The Judiciary of Guam (JOG) and the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA) joined forces in the summer of 2016 to embark on a MPA pilot program aimed at exploring a cohort based Master of Public Administration (MPA) that would compliment the traditional MPA offering.  

The JOG-MPA cohort organized and delivered the Holiday G.I.V.E. Project where members served a meal and donated personal hygiene items to members of the underserved community of Guam during the holiday season. The purpose of the project was to practice Generosity, Inspiration, Volunteerism, and to Engage in a purposeful and meaningful event to build and nurture relationships. This was a positive experience as members worked cohesively with the community to accomplish a common goal reflective of the time.   
The project also had an extra special meaning for the students.  During that semester, one student lost a family member who was very dear to them. The rest of the cohort members came together to show their commitment and support for one another and dedicate this event in his honor - Daizi R. "Daiz" Nobuo.
On December 13, 2016, the MPA students fed the homeless at Kusinan Kamalin Karidat and provided goody bags of toiletries for each patron consisting of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, a wash cloth, cotton buds, facial tissues and a comb.

Dr. John Rivera, MPA program chair and course instructor, said this event was more than just a project.  The dedication to honor Mr. Nobuo was at the very core and spirit of this endeavor. He adds that at the heart of Public Administration is service.

“From theory to practice, the graduate students are held to a higher standard and are challenged to discover for themselves the essence of public service,” Rivera said.

For all members of the cohort, the experience was a humbling one. The lesson learned here was to appreciate the given life we have, to accept failure along with success, and to give selflessly.