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/.

Students from the Intensive English Institute (IEI) embraced a 91¸£Àû tradition by participating in the Maine Day of Service. They joined the Honors College for the Maine Day Meal Packout, contributing to the impressive effort of packing over 53,000 meals for food banks and shelters statewide. Afterward, the students assisted Fogler Library staff with tidying up the library gardens. Their day concluded with the campus BBQ on the mall, a first-time experience for IEI’s newest staff member, Edward Hess. Go Blue!

The Intensive English Institute (IEI) students once again benefited from the Earn-A-Bike program, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Bike Coalition of Maine. Erik DaSilva hosted the on-campus event, where students learned valuable skills in bicycle safety and maintenance. The IEI and BCM are exploring the possibility of another event this summer. Our sincere thanks to Erik!

After traveling from Kazakhstan to study at 91¸£Àû, Kaidar has found his place in the Climate Change Institute, Honors College, and as president of the International Student Association. He also makes sure to create space for a favorite pastime, футбол (soccer)!

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.