Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!

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)

242 Graduate During UOG's Fall Commencement Ceremony

The University of Guam celebrated the accomplishments of 242 graduates during Fanuchånan (Fall) 2016 Commencement Ceremony at the UOG Calvo Field House today. UOG conferred 185 undergraduate degrees and 57 graduate degrees.

In his welcoming remarks, President Robert Underwood encouraged the students to serve a higher purpose and quoted journalist Tom Brokaw:  “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”

UOG President Dr. Robert A. Underwood delivers welcoming remarks and unveils the Trident hand signal—a new tradition for UOG Tritons.

At the end of his remarks, Underwood revealed a new hand signal that is unique to the University of Guam. Mentioning the “shaka” of the University of Hawaii and the “Hook’em Horns” of the University of Texas, Underwood held three fingers up to symbolize the Trident of the University of Guam Tritons.

“We are all Tritons, and we know we are supposed to fulfill the mission of UOG in ina, deskubre, setbi (to enlighten, to discover, to serve), Underwood declared. “We know that our mascot the Triton carries a trident which represents this three-pronged approach to learning and meaning in our lives. But we must awaken that spirit in us with a hand gesture that unites us all as Tritons, especially as we look to the future and as we go our separate ways.”

The Trident hand signal was met with enthusiastic cheers from the graduates and audience.

Commencement speaker Brigadier General Tracy L. Smith, an alumna of the University of Guam, shared some of her lessons learned throughout her career in the U.S. Army Reserve. One lesson was on “212 Leadership.” She explained that water is hot at 211 degrees, but boils at 212 degrees.

“Water boils and creates steam and gets the engine going,” she said. “Find your passion, find what it takes for you to get to that boiling point. It takes that extra degree to get things done….strive for that extra degree. 

Class Valedictorian Sean Rios Rupley challenged his fellow graduates to give back. “The challenge…is to take everything we’ve learned from this experience—the formal lessons from the classrooms and the informal lessons from our interactions—and pay them back to everyone who has invested in us. What we’re doing makes Guam a better place to live.”

Rupley, who is from Agana Heights, double majored in Sociology and Communication.

The largest number of graduates came from the UOG School of Business and Public Administration, which conferred a combined  92 undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration and Criminal Justice and a combined 23 graduate degrees from its Professional Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration programs.

The School of Education conferred the most graduate degrees with a combined 29 in its Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Education programs.

Source:  www.uog.edu

2016 UOG DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

The University of Guam is excited to announce the names of the winners for the 2016 University of Guam Distinguished Alumni Awards. The awards were handed out on Dec. 3, at the all-class annual UOG alumni reunion at the Lotte Hotel Club Lounge. Winners were selected by a panel of judges which included key UOG leaders, representatives of the UOG Alumni Association and notable community judges. One award was given to each graduate of the University’s schools and colleges as well as to an alum who is retired from the military or actively serving in the military. 

College of Natural and Applied Sciences 
Frank Ishizaki, Bachelor of Arts Chemistry, 1971 
Adjunct Faculty, School of Business and Public Administration, UOG 
Chief Criminalist Guam DPS, Retired FBI Special Agent, Senator, Chief of Police, Director of Corrections, and Homeland Security Advisor 

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 
Maureen Maratita, Bachelor of Arts Communication, 2000 
Publisher, Glimpses Publications 

School of Business and Public Administration 
Sandra McKeever, Bachelor of Arts Marketing, 1999 
President/Financial Advisor, Asia Pacific Financial Management Group 

School of Nursing and Health Sciences 
Paul Pun, Bachelor of Science Social Work, 1989 
Secretary General, Caritas Macau 

School of Education 
Salvador Avilla, Bachelor of Arts Secondary Education & Sociology, 1973, Master of Arts Behavorial Sciences, 1975 
Department Chairperson – Social Studies, George Washington High School/Tiyan High School, former Principal, Agueda Middle School 

Military 
LTC(R) Renie “Rey” Llaneta, Army, Bachelor of Arts Psychology, 1984 
RE/MAX Asyenda Realty Corporation 

All nominees’ application packets were rated in the following areas: 1) 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? 2) Does the candidate exhibit a high degree of character and integrity? 3) Does the candidate show civic and University involvement, awareness and concern? 4)Does the nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance? 

