Palau Community College

MESEKIU'S

NEWS

Friday, May 23, 2008                                    Weekly Newsletter                                       Volume 10, Issue 21

45th Commencement Exercises Today
Over a Hundred to Graduate

Annette Ucherkemur,
Class of 2008 Valedictorian

The Palau Community College (PCC) holds its 45^th Commencement Exercises at the College Cafétorium today at 10:00 a.m. Eighty-two (82) out of the one hundred twenty (120) PCC graduates will participate in today's graduation ceremonies. Joining them are seventeen (17) graduates of the PCC Adult High School who will also be receiving their high school equivalency diplomas. Others who will be marching with the PCC and Adult High School students are six (6) students of the MOH Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Counseling Program; and twenty-two (22) graduates of the San Diego State University Master's program. Overall, the total number of graduates is one hundred sixty-five (165). Today's ceremony will also bear witness to the first thirteen (13) graduates of the PCC Early Childhood Education cohort program in Yap State.

Ucherkemur is Valedictorian
The valedictorian for the PCC graduating class of 2008 is Annette Ucherkemur. This distinction indicates that among her graduating class, she attained the highest academic achievements. Ucherkemur, who will be receiving her Associate of Science (AS) degree in Education- Elementary Education (EDEE), will be delivering her the valedictory message to

the graduating class and the gathering at today's ceremony. Ucherkemur who is an educator at Peleliu Elementary School was able to graduate with the top honor while maintaining a full time teaching position.

Remengesau Receives Outstanding Citizenship Award
In addition to the Valedictory award, the other coveted award at each commence-ment exercises is the Outstanding

Shelley D. Remengesau, Outstanding Citizenship Award Recipient.

Citizenship Award. This award goes to a graduate based on his/her academic

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PCC Congratulates Class of 2008

Palau Community College Board of Trustees, President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei along with faculty and staff of the college are proud to convey their heartfelt congratulations to all PCC graduates, including the first ever graduates of Early Childhood Education cohort program from Yap State Head Start program, graduates of Adult High School, graduates of Master Degree Program from San Diego State University, and graduates of Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Counseling under the collaboration of Ministry of Health and Palau Community College. This is a memorable occasion for you as it marks one of the successful achievements in your life brought on by hard work, dedication and perseverance. The college is proud to be part of your successful achievement and wishes you all the best in your future career endeavor as you move on in your life.

The college also wishes to extend its congratulations to all the graduates from Belau Modekngei School, Bethania High School, Emmaus High School, Mindszenty High School, Palau High School, and Palau Mission Academy. The college also wishes to extend its congratulations to all Palauan students who are graduating from high schools and colleges outside of the Republic of Palau. As the only accredited institution of higher learning here in the Republic of Palau, Palau Community College is willing and eager to take on the challenge in serving you, especially the high school graduates, for the first two years of your post secondary education. Once again, congratulations.

(Continued from front page)
achievements, and just as important, also his/her outstanding participation and conduct in all facets of campus life. It also takes into account the students' services, contributions to the welfare of fellow students, and participation in recreational, social, and student government activities.

This year's recipient of the Outstanding Citizenship Award is Shelley D. Remengesau. Remengesau is graduating with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Environmental/Marine Science. This is a second degree for her as she also graduated last year with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Education- Secondary Education.

Twenty-four Receive
Outstanding Students Award
The Outstanding Student Award goes to the members of the graduating class who have demonstrated high academic

achievements, outstanding attitudes both inside and outside the classroom, self-motivation, and the desire to succeed in their chosen fields during their entire study at the College. This year, the College is proud to bestow this honor to twenty-four (24) members of the graduating class of 2008. They are: Laramy Adachi; Pioria W. Asito; Pasquana Ewatel; Dileah Faungy; Sahar K. Hanser; Janee E. Kloulechad; Eric H. Kloulubak; Clara Laagmay; Mary Layan; Del E. Mad; Josephine Miteg; Victoria Nestor; Lantz D. Ngiramengior; Sashia R. Ngirmang; Delina Remengesau; Shelley D. Remengesau; Cindy E. Rivera; Liyon Sulog; Louann Sungino; Hideky Takataro; and Dominic Temarsel; Pejay Togolmaiu; Annette Ucherkemur; and Tan B. Yeh.

