Palau Community College

MESEKIU'S

NEWS

Friday, December 14, 2007                               Weekly Newsletter                                    Volume 9, Issue 49  

Service Learning Pilot Training a Success

Endowment
Members Party Set
for Dec. 28th

It is the time of the year when PCC shows its appreciation to all bi-weekly contributors to the PCC Endowment Fund. More than 100 PCC staff are enrolled in the program, along with over 800 employees of the Palau National Government, semi-governmental agencies, and private sectors. As PCC is a non-profit organization, donations of up to 10% of anyone's/ company's income tax may be refunded. Therefore, all bi-weekly contributors to the PCC Endowment Fund are reminded to come to PCC on December 28th, 2007 and complete their application packets, enabling them to get refunds for their donations.

Here are a few steps to help explain the filing process for your refund: Step 1: Fill out top portion of tax refund form and sign your name on the bottom. Step 2: Please bring a copy of your last check stub for pay period 26 of the 2007 calendar year. Step 3: Bring completed form and a copy of your check stub to PCC on December 28th between 11:30pm-3:00pm at the Courtyard and be treated to a delicious lunch and be eligible to win some great prizes from our raffle drawing. Your packets will then be filed only after January 01, 2008. When your refund has been released, PCC will contact you and your refund may be picked up at the College. (If you do not have a form, please do not hesitate to call PCC Development Office at 488-2470/2471 ext. 253 and we will either deliver the tax form or fax one to your office). Refund checks will be processed only between the months of January to March. So, remember, the sooner you complete your form and submit it, the sooner we file your application and you'll receive your refund!


Information Technology students who participated in the Service Learning pilot training (l-r): Indira Tell, Nathaniel Moses, and Teongel Ngirkelau and Dollyne Ketebengang (inset: bottom right).

For the first time this fall semester, the College implemented the Service Learning pilot training through the Information Technology (IT) program to help bridge the "real world" and the classroom. On Tuesday, November 11th, the four students, Indira Tell, Nathaniel Moses, Dollyne Ketebengang, and Teongel Ngirkelau, who enrolled in the Service Learning pilot training shared their experience in the training.

Tell, Ketebengang, Moses, and Ngirkelau split into two groups and competed to create a website for DL's Clam Farm, a client of the Palau Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Critical thinking and reflection are important components for the Service Learning training and was evident in the students' presentation on Tuesday.

Because of its success, the four students will continue on to next semester with their service learning training. The Service Learning pilot training will also expand to other PCC programs starting this spring semester. Other program instructors' participation is strongly encouraged.

The Service Learning training was initiated to enhance the academic curriculum and depending on the overall evaluation of the training after spring

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Business Club Celebrates Christmas


With the Christmas holiday approaching, the PCC Business Club has organized and will be holding its annual Christmas celebration tonight. PCC Business Club is one of the first clubs organized for the College's employees. Since the early 1990s, it has been actively recruiting members from the College. Business Club organizes a yearly Christmas party to celebrate, not only the holiday season, but also their hard work and accomplishments for the year. It is also an opportunity for the members to invite former members and come together and strengthen ties once more before the new year.

Calvo's Insurance Now 100% Covered

PCC Faculty Senate Association
Completes Mission Statement


Mission Statement Writing Team (l-r): Elizabeth De Jong; Johvanna Yaoch; Karen Miovas; Maurine Alexander; and Midori Mersai.

The PCC Faculty Senate Association is pleased to announce the completion of its statement of mission. This accomplishment is a remarkable one as the association has existed for decades without a statement of mission to help provide the association with focused goals and objectives. The process through which the mission statement was written was a challenge because it required the participation of all the members of the association in order that each individual member gained ownership to the mission statement. The PCC Faculty Senate Association wishes to express its gratitude to these members of the Mission Statement Writing Team who managed to produce the mission statement despite their overwhelming workloads: Elizabeth de Jong (Drafting Instructor) Johvanna Yaoch (IT Instructor), Karen Miovas (English Instructor), Maurine Alexander (Academic Advisor/counselor), and Midori Mersai (English Instructor). It is with much pride that the PCC Faculty Senate presents its statement of mission:

" The Palau Community College Faculty Senate Association consists of fulltime instructors and counselors dedicated to fostering diversity, integrity, and respect.  We are committed to providing quality services to help people realize their potential in line with PCC' s goals, objectives, and mission.  We promote excellence in personal development for success within the college and the local and global communities".

During a meeting with representatives from Calvo's Insurance on Thursday, December 6th, PCC employees were exhilarated that the insurance coverage has increased from 80% to 100% for the coming year. This means that Hospitalization & Inpatient Benefits; Physician Care & Outpatient Benefits; Prescription Drugs (only in Palau and the Philippines); and Annual Exams coverages will be 100% covered at the participating providers such as the Belau National Hospital, Belau Medical Clinic, Family Surgical Clinic, Pacific Family Medical Supply and a variety of other hospitals/clinics in the Philippines, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and the U.S. mainland. Enrollment forms are still available so, if any PCC employee wants insurance coverage, please stop by PCC Human resources office and pick up an

application. Please complete and submit the forms to Karen of Human Resource office by December 31st.


