Distinguished Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumni Awards
UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
The UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards is held annually by the University of Guam Alumni Association, in cooperation with the University of Guam Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.
Each year the program awards a total of six deserving UOG alumni — one from each of the University’s schools and colleges and one to an alumnus/alumna who is serving or is retired from military service. Winners are recognized at an awards ceremony and receive a plaque and a certificate of recognition from the president of the University of Guam.
Details for the next award cycle will be announced in July 2022.
For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director of Development, Alumni Affairs & Foundation Relations, at (671) 735-2991 or email analistan@triton.uog.edu.
Nominations
Awards
Awards
Winners will receive a plaque and special recognition at the UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony. The event date for 2021 has been postponed and will be announced at a later date. Because of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, details on the ceremony may change closer to the event date. Updates will be announced. Awardees will be featured in a news release distributed to local media and on the University’s website and social media channels.
Eligibility and nomination process
Nomination Form
Eligibility
Any individual who graduated earlier than 2008 is eligible to be nominated.
Nomination Requirements
Nominations may be submitted by any individual, independently or on behalf of a group or institution. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Nominations must include:
- The official nomination form highlighting the nominee's achievements and explaining how the nominee meets the criteria for the award.
- The nominee's CV/resume
- 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, testimonials, etc.
Nominee Consent
The nominee must consent to being included in the selection process. Nominees will be contacted as soon as their nomination is received. If a nominee cannot be contacted and their consent is not given, the individual will not be considered for the award.
Upon acceptance of the nomination, nominees may submit specific evidence, limited to five pages, of their accomplishments in the areas detailed in the Judging Criteria.
Nomination Submission
All nomination forms, CV/resume, and two letters of support are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.
Nomination materials may be transmitted by any of the following methods:
- Mailed to:
University of Guam President’s Office
ATTN: Norman Analista
UOG Station
Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building, 2nd Floor
Mangilao, GU 96923 - Hand delivered to:
Norman Analista
University of Guam President’s Office
Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building, 2nd Floor - Emailed to: analistan@triton.uog.edu
Judging criteria
Judging Criteria
- Professional accomplishments in their 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?
- High degree of character and integrity
- Civic and University involvement, awareness, and concern
- Local, national, and/or international significance of achievements
Judging Criteria for Military Nominees:
- Professional accomplishments in their field: Has the nominee held critical positions of responsibility and authority (i.e. command and key staff positions)?
- Promotion achievements
- Level of rank or level of elected official capacity
- Awards earned exhibiting exemplary performance
- Significant community service or civic involvements
Winners
2021 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2021 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
The winners of the 2021 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards were awarded at a ceremony on March 19, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
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From the College of Natural & Applied Sciences: Richard RandallBiological and Geological Consultant and Research Affiliate, UOG Marine Lab Research Affiliate, UOG Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific M.S., Biology, 1971 |
From the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: Shannon MurphyEditorial Contractor, Guampedia.com Owner, Flores Santa Rita B.A., Communications, 1980 Graduate Certificate, Micronesian Studies, 2007 |
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From the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health: Arthur John Ulloa San AgustinDirector, Department of Public Health and Social Services Bachelor of Social Work, 1987 |
School of Business & Public Administration: Stephen C. IgnacioChief of Police, Guam Police Department B.S., Public Administration, 2006 Master of Public Administration, 2014
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From the School of Education: Carmen Artero KasperbauerPresident, Astumbo Catholic Family Mission Active Member, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Former Senator, 15th and 16th Guam Legislatures B.A., Elementary Education, 1974 |
Military Award U.S. Army Infantry and Foreign Area Officer University of Guam ROTC B.A., Political Science, 1984
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2020 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2020 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
The winners of the 2020 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards were awarded at a virtual ceremony on Nov. 5, 2020.
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From the College of Natural & Applied Sciences: Masatomo Thomas NadeauChief Environmental Public Health Officer Department of Public Health and Social Services M.S., Environmental Science, 2004 |
From the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: Sarah Thomas NededogCEO, People Pacifico Chairwoman, Democratic Party of Guam B.A., Psychology and Sociology, 1981 |
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From the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health: Teofila Sholing Perez Cruz, Ph.D., RNPost-Doctoral Researcher Research Corporation of the University of Guam A.S., Nursing, 1970 |
School of Business & Public Administration: Christine BaletoChief Financial Officer, Docomo Pacific Chairwoman, Guam Chamber of Commerce MBA, 2003
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From the School of Education: Eloise R. SanchezSchool Program Consultant Guam Department of Education M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, 1984 |
Military Award Deputy Surgeon General for Mobilization, Manpower and Reserve Affairs Office of the Army Surgeon General BBA, Management, 1987
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2019 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2019 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
The winners of the 2019 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards were awarded at a ceremony on Nov. 23, 2019, at the Lotte Hotel Guam.
