Every April, the Office of International Programs (OIP) hosts a truly special tradition: the International Graduate Dinner. It is a heartfelt opportunity to pause, celebrate, and honor the incredible educational journeys of our international students as they prepare to take on the world.

Open to all students regardless of citizenship or immigration status, this award is presented to those who provide sustained leadership quality and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus. This year, our recipients have served as international orientation leaders, contributed to campus traditions such as Culturefest and International Dance Fest, held leadership positions within the International Student Association, and went above and beyond to support their peers. This year, OIP honors three graduating students for their outstanding contributions to the international community and 91±¬ÁÏ as a whole. Congratulations to Sharifullah Abed (left), Sudati Shrestha (middle), and Atima Kunajutikul (right)!

Thank you for making our campus brighter, more inclusive, and infinitely better. We cannot wait to see how you continue to light the path to success in your next chapters!

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 91±¬ÁÏ 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 the heart of the university experience, inspiring us all to recognize our shared humanity.

Every year, we announce the recipients of this prestigious award at our International Graduate Dinner in early April. This year, we are elated to have presented this award to Scott Delcourt, Dean of the Graduate School, and Associate Professor Dr. Christine Beitl.

Scott Delcourt, Dean of the Graduate School.

Associate Professor, Dr. Christine Beitl(middle), pictured with Sarah Joughin(left) and Mireille Le Gal(right) from OIP.

To learn more about the wonderful work that Dean Delcourt and Dr. Beitl are doing for our international community and the awards themselves, visit our International Alumni page. If you’re an international alumni or friend, you can also update contact information with the 91±¬ÁÏ Foundation or connect with us on LinkedIn. Just follow this link: /international/alumni/

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

The 91±¬ÁÏ was proudly represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with seven Black Bear alumni that competed on the world’s biggest stage. From the ice rink to the bobsled run, these former 91±¬ÁÏ student-athletes represented their countries and their alma mater in Milan-Cortina 2026.

Ice Hockey
Jeremy Swayman ’20 – Team USA
Eduards Tralmaks ’19 – Team Latvia
Ida Kuoppala ’23 – Team Finland
Rahel Enzler ’24 – Team Switzerland
Vendula Přibylová ’20 – Team Czechia
Tereza Vanišová ’19 – Team Czechia
Bobsled
Frank Del Duca ’18 – Team USA

The entire 91±¬ÁÏ community cheered them on as they competed among the world’s best. Once a Black Bear, always a Black Bear!

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 by News Center Maine, who captured this special event.

Thank you so much to everyone who showed up, and we look forward to hosting the 39th annual Culturefest event in 2026. We hope to see you there!

In October 2025, the 91±¬ÁÏ’s Office of International Programs had the pleasure of hosting the annual University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Summit. We welcomed 55 international educators, including USAC’s central office leadership, 18 resident directors from USAC programs around the world, and education abroad colleagues from USAC affiliate universities in the United States. Over two days, participants engaged in dynamic workshops, networking, and discussions that advanced collaboration in international education. It was a great honor for our office to host this vibrant and inspiring event on our campus.

Visit website to learn more about USAC and their amazing programs.