U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is praising the first woman to serve as president of the University of Maine.
Collins said President Susan Hunter oversaw the largest incoming class, largest number of out-of-state students and biggest increase in donations to the Annual Fund. She quipped, "Why did we wait so long to put a woman in charge?"
Collins spoke Saturday as the University of Maine System held commencements from Portland to Fort Kent. The University of Maine at Machias is holding its commencement on Sunday.
Also holding commencements is Unity College. TV host and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin was addressing graduates Saturday.