College Welcomes
New Instructor

Maria Joseph, new SSS-Project Beacon staff.

In order for PCC to maintain the quality of its services, it hires only the best talent in Palau. The College recently hired Maria Joseph to be the new Student Support Services (SSS)- Project Beacon Math instructor. Joseph, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from San Jose State University, worked at the GEAR-UP program with the Ministry of Education as a Program specialist.

The College is proud to have Joseph join the PCC team and welcomes her aboard!

Mesekiu Baseball to Retire Kyota's Number #13 Today

The 2008 Palau Major League Champion PCC Mesekiu Baseball will pay tribute to the late Felix Kyota, one of the pioneer members of the Mesekiu Baseball Team when it first organized in early 2000. Kyota, a more experienced player among his peers served a multi-role as coach/player and is credited for helping establish the team's successful training regiment. In recognition of his remarkable contribution, the College will retire his #13 uniform to the rafters of the PCC Cafétorium during today's commencement ceremonies.

Mesekiu Baseball players (front): Lantz D. Ngiramengior. (Standing back): Alexius O. Yalap, Melngis Uchel, Ty Saiske, Jack M. Antonio, and Sureor Ngirailemesang.

SDSU to Recognize President Tellei

During today's ceremony, special recognition will be accorded to PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei for his role in making the San Diego State University (SDSU)- Palau Community College on-line degree program a reality and a success. Upon assuming the presidency at the College in 1999, Tellei made it one of his highest priorities to help establish a program in Palau that will help PCC as well as Palau's Ministry of Education teachers obtain their bachelor and master degrees. Within the same year, President Tellei traveled to California to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with San Diego State University which essentially

formalized the beginning of the on-line degree program between the two institutions. Since then, the program which is tailored to offer courses in the field of Education at both bachelor and master's level has seen four receive their bachelor's degree and nineteen (19) their master's. During today's ceremony, twenty-two (22) more will be receiving their master's degrees from SDSU. Dr. Steven Spencer of San Diego State University will present Tellei with the plaque of appreciation in recognition of his effort and leadership that has made the SDSU-PCC online program a huge success.

Vergara Proud Parent of CPA Graduate

Roger Vergara, a PCC employee of 25 years, is the proud parent of Vanessa Vergara who recently passed the arduous Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Exam in the Philippines. Born and raised in Palau, Vanessa did her schooling in Palau and graduated from Mindszenty High School (MHS) with the Cardinal Award, the highest award given by MHS. She then pursued her education in accounting abroad at

the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. Vergara and his wife will be traveling to the Philippines later this month to witness their daughter's graduation ceremony. Congratulations to the Vergara family!

BITS AND PIECES...

2008 Graduation Schedule...

Today, May 23rd- Palau Community College 45th Commencement Exercises from 10 a.m. at the PCC Cafeteria.

May 24th- Belau Modekngei School Graduation from 10 a.m. at Belau Modekngei School.

May 25th- Palau Mission Academy Graduation from 2:08 p.m. at Ngarachamayong Cultural Center.

May 28th- Emmaus High School Graduation from 9 a.m. at the Koror Evangelical Church.

May 29th- Palau High School
Graduation from 3 p.m. at the Palau National Track & Field.

May 31st- Mindszenty High School Graduation from 9 a.m at the Felix Yaoch Gymnasium.

CE Offers New Course...

Palau Community College, in collaboration with two Palau volunteer attorneys, Ms. Carmen Corbin, Court Counsel for the Supreme Court of Palau, and Co-founder of Constitutional Literacy International, and Rachel Dimitruk, an attorney in private practice, will be offering a complimentary course on the Constitution and your Rights every Wednesday night from 6pm to 8pm. Other attorneys and members of the Palau Bar Association will be coming in as guest speakers throughout the program. The course is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2008, and ends on July 30, 2008. If you would like to learn more about our constitution and your rights, please call Taruu or Leona at PCC Continuing Education office at 488-6223 to register. Class is limited to 25 participants.

Report Card Reminder...

