Makowski, Griffith among 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at UMaine
ORONO — Twelve undergraduates have been named 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at the University of Maine, including Jasper Makowski of Dover-Foxcroft and Ruth Griffith of Parkman.
Makowski, bachelor of science in microbiology, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. He secured internships and part-time work with two medical facilities and UMaine’s Maginnis Lab. Working closely with Associate Professor of Microbiology Melissa Maginnis, he researched signaling mechanisms in viruses and learned about a range of diseases.
Makowski is a student organizer for the Maine Day Meal Packout. Outside of academics, he retreats to the Maine outdoors and enjoys a variety of activities, from backpacking to fly fishing. After he graduates, he is pursuing a medical degree with plans to return to rural Maine as a primary care provider.
A full profile of Makowski is at https://umaine.edu/news/2026/04/jasper-makowski-outstanding-graduating-student/.
Griffith, bachelor of science in economics with minors in mathematics and international affairs, is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Honors College and the 2026 UMaine valedictorian. Through her honors thesis, Griffith developed a method to analyze sub-county economic trends using regional data, helping illuminate how policies impact local communities across Maine. Drawing on her background in regional economics, she adapted tools used for markets to understand disparities.
Beyond academics, Griffith has led service initiatives such as the Maine Day Meal Packout, coordinating efforts that provide tens of thousands of meals statewide. She will launch her career at TD Bank in New York City after graduation and plans to one day pursue a master of business administration.
A full profile of Griffith is at https://umaine.edu/news/2026/04/umaine-valedictorian-ruth-griffith-uses-data-to-tackle-economic-disparities-across-maine/.
Makowski and Griffith are respective graduates of Foxcroft Academy and Piscataquis Community High School.