Professor Scott Dunning (B.S. 1988, M.S. 1991, Ph.D. 1999, all in Electrical Engineering from UMaine), was appointed director of the School of Engineering Technology.

2007

2007, ToyMakers of Bangor founded by Professor Thomas Christensen, School of Engineering Technology

2010

Fall of 2010, new course offered on all about renewable energy. Renewable Energy and Electricity Production will introduce the different types of renewable energy technologies and geographical considerations when evaluating renewable energy resources.

2010

2010, Professor Thomas Christensen, School of Engineering Technology was the winner of the Presidential Public Service Achievement Award for ToyMakers of Bangor work

2012

2012, Karen Horton, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology, recipient of the 2012 Presidential Public Service Achievement Award.

2017

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy selected UMaine to lead one of eight regional partnerships promoting and supporting cost-effective combined heat and power (CHP) technologies nationwide.

2019

Surveying Technology offered 100% online.

2020

2020, alums from the School of Engineering Technology work on the Consigli Construction team leading the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center project.

2020

Will Manion becomes the director of SET.

2024

Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc., an industry-leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of precision measurement and workflow solutions headquartered in Livermore, California, loaned $1.7 million in new equipment — the latest surveying technology.

2024

SMCC Articulartion Agreement – MET

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