Investigations as a student-helper. He attended
the University of Maine, graduating in 1937
with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and in
1942 with a Master’s degree in Botany.
the community has been validation of our
efforts, and this major gift and named chair
certainly position us to grow our program and
collaborations that connect us to our local
economy and in support of local citizens. It is
In 1942, he began conducting the Potato an honor to have a position named after Dr.
Breeding Program at the Aroostook Farm Robert Akeley, who was such an accomplished
in Presque Isle for the Federal Program of agricultural scientist.”
Potato Investigations. In 1956, he transferred
to Maryland to serve as leader of the University officials said Smith’s historic gift
National Potato Breeding Program, and in will create a lasting impact for the institution
1960, he assumed the leadership of Potato and the agriculture industry.
Investigations.
“We are most appreciative to Mary for her
Akeley was directly or indirectly responsible generosity and this tribute to her father’s
for the release of 40 new potato varieties, outstanding scientific contributions and deep
including the Kennebec. His work in potato commitment to the potato industry,” Dr.
breeding received international recognition, Debbie Roark, UMPI Executive Director for
and he authored more than 100 publications. University Advancement and External Affairs,
He worked collaboratively with farmers, said. “As her father did before her, she has
growers, processors, and fellow researchers in made an incredible impact in the future of
more than 30 states and 9 countries, all with agricultural science and to the future success
a focus on potato culture varietal excellence. of the agriculture industry in the County and
beyond.”
He was a fellow of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science and a member
of the Genetic Association of America. In
Top Right: During the gift announcement on
1967, the University of Maine recognized Dr.
Oct. 23, officials held a ceremonial signing of
Akeley’s leadership and outstanding research
the endowed chair agreement. Taking part
in potato improvement by conferring on him
in the signing were, from left, Dr. Debbie
an Honorary Doctor of Science degree and
Roark, UMPI Executive Director of University
the Potato Association of America presented
Dr. Akeley for Honorary Life Membership.
Advancement; Mary Barton Akeley Smith;
The Dr. Robert Vinton Akeley Chair will
allow UMPI officials to build upon the
newly established Agricultural Science and
Agribusiness program.
“This endowed faculty position will bring to
campus an experienced agriculture professor
and researcher who will serve the students
and agricultural community year-round
through education, research, and outreach
in our classrooms, labs, fields, and our new
greenhouse,” Dr. Jason Johnston, UMPI Dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences, said. “It
will be a tremendous boost to our recently
established and growing agriculture program.
The support we have received from many in
24
WINTER 2019
UMPI President Ray Rice; and Brett Varnum,
UMPI’s Foundation President.
Bottom Right: During the announcement of
the $1 million gift that the University of Maine
at Presque Isle has received from Mary Barton
Akeley Smith to establish a permanent faculty
position in the new Agricultural Science
and Agribusiness program, Smith and UMPI
President Ray Rice unveiled a commemorative
plaque that will be placed in the office of the
Dr. Robert Vinton Akeley Chair of Agricultural
Science and Agribusiness once the Zillman
Family Greenhouse is constructed.