Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony was UOG alumna Major General Esther J.C. Aguigui, who is now the adjutant general of the Guam National Guard. In this role, Aguigui is the principal advisor to the governor on military matters and is responsible for the training, readiness, management, and combat effectiveness of approximately 1,600 members of the Guam Army and Air National Guards.

“Like thousands of UOG alumni veterans, I am a proud Triton, and I am humbled to stand here at this very institution that provided me with the solid foundation that helped propel me to achieve all that I have,” she said.

Aguigui earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Guam in 1989 and later studied at the U.S. Army War College in 
Pennsylvania, where she earned her Master of Strategic Studies.

“One thing I regret to this day is not taking advantage of the wonderful ROTC program that the University of Guam has here,” she said. “That is the program that offers the rite of passage for all of our Army officers. I commend the Army ROTC program for turning a lot of officers into fine defenders of freedom.”

The University of Guam has maintained an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program since 1979.

Next generation of Army leaders

The Tribute Ceremony included a special recognition from the Guam Legislature for the 11 cadets who were selected to represent the University of Guam and its ROTC program in the 2019 Ranger Challenge training and leadership course on Nov. 2 at Camp Rilea in Oregon.

Veteran support at UOG

UOG seeks to support former servicemembers in their educational pursuits and does so through several means:

• The Student Veterans Organization is an outreach organization that provides resources, support, and advocacy to foster a supportive campus environment for veterans.
• The Veteran Student Support Group is an advisory group of faculty, administrators, and staff who support the success of veteran students in a collegiate environment by ensuring they have access to advisement and counseling and by educating faculty on veteran students.
• The Veteran Resource Center is a study lounge in the Student Center where enrolled veterans as well as active-duty military personnel, spouses, and dependents can receive peer and academic support, tutoring, and access to computers, printers, and internet service. A coordinator from the Guam Vet Center also comes to the center twice per month to offer students information on Veterans Affairs.
• Student Counseling Services are available with an open-door policy in the Enrollment Management and Student Success office in the Student Center. UOG has a licensed professional counselor specializing in counseling individuals with anxiety and PTSD. The office also offers different types of therapy and seminars.