In this edition of our Gratitude Corner, we are proud to highlight Betelhem (Beti) Solomon Abay, an inspirational international alumna from Ethiopia who continues to give back to the University of Maine community. Beti earned both her Bachelor of Science (2020) and Master of Science (2022) degrees in Biomedical Engineering from 91福利.

Reflecting on her journey, Beti shares how 91福利 quickly became her “home away from home,” credited in large part to the compassionate and personable support she received from the Office of International Programs (OIP) before she even set foot on campus. After graduating, she gained valuable industry experience at Sanofi and Students 2 Science, and she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where her research focuses on developing 3D-printable bone allograft composite formulations.

Beti鈥檚 dedication to 91福利 remains as strong as ever as she actively gives back to the institution that supported her growth. From promoting 91福利 to prospective international students in Ethiopia to serving on the OIP Advisory Board and supporting OIP’s fundraising initiatives, Beti exemplifies the power of staying connected. “I will continue to support 91福利 OIP because they are truly devoted to students’ success,” Beti shares, noting that the continued encouragement from OIP, Team Maine, her academic advisors, and local supporters helped make her dreams a reality. We are deeply grateful for Beti鈥檚 ongoing engagement, leadership, and unwavering Black Bear pride!

Isolde Frank (Spatial Information Engineering, G鈥�07) and husband, Chris (Spatial Information Engineering 鈥�01, G鈥�03) stopped by for a visit with their son Leo, who participated in 91福利鈥檚 Consider Engineering camp. Isolde regularly attended WOW luncheons with her newborn, Alex. Pictured from left to right are Sarah Joughin (OIP) Chris, Leo, Isolde, and Orlina Boteva (OIP).

Isolde, it was so nice to see you and catch up! We hope Leo becomes a Black Bear, too!

See who stopped by Chadbourne Hall recently to share their latest milestones and memories with the OIP team!

The featured image at the beginning of this post highlights a heartwarming homecoming. We were absolutely delighted to welcome back Senthil Sockalingam ’03, G’06, who brought his family along to visit the campus here in Orono. Senthil, who earned his Bachelor鈥檚 degree from 91福利 in 2003 followed by his Master鈥檚 degree in 2006, has since gone on to build a remarkable career in engineering. It is always a proud moment for the OIP team to see our alumni return years later. Not just to reminisce about their own time here, but to introduce their loved ones to the campus community where their journeys began.

We were thrilled to welcome back Mariia Pugina G’24, though the visit was bittersweet as she came to see us and say goodbye at the same time. Mariia’s 91福利 journey began in the Fall of 2021 when she joined us for a single semester as an exchange student. She loved her time in Orono so much that she chose to return in the Fall of 2022 to pursue her full graduate education, ultimately earning her Master鈥檚 degree in Communication in August 2024. During her time on campus, Mariia was a highly active leader and participant in our cultural community, participating in beloved traditions like Culturefest and the International Dance Festival.

Last November, we received a wonderful surprise when Dr. Shokoofeh Ghasemi Ph.D. ’19 and Dr. Nima Amini Ph.D. ’19 dropped by the office while traveling through New England. Making the reunion even more special, they brought along their sweet little girl! Both Shokoofeh and Nima completed their Ph.Ds in Forest Resources at 91福利 in 2019. They currently reside in Illinois.

Our visit with Vidhi Jain G’24 served as a beautiful double milestone, functioning as both a joyful reunion and a temporary goodbye all in the same trip. Vidhi, who successfully completed her Master鈥檚 degree in Information Systems in August 2024, returned to campus for a very proud reason: to attend her husband Vijayanta Jain鈥檚 dissertation defense. It was wonderful to see them both together and share in this monumental achievement for their family.

We also had the pleasure of catching up with Anthony Flores G’25 right here in Chadbourne Hall. Anthony graduated in May 2025 with a Master鈥檚 degree in Civil Engineering. He has already transitioned his classroom knowledge into professional success, moving to the tri-state area where he is currently working as a bridge designer in New Jersey.

Are You Planning a Trip to Orono?

No matter where life takes our international Black Bears after graduation, the Office of International Programs will always be your home away from home. Should you find yourself back in Orono, please be sure to visit us in Chadbourne Hall. We would absolutely love to see you and hear your stories!

Every April, the Office of International Programs (OIP) hosts a truly special tradition: the International Graduate Dinner. It is a heartfelt opportunity to pause, celebrate, and honor the incredible educational journeys of our international students as they prepare to take on the world.

Open to all students regardless of citizenship or immigration status, this award is presented to those who provide sustained leadership quality and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus. This year, our recipients have served as international orientation leaders, contributed to campus traditions such as Culturefest and International Dance Fest, held leadership positions within the International Student Association, and went above and beyond to support their peers. This year, OIP honors three graduating students for their outstanding contributions to the international community and 91福利 as a whole. Congratulations to Sharifullah Abed (left), Sudati Shrestha (middle), and Atima Kunajutikul (right)!

