The University of Guam will recognize 333 prospective graduates at 12 noon on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the UOG Calvo Field House during Spring 2016 Commencement Ceremonies.  Of the expected graduates, 291 will receive undergraduate degrees and 42 will receive graduate degrees.

“The University continues to showcase the wonderful achievements of its students, and this commencement will be no different,” said UOG President Dr. Robert Underwood. “We will also have the opportunity to recognize and honor two powerful women in the region who perpetuate progressive ideals and preserve values that help give our region a voice to the world.”

Commencement Speaker

The commencement speaker will be Her Excellency Dr. Hilda C. Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Formerly the education minister and past president of the College of the Marshall Islands, Heine was voted president of the island nation in January 2016, making her the first female president of any independent Pacific nation.

President Heine is also the first Marshallese citizen to obtain a doctorate and just one of three women in parliament. She is an alumna of the University of Oregon where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education; the University of Hawaii, Manoa where she earned a Masters in Education; and the University of Southern California where she earned a Doctorate in Education Leadership.

Honorary Degrees

UOG will also confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Heine alongside Bilung Gloria Gibbon Salii, of Koror, Republic of Palau, who will receive an Honorary Master of Micronesian Traditional Knowledge. Salii, who has served as a member of the national legislature and is the founder of the Ngarachemayong Cultural Center and the women's group Mechesil Belau (Women of Palau), will be recognized for her efforts to preserve the environment and traditions of Palau.

UOG Spring 2016 Commencement Ceremonies will begin at 12 noon on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Attendance is by ticket only. Graduating students are encouraged to pick up their tickets at the Admissions Office and to call (671) 735-2214 for more information.

For more on the University of Guam Spring 2016 Commencement Ceremonies, visit www.uog.edu/spring-2016-commencement.