The University of Guam will recognize nearly 300 prospective graduates at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in the Calvo Field House during its Fanuchånan Commencement Ceremony. This is the first ceremony since the semester name was officially changed from “Fall” to “Fanuchånan,” which represents the rainy season.

The Commencement speaker will be the Honorable Ralph Torres, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“We are excited to welcome Governor Torres to the University,” said UOG President Robert Underwood. “Our students will have the opportunity hear from one of the youngest governors in the nation.”

For more on the University of Guam Fanuchånan 2017 Commencement Ceremony, visit www.uog.edu/fanuchånan-2017-commencement.

About the Commencement Speaker

Ralph DLG. Torres is the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, serving alongside Lieutenant Governor Victor B. Hocog. Born on August 6, 1979, Governor Torres was raised on the island of Saipan until his family moved to Boise, Idaho where he attended high school.

Governor Torres attended Boise State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Prior to this administration, Governor Torres served as Chairman of the Committee on Health and Welfare in the 17th CNMI House of Representatives, President of the 18th CNMI Senate, and as Lt. Governor alongside the late Governor Eloy S. Inos.

During his term as Lt. Governor, he took a lead role in the CNMI Interagency War on Ice Task Force, which is the coordinating entity on the CNMI’s efforts to combat Crystal Methamphetamine use and to build a treatment network alongside the CNMI’s Drug Court.

Following the untimely passing of Governor Inos late 2015, Governor Torres ascended to the governorship of the CNMI on December 29, 2015.

As Governor he serves as the Co-Chair of the Strategic Economic Development Council, which brings together public and private sector leaders to discuss critical economic development policies.