The awards are expected to be given out in 2017 again. A call for nominations will take place starting in July of next year. 

For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director, Development & Alumni Affairs, University of Guam at 797-3333 or email analistan@triton.uog.edu.

UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards - Dec. 3

TRITON NIGHT AT THE CALVO FIELD HOUSE - Tonight at 5:30 p.m.

October Triton Alumni Luncheon

29th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference - Nov. 18 & 19

The 29th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC) is an event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and enrichment in literacy.

The conference is organized by the Department of English and Applied Linguistics (DEAL) at the University of Guam, and co-sponsored by the Guam International Reading Association. IRA members can register for the conference during their September and October meetings. Participation is limited to the first 300 registrants, so early registration is encouraged.

Educators can earn one (1) PD894 graduate credit/CEU for attending this conference. For additional information you can e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, at mnrivera@uguam.uog.edu or mnrivera1@yahoo.com.

For inquiries contact Kathleen Duenas at 735-2725 or kduenas@triton.uog.edu.

Reading Writing Together: Collaborate to Calibrate

Friday, November 18, 2016 - 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 19, 2016 - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Guam

Keynote Speaker:

Kevin Colleary, Ed.D.

Dr. Kevin Colleary is an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University in New York. He teaches graduate level courses in educational foundations, philosophy and history of education as well as content area reading methods for science (STEM) and social studies. He works with elementary pre-service science, social studies and reading teachers in public and private schools including supporting them in internship and student teaching roles through supervision, mentoring and classroom instruction. In addition, he works closely with school administrators and classroom teachers on issues related to Common Core State Standards. He has also taught at Hunter College in New York and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Dr. Colleary is an author for McGraw-Hill Education. He is a member of the senior authorship team, which conceptualizes and writes national and state specific K-6 elementary social studies programs. He creates and provides professional development support materials and seminars for state curriculum leaders, district leadership and classroom teachers on content area reading and social studies curriculum issues. He has also served as Director of National Marketing for Benchmark Education Company in New Rochelle, New York. He served in various positions for McGraw-Hill as Senior Marketing Manager of English, National Marketing Manager of Reading/Language Arts, Director of Social Studies Curriculum, National Social Studies Consultant, and Marketing Manager of Social Studies.

Sponsored by:

University of Guam
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Co-Sponsors:School of Education
International Reading Association, Guam Council

E-mail: uoglac@gmail.com

Invitation to Attend and Present/Call for Presentations and Workshops

Conference Registration Form

Presentation Proposal Form

**You can register and submit your proposals online. **Proposal Deadline is November 2, 2016.

**Registration Fees must be paid in person at the Division of English and Applied Linguistics, located on the second floor of the Tan Lam Pek Kim English and Communications Building, University of Guam campus.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE AND SUBMIT CONFERENCE PROPOSALS

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27th LAC Keynote Speaker: Dr. Margaruite Smith

Dr. Smith is the Manager of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Hawaii and Pacific Sales and Service for McGraw-Hill Education. In that capacity, she is responsible for all aspects of teacher training, textbook and online learning sales, as well as Professional Development services for McGraw-Hill School Education educational materials, including SRA, Macmillan, Glencoe and Wright Group products to the Department of Defense Schools and to Guam, Marshall Islands, Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa, and Hawaii.

She has degrees from Texas Tech University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Denver in education and in educational administration. She has taught in every grade level 1-12, and has been an elementary administrator. She has teacher certification in reading, English as a Second Language, as well as general studies K-12.

26th LAC Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood

Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood is a former Superintent for the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). She served as GDOE's research, planning, and evaluation administrator. She holds a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Oregon, a master's degree in education, and a bachelor of arts degree in education. She has also served as the chair of the committee to develop Guam Department of Education's master plan relative to the increase in military presence. Dr. Underwood has been a leader in the local Filipino community organizations and an advocate of Guam's quest for self-determination and has served the community as a member of the Guam Memorial Hospital's board of trustees, the Guam Humanities Council, and St. Paul Christian School's board of directors. She is also the vice chair of the Democratic Party of Guam.

