Husson to confer honorary degrees on Vigue, Hunter

Photo / Mainebiz archives Peter G. Vigue, chairman of the board of Cianbro Cos., and Susan J. Hunter, the University of Maine's first woman president who is retiring on June 30, will receive honorary doctorate degrees from Husson University in recognition of their contributions to Maine's businesses during their long careers.

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By Staff

Husson University announced this week that it will confer honorary doctorates on Peter G. Vigue, chairman of the board of Cianbro Cos., and Susan J. Hunter, the University of Maine’s first woman president who is retiring on June 30.

The honorary degrees will be conferred at Husson’s 119th annual commencement, which will be held on Saturday, May 5, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

Vigue is also slated to deliver the keynote commencement address in addition to receiving an honorary Doctor of Business degree “in recognition of his leadership abilities, his dedication to employee health and safety and his devotion to the people of Maine,” the university said.

About Peter G. Vigue

Vigue’s career at Cianbro began in 1970 with an entry-level position. Over the years, he held positions as field engineer, project engineer, area superintendent, project manager, purchasing director and senior vice president of operations. In 1991, he became the president of the company; a position he held for 15 years.

He became CEO of the Cianbro Cos. in 2000, and chairman of the board of directors in 2008.

In 2018, Vigue was succeeded as Cianbro’s CEO by his son, Peter "Andi" Vigue, but continues to serve as chairman of the board of directors while also devoting time to the Cianbro Development Corp.

Also during his tenure, in 2003, Cianbro made the transition from ownership by the Cianchette brothers to 100% employee ownership.

About Susan J. Hunter

Hunter, UMaine’s first woman president, is the 20th president of the University of Maine and the president of the University of Maine at Machias, now a regional campus of UMaine.

She began her full-time career at the UMaine in 1991 as a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. As an administrator, she served as chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, associate provost and dean for undergraduate education, and five years as the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Just prior to her appointment as UMaine’s first woman president, Hunter served as the vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University of Maine System.

UMaine achievements under Hunter’s leadership include advances in enrollment, fundraising, advocacy and partnerships.

Hunter currently serves on the boards of Maine & Co. and the Maine Development Foundation. She also serves on the advisory network for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.