Student Profile
Erik Squire, accepting the challenge
Erik Squire doesn’t shy away from challenges.
An Education major, he is the new president of both the Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He also serves as a volunteer coordinator for and board member of the Captain’s Cupboard food pantry while working for an organization taking care of developmentally disabled adults.
Erik grew up in Machias, where he was home-schooled at his family’s 72-acre organic farm. After he graduates from SMCC, he hope to go to UCLA for a bachelor’s degree and later earn a master’s at Johns Hopkins University. His ultimate goal is to become a high school English teacher.
Attending SMCC has given Erik self-confidence, leadership skills and a network of lifelong friends.
“Coming to SMCC has been one of the most meaningful pursuits of my life.”
Faculty Profile
Peter Durgin, passion for teaching
Peter Durgin earned his first degree at SMCC, back when it was SMVTI. After discovering his passion for teaching, he came back to teach accounting and other business classes.
Peter graduated from SMVTI in building construction in 1986 and worked in residential construction for several years before changing course and going into business and accounting.
Over the years, he worked for a bank, a major footwear company and two accounting firms. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s in business administration and another master’s in accounting.
But deep down he wanted to teach. Since arriving at SMCC as an adjunct instructor in 2006, he’s taught accounting, economics, personal finance and algebra.
“I appreciate students who want to learn. And I can appreciate the student who’s struggling but who perseveres and does well, because I was that student when I was here.”