Newsletter

Senthil and family with Orlina Boteva, Mireille Le Gal and Sarah Joughin posing for group picture

Uplifting Homecomings: The Inspiring Journeys of Our International Alumni

See who stopped by Chadbourne Hall recently to share their latest milestones and memories with the OIP team! Many of our favorite moments of the year come when our amazing alumni drop in to visit us. Reconnecting with former students, hearing about their post-graduation achievements, and welcoming them and their families back to campus brings […]

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Students posing and holding award certificates

Making Waves: Meet 91¸£Àû’s 2026 International Graduate Award Winners

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 […]

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Mel McClure headshot

Cultivating a Global Campus: The 2026 Mel McClure Award Winners

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¸£Àû 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 […]

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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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