Uplifting Homecomings: The Inspiring Journeys of Our International Alumni
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 us immense joy. Here is a look at the wonderful alumni who stopped by our office recently!
The featured image at the beginning of this post highlights a heartwarming homecoming. We were absolutely delighted to welcome back Senthil Sockalingam ’03, G’06, who brought his family along to visit the campus here in Orono. Senthil, who earned his Bachelor’s degree from 91±¬ÁÏ in 2003 followed by his Master’s degree in 2006, has since gone on to build a remarkable career in engineering. It is always a proud moment for the OIP team to see our alumni return years later. Not just to reminisce about their own time here, but to introduce their loved ones to the campus community where their journeys began.
We were thrilled to welcome back Mariia Pugina G’24, though the visit was bittersweet as she came to see us and say goodbye at the same time. Mariia’s 91±¬ÁÏ journey began in the Fall of 2021 when she joined us for a single semester as an exchange student. She loved her time in Orono so much that she chose to return in the Fall of 2022 to pursue her full graduate education, ultimately earning her Master’s degree in Communication in August 2024. During her time on campus, Mariia was a highly active leader and participant in our cultural community, participating in beloved traditions like Culturefest and the International Dance Festival.
Last November, we received a wonderful surprise when Dr. Shokoofeh Ghasemi Ph.D. ’19 and Dr. Nima Amini Ph.D. ’19 dropped by the office while traveling through New England. Making the reunion even more special, they brought along their sweet little girl! Both Shokoofeh and Nima completed their Ph.Ds in Forest Resources at 91±¬ÁÏ in 2019. They currently reside in Illinois.
Our visit with Vidhi Jain G’24 served as a beautiful double milestone, functioning as both a joyful reunion and a temporary goodbye all in the same trip. Vidhi, who successfully completed her Master’s degree in Information Systems in August 2024, returned to campus for a very proud reason: to attend her husband Vijayanta Jain’s dissertation defense. It was wonderful to see them both together and share in this monumental achievement for their family.
We also had the pleasure of catching up with Anthony Flores G’25 right here in Chadbourne Hall. Anthony graduated in May 2025 with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. He has already transitioned his classroom knowledge into professional success, moving to the tri-state area where he is currently working as a bridge designer in New Jersey.
Are You Planning a Trip to Orono?
No matter where life takes our international Black Bears after graduation, the Office of International Programs will always be your home away from home. Should you find yourself back in Orono, please be sure to visit us in Chadbourne Hall. We would absolutely love to see you and hear your stories!