Tom Allain ’ 10
WORKING WITH A PURPOSE
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
12
^ Tom visited the Flat Top wind farm under construction in 2018 near Priddy , TX .
Story by Haley Thompson · Photos courtesy of Tom Allain
“ I took a long look into the future . What was something that I could feel good about ?” Tom Allain ’ 10 remembers . “ I wanted to work with a purpose and make the world a better place .”
During his time at Thornton Academy , Tom took notice of the efforts his TA community made in support of recycling and composting programs . “ Everyone was expected to do their part ,” he said . “ There was much more we could all do , but it was a start . Feeling like I was part of something bigger and joining others in an effort that was making a difference , planted the seed for me … recycling cans may not seem like a big deal , but for me it was the jumping point to the commitment I would make to building a career in renewable energy .”
Tom loaded his schedule with physics and math classes as he prepared himself for college . He was accepted at The University of Maine , Orono and pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering . “ At the time , renewable energy had a strong future but no guarantee . The industry was still fickle and was trying to catch up with oil and gas ,” he shared . Tom continued to seek opportunities connected to renewable energy and remembers a class he took centered on an offshore floating wind farm . “ The course really reinforced my desire to make this a long term career . I could see the industry moving forward , I was watching