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College of Natural & Applied Sciences Dr. Philip Dauterman Acting Chief Medical Examiner of Guam B.S., Biology, 1986 |
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Jillette Leon Guerrero President, Guamology Inc. Former Member, UOG Board of Regents B.A., Anthropology, 1981 |
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Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Paul Claros Co-Owner and Head Coach, Custom Fitness LLC B.A., Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 2005
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School of Business & Public Administration Roland Certeza CEO, GTA TELEGUAM Master of Business Administration, 2010
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School of Education Atilana Rambayon Retired Educator M.A., Elementary Education, 1973 |
Military Serafin Chargualaf Meno Jr. Retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army BBA, Finance and Economics, 1992
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2018 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2018 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
(Mangilao, Today) The University of Guam is excited to announce the names of the winners for the 2018 University of Guam Distinguished Alumni Awards. The awards were handed out on Nov. 17, at the all-class annual UOG alumni reunion at the Dusit Thani. 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.
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Margaret “Peggy” Denney College of Natural and Applied Sciences |
Dr. Ronald Canos |
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Valerie Reyes |
Dr. Juan Rapadas |
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Gener Deliquina |
Brigadier General Diron Cruz |
Award Selection Criteria:
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 2019 again. A call for nominations will take place starting in June of this year.
2017 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2017 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
Six individuals were named winners for the 2017 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards on October 28 at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa Micronesian Ballroom. The search for nominees was announced by the UOG Office of Development & Alumni Affairs and the UOG Alumni Association in July of this year. Five awards were given to one individual from each of the University’s schools and colleges: College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, College of Natural & Applied Sciences, School of Business & Public Administration, School of Education and Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health. One award was given to an alumnus who is retired from military service.
Nominees’ packets were forwarded to a board of judges including the respective Deans and one faculty member from each of the schools and colleges, an alumni association representative, a notable member of the island community, and a representative of UOG’s Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. Judges’ ratings were forwarded to President Robert Underwood for a final decision.
Nominees were judged based on the following criteria:
- Professional accomplishment in their 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.
- Nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance.
Military
Colonel (USA, Ret.) Reynold F. Palaganas
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Liaison Officer to US Pacific Command (USPACOM), Camp
Smith, Hawaii
B.A. Political Science and English Literature(double major); Minor: Military Science,
1982
School of Education
Magdalena Hallers
College of Micronesia/FSM, Professor of Education
B.A. Special Education, UOG, 1994
Master of Education, UOG, 2000
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Josie Zamora
Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Hospital Nurse Supervisor II
Associate Degree in Nursing, UOG, 1986
College of Natural & Applied Sciences
Dr. Jerry Castro
Guam E.N.T., LLC – sole proprietor
BA Biology/ University of Guam/ May 15, 1988
School of Business & Public Administration
Carlos Camacho
Micronesia Self-Help Housing Corporation, Executive Director
BBA, Finance and PMBA, University of Guam, 2005
*Not pictured
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Amata Coleman Radewagen (Aumua Amata), Republican, American Samoa’s third Member of
Congress
B.A. Psychology, UOG, 1975
*Congresswoman Radewagen could not attend the event due to a schedule conflict but was able to send a video acceptance message.
For more information, please contact Norman Analista, UOG Director for Development & Alumni Affairs at (671) 797-3333.
Back row left to right: Tito Castro, UOG Alumni Association, VP/President-Elect, Norman Analista, UOG Director for Development & Alumni Affairs, Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, Dr. James Sellmann, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Dean, Dr. John Sanchez, School of Education, Dean, Dr. Margaret Hattori Uchima, School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Dean, Amanda Shelton, UOG Alumni Association, President, Giana Pangelinan, UOG Alumni Association, Treasurer, Jim Hollyer, Associate Dean, College of Natural & Applied Sciences, Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President
2016 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2016 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
The University of Guam Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and UOG Alumni Association
are excited to announce the names of the winners of the 2016 UOG Distinguished Alumni
Awards. The awards were given out on Dec. 3 at the UOG Alumni Reunion at the Lotte
Hotel. A total of six awards were given.
The award is given to those who demonstrate a high level of distinction and achievement
through scholarship, research, teaching, creative contributions to the arts or sciences,
and/or service to society. They must also exhibit a high degree of character and integrity,
civic and University involvement, and whose achievements have local, national or international
significance.
