Elise Morphy: Outstanding Graduating International Student
Elise Morphy of Regina, Saskatchewan, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. She is majoring in biology, with a concentration in pre-medical studies and a minor in chemistry. Morphy has played for the Women’s Ice Hockey team since she was a first-year student in 2020 and served as captain during the 2023–24 season. An enthusiastic student-athlete, she has volunteered with the team’s skill development program for young, local female hockey players. Her other activities on and off campus included tutoring student-athletes through the University of Maine Academic Support Services, volunteering with Dirigo Pines and working for the UMaine BARD Institute as a research assistant. After graduation, Morphy plans to continue learning at UMaine through a graduate study program and playing for the Women’s Ice Hockey team for a fifth and final year. She is a three-time recipient of the Highest GPA Award from the School of Biology and Ecology.
Why did you choose to come to UMaine?
I chose to come to UMaine because of the wide range of undergraduate academic opportunities this school provides and to be part of the incredible athletic community on campus.
How would you describe the academic atmosphere at UMaine?
I would describe the academic atmosphere at UMaine as highly supportive in terms of helping students achieve their goals, as well as connecting students with the opportunities and resources they need in order to pursue their future careers and goals.
Describe UMaine in one word and explain your choice.
In one word, I would describe UMaine as “community” because of the supportive network of faculty and students that exists here.
Did you have an experience at UMaine that shaped or changed how you see the world?
Being part of the Women’s Ice Hockey team and the athletic community at UMaine as a whole has been an invaluable experience that has changed the way I see the world in many ways, and has especially taught me about leadership and accountability. Working with so many passionate and driven individuals at the university has helped me grow as a person immensely.
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu