Mel McClure Global Community Impact Award
The Office of International Programs has established the Mel McClure Global Community Impact Award to annually recognize a UMaine faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond their job descriptions to support the UMaine’s international community. This award will be presented to an individual who, with passion and perseverance, puts students and scholars in the center of the university’s universe; works with dedication to make our campus inclusive and welcoming, and through their work inspires colleagues to continuously recognizes the interconnectedness of our world and the common humanity in each of us.
2024 Reward Recipient
Betty Jean “BJ” Marshall
Since her days as the women’s soccer coach BJ has been helping international students on the Machias campus feel welcome and at home. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit has transformed the experience of the UMM international student community. More recently as the Assistant Registrar, she has taken on a more active role assisting her Orono colleagues in advising students on issues related to immigration compliance. Orlina Boteva, Director of the Office of International Programs, describes BJ as “An invaluable member of our team without whom we could not effectively support our UMM international students.” BJ has always taken the time to get to know students individually, helps colleagues to understand their challenges and works tirelessly to resolve issues, always going above and beyond what is expected. Whether she is making the 4 hour round trip to pick a student up at the airport, visiting a student in the hospital, or making sure they are correctly enrolled in classes, BJ perfectly embodies the characteristics that motivated us to create this award.”
Melissa Maginnis
Dr. Maginnis is a professor of molecular and biological sciences. Her students describe her as someone who takes international students under her wing, supporting them both academically, professionally and personally. She is a role model for other faculty members continuously advocating for inclusivity and a better understanding of the challenges faced by students from countries outside the US. Her student nominator shared that, “Through her unwavering support, true genuineness, and passion for making everyone the best version they can be, she helped many of us realize that being an international student requires grit and perseverance and is not a weakness but a strength.
2023 Award Recipient
Capt. James Settele
Capt. Settele, or Jim as he is known to many of us, is a champion of our international student community and a strong supporter of internationalization efforts on campus. He is described by one of his student nominators as “a rare gem” who “is always ready to reach out a helping hand to all of his students when they need help in academic matters or personal”. During the presentation of this award numerous students offered stories of how “Capt. Jim” went above and beyond to help them navigate difficult life circumstances, understanding that as an international student, one does not always have access to the support systems afforded to a US students. Through his daily interactions with students and colleagues he is always mindful of advancing UMaine’s internationalization efforts and for that we are truly grateful.
2022 Award Recipients
Dr. April Boulier
April retired from the University of Maine Counseling Center in June, 2022 after a decades long career of serving UMaine’s student body. She was an integral part of the international student community’s support system, attending Coffee Hour each week, presenting during International Student Orientation and going out of her way in understanding and overcoming the barriers preventing students from seeking mental health care.
Lt. Robert Norman
Bob also retired in June, 2022 after 40 years of service to the UMaine community. He served as the UMPD liaison to the international community for many years. The care and devotion he showed to our international student and scholar community did not begin at 8 am on Monday and end at 4:30 pm on Friday. He was a constant presence at Coffee Hour, offered advice and assistance during weekend emergencies, participated in Orientation, Culturefest, Dance Festival and everything in between.