UOG Alumni Association Officers

UOG Alumni Association Officers
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Friday, December 27, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR!



Felis Anu Nuebu (Chamorro)

Feliz Ano Nuevo (Spanish)

Parakapw Mwahu (Pohnpei)

Ungil Becheserrak (Palau)

Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu (Japanese)

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (Hawaiian)

Sut dal kum mum (Korean)

Gung Hay Fat Choy (Chinese)

ChĂșc Mung Nam Moi (Vietnamese)

May the year 2014 bring you abundant blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Happy Holidays!

Hafa Adai, to all our Alumni and Friends of the University: I hope all is well! As 2013 draws to a close, I want to express my deepest thanks for all of your trust and support! I also want to take this opportunity to invite you to join me in revisiting all the wonderful activities we have put together this past year by clicking on the links below: Online photo album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uogalumnipics/sets/ Official youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/UOGAlumniAffairs?feature=watch We had a blast, and I’m even more excited for what the New Year will bring! Please stay tuned for updates on special events, promotions and other important announcements. With your continued support, the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs will reach out to more of our graduates and friends of the University to ensure we have a successful 2014! In closing, may you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Sincerely, Norm Norman Analista Director, Development & Alumni Affairs University of Guam T)735-2586

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!

~Felis Pasgua (Chamorro)
~Maligayan Pasko (Tagalog)
~Peren en Krismas (Pohnpeian)
~Monono ilo raaneoan Nejin (Marshallese)
~Falang e Baynag (Yapese)
~Tok Tapeng (Kosraean)
~Ungil Kurismas (Palauan)
~Pwapwan Kirisimas (Chuukese)
~Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian)
~Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layi Luugh me raagh fee (Carolinian)

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Congratulations Fall 2013 Graduates!

The University of Guam celebrated the graduation of its 236 students on December 22, 2013 at the UOG Field House. It also marked a milestone by graduating its first fully-online Reading Program candidates.  Of the graduates, 67 received graduate degrees and 169 received undergraduate degrees. The Commencement Ceremonies featured keynote speaker Esther Puakela Kia’aina, First Deputy Director, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Reources.  Kia’aina served for nearly two decades on Capitol Hill as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Representative and UOG President Dr. Robert A. Underwood and to U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai’i), and as Legislative Assistant to former U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawai’i).  Kia’aina was recently nominated by President Obama to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the U.S. Department of the Interior.  Congratulations Reading Cohort and Fall 2013 candidates! Enjoy the following UOG Commencement snapshots!

Keynote speaker Esther Puakela Kia’aina
 
Rachel Duenas, Elementary Education major from the School of Education, is this semester's Valedictorian.  Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, DEAL/SOE; Duenas; and Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, SOE's Reading Program Chair.
 
Reading Cohort graduates pose for the camera!
 
Reading Cohort member from Pohnpei poses for the camera.  Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Reading Program adjunct/DEAL Asst. Professor; Mr. Biza; Leilani Welley-Biza, Reading Cohort Pohnpei graduate; and Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, Reading Program Chair.
 
Reading Cohort with their signature "Thumb's Up!"
 
FIRST ONLINE COHORT:  The Reading Cohort gives a BIG smile, as they are the first to graduate from UOG's first fully-online program!
 
UOG's Dr. Rivera's!  Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Dr. John Rivera.
   
Pictured L-R:  Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, Reading Program Chair; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, DEAL Asst. Professor & Reading Program Adjunct; and Troy McVey, Associate Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
 
UOG Commencement Ceremonies held December 22, 2013 at the UOG Field House.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

SOE Alumni Association Holds its Annual Election

The SOE Alumni Association held a meaningful election and general membership drive December 14, 2013 at IRA's Community Book Fair held at the Agana Shopping Center.  Congratulations to the following officers who were re-elected:

President:  Graziella "Grace" Griffin
Vice-President:  Margaret Beem
Secretary:  Martha Sudo
Treasurer:  Rose Marie Cruz Castro
Publicity:  Lois Taitano Gumataotao
Webmaster:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera

We are also happy to announce the following new members and those who have renewed their membership:  Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Annie Perez, Theodore Joseph Tenorio Nededog, Nilfa M. Milan, and Sandy Liberty.  We appreciate your support of your Alma Mater!  Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this special event!








Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! Enjoy this special holiday with your loved ones, and be sure to thank those who have touched your life and made a difference.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

26th Language Arts Conference Engaging!