The winners are:
Frank Ishizaki
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
BA Chemistry, 1971
College of Natural & Applied Sciences
Maureen Maratita
Publisher
Glimpses Publications
BA Communication, 2000
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Sandra McKeever
President/Financial Advisor
Asia Pacific Financial Management Group
BA Marketing, 1999
School of Business & Public Administration
Paul Pun
Secretary General
Caritas Macau
BS Social Work, 1989
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Salvador Avilla
Department Chairperson – Social Studies
George Washington High School/Tiyan High School
Former Principal, Agueda Middle School
BA Secondary Education & Sociology, 1973
MA Behavioral Sciences, 1975
School of Education
LTC(R) Renie “Rey” Llaneta, Army
RE/MAX Asyenda Realty Corporation
BA Psychology, 1984
Military Award
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 (671) 797-3333 or email analistan@triton.uog.edu.
The Search for the Recipients of the 2016 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards is on!
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 2016 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards will be accepted from August 5 to October
3, 2016, no later than 4p.m. A total of (6) awards will be given to deserving individuals.
Five awards will be given to one 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) Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health. (1) Award will be
given to an alumnus/alumna who is currently serving or is retired from military service.
Awards:
All recipients will be recognized at the UOG Alumni Reunion scheduled for November
12, 2016 at the Lotte Hotel 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 on or earlier than 2006 is eligible to be nominated.
The nominee must consent to being included in the selection process. Please see the
attached form for more details.
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.
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. The nominee has 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.
Nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance.
For Military Nominees:
Professional accomplishment in their field. The nominee held critical positions of
responsibility and authority (i.e. command and key staff positions).
Nominee attained above normal promotion achievements.
Level of rank achieved or level of elected official capacity.
Awards that have been earned exhibiting exemplary performance.
Significant community service or civic involvements that have been achieved.
Submission of Forms:
All nomination forms, CV/Resume and two letters of support may be transmitted through
any of the three methods below. Submissions received after the abovementioned deadline
will not be considered.
Download the Distinguished Alumni Criteria Form
Download the Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form
Mail to/Hand Delivery:
University of Guam President’s Office – ATTN: Norman Analista
UOG Station 2nd Floor, Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building
Mangilao, Guam 96923
(Email) uogalumniassociation@gmail.com
For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director, Development & Alumni Affairs at (671) 797-3333 or email nanalista@triton.uog.edu.
2015 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2015 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
The University of Guam Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and UOG Alumni Association
are excited to announce the names of the winners of the 2015 UOG Distinguished Alumni
Awards. The awards were given out on Nov. 14 at the UOG Alumni Reunion at the Lotte
Hotel. A total of six awards were given.
The award is given to those who demonstrate a high level of distinction and achievement
through scholarship, research, teaching, creative contributions to the arts or sciences,
and/or service to society. They must also exhibit a high degree of character and integrity,
civic and University involvement, and whose achievements have local, national or international
significance.
The winners are:
Alpha Espina
Teacher, Guam Department of Education
BA Secondary Education, 1988
School of Education
Carmelita Gogue
Vice President and General Manager
Marianas Finance Corporation
BBA 1996 and MBA 1999
School of Business & Public Administration
Brigadier General Roderick Leon Guerrero
Adjutant General
Guam National Guard
BA Political Science, 1989
Military Award
Zennia Pecina
Assistant Administrator of Nursing Services
Guam Memorial Hospital Authority
BSN, 1997
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
William Pesch
Business Owner
Guam Family Law Office
MA Micronesian Studies, 2001
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciecnes
Roy Tsutsui
Senior Political-Military Affairs Policy Advisor and
Coordinating Officer Representative
Joint Region Marianas
BA Biology, 1979
College of Natural & Applied Sciences
The Search for the Recipients of the 2015 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards is on!
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 2016 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards will be accepted from August 5 to October
3, 2016, no later than 4p.m. A total of (6) awards will be given to deserving individuals.
Five awards will be given to one 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) Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health. (1) Award will be
given to an alumnus/alumna who is currently serving or is retired from military service.
Awards:
All recipients will be recognized at the UOG Alumni Reunion scheduled for November
12, 2016 at the Lotte Hotel 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 on or earlier than 2006 is eligible to be nominated.
The nominee must consent to being included in the selection process. Please see the
attached form for more details.
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.
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. The nominee has 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.
Nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance.
For Military Nominees:
Professional accomplishment in their field. The nominee held critical positions of
responsibility and authority (i.e. command and key staff positions).
Nominee attained above normal promotion achievements.
Level of rank achieved or level of elected official capacity.
Awards that have been earned exhibiting exemplary performance.
Significant community service or civic involvements that have been achieved.
