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’s degree from 91¸£Àû in 2003 followed by his Master’s 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¸£Àû 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’s 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¸£Àû 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’s degree in Information Systems in August 2024, returned to campus for a very proud reason: to attend her husband Vijayanta Jain’s 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’s 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¸£Àû 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!

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 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¸£Àû 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¸£Àû Alumni Association, head over to their website at:

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, covering topics such as culture, history, and daily life.
We would like to congratulate Franck(pictured), a student from Côte d’Ivoire, for his recent contribution to the series. His presentation offered valuable insights into his country, and fostered cross-cultural understanding within the classroom.
The collaboration between IEI and Orono Middle School supports the IEI students in developing their English communication and public speaking skills, while simultaneously providing the middle school students with a unique, firsthand educational experience in global affairs.

To learn more about the Intensive English Institute, visit: https://www.maine.edu/iei/.

Kannan Sockalingam ’00, ’02G was an involved international student at 91¸£Àû while working on his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. Two decades after graduation, Kannan remains involved with his alma mater by serving on the OIP Advisory Board and through his philanthropy. His friendships from his student days at 91¸£Àû remain strong. Last year, he took his younger son for a 91¸£Àû visit, visited several of his 91¸£Àû friends, cheered at a 91¸£Àû men’s ice hockey game, and went ice fishing. 

Kannan and his brother Senthil Sockalingam ’08, ’10G, also a 91¸£Àû alum, created the Sockalingam Family Scholarship as a way to say thank you and pay it forward. Kannan shared, “I truly believe that my success in career and family has a lot to do with my time at 91¸£Àû, learning to be an adult, thousands of miles away from home. I fostered long lasting friendships and mentorships from my time there. I still cherish my time at 91¸£Àû, and I am in a place in life where I can give back. My guiding questions, if not now, then when? And if it’s not me, then who? This really helped me (with my brother) start an endowed scholarship fund in hopes to give back to the future generations on what we received when we were starting out. Just wanted to say “Thank you.”

If you’d like to join Kannan and Senthil, you can add to their fund at this link: 

As an international student at the University of Maine, I can confidently say that my experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed with open arms by faculty, staff, and fellow students, creating a warm and inclusive environment that quickly felt like home.

One of the most remarkable aspects of being an international student at 91¸£Àû is the incredible diversity and cultural richness that permeates every facet of campus life. From engaging in thought-provoking discussions in the classroom to participating in vibrant cultural events and celebrations such as Culturefest and International Dance Festival, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in a truly global community that has broadened my perspectives and enriched my understanding of the world.

Beyond the classroom, the picturesque campus nestled in the heart of Maine’s breathtaking natural beauty offers countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether it’s hiking through pristine forests, kayaking along scenic rivers, or skiing down powdery slopes, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy and memories to be made.

In summary, my experience as an international student at the University of Maine has been nothing short of transformative. From the friendships forged to the knowledge gained, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. 91¸£Àû has not only provided me with an exceptional education, but also a lifetime of cherished memories and invaluable experiences that will stay with me wherever my journey may lead.