Photo by Jessica D'Avanza

While many of us sit back and enjoy our free hot dog at University Day or listen to famous politicians or authors speak at Commencement, there is someone hiding behind the scenes. There is someone who has to plan it all. That job is in the hands of Virginia Lamontagne, Public Relations Program Coordinator and the staff of Presidential Events and Programs.

Lamontagne and her husband Robert inherited a farm in Rochester back in the early 1980's. They moved from Pennsylvania and began to grow a garden, raise animals and their four children. "I had worked at colleges before and enjoyed the interesting and stimulating environment. There is so much going on, art exhibits and lectures. Things are always growing and changing." Lamontagne says.

She has worked here at UNH since 1981 and has planned 22 commencements, both winter and spring. Winter commencements were discontinued in 1994. "It has never rained when I planned commencement," she says. "It's become a joke around here." Lamontagne works in Schofield House where her co-workers always impress her. "There are so many people here from different backgrounds with many talents."

Some of the variety in Lamontagne's work includes: planning a small intimate dinner for eighteen at the Presidents house to a commencement for 2,400 graduates and 20,000 guests. This year Lamontagne is re-introducing an event that was held annually for ten years until 1998, Legislators Day. It is to be held on April 28, to coincide with the Undergraduate Research Conference. In years past, about 80 legislators attend classes with students and chatted over lunch. The goal is to give the legislators a feel for what is it like to be a UNH student. This year the legislators will also attend the Art Gallery for a BFA student exhibit and the MUB will be hosting public service projects from groups such as Seacoast Reads. Then they are off to Morse Hall for a continuation of the URC presentations.

"I have to plan every detail from writing copy on the invitation to making sure the place cards are in the right order," says Lamontagne. The weather is always a key factor in planning any event for this detail-oriented programs coordinator.

Some events that don't depend on the weather are the UNH blue pages. A compilation of UNH resources, events and activities, which the community can get involved in. Has ballroom dancing been on your list of activates to pursue? Or are you looking for a new place to groom your pet? The blue pages list all these activities and more for the community and citizens of New Hampshire to utilize the resources the university has available. Lamontagne also coordinates a lecture series at the Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch. "During the winter and summer seasons, the Balsams host lectures for its guests. We have about 180 members of the Speakers Bureau. They volunteer to speak as their public service mission around New Hampshire to PTA groups, businesses, rotaries and other community groups on their area of expertise," says Lamontagne.

Besides planning huge events for thousands of people Lamontagne enjoys the theatre here at UNH. "I bring my granddaughter to the children's performances. We usually go out to lunch or dinner and then catch a show." She has four children, two of whom attended UNH as a hotel management major and mechanical engineering. "The education they got here was terrific and it was nice to be a part of their learning experience while they were on campus."

Lamontagne has seen many changes over her years here at UNH. Her window looks out onto the sunny morning in front of Stoke Hall and students hurry by on their way to class. "It's amazing how much this school has grown over the past 22 years. Many new buildings have been built and old ones renovated. I still cannot get over the difference in the library. It's outstanding," she says. "Things are constantly changing, there are always new ways to do things. This is the first year we will be using online registration for commencement and honors convocation."

Despite all the changes, the new buildings and technology, one thing remains the same. Lamontagne still walks down the street to Young's to get the "best cup of coffee in town."