By James Paladino (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Dec 24, 2012 04:39 PM EST

Olivia Culpo won global fame just days ago when the Rhode Island-born Miss USA secured the Miss Universe 2012 crown, besting eighty-eight other contestants and becoming the first American to win the pageant in fifteen years. The aspiring actress and practiced cellist may not return to her college, Boston University (BU), after "fulfilling travel and philanthropic obligations related to the Miss USA crown," according to the Associated Press (AP).

The Agency's source, Culpo's sister suggests that the newly appointed Miss Universe will instead pursue her acting career. However, a spokesperson of the Miss Universe Organization tells the AP that "Culpo has not ruled out returning to BU."

Culpo, now a 20 year-old sophomore at BU, has taken part in several orchestras, including the RI Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Rhode Island All-State Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the Bay View Orchestra, and the Boston University Accompanietta.

In the final moments of the competition, Miss USA faced off against Janine Tugonon, Miss Philippines. Public opinion was split between the two contestants, with social media sites lighting up with debates about the rightful winner of Miss Universe. As Latinos Post reported earlier, Tugonon "said one reason that may have helped Culpo win was because Americans badly needed inspiration since the US is going through certain challenges with the pageant happening just days after another schools shooting."

Keep it here at Latinos Post for your latest Miss Universe news updates.