25th LAC Keynote Speaker: Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year

Penaflorida is a Filipino teacher who won the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year award for his outreach teaching project known as, "Kariton Klasrum" (pushcart classroom). He received his award from American actress Eva Mendes at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

According to Penaflorida, "Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes, and sizes. We are one great tapestry...Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need."

If you are interested in presenting or attending, it is important that you return the forms with your check/payment immediately. We have a limit of 300 participants. Last year, many were turned away because we reached capacity before the registration deadline. Don't let this weekend go without signing up. We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact LAC Committee Chairpersons:

• Dr. Christopher Garcia: guamchrisgarcia@gmail.com
• Dr. Clarisa Quan: risaquan@yahoo.com
• Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera: mnrivera1@yahoo.com
• Dr. Catherine Stoicovy: stoicovy@guam.net
• Dr. Michelle Santos: msantos@uguam.uog.edu

Administrative Coordinator:

• Kathleen Duenas (Email: kduenas@triton.uog.edu, Tel: 735-2725
• E-mail: uoglac@gmail.com

UOG-IRA Network: September 2016 Guam Council IRA Newsletter

Click here to view the September 2016 Guam Council IRA newsletter.

WASC Accreditation Celebration - Friday, August 19, 2016 from 11:30am to 2pm at the Calvo Field House

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has reaffirmed another eight years of accreditation for the University of Guam, guaranteeing that UOG has met the Commission’s high standards of quality and effectiveness. The accreditation term will last until 2024, and this accomplishment will mark an unprecedented 16 years of continuous accreditation for UOG!

To celebrate the hard work and continued commitment to excellence of all University faculty, staff, and administrators, the Offices of the President and Senior Vice President are hosting a "WASC Accreditation Celebration" which will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Calvo Field House main arena.

ALL FACULTY, STAFF, and ADMINISTRATORS are invited to the celebration which includes a catered lunch and giveaways for all employees who attend.

Thank you once again for making the University of Guam GREAT.

Biba UOG!

Source: UOG

UOG Alumni Association Seeks Candidates

The UOG Alumni Association will be holding elections to fill three key position in the organization. Individuals must have earned their undergraduate or graduate degree(s) from the University to qualify for office.

Candidates should have proven leadership experience, are able to communicate and work with a large group, possess great organizational skills, are results-driven, and are motivated towards continuing efforts to foster fraternity and support for the University. Prior community or group volunteer experiences are a plus for all positions. For the position of Treasurer, it is recommended that the individual have professional experience in finance.

Responsibilities for each position are as follows:

1. Vice President/President-ElectThe Vice President/President Elect acts in the place of the President in his or her absence or disability. The Vice President/President-Elect shall become the Incoming President in the following term.
   
2. Secretary
   The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Executive Committee may order, of all meetings of the Association. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given place of all the meetings of the Association required by the By-Laws to be given and shall keep a list of the members and the seal of the Association in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the By-Laws.
   
3. Treasurer
   The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the corporation, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, surplus and shares. Any surplus, including earned surplus, shall be classified according to source and shown in a separate account. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any active member. The Treasurer shall deposit all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Association with such depositories as may be designated by the Executive Committee. He/she shall disburse the funds of the Association as may be ordered by the Executive Committee, shall render to the Executive Committee, whenever they request it, an account of all transactions and of the financial conditions of the Association and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the By-Laws. A petty cash fund may be established upon approval of the Executive Committee. Treasurer shall coordinate with the established financial accounting firm, tax preparer or other established persons to prepare and reconcile monthly and yearly financial records and reports them to the Executive Committee accordingly.

The term of office for all positions is one year.

The deadline to file for candidacy is Friday, February 26 through UOG Alumni Association President, Chelo Paulino through 735-2586 or uogalumniassociation@gmail.com

Candidates must submit a written statement that explains what position they are seeking as well as their bio to be posted for other alumni to view prior to voting.

Ballots may be cast on Friday, March 11 from 1p.m. to 5p.m. at the Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Business & Public Administration Building at the University of Guam, 2nd Floor, Room 261. Please bring a picture ID.