The 26th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 15 and 16, 2013 at UOG's Tan Lam Pek Kim English and Communication Building was engaging! The conference theme was Interweaving Tradition, Innovation, and Core Curriculum Standards in Literacy. The literacy-filled presentations and keynote speech by former Guam Department of Education Superintendent, Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, was insightful. Drs. George Kallingal and Margaruite Smith also served as plenary speakers with inspirational messages.  Enjoy the following snapshots!
















IRA & SOE Alumni Association Officers present their workshop titled Using Journals to Connect Reading and Writing. Pictured L-R:  Grace Griffin, SOE Alumni President & IRA Webmaster; Margaret Beem, SOE Alumni Vice President & IRA Member; Martha Sudo, SOE Alumni & IRA Secretary; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni & IRA Webmaster/LAC Chair; and Lois Gumataotao, SOE Alumni PIO & IRA Member.
IRA members enjoying the 26th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference.
Pictured L-R:  Charleena Yanger, IRA Historian; Lois T. Gumataotao, IRA member; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, IRA/SOE Alumni/LAC Webmaster; and Amanda Quan. 


LAC Presentation:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois T. Gumataotao get ready for their presentation Differentiated Instruction for English Language Arts.  Pictured L-R:  Dr. Rivera; Gumataotao; and Martha Sudo, IRA/SOE Alumni Secretary. 

The presentation, Differentiated Instruction for English Language Arts, was well attended. 

More participants from the Differentiated Instruction for English Language Arts presentation.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards Unforgettable

The UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony held November 14, 2013 at the Guam Hilton Resort and Spa was memorable.  A total of five awards were given to individuals deserving of the distinction.  The winners are listed below along with their thoughts on how their education at UOG shaped them into who they are today.

Awardees:

Annparo Rios
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner,
Guam Behavioral Health & Wellness Center
B.S, Nursing, 2003
School of Nursing and Health Sciences

“My education from the University of Guam has helped to shape me into the person I am today by allowing me to reconnect with my island home after spending my childhood and early adult life away from Guam. I didn’t have a sense of where “home” was. My goal was to pursue a nursing degree and have a career as a nurse. It wasn’t an easy one and would not have been possible without the support of my loved ones and instructors who knew and understood my history and experiences and encouraged me every step of the way to achieve my goal. My experience at UOG allowed me to accomplish my goals, forge friendships with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and be comfortable calling Guam “home” once again.”

Darlene Moore
Founder & President,
Micronesian Archaeological Research Services
B.A. Anthropology, 1979, MA Behavioral Science, 1984
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

“The education I received at the University of Guam during the years from 1976 to 1983 in pursuit of BA and MA degrees in Anthropology and Behavioral Science with a focus on Archaeology provided the background, training, and experience that were required in order for me to meet the federal qualification standards for directing and participating in Historic Preservation projects. After graduation, I worked on several UOG archaeological research projects which provided additional training opportunities. Then I formed a sole proprietorship and hired other qualified people as needed to complete Cultural Resource Management projects in the Mariana Islands. As the number and size of our projects grew, we (two other women with BA degrees and one with a PhD degree in Anthropology) formed Micronesian Archaeological Research Services (MARS), Inc. Incorporated in 1992, we are still operating, although two of our four original people have since retired. The past 25 years would not have been possible if UOG had not been there to offer the classes and guidance needed to qualify me for work in this fascinating field.”

George Chiu
Executive Vice President,
Tan Holdings Corporation
B.A. Accounting, 1987
School of Business and Public Administration

“I’d experienced stateside campus life, but it was at the University of Guam that my commitment to education was fortified. Professors and facilitators opened opportunities through learning not in just my primary fields of study – but other supportive and relevant areas that provided well-rounded and thoughtful opportunities that contributed to my success. Attending classes with students from the islands who also became leaders and professionals has developed a collegiate fraternity. I often meet individuals who also attended UOG; we share experiences, college courses, personalities and knowledge that contributes to a valuable basis of friendship and spirit of cooperation in mutually rewarding and beneficial collaborations and endeavors.”