Submission of Forms:
All nomination forms, CV/Resume and two letters of support may be transmitted through
any of the three methods below. Submissions received after the abovementioned deadline
will not be considered.
Download the Distinguished Alumni Criteria Form
Download the Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form
Mail to/Hand Delivery:
University of Guam President’s Office – ATTN: Norman Analista
UOG Station 2nd Floor, Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building
Mangilao, Guam 96923
(Email) uogalumniassociation@gmail.com
For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director, Development & Alumni Affairs at (671) 797-3333 or email nanalista@triton.uog.edu.
2014 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
The University of Guam Office of Development and Alumni Affairs together with the
UOG Alumni Association are proud to announce the names of the winners of the 2014
UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards!
In September, a call for nominations was made through the media, government agencies and the private sector. Awards were to be given to one person from each of the schools and colleges that make up the University: Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health, School of Education, School of Business and Public Administration, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. This year, an additional category to honor a successful graduate who has served or is currently serving in the military was included. Requirements for nominees included the submission of a CV and letters of support.
Twenty individuals successfully qualified to be considered nominees. Judging Criteria
for the selection process consisted of the following: 1) Professional accomplishment
in their respective field, 2) Does the candidate exhibit a high degree of character
and integrity?, 3) Do they demonstrate civic and University involvement, awareness
and concern?, and 4)Do the nominees’ achievements have local, national and/or international significance?
Judges included the deans of the schools and colleges, faculty members, representatives
of the UOG alumni association, and at-large judges from the island community who are
not UOG alumni. President Robert Underwood was forwarded the names of the individuals
who were selected by each respective committee, and gave his final approval for the
selection of the awardees. The names of the winners were announced on November 15
at the 2014 UOG Alumni Reunion held at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa.
For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director, Development and Alumni Affairs at (671) 735-2586.
2014 Distinguished Alumni Awardees:
Mr. Bruce Best
MS Biology, 1981
Energy and Remote Island Communication Consultant
“After completing my graduate degree in Marine Biology at the UOG Marine Lab, I began working as a research associate with the PEACESAT/Telecommunication and Distance Education Operation (TADEO) at UOG. The grant writing skills I developed at UOG and my work experience in telecommunication and alternate energy created a unique skill set that set the framework for my many remote islands projects over the next 30 years.
My military background as a navy corpsman fueled an interest in tele-health operations for the remote islands of the Western Pacific. Merging the last 35 years of exposure to cultural diversity and work experience allowed me to develop sustainable health and educational solutions for the remote islands in the FSM, RMI and ROP. Many of the solar powered radios being used throughout the remote islands were installed under my direction and funded by grants through or supported by the UOG PEACESAT/TADEO office where we tried to maintain a high level of service to the region and make a difference in the lives of thousands of Pacific Islanders.
Today, I remain actively involved with a variety of tele-health groups to improve
health care options in the western Pacific. My UOG education provided me with the
credibility and knowledge to continue to service the region through training and implementing
sustainable health, energy and remote communication infrastructure throughout Micronesia.
I would not have been able to participate in all these projects as a subject matter
expert with cultural reference without the education I received at UOG.”
Dr. Thomas J. Brislin
BA English Secondary Education, 1968
Associate Dean, Arts and Humanities, University of Hawaii at Manoa
“The value of my College/University of Guam education crystallized for me when I was confined to a small room for eight hours in 1972 to write my PhD exams. I found in answering the myriad questions from learned scholars in Communication, Sociology, Film, and Psychology, that I was drawing heavily from the knowledge I gained at COG/UOG. From 1964-68, it offered a true Liberal Arts education. It was smaller, and what divisions there might have been between academic areas was porous.
We took courses across the broad spectrum of “ologies.” Students – and Faculty – mixed
their interests freely, whether they looked forward to a career in business, law,
nursing, education, fine arts or sciences. We absorbed from each other. We left with
a tremendous worldview from such a small Island; with a continuing and consuming intellectual
curiosity from such a small school with such large ideas. I aced those exams. COG/UOG
taught us we could make a difference. And we did.”
Colonel (RET) John M. Chiu
BBA Accounting, 1983
University of Guam, Army ROTC
“Unquestionably, my years at the University of Guam were the formative years of my early adulthood. While I originally intended to go to the mainland to study, imperatives of our family business kept me on Guam. Little did I know that the decision to attend the University of Guam would eventually take my life in a wholly unanticipated direction which would alter the course of the rest of my life.
Like most college students, I grappled with what I wanted to do in life including career choices and goals. The answer came during one of Dr. Don Soper’s evening marketing classes when the officer in charge of UOG’s ROTC program spoke to us about a career in the Army. The next day I went to see Lieutenant Colonel David Swanson and the first day of the rest of my life as a soldier and officer was set in motion.
