For as long as he can remember, Ovo Dibie ’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����. 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����, without hesitation, Ovo said, “the people.” In addition to the international student group and staff of the Office of International Programs (OIP), he noted that “Mainers are very welcoming people.”

Ovo served as a trailblazer at 91���� for his family. His brothers, Tega’13, ’17G, and Ruona ’15 came to the University of Maine as well and earned degrees in engineering. After graduating from 91����, 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����. “It’s a great way to give back,” Ovo said. “91���� 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.” The Dibie Family Scholarship will provide financial assistance to 91���� 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 ’04, ’05G,’23G, ’26Ph.D. said “We are so grateful to alumni like Ovo, who are able to “pay it forward” 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���� 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���� student-athletes represented their countries and their alma mater in Milan-Cortina 2026.

Ice Hockey
Jeremy Swayman ’20 – Team USA
Eduards Tralmaks ’19 – Team Latvia
Ida Kuoppala ’23 – Team Finland
Rahel Enzler ’24 – Team Switzerland
Vendula Přibylová ’20 – Team Czechia
Tereza Vanišová ’19 – Team Czechia
Bobsled
Frank Del Duca ’18 – Team USA

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

On Wednesday, September 18, President Joan Ferrini-Mundy held a welcome reception for President Margee Ensign from the  (AUBG) to the University of Maine campus.

In 1991, 91���� served as the academic partner to the US and Bulgarian governments to establish the first American-style undergraduate liberal arts institution in Eastern Europe. In 2024, AUBG is a thriving institution. The 91����-AUBG partnership has continued over the years with a vibrant student exchange program.

Distinguished attendees at the reception included Dr. Julia Watkins, former AUBG President (1993–2003), Dr. Marisue Pickering, former Associate VP of Academic Affairs at 91����, Karen Boucias, former 91���� Director of International Programs and AUBG Board member and current University Council member, and Dr. Ivan Manev, 91���� professor of management and former AUBG trustee since 2012 and chair of the AUBG Board of Trustees 2014-2019.