Newsletter

Stella holding a sign facing the camera at the I Hit Submit event.

Karen Boucias International Scholarship Award: Stella Tay

We are proud to announce that Stella Tay, an Animal and Veterinary Science major at the University of Maine, has been awarded a prestigious international scholarship for her academic and community leadership. Originally from Thailand, Stella has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in one of the university’s most rigorous programs. Her journey is fueled by […]

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Bust photo of Captain Jim Settele, USN (Retired)

Champion of 91¸£Àû Award

Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.) Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.), has been selected to receive the Champion of 91¸£Àû Award, which recognizes individuals who are not alumni of the University of Maine but whose exceptional, effective, and sustained advocacy has advanced the University’s mission and quality. Through decades of leadership, mentorship, and service, Captain Settele […]

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2026 Winter Olympics logo above six 91¸£Àû student athletes

Black Bears on the World Stage

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics 91¸£Àû was proudly represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with seven Black Bear alumni that competed on the world’s biggest stage. From the ice rink to the bobsled run, these former 91¸£Àû student-athletes represented their countries and their alma mater in Milan-Cortina 2026. Ice HockeyJeremy Swayman ’20 – Team […]

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Dr. Fatemeh Afghah posing for headshot picture

2026 Spirit of Maine Achievement Award

Dr. Fatemeh Afghah Dr. Fatemeh Afghah ’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’s accomplishments reflect the strength of her 91¸£Àû education and her continued commitment to applying advanced […]

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Frank wearing cultural garb while presenting to young students

Global Voices in the Classroom: IEI Student Presents to Orono Middle Schoolers

Intensive English Institute(IEI) students have successfully continued their presentation series for the Social Studies classes at Orono Middle School.This ongoing collaboration serves to integrate global perspectives into the middle school curriculum, allowing Orono students to engage directly with individuals from diverse international backgrounds. The IEI participants prepare and deliver talks focused on their home countries, […]

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Two students sitting at booth table, presenting cultural information

Culturefest 2025: A World of Cultures Unites on Campus

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 […]

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Group photo of international alumni at coffee hour

International Student Coffee Hour: Homecoming Edition 2025

This fall marked the first time that the Office of International Programs (OIP) and the International Student Association (ISA) participated in the 91¸£Àû Homecoming celebration. On Friday, October 24, 2025, OIP & ISA hosted a special alumni edition of the International Coffee Hour, bringing together current and past 91¸£Àû students for an afternoon of connection […]

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Picture of students on Fogler library steps.

OIP Hosts the 2025 USAC Summit

In October 2025, the University of Maine’s Office of International Programs had the pleasure of hosting the annual University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Summit. We welcomed 55 international educators, including USAC’s central office leadership, 18 resident directors from USAC programs around the world, and education abroad colleagues from USAC affiliate universities in the United States. […]

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Poonam and Subrata Ghosh posing for photo

Subrata and Poonam Ghosh Giving Back

Originally published in the University of Maine Foundation’s Legacies newsletter. Subrata Ghosh came to Orono to study for an MBA at 91¸£Àû after completing hisundergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in India. Like many other Black Bearsbefore and since, Subrata recalls renting an apartment on Mill Street and walking tocampus on frigid February mornings. That ultimately […]

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IEI group sits in living room space facing camera

IEI Tours the ASCC

The Intensive English Institute (IEI) recently toured the Advanced Structures & Composite Center (ASCC). Led by Joseph, a Ph.D. student in the Mechanical Engineering program, they got an insider look at some of the facility’s current research projects. The ASCC is a world-renowned research hub focused on creating innovative materials and structures. They’ve been a […]

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