PCC students can pick up their report cards for spring semester anytime between 8am-5pm (except lunch time) at the Registrar's office starting next Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

Palau Community College
45th Commencement Exercises
"Faces in the Crowd"

Twenty-two (22) students from the San Diego State University (SDSU) Masters cohort will be receiving their degrees today from Dr. Steve Spencer of SDSU. The group of graduates are comprised of College faculty and staff; educators from both the private and public schools; and business entrepreneurs.

Instructor Jemmy Blelai (standing right) with some of the Yap Early Childhood Education program graduates.

(l-r) Alton B. Samsel, Malsol Nobuo, Sashia R. Ngirmang, Jonnie Ngeluk, and Eric H. Kloulubak will be receiving their Associate of Science degrees in Criminal Justice.

Graduates of the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, and School of Technical Education.

Graduates of the MOH Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Counseling (l-r): Katerry Faustino; Valerie Ikesakes; and Maria Joseph.

Amanda Umang (l), Adult High School recipient of the Academic Excellence Award, with her fellow graduates during one of the graduation rehearsals.

(l-r): Michelle Blesam, Husayn Beketaut, Dawnette Olsudong, and Zilah Oiterong during the rehearsals.

AHS Awards Top 2 Graduates

Congratulations to the following Adult High School graduates who were selected to receive their respective awards.

Amanda Umang receives the Academic Excellence Award. This award is given to the student who maintained the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).

Geneross Sangalang receives the Exemplary Student Award for maintaining high academic standards with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 or above, exhibiting exemplary behavior and quality of work on and off-campus.

          ALUMNI NOTES:

Class of 1982 (MOC)
Governor Wilson Ongos- 1982 MOC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in Small Engine & Outboard Marine Technology (SEOMT). Ongos was a National Public Works employee working at the Ngaremlengui State Water system before winning the state election last year. He is now the Governor of Ngaremlengui State.

Class of 1972 (MOC)
Smith Siabang - 1972 PCC graduate with a Vocational Certificate of Achievement (VCA) in Plumbing (PL). Siabang works at the Ministry of Resources & Development- Bureau of Public Works as the Chief of the Division of Facilities and Maintenance. He has been with the Ministry for nearly three decades.

Class of 2000 & 1997 (PCC)
Losii Samsel- 2000 PCC graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Office Administration (OA) and a 1997 graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Business Accounting (BEA). Samsel is an Epidemiology Specialist at the Ministry of Health- Division of Environmental Health.

Class of 1981 (MOC)
Jane Benge Mereb - 1971 MOC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in General Office Clerk. Mereb works at Surangel & Sons Company as a Customer Service Desk Clerk. She has been working there for the past 2 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:

May 16, 2008
May 9, 2008
May 2, 2008
April 25, 2008
April 18, 2008
April 11, 2008
April 4, 2008
March 28, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 14, 2008
March 7, 2008
February 29, 2008
February 22, 2008
February 15, 2008
February 8, 2008
February 1, 2008
January 25, 2008
January 18, 2008
January 11, 2008
January 4, 2008
December 28, 2007
December 21, 2007
December 14, 2007
December 7, 2007
November 30, 2007
November 16, 2007
November 9, 2007
November 2, 2007

Alumni to Present Awards

Governor Wilson Ongos, featured top in the Alumni Notes section, will represent the President of the MOC/PCC Alumni Association as one of the honored guests at today's ceremony. The other two alumni, Losii Samsel and Smith Siabang have the honor of presenting the association's award to PCC student recipients.

Did You Know...
PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei is an alumnus of the College. He graduated in 1980 majoring in Carpentry. He began his career as a carpenter with Palau's Bureau of Public Works before going abroad to pursue his professional educational career. He returned to Palau in 1999 to become the first alumnus to serve as President of the College.

A Successful Alumni

Laureen Joseph, PCC alumni

A 2004 PCC alumni, Laureen Joseph is one of the many graduates of the College who works hard to reach her professional career goals. Last year, after attaining her Master's degree in Accounting from The Ohio State University, Joseph was hired to join the top auditing firm in the world, Price Waterhouse Coopers. She's been with the firm as an Audit Associate for nearly a year.

Celebrating Birthdays

     Sharleene Skebong           May 23
 
       Happy Birthday To You!