UMPI Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation Dan Kane has announced that Sharon Roix will be the second ever recipient of the Aaron Marston and Patrick Baker Impact Memorial Award.
Sharon is a 1964 graduate of UMPI, formerly known as Aroostook State Teacher's College and has been a longtime supporter of UMPI Athletics ever since she set foot on campus in the fall of 1960. After working in local school systems for 12 years, Roix returned to UMPI to work in the Registrar's office in 1976. She worked her way through the ranks as a staff member, and ultimately was hired on to be the full-time Registrar in 1981, a position she held for 25 years until her retirement on June 30th, 2006. Despite her professional career coming to an end, UMPI certainly hadn't heard the last of Sharon Roix, as she has continued to have a positive impact on the campus ever since.
Sharon is a steady figure at UMPI home games, even during the cold winter months, earning her the nickname "UMPI's #1 Fan." She faithfully attends every home basketball game during the cold winter months, and sits in her usual spot in the front row. It doesn't end with basketball either as she attends many other home games and other special events as well such as the Athletics Award Banquet. Sharon has an award at that banquet named after her every year. It is given to the team that makes the biggest improvement in its cumulative grade point average over a given year. This spring, she presented the award to the Men's Cross Country team.
"Sharon Roix embodies everything this award stands for—unwavering commitment, heartfelt support, and a lifelong connection to our athletic community. Her presence has been a constant source of inspiration for our student-athletes, and it's only fitting that she be recognized with this honor named after two individuals who also left an enduring impact on UMPI Athletics," Dan Kane said.
You will be hard pressed to find someone more dedicated to UMPI Athletics than Sharon Roix. Her passion for the Owls is truly second to none, making her more than deserving of this prestigious award.
Sharon will be honored, along with the UMPI Hall of Fame Class of 2025 at the induction ceremony on Saturday, September 27th. The class will be announced next week.
