BANGOR, Maine — Clara Swan, one of Husson University’s most esteemed graduates and former employees, is celebrating her 104th birthday Thursday with a party at her old campus.
One of many friends and supporters scheduled to attend the celebration was Maine Gov. Paul LePage, a fellow Husson alumnus. The governor, however, backed out of the event two hours before it started, citing a change in his schedule.
“The governor has been in meetings with legislative leaders all morning,” LePage’s spokeswoman, Adrienne Bennett, said in an email Thursday afternoon. “Tomorrow is veto day.”
The cancellation came two days after the governor stormed out of a dedication event at the University of Maine at Farmington after a pair of students held up signs criticizing him.
The governor issued an apology the next day, blaming the media, and said, “since I am such a distraction to the media, I will no longer attend some of these public events.”
Nicole Desjardins, the governor’s scheduler, emailed Husson officials about two hours before the 11:30 a.m. party, mentioning only the schedule change as leading to his not attending.
“The governor had an unexpected change in his schedule today and will be unable to attend the celebration now,” she wrote. “The governor sends his apologies, as he was looking forward to seeing Clara and wishing her a happy birthday. We are so sorry for the last minute change.”
The university has hosted celebrations for Swan for the past several years. Last year, LePage attended Swan’s 103rd birthday celebration.
Swan graduated from Brewer High School in 1930 as valedictorian and went on to attend the Maine School of Commerce, today known as Husson University.
After teaching for five years, she went on to earn degrees from the University of Maine and American International College before returning to Husson, where she taught and served as an administrator for 34 years and coached women’s basketball for 19 years.
“Clara is a beloved part of Husson University’s past and present. She served the students of Husson University for 34 years and is one of the people who helped this institution grow and prosper,” Amanda Cummings, director of alumni relations, said.
Last year, former UMaine women’s basketball standout Emily Ellis broke ground on an apartment complex development near Husson University. She named it after Swan, recognizing her influence on the school and its legacy.