Calvo's Insurance representatives briefing the details of the new Calvo's Select Care Health Plan to PCC employees last Thursday.
 

27 Participants Complete Mandarin Classes

Growing in popularity, the sixth Mandarin Basic I class and the first Mandarin Basic II classes, taught by Wenling Su, concluded last week Thursday, December 6th with twenty-seven (27) participants, seven (7) from the Basic II class and twenty (20) from the Basic I class. In the previous 5th Mandarin class, only twelve participants had completed and received their certificates.

For over a period of nearly three months, the following participants from Basic I finally received their certificates of completion: Henciano Basilio; Lorna V. Castaneto; Elena V. Dancel; Marchelle Lynne V. Dancel; Loralie S. Dimapilis; Mila S. Esmeralda; Noriko Y. Iechad; Rolando Martinez Jr.; Anette R. Niango; OEve O. Idip; Dolly Onglatco; Juvelyn Samontino; Zenaida E. Tan; Maria Leonora B. Victoria; Hannah Grale Agonoy; Marcenia Antonio; Maria Cristina Hinosa; Marina D. Orboc; Marivic Tayag; and Emmy Ymesei. From Basic II class are: Yolanda Perez Gilhang; Sherlyn G. Tan; Dennis R. Gonzales; Samuel F. Surilla Jr.; Remrel T. Dizon; Aurea A. Gerundio; and Princesita C. Mateo. Present to congratulate the participants were Dean Willy Wally who gave the opening remarks and Vice President Jay Olegeriil who awarded the Certificates of Completion. The Mandarin classes were sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in association with PCC-Continuing Education (CE) office.

Wenling Su will be teaching Mandarin classes again from January of next year so, if you are interested or want more information, please contact Taruu Nakamura or Leona Blaluk at PCC-CE office at 488-6223 or 488-2470/2471.

BITS AND PIECES...

DONATION

College Donates to K.E.S Food Drive...

Representing Palau Community College, Wiles Tmecherur (back left) hands over the College's donation of a $100 dollar gift certificate to Koror Elementary School's Principal, Andrew Tabelual (back right), Teacher Epsie West (r), and the students during their food drive on Wednesday in front of Midtown Mobil Gas Station.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Attention Fall 2007 Graduating Students...

In line with the ongoing Graduating Student Exit Survey, we would like to request the Fall 2007 graduating students listed below to fill up the assessment form at the Development office on or before 19th day of December. As a graduating student, your evaluation is very important to PCC.

Fall 2007 Graduating Students

Emesiochl, Shinoyumi L.
Ewatel, Pasquana
Guramtin, Julie
Kumangai, Dodger
Laagmay, Clara
Layan, Mary
Maag, Elizabeth F.
Miteg, Josephine
Moya, Mason
Ngiralbong, Carter
Ngiramengior, Lantz D.
Piyemal, Paul J.
Remengesau, Shelley
Sulog, Liyon
Tman, Jennifer M.
Ucherkemur, Annette
Yeh, Tan B.

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semester, it may be recommended to replace the internship training or be offered as an option in addition to the internship training. Service learning offer students an education in a collaborative learning environment; prepare students for life, work, and service; encourage students' development of moral character and

personal competencies, and the commitment to build a just and peaceful society; and offer students an opportunity to apply what they've learned in the classroom in a real work setting.

For more information about the Service Learning training, please contact Vincent Ito at the Academic Affairs office at 488-2470/2471.

PCC FSA Holds Successful Celebration Dinner
By: PCC Faculty Senate Association


President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei (c) with the FSA officers and Jade Kloulechad (r), a former employee of the Academic Affairs office.

The PCC Faculty Senate Association (FSA) had its Celebration Dinner on December 7th at the Landmark Marina Hotel where they were treated to the famous Brazilian barbecue in the fine elegance of the Dockside Restaurant. Major accomplishments that were celebrated by the members of the association included the creation of the association logo, amendment of their 15-year old by-laws, non-profit status, and the development of the association's mission statement. Rewards were also presented to some faculty members whose participation/ contribution helped the association achieve important milestones. The award recipients were Samantha Bells, Jerry Taroy, Elizabeth de Jong, Robert Ramarui, Lester Rekemesik, Maurine Alexander, Natalia Rekemesik, Johvanna Yaoch and Karen Miovas. The occasion also recognized the important contributions of a few members of the faculty who are retiring/resigning from PCC which include Eugene Uehara, Frutoso Tellei, and Karen Miovas. The association members had invited and were honored with the presence of the college president, Dr. Patrick Tellei and key college officials who joined in the celebration. Everyone at the party delighted in the scrumptious barbecue, raffle drawings,

games, and entertainment from the more musically-inclined members of the faculty.

