On June 1 2008, UMECS Executive Director Arthur Serota was awarded the Bernard Lown Humanitarian Award by the University of Maine in Orono. The award recognizes University of Maine graduates who distinguish themselves in service to humanity. It is named in honor of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Bernard Lown who has devoted his life to world disarmament, building peace and the advancement of human health. In a tribute, Lown, wrote that “UMECS plays a vital role in ending the orgy of wars and violence.”