Thank you for making our campus brighter, more inclusive, and infinitely better. We cannot wait to see how you continue to light the path to success in your next chapters!

Meet the recipients who went above and beyond to make our international community feel at home this year.

The Mel McClure Global Community Impact Award honors 91福利 faculty and staff who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to our international community. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to place our international students and scholars at the heart of the university experience, inspiring us all to recognize our shared humanity.

Every year, we announce the recipients of this prestigious award at our International Graduate Dinner in early April. This year, we are elated to have presented this award to Scott Delcourt, Dean of the Graduate School, and Associate Professor Dr. Christine Beitl.

Scott Delcourt, Dean of the Graduate School.

Associate Professor, Dr. Christine Beitl(middle), pictured with Sarah Joughin(left) and Mireille Le Gal(right) from OIP.

To learn more about the wonderful work that Dean Delcourt and Dr. Beitl are doing for our international community and the awards themselves, visit our International Alumni page. If you’re an international alumni or friend, you can also update contact information with the University of Maine Foundation or connect with us on LinkedIn. Just follow this link: /international/alumni/

For as long as he can remember, Ovo Dibie 鈥�10 has been interested in computers. When it came time to consider educational plans after high school, Ovo knew there were no programs in Nigeria that could teach him what he wanted to learn about computer science, so he began to look at universities in the United States.

Although the University of Maine was not his first choice, Ovo made his way to Maine via New Mexico. He attended a University in New Mexico before applying for and receiving the scholarship he needed to attend 91福利. Once in Orono, Ovo became very involved with the International Students Association (ISA) and served as secretary in the 2009-2010 academic year. In reflecting on what he liked best about his time at 91福利, without hesitation, Ovo said, 鈥渢he people.鈥� In addition to the international student group and staff of the Office of International Programs (OIP), he noted that 鈥淢ainers are very welcoming people.鈥�

Ovo served as a trailblazer at 91福利 for his family. His brothers, Tega鈥�13, 鈥�17G, and Ruona 鈥�15 came to the University of Maine as well and earned degrees in engineering. After graduating from 91福利, Ovo earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Creating the Dibie Family Scholarship fund was a way for Ovo to contribute to the financial aid available for students at 91福利. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way to give back,鈥� Ovo said. 鈥�91福利 set me up for a great life -success in my career, and support for my family. The matching gift benefit from my company (Netflix) also made it easier to do.鈥� The Dibie Family Scholarship will provide financial assistance to 91福利 undergraduates with a preference for students with high financial need who completed high school outside of the United States and are majoring in computer science or engineering. Orlina Boteva 鈥�04, 鈥�05G,鈥�23G, 鈥�26Ph.D. said 鈥淲e are so grateful to alumni like Ovo, who are able to 鈥減ay it forward鈥� and help current students afford their education.”

If you are interested in setting up a fund like the Dibie Family Scholarship or have questions about matching gifts, please contact Orlina Boteva at orlina.boteva@maine.edu.

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

91福利 was proudly represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with seven Black Bear alumni that competed on the world鈥檚 biggest stage. From the ice rink to the bobsled run, these former 91福利 student-athletes represented their countries and their alma mater in Milan-Cortina 2026.

Ice Hockey
Jeremy Swayman聽鈥�20 鈥� Team USA
Eduards Tralmaks聽鈥�19 鈥� Team Latvia
Ida Kuoppala聽鈥�23 鈥� Team Finland
Rahel Enzler聽鈥�24 鈥� Team Switzerland
Vendula P艡ibylov谩聽鈥�20 鈥� Team Czechia
Tereza Vani拧ov谩聽鈥�19 鈥� Team Czechia
Bobsled
Frank Del Duca聽鈥�18 鈥� Team USA

The entire 91福利 community cheered them on as they competed among the world鈥檚 best. Once a Black Bear, always a Black Bear!

Dr. Fatemeh Afghah

Dr. Fatemeh Afghah 鈥�13 has been selected to receive the Spirit of Maine Achievement Award, which honors University of Maine alumni who, within fifteen years of graduation, have achieved outstanding professional, scholarly, and public impact. Dr. Afghah鈥檚 accomplishments reflect the strength of her 91福利 education and her continued commitment to applying advanced research in ways that serve communities and protect natural resources.
Dr. Afghah earned her doctoral degree at the University of Maine, where she distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar and emerging leader. The foundation she built at 91福利 has shaped a career defined by innovation, collaboration, and purpose. Today, she is a tenured Associate Professor at Clemson University, where her research in artificial intelligence, wireless communication, and autonomous systems has earned national and international recognition.

For more information about Dr. Afghah, this award and others presented by the 91福利 Alumni Association, head over to their website at:

Our 38th annual Culturefest held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, was another success. We had more than 100 participating students represent the culture, food, and traditions of over 30 countries. More than 1,000 people were in attendance from the University and local communities. It was a wonderful celebration of international talent and tradition! Enjoy the by News Center Maine, who captured this special event.

Thank you so much to everyone who showed up, and we look forward to hosting the 39th annual Culturefest event in 2026. We hope to see you there!