WATERVILLE, MAINE, May 2025 — Thomas College President Jeannine Diddle Uzzi recently spoke during the Patterson Lecture at Maine Central Institute as part of a partnership between the two schools.
Established by Gregg ’69 and Elaine Patterson in 2008, the Patterson Lecture Series was created to give students the opportunity to listen to invited speakers share their personal experiences and reflections, informing students’ classroom learning and expanding their breadth of knowledge. Previous Patterson Lecture Series guests have included Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, astronaut Captain Stephen Bowen, Major General John Libby, Secretary of the Navy Jim Webb, Colonel Mike Wyly, and many more including last year’s address by Edward J. Polewarczyk, Former Director of Orbiter Production and Operations at United Space Alliance.”
Dr. Uzzi spoke about “Everything Ancient is Modern Again: Human Intelligence for an Artificial World” to an audience of MCI students, staff and faculty.
Dr. Uzzi is the sixth president of Thomas College and a distinguished professor of classics. With a strong background in higher education leadership, she is committed to expanding access to college education for students and their communities. Previously, she served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Adler University and as Provost at the University of Southern Maine, where she led initiatives that significantly improved enrollment and graduation rates. An accomplished scholar and community leader, Dr. Uzzi is deeply dedicated to fostering a culture of student success and belonging, ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
“We’re so thankful for Dr. Uzzi for coming to Maine Central Institute to talk about this important topic for the future. We have had many students go on to Thomas and they are having tremendous success. They’re learning amazing things and supported in so many different ways in residential life in academics and in athletics. And we’re so very grateful for the relationship we have with Thomas College, Dr. Uzzi’s support of education in Maine, her willingness to visit all the schools and various organizations who support youth in the state because you really are the future,” said MCI Head of School David Pearson.
“I am indebted to Head of School David Pearson and the whole MCI community for giving me the opportunity to return to my teaching roots, if only briefly, for the Patterson Lecture. Looking out at all the eager faces in MCI’s beautiful lecture hall gave me hope for our future and our intelligence, both human and artificial,” said Dr. Uzzi.
This partnership is part of Thomas College’s recent efforts to connect with community independent high school partners and town academies. This spring, Thomas College also delivered micro-credentials in design thinking to students at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. This summer, Thomas College will host international students from Maine Central Institute’s STEAM Summer Camp, and in October, MSSM will host its Robotics Symposium at Thomas College.
About MCI:
Founded in 1866, Maine Central Institute engages a multicultural student body with diverse abilities and interests in a rigorous and comprehensive college and career preparatory experience. MCI proudly welcomes day and boarding students who come to Maine for the independent school experience for grades 9-12. MCI offers students tremendous opportunities in academic excellence, athletic involvement, and participation in a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. Maine Central Institute is a place where you can develop lifelong friendships and thrive in our diverse and global community.
About Thomas College:
U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Thomas College as a top college in Maine for social mobility. Our clear career focus and one-of-a-kind Guaranteed Job Program™ makes it possible to advance faster in the arts and sciences, business, and education. Earn an undergraduate degree in three years and then choose from a variety of in-person or online graduate degree programs that can be completed in one-year or two. Located in Waterville, Maine, Thomas College is your pathway to a promising future, guaranteed. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.