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P r o f i l e s i n e x c e l l e n c e M a i n e — A P h oto P o rt r A i t o f t h e P i n e t r ee S tAt e 115 moving toward full-scale commercialization. In addi- tion, four new tech-based start-up companies formed to commercialize UMaine patent-pending technology. The Foster Center for Student Innovation is nur- turing Maine's next generation of high-tech entrepre- neurs and innovators. The center is currently part- nering with Eureka! Ranch, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Maine Manufac- turing Extension Partnership to develop a National Innovation Marketplace. At the University of Maine, undergraduate research is a priority and a point of pride. Students publish, trav- el and work alongside UMaine's world-class scholars and scientists. The Center for Undergraduate Research was established in 2008 to connect students with fac- ulty projects that suit their interests. The Division of Lifelong Learning offers online classes and distance- learning opportunities for students who need a flexible class schedule. In addition to research, UMaine students have ex- traordinary opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on experience in and out of the classroom. SPIFFY, a stu- dent investment club, manages a $1.6 million real-money portfolio. Wildlife ecology majors learn about bear be- havior by going out and tagging cubs. Engineering ma- jors take advantage of co-ops and internships that often lead to employment after graduation. Education majors take advantage of urban, rural and international stu- dent-teaching opportunities. UMaine is committed to its public service programs and departments, involvement in public schools, and continuing education opportunities. Here, students have opportunities to work alongside some of the most re- nowned scholars and scientists in the world — whether they're talking civil engineering with their professors over dinner at Pat's Pizza or traversing an Antarctic ice sheet with researchers from UMaine's Climate Change Institute. Remarkable opportunities for learning and discov- ery are provided in UMaine's state-of-the-art research and classroom facilities. In addition, the University of Maine is home to the region's cultural hub, the Collins Center for the Arts, as well as several museums and galleries. The School of Performing Arts and Depart- ment of Art are among the strongest forces in the aca- demic arts in the state. The University of Maine Mu- seum of Art has the largest fine arts collection owned entirely by the people of Maine. The Hudson Museum has one of the finest collections of pre-Columbian arti- facts in North America. The Page Farm and Home Mu- seum celebrates Maine's history of farms and farming communities. UMaine also is home to Fogler Library, the state's largest library, which houses approximately 1 million volumes, subscribes to over 4,000 periodicals and serial titles, and serves as a depository for over 2.2 million gov- ernment documents. For extracurriculars, students can get involved in more than 200 clubs and organizations — academic and social — one of 17 fraternities or seven sororities, Student Government, community service-oriented groups, intramural sports and much more. UMaine is the state's only Division I school, and athletic events — especially hockey — are a big part of student life here. In fact, the Wall Street Journal says Alfond Arena has the best atmosphere in college hockey, and Orono is ranked 29 in The Bleacher Report's Top 50 Hockey Cities in North America. UMaine is one of the top 100 public universities nationwide for research, with recent annual research expenditures totalling more than $100 million. The University of Maine's historic buildings include Fogler Library on the Mall, Maine's largest library.