The PCC Faculty Senate Association wishes to thank the following individuals for their generous donations which contributed to the success of the association's Celebration Dinner at the Landmark Marina Hotel last Friday. The association also thanks all the members and guests whose presence made the occasion a lot merrier. A very special thank you goes to Adora Nobuo-Andreas and the FSA choir for the wonderful entertainment:

FSA President Sukrad- $101.55.00 +
in-kind donations
PCC President Tellei- $50.00 + in-kind donations
FSA Treasurer Garcia- $30.00 + in-kind donations
Dean Edward- $20.00
Director Olikong- $20.00
Frutoso Tellei- $20.00
Don Hanser- $20.00
Natalia Rekemesik- $10.00
Director Rechebei- $10.00
Director Mangham- $8.00
Director Belelai- $5.00
Director Debelbot- $5.00
Dean Timarong- in-kind donations
FSA Secretary Miovas- in-kind donations
Health Resource Center- in-kind donations
Palau Community College- in-kind donations
PCC Tourism & Hospitality Club- in-kind donations
Vice President Olegeriil- in-kind donations
Valentina Sukrad- in-kind donations

(See more pictures from the PCC FSA
Celebration Dinner on the back page)

          ALUMNI NOTES:

Class of 2000 (PCC)
Mesiwal Madlutk - 2000 PCC graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Nursing (NU). Madlutk works at the Ministry of Health (MOH) as a School Nurse. She has been working as a School Nurse for the past 2 years but has worked at the MOH for a total of 12 years.

Class of 1996 (PCC)
Gwyn Temol - 1996 PCC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in General Office Clerk (GOC). Temol works at the Koror State Government- Rangers Office as a Ranger. He has been working there for the past 8 months.

Class of 1972 (MOC)
Ngirngesis Ngirachelsau -
1972 MOC graduate with a Vocational Certificate of Achievement (VCA) in Masonry (MAS). Ngirachelsau works at Palau High School as a Security Officer and has been working there for the past 6 years.

Alumni Notes showcases MOC/PCC alumni who contribute to the quality of life in their local community and are postive role models for other PCC students to emulate. If you are that alumni or know someone who is, please contact the PCC Development Office at telephone number 488-2471. We would like to feature you in future issues of the Mesekiu's News.

Previous Mesekiu Issues:

December 7, 2007
November 30, 2007
November 16, 2007
November 9, 2007
November 2, 2007
October 26, 2007
October 19, 2007
October 12, 2007
October 5, 2007
September 28, 2007
September 21, 2007
September 14, 2007
September 7, 2007
August 31, 2007
August 24, 2007
August 17, 2007
August 10, 2007
August 3, 2007
July 27, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 13, 2007
July 6, 2007
June 29, 2007
June 22, 2007
June 15, 2007
June 8, 2007
June 1, 2007

More Show Support
to Endowment
Fund

             
           Jerry Taroy               Mason Ngiramolau
             
      Arbedul Koshiba             Murais Sebangiol
             
    Dawckins Dingelius                Joel Yabes

Jerry Taroy, Mason Ngiramolau, Arbedul Koshiba, Murais Sebangiol, Dawckins Dingelius, and Joel Yabes of PCC are the newest members of the Endowment Fund. PCC welcomes the new supporters of the Endowment Fund and invites others who have not signed up to show their support as well. For more information about the PCC Endowment Fund, please contact Hulda, Dilubch, or Koyungil at the Development office at 488- 2470 ext. 253.

ACG Grant Available to U.S. Citizens Attending PCC

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) is federal program grant that do not need to be repaid. In order to meet the eligibility requirements, a student must be:

1. U.S. Citizen Only Eligible Non-Citizens are not eligible for ACG Grant
2. Federal Pell Grant Recipient During Same Payment Period (or In Same Award Year)
3. Full-time Enrollment Only for Payment Period
4. Enrolled in Degree Program
5. Have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study:
a. 4 years of English
b. 3 years of Math including Algebra I and a higher level class such as Algebra II, Geometry, or data analysis and statistics. c. 3 years of Science, including one year each of at least 2 of the following courses: biology, chemistry, & physics.
d. 3 years of Social Studies
e. 1 year of Foreign Language

Note: To qualify for 2nd year ACG grant, a student must have a CGPA of at least 3.0 & earn at least 24 credits as of the end of 1st academic year. Award amounts:
1
st Academic Year $750
2
nd Academic Year $1,300

For more information, please contact Director Dahlia Katosang at the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid at 488-2470/2471.

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PCC officials enjoying the celebration dinner hosted by the Faculty Senate Association last Friday at Landmark Marina Hotel.

Celebrating Birthdays

Armstrong Debelbot      December 18
Miriam Kual           
       December 20
     
      
 Happy Birthday To You!