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B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S 74 B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N A b i g a i l D u l a c ' 2 4 b e g a n h e r j o u r n e y a t omas College feeling unsure about her path. rough mentorship from the science faculty, hands-on lab experi- ences, and an internship at the Genotyping Center of America, she discovered her passion for microbiology. Just months after graduation, she launched her career at Poland Spring as a micro- biologist. Abigail's story reflects the power of relevant programs, personalized guidance, and faculty with real-world experience. "omas helped bring my future within reach by giving me the support, opportunities, and confidence to grow," said Abigail. Cole Ellis '26 came to omas with a passion for entrepreneur- ship and graduated with a thriving business. As a full-time student and full-time business owner, he earned second place on Greenlight Maine College Edition, which creates programming that promotes and awards funding to entrepreneurs and innovators in Maine, for his pitch on Keep it Clean Heat Pumps. Cole's experience reflects how omas College supports self-driven learners through edu- cational innovation, and a career connected education. "I had plenty of excuses to not go to college, but now I'm here and succeeding," said Cole. After transferring to omas College from a difficult college experience, Amanda Grant '25 finally found belonging. rough the TRIO program, faculty mentorship, and her work as a tutor, she not only raised her GPA but also became a leader in the com- munity. Her story illustrates how inclusion, care, and personal connection remain central to omas College's promise. "At omas I flourished … these connections have only made my education and experience more valuable," said Amanda. ese are only a handful of student stories that illustrate the incredible impact omas College has had on the journey to success for thousands of students, their families, and their com- munities over 131 years. History of Bringing Promising Futures Within Reach Founded in 1894 in downtown Waterville, Maine and now located along the idyllic banks of the Kennebec River in Waterville, omas College's approach to higher education is rooted in student-focused innovation and preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives. Over time, omas College has grown from a small school located in the Edith Building above F.W. Woolworth Co. on Main Street in 1894 to a 120-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River. What began as a college to prepare the local community for business-related skills has turned into a college that offers more than 80 degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students across 19 areas of study to approximately 800 students each year from 27 states and 17 countries. A lot has changed since its founding, but the core mission has remained: preparing students for success in their personal and pro- fessional lives, and for leadership and service in their communities. is is realized through five core values: student-centered purpose, integrity and accountability, belonging, innovation and adaptability, collaboration and respect, and community engagement and service. Whether you're a preservice teacher, a future accountant, or an aspiring biologist, the omas Promise means that the staff and faculty here will work with you individually to bring your promising future within reach. Every student — regardless of their background — can develop the tools, receive the guidance, and belong in an environment that helps them succeed, guaranteed. P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F T H O M A S C O L L E G E omas College Central Maine's College of the Future Thomas College 180 West River Road, Waterville, ME, 04901 Sector: Higher education Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, President Founded: 1894 Maine employees: 189 thomas.edu Above, left to right: Abigail Dulac; Cole Ellis; Amanda Grant P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F T H O M A S C O L L E G E

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