There are some connections to the University of Maine that last a lifetime. For Themis Violaris, that connection has seen him travel the world and come back to Orono. Originally from Cyprus, Violaris returned to campus as the founder and CEO of Grizzly Entertainment, a global company specializing in large-scale drone light shows. Violaris came […]
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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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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 UMaine 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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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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Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.) Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.), has been selected to receive the Champion of UMaine 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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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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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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This fall marked the first time that the Office of International Programs (OIP) and the International Student Association (ISA) participated in the UMaine Homecoming celebration. On Friday, October 24, 2025, OIP & ISA hosted a special alumni edition of the International Coffee Hour, bringing together current and past UMaine students for an afternoon of connection […]
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Originally published in the University of Maine Foundation’s Legacies newsletter. Subrata Ghosh came to Orono to study for an MBA at UMaine 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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