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
Assistant Professor, University of Guam
B.A. Early Childhood Elementary, 1997, M.ED. Language and Literacy 2000
School of Education

“I am proud to be an alumna of the University of Guam. Without the guidance and inspiration of my brilliant professors at UOG’s School of Education, I would not have made it this far in my career. Thank you UOG for helping me to grow and gain the wisdom to excel in all that I do. Like my father always says, “Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve.“ Let us all think like winners! BIBA UOG!”

Shiela Concepcion
Quality Manager, DZSP 21 LLC
B.A. Computer Science, 2002.
College of Natural and Applied Sciences

“My education at the University of Guam has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal life. It helped expand my creativity, enhance my project management skills, build my self-confidence and foster my passion for technology – all of which has transformed my life and propelled my career from being the lead Computer Programmer to the Manager of Quality on the largest Base Operations Support Services Contract in the Department of Defense. The experiences I gained from the University served as the ultimate foundation for my dreams coming true, but this is only the beginning….”

Nominees were judged by a committee composed of the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, the respective dean or director of the school or college, a faculty member from the respective school or college, a representative of the UOG Alumni Association and an at-large judge from the community based on the following criteria:

• Professional accomplishment in the field: has the nominee attained a high level of distinction and achievement through scholarship, research, teaching, creative contributions to the arts (comprising Humanities, Performing and Fine Arts, Social Sciences and Business) or sciences (comprising Science, Engineering and Health Sciences) and/or service to society?
• Candidate exhibits a high degree of character and integrity.
• Civic and University involvement, awareness and concern.
• Do the nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance?

For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director, Development and Alumni Affairs, University of Guam at 735-2586 or 797-3333.
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Additional Thoughts:

"I am deeply grateful for the honor, love, and support shared during this special event. Thank you for this award and all you do for UOG - the Natural Choice. I can only hope that the instrumental examples set by this year's award recipients inspire other alumni to do what they can for this great institution and the rest of the community."
-Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Association Webmaster

Si Yu'os Ma'ase'! Salamat! Kalangan! Kommool tata! Mesulang! Kammagar! Xie Xie! Domo Arigato! Thank you once again! BIBA UOG!


UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards:  Pictured L-R:  Norman Analista, Director for Development & Alumni Affairs; Eileen Agahan, UOG Alumni Association President; Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, UOG Distinguished Alumni award recipient for School of Education; Dr. John Sanchez, Interim SOE Dean; Dr. Anita Enriquez, Interim SVP; and Grace Griffin, SOE Alumni Association President.



Saturday, October 26, 2013

UOG Launches Chamorro Studies Program - Oct. 24

The University of Guam launched its Chamorro Studies program I Tinituhun: Inestudian Chamorro gi UOG on October 24, 2013. Previously, Governor Eddie Calvo signed a proclamation commemorating the creation of the Chamorro Studies program on October 14, 2013.

The Chamorro Studies major is a track within the Pacific-Asia Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). The Pacific-Asia Studies Program also includes majors in Japanese Studies and East-Asia Studies. Students that major in Chamorro Studies will become fluent in both reading and writing the Chamorro language. They will also become well-versed in the Chamorro history and culture.

The Chamorro Studies program will make an impact in the preservation, perpetuation and promotion of Chamorro language and culture. Enjoy the following pictures taken during the Chamorro Studies launch! BIBA CHAMORU!







Saturday, October 5, 2013

SOE Alumni Association to sponsor special author’s visit with Filipina Author Dr. Gilles


The SOE Alumni Association will sponsor a special author’s visit with Dr. Almira Astudillo-Gilles on October 26, 2013 during the Saturday Story Hour, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  at the Hagatna Public Library.  Dr. Gilles’ will conduct a Read Aloud with activities.  She is based in Chicago and is one of the Pamana Awardees for 2012 (Literature) - awards for overseas Pinoys in different categories.  See link below.
Her children's book, Willie Wins, has won several awards, and has been one of the most popular books for Filipino-American kids in recent years.

She is also scheduled to deliver a lecture on October 25, Friday, 2:00 p.m. at the IT&E Lecture Hall in the University of Guam’s SBPA building.   Copies of her novel will be available for sale. 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

SAVE THE DATE! UOG Alumni Mixer, Thursday, Sept. 26

Join us at a UOG Alumni Mixer sponsored by the UOG Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, UOG Alumni Association and Rotaract Club of the Marianas on Thursday, September 26, 6p.m. to 9p.m. at the Triple J Ford showroom. This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones too! This event is open to everyone, not just alumni, so bring your friends and colleagues! Tickets are only $15 and it comes with chesa and the chance to win prizes. If you have any questions please contact me at nanalista@uguam.uog.edu or call 735-2586.

