Hutchinson Center

The Hutchinson Center is an outreach center for the University of Maine in Orono, that serves as an educational and cultural center for the mid-coast area.  It is named for University of Maine President Emeritus Frederick E. Hutchinson. The mission of the Hutchinson Center is to broaden access to University of Maine academic and non-degree programs and services, lifelong learning opportunities, and professional and career development experiences using innovative approaches that increase synergy among University of Maine System entities, University of Maine departments and divisions, and that engage a wider Maine community. This is accomplished by providing (1) University of Maine System degree and non-degree programming in a variety of live, online, distance, and hybrid formats, including professional and career development opportunities, (2) conference and meeting facilities and services, and (3) by partnering with the local community to promote education, lifelong learning, cultural, and economic development opportunities that serve local communities and the University of Maine.

The Hutchinson Center offers the following:

• Online courses, taught by University of Maine faculty, are offered in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Semesters; many of these courses are designed to meet the general education degree requirements for up to the first two years of a baccalaureate program.
• Area high school students are encouraged to explore available Pre-College Opportunities. 
• Masters level certificate and degree programs through UMaineOnline 
• Professional Development and Continuing Education Opportunities.

History of the Center

The Hutchinson Center opened in 2000 for the purpose of bringing high-quality education to the mid-coast area. The Center doubled in size in the summer of 2009 with the completion of the Walsh Wing, named for Edward J. Walsh, the grandfather of Charles Cawley, founder of MBNA and supporter of the Hutchinson Center. The Walsh Wing provided additional space for science labs, classrooms, staff and faculty offices, and a conference center. The H. Allen and Sally Fernald Art Gallery is housed in the Walsh Wing and provides space for a variety of art shows throughout the year. In addition to educational programs, the Center provides a variety of spaces for conferences and meetings, with current audio/video technology, knowledgeable IT staff, and a conveniently located catering kitchen.

Land Acknowledgement

The University of Maine recognizes that it is located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation, where issues of water and territorial rights, and encroachment upon sacred sites, are ongoing. Penobscot homeland is connected to the other Wabanaki Tribal Nations — the Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac — through kinship, alliances and diplomacy. The university also recognizes that the Penobscot Nation and the other Wabanaki Tribal Nations are distinct, sovereign, legal and political entities with their own powers of self-governance and self-determination.