Results will be posted the same day by 8 p.m.

***Current president, Chelo Paulino will remain in the executive board as immediate past president and current VP/President-elect, Jose Untalan will automatically serve as president.

UOG Announces 8 Years of Accreditation from WASC

WASC Commends UOG's Good to Great Initiative, Board of Regents, and Fiscal Responsibility

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has reaffirmed another eight years of accreditation for the University of Guam, guaranteeing that UOG has met the Commission’s high standards of quality and effectiveness. “We are extremely proud to announce the reaffirmation of another eight years of accreditation,” said UOG President Dr. Robert Underwood. “We received our first eight years of accreditation in 2009, and our new term will last until 2024. This accomplishment will mark an unprecedented 16 years of continuous accreditation for UOG.” For more information and to view the WASC Senior College and University Commission action letter and report, visit www.uog.edu/accreditation or on the WASC website at www.wascsenior.org. COMMENDATIONS The Commission commended the University in seven areas: Taking steps to implement each of the team's recommendations immediately after the visit. The Commission is pleased to learn of the university's efforts to: strengthen graduation rates; invest in data management; hire additional staff to support institutional research; institutionalize SSIT; enhance program review; and undertake co-curricular assessment.   Designing and carrying out the Good to Great (G2G) initiative.  The Commission is impressed by this ambitious, progressive, comprehensive, and successful endeavor. The stated objective of prioritization is particularly commendable, as is the inclusion of the university's stakeholders, internal and external, in shaping the initiative.   Demonstrating strong fiscal stewardship.  In the face of challenging resource constraints, the university has achieved multi-year financial surpluses.  The diversification of revenue streams has been critical to the university's financial sustainability. The Commission applauds senior leadership for its fiscal discipline and for aligning resources with institutional priorities.   Developing an effective relationship with the Board of Regents.  As reported by the team, the board is actively engaged, strongly independent, fully autonomous, and highly supportive of the University of Guam.   Focusing on regional needs.  The university has demonstrated a deep commitment to regional needs and the public good through education, research and service.   Strengthening first-year retention to 74.5%.  The University of Guam has implemented a range activities and practices that are leading to student success.   Creating a remarkably inclusive, collaborative culture focused on good university citizenship. The G2G process, in addition to a number of university initiatives, reflects this approach to collaborating across constituencies, in order to break down silos, create synergies, and forge a new unified direction for the university.

Source:  www.uog.edu

UOG Alumni Represent Guam at the ILA Conference in Boston, Massachusetts

Pictured L-R:  April Cordova, UOG Alumna and IRA Board Member; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, UOG Alumna, SOE Alumni Webmaster, and 2016-2017 Guam IRA President; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, UOG Alumna and IRA Board Member; Vangie Chaco, 2015-2016 Guam IRA President; Dylan Orot, UOG Alumnus and IRA Board Member; and Annette Raguindin, UOG Alumna and IRA Board Member.

UOG Founders Day Gala A Success

Thank you to all those who shared in the celebration of UOG’s 64th Anniversary as an institution as a higher education.  This year’s theme was “I’m Coming Home.”  The gala was held on July 2, 2016 at the UOG Calvo Field House.  Biba UOG!

Language Arts Conference a Success!

Enjoy the following snapshots taken during the Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held Feb. 19 and 20 at the Pacific Star Hotel.

RIP Dr. Dungca

Happy New Year from around the Pacific!

Happy New Year from around the Pacific! May the year 2016 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - English
Biba Añu Nuebu! – Chamorro
Feliz Año Nuevo! – Spanish
Peren En Parakapw! – Pohnpeian
Engan ke ya sasu! - Kosraean
Jeramman ilo iio in ekaal! – Marshallese
Pwapwan Ei Ier Mi Fo – Chuukese
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu – Japanese
Ungil Beches Er Rak! – Palauan
Selsalan Ebéach e duw! – Yapese
Maligayang Bagong Taon – Tagalog
Hauoli Makahiki Hou – Hawaiian
Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo! – Korean
Gung Hay Fat Choy – Chinese
Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan! – Vietnamese
Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layúi Luugh me raagh féé! – Carolinian

Image source: howtolearn.com