Symposium Day 2006

Starbuck's Demographics

Presented by:   Jon Brown

Jon presented on an analysis of demographic factors that influence Starbucks retail site locations.  Along with logistical decisions, marketing plans, research and development, and constituent behaviors were analyzed.

War and Political Cartoons:

Looking for Recurring Themes

in Political Cartoons on War

Presented by:   Alison Dube

Alison looked at cartoons from four different war eras, World War I, World War II, The Vietnam War, and the current War in Iraq  She reported on general themes in the cartoons, and checked for recurrences, both within the frame on the war that each cartoon dealt with and the span of the four wars in general

Liberation Theology and Economic Justice in Maine

Presented by:   Jordan Shaw

In the 1960's and up to present day the concept of Liberation Theology has been a driving force for faith communities doing social justice work all over the world.  Looking at the work of faith communities, with special attention to the Maine Council of Churches, Jordan explored the importance of Liberation Theology as a catalyst for economic justice work in the State of Maine.

Improving Public Internet Access at Local Libraries

Presented by:   Andrew Clearwater

Andrew is working on an individual effort to improve public internet access at local libraries.  He is refurbishing desktop computers, some he collected from sources around the UMF campus, and others were donated by community members.  Many machines were destined for the trash, and so required significant hardware upgrades.  Once the machines have been refurbished, he installs Linux, a low demand yet highly effective operating system.  The resulting workstations should provide library patrons with internet browsing and productivity applications.

Blind Vertigo:  The Next Step!

Presented by:   Scott Marquis and Rory Flynn

Blind Vertigo if a company started by two Auburn high school students which now are juniors in the Business Economics Major here at the UMF.  Scott and Rory discussed entrepreneurial history, the downfalls, successes, and plans for the future at symposium last year.  This year Rory and Scott came back and discussed Blind Vertigo's retail clothing line and the acquisition of a business license and the process of trade marketing a name brand/logo.

Knowledge Gap:

High School Students Making the Jump to College

Presented by: Amy Clearwater

As University of Maine at Farmington ’s Maine Public Policy Scholar for 2005-2006, Amy Clearwater has worked with policy makers and advisers to shape public policy in the State of Maine .  She conducted a sociological pilot study under the supervision of Dr. Kristina Wolff.  She was advised by Dr. James Melcher to analyze the research results and combine them with existing public policy research to create policy recommendations. The goal of her research and policy development was to find methods to facilitate the enrollment of more first generation college students in order to improve overall education levels within our workforce.  Amy presented an overview of her project, including findings from her sociological pilot study of students’ decision making processes about higher education, and focused on the policy recommendations that have resulted from the research.

Starbuck's International

Presented by:   Jeremy Akeley and Ashley Black

Jeremy and Ashley presented on Starbuck's International presence in the European and Asian markets.  Part of their analysis explored the growth plans of the company as well as its current international positioning.  They discussed trade barriers that Starbuck's faces when they enter a new market, the cultural challenges Starbucks face and the distinctions between their Asian and European strategies.`