University of Guam to celebrate 70th anniversary in 2022
University of Guam to celebrate 70th anniversary in 2022
University of Guam to celebrate 70th anniversary in 2022
10/21/2021
The University of Guam ushered in its 70th anniversary year on Oct. 20, 2021, with a virtual, island-wide celebration, featuring remarks from dignitaries and University administrators.
Starting in January and continuing throughout its “Platinum Jubilee” in 2022, occasions will celebrate the University’s growth over seven decades and its role in “Transforming Lives and Advancing Communities” — the theme of the 70th anniversary celebrations.
Growth over seven decades
Established as the Territorial College of Guam in 1952 with 13 staff members and 200
students, the University of Guam now employs more than 500 full-time employees and
serves a student population of more than 3,000. To date, more than 19,000 individuals
have earned UOG degrees and are now working as professionals around the world.
Additionally, the University and its various research centers bring more than $14 million in federal research funding to the region annually and serve a crucial role in advancing knowledge on topics of regional importance, including agriculture, marine biology, cultural heritage, freshwater resources, public policy, and more.
Transforming lives
The community and UOG stakeholders have witnessed the University develop over the past 70 years from a teachers college based in Quonset huts to a comprehensive institution offering multiple accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs.
Senior Vice President and Provost Anita Borja Enriquez highlighted the University’s achievement of eight years of accreditation under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and its designation as a Top Performer in Social Mobility for the second year in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
“This is a result of our high-impact practices, such as service learning, internships, field studies, outreach, practicum, capstones, and other engagement experiences that round out students’ development of strong competencies,” she said.
She said student success is on a positive trajectory — with the six-year graduation rate increasing from 27% in 2016 to 41% in 2021 and an even higher rate expected for 2022.
Advancing communities
In his remarks, President Thomas Krise called attention to the diverse ways UOG is transforming lives and advancing communities.
“[It] includes just about every category of society [...],” he said, specifically mentioning UOG's contributions in health care, cultural heritage, and the local economy.
The University places an emphasis on integrating “island wisdom” into societal solutions, focusing on island-specific scientific research, and perpetuating the study of CHamoru and Micronesian history. And economically, the University infuses $350 million per year to the local economy.
The anniversary will align with the University's ongoing Para Hulo’ Strategic Plan and its key focuses on becoming known as a research university and on developing partnerships throughout the region and world.
Honorary Co-Chairpersons
Alumnae to serve as honorary co-chairpersons
Notable alumnae Annmarie Muna, owner of local insurance company AM Insurance, and Christine Baleto, who holds the local franchise for FROOTS and also serves as CFO for Docomo Pacific, have been tapped to serve as honorary co-chairpersons for the committee.
“Having two of our successful Triton business alumnae at the helm is very special,” Krise said. “The committee is well-tailored to ensure the Triton spirit is infused into every part of the anniversary year celebrations.”
|
|
|
70th Anniversary Committee
Co-Chairpersons:
- David Okada, Chief Planning Officer
- Norman Analista, Director of Development, Alumni Affairs, and Foundation Relations
Subcommittees:
Fundraising:
Chair: Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, Senior Vice President and Provost
This subcommittee will ensure that fundraising activities are planned, executed and poised to hit targets.
Budget & Finance:
Chair: Rachel Cubacub, Associate Budget and Administrative Process Officer
This subcommittee will record and track all related expenses to ensure that predetermined budgets are followed.
Awards Committee for President’s Medal and Distinguished Service Medal:
Chair: Cathleen Moore-Linn, Executive Director, Research Corporation of the University of Guam
This subcommittee will create award selection criteria and identify potential candidates. A ranking of candidates will be presented to the president for final selection.
Honorary Degrees:
Chair: Dr. Troy McVey, Vice Provost for Academic Excellence, Graduate Studies, and Online Learning
This subcommittee will identify potential candidates and work with pre-existing procedures for selecting Honorary Degree recipients.
Marketing and Publicity:
Chair: Jonas Macapinlac, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
This subcommittee will be responsible for all internal and external communications related to 70th anniversary celebrations.
Event Logistics and Planning:
Chair: Mark Mendiola, Director, Residence Halls
This subcommittee will take the lead in the planning and execution of physical setup requirements of all events.
Alumni Relations:
Chair: Norm Analista, Director of Development, Alumni Affairs, and Foundation Relations
This subcommittee will be responsible for engaging with alumni to support celebration activities.
Attendee Engagement:
Co-Chairs:
- Sallie McDonald, Certified Job, Career Development and Transition Coach
- Kyona Rivera, Senator, 60th UOG Student Government Association
- Daena Mansapit, Associate Director, UOG Endowment Foundation
This subcommittee will be responsible for enhancing the attendee experience and assessing hospitality requirements for each event.
COVID-19 Safety:
Chair: Alfred Garrido, Safety Administrator
This subcommittee will be responsible for ensuring that safety protocols are followed for every in-person event.
Renovations:
Chair: Glenn Leon Guerrero, Director, Facilities Management and Services
This subcommittee will oversee renovation projects.