Listening to LTC Swanson speak about an Army career gave me clarity, focus, and direction
that I had lacked until that point. With his guidance and mentorship, I excelled in
my military science studies, and graduated as the #1 cadet. My time at the University
of Guam directly and indirectly gave me three building blocks for my career and my
life. My ROTC training provided an unshakable foundation in military leadership,
discipline, and values. The School of Business provided me with a Bachelor of Arts
degree. From my family business, I was able to gain practical experience in leading
people, planning and budgeting, and gain an appreciation for the day to day pressures
of running a business. The skills, values, and strengths I acquired during my studies
at UOG were the foundation to my successes and achievements in the military and throughout
my life.”
Dr. Lourdes Palomo Klitzkie
BA Elementary Education, 1970
Professor Emeritus, Society of Emeritus Professors and Related Scholars
“The University of Guam has given me the opportunity for a life-long career in special education. Getting a bachelors degree in special education in 1970 at the College of Education equipped me with the knowledge, skills and competencies which enabled me to pursue a masters degree in special education at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque in 1974.
In 1976, Dr. Michael Caldwell, special education chair, offered me a one-year position
at the University to supervise student teachers. In 1977, Dr. Caldwell sent me to
Utah State University under special education federal grant money to work on my doctorate
degree in special education. I returned to the University in 1979 and began my teaching
career in special education as an assistant professor which led to the rank of full
professor until my retirement in 1998. Not long after that I was admitted to the Society
of Emeritus Professors and Retired Scholars. I continue to serve the University in
three endeavors: teaching, research, and public service.
I can safely conclude that as a student at UOG, I was educated to foster the growth
and development of young children intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically.
As a professor, I encouraged young minds to think. As an Emeritus Professor, I will
continue to serve the University of Guam - the Natural Choice.”
Mr. Michael Pexa
Master’s Business Administration, 1978
Founder & CEO, Asia Pacific Financial Management Group
“I came to Guam in the early 70s, eager to start teaching for the Guam Public School System. After several years of teaching, my desire to pursue a career in investments led me back to Seattle, where I worked as a financial advisor for a Seattle based firm. My love for Guam inspired me to convince my branch manager to open a Guam branch. To my surprise and joy, he agreed and 30 years later, I’m still here.
As a financial advisor and business owner, I believe that I needed to improve my business skills. I decided to go back to school to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. The obvious choice was the University of Guam, and I graduated in 1978. My education from UOG pushed my business knowledge to the next level and gave me the opportunity to expand my network with fellow alumni. Today, the Triton tradition continues to flourish at Asia Pacific Financial. Several of our employees are UOG alumni. We also take great pride in our annual internship program where we’ve partnered with UOG’s School of Business to provide students internships. As a final testament to our faith in UOG’s talent, we are proud to say that our most recent student intern remained with us after she graduated and has become a full time employee. I’ve come a long way, and I couldn’t have gotten this far without UOG.”
Ms. Reina Sanchez
BSW Social Work, 1990
Social Services Supervisor I, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center
“The University of Guam has always been a part of my life. My father, Vicente Q. Sanchez, worked at UOG in the eighties and naturally I attended and received my bachelor and master degrees there. In between the undergraduate and graduate programs I also participated in many professional development courses. So I can say I am a lifelong student of UOG. It is through UOG that I have met many people – students and professors who have encouraged and supported me. Without them I don’t think I would be where I am now. Thank you again for this opportunity.”
2013 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2013 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards
- 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?
Annparo Rios
Darlene Moore
George Chiu
“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
Shiela Concepcion
2011 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards
Winners of the 2011 UOG Distinguished Alumni Award are pictured with University officials
at a gala on Sept. 3, 2011 at the Outrigger Resort. (L to R) Dr. Chris Perez, former
Chairman, UOG Board of Regents, Dr. Robert Underwood, President, UOG, Frank Cruz,
Distinguished Alumnus – CNAS, Mike Nahalowaa, Distinguished Alumnus – SBPA, Atty.
Bob Klitzkie, Distinguished Alumnus – SOE, Laurent Duenas, Distinguished Alumna -
SONHS, Joanne Brown, Distinguished Alumna - CLASS, Dr. Judith Selk, Distinguished
Alumna - CLASS, Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Distinguished Alumna - SOE, Dr. Gregg
San Nicolas, Distinguished Alumnus - SOE, Tanya Muna, Distinguished Alumna - SPBA,
and Robert Paulino, former President, UOG Alumni Association.
