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.
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.