2013 University of Guam, Distinguished Alumni Awards

The University of Guam Alumni Association in cooperation with the University of Guam Office of Development and Alumni Affairs is excited to announce that nominations for the 2013 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards will be accepted from September 3, to September 20, 2013, no later than 4p.m. A total of (5) awards will be given to (1) individual from each of the University’s schools and colleges: (1) College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, (1) College of Natural & Applied Sciences, (1) School of Business & Public Administration, (1) School of Education and (1) School of Nursing and Health Sciences.


Awards

All recipients will be recognized at the UOG Alumni Reunion scheduled for November 14, 2013 at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa from 6p.m. to 9p.m. They will each receive a plaque, a certificate of recognition from the President of the University of Guam; and will be featured in a news release distributed to all local media. Awardees will be featured on the University’s website and social media channels.

Eligibility

Any individual who has graduated earlier than 2008 is eligible to be nominated. The nominee must consent to being included in the selection process.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be submitted by any individual, independently or on behalf of a group or institution. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

Requirements: Submit an official Nomination Form highlighting the nominee's achievements, and explaining how the nominee meets the criteria for the Award.


Submit a CV/resume and two letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s work addressing the eligibility criteria (see below).


Supporting documents: depending on the nominee's field of endeavor, such documents could include notices and reviews of the nominee's work, sample publications, samples of media coverage, personal citations and testimonials, etc.


Nominees will be contacted as soon as the Nomination Form is received. If a nominee cannot be contacted and their consent is not given by September 27, 2013, no later than 4p.m., the individual will not be considered for the award. Upon acceptance of the nomination, nominees may submit specific evidence of their accomplishments in the following areas, limited to five pages.

Judging Criteria

Professional accomplishment in the field: has the nominee attained a high level of distinction and achievement through scholarship, research, teaching, creative contributions to the arts (comprising Humanities, Performing and Fine Arts, Social Sciences and Business) or sciences (comprising Science, Engineering and Health Sciences) and/or service to society? Candidate exhibits a high degree of character and integrity. Civic and University involvement, awareness and concern. Do the nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance?

All nomination forms, CV/Resume and two letters of support (due September 20, no later than 4p.m.) and additional nominee evidence (due October 11, no later than 4p.m.) may be transmitted through any of the three methods below. Submissions received after the abovementioned deadlines will not be considered.

Mail to: Norman Analista University of Guam UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 Hand Delivery: President’s Office – ATTN: Norman Analista 2nd Floor, Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building University of Guam Email: uogalumniassociation@gmail.com If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Agahan, UOG Alumni Association President at 735-2501 or uogalumniassociation@gmail.com or Norman Analista, Director, Development & Alumni Affairs at 735-2586 or email nanalista@uguam.uog.edu.

CLASS Connections Fall 2013 Newsletter

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Tango Theatres - UOG Triton Business Partner

Tango Theatres is the UOG Triton Business Partner for the month of June. For every purchase of the “Ultimate G” Combo, Tango Theatres will donate $2.50 to the UOG Capital Campaign, which supports the construction of a 21st century University Campus.

The “Ultimate G” Combo is a great value at $12.75 and consists of a hotdog, medium drink, four (4) pieces of Miniature Snickers plus the choice of either a medium popcorn or nachos with cheese.

Tango Theatres operates two locations, the Micronesia Mall Stadium Theatres, which is located on the second floor in the Micronesia Mall Cinema Wing and the Agana Stadium Theatres, which is located on the second floor of the Agana Shopping Center.

Thursday, May 30, 2013


Hafa Adai, to all our Alumni and University Citizens! Our 61st Anniversary Founders Day Gala is already next Saturday, 6/8 from 6p.m. to 10p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Guam, Grand Ballroom. The theme of this signature event is “An Evening of Excellence.” Enjoy an outstanding four-course dinner and exciting entertainment. Plus, when you a purchase a ticket, you will automatically be entered into our door prize raffle for the chance to win a roundtrip ticket for one to anywhere in Asia that United Airlines flies! Space is limited – please make arrangements to reserve your seat(s) today by calling Norm Analista at 735-2586. You don’t want to miss this event!