Palau Community College

MESEKIU'S

NEWS

Friday, May 30, 2008                                    Weekly Newsletter                                       Volume 10, Issue 22

Palau Community College
45th Commencement Exercises Highlights

Australian Ambassador/Consul-General Pays Courtesy Visit

H.E. Susan Cox OAM (l), who is the Ambassador of Australia to the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and also the Consul-General of Australia to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, paid a courtesy visit to President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei earlier this week. During her visit, H.E. Cox and Tellei discussed among other things, PCC's joint effort with Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC), and the continuous support from AUSAID to the students of Palau.

 Monday, Holiday!

June 1st is President's Day and a national holiday observed by all public offices including Palau Community College. Because it falls on a Sunday this year, Monday, June 2nd, 2008 will be observed as the official holiday. All PCC offices will be closed and only essential services will be provided during that day.


Dr. Stevenson Kuartei was the commencement speaker at Palau Community College's 45th Commencement Exercises held last Friday, May 23rd. (Photo by Danka Ledgerwood)


Honorable Vice President Elias Camsek Chin (r) presents the top award to PCC Class of 2008 Valedictorian Annette Ucherkemur. Ucherkemur graduated with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Education-Elementary Education (EDEE).
               (See more pictures on page 3)

Graduation Honored Guests Meet with
President Tellei

(l-r): San Diego State University (SDSU) Masters recent graduate Sherman Daniel; Dr. Mike Caldwell; Yap State Senator Henry Falan; President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei; and Dr. Steve Spencer posing for a group photo after the graduation ceremonies last Friday. Dr. Caldwell is the Distance Education instructor, traveling between the Micronesian islands to help institutions with their distance learning programs. Senator Falan accompanied the Early Childhood Education cohort graduates from Yap State to attend the graduation and presented degrees to the graduates of the School of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Spencer presented the SDSU Masters degrees and the plaque of appreciation to President Tellei for his effort and leadership in establishing the PCC-SDSU online program.

President Tellei Addresses PHS Class of 2008


President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei was the commencement speaker for the Palau High School (PHS) Graduating Class of 2008. Tellei delivered his address to over a hundred graduates during yesterday's ceremonies at the Palau National Track & Field. This is the second time Tellei addresses a PHS graduating class. The first being in 2000. Last year, he was invited by Palau Mission Academy (PMA), and his alma maters of Mindszenty High School (MHS) and Palau Community College (PCC) to speak at the three school's graduation. It was also Tellei's first time to address PCC and PMA graduates and his second for MHS.

UBMS Alumni Recipient of UOG Award

Alicia Borja, a former Palau Community College-Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) participant, was awarded the 2007 SEOTY Student Employee of the Year Award last month on April 16th. Because of her exemplary performance, Borja was chosen among eight other student nominees from the University of Guam. To qualify for this award, a student worker must be nominated by his/her supervisor, and is judged by the following criteria: reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and uniqueness of contribution, among other requirements. Borja graduated from Palau High School in May of 2005 and is currently enrolled in the University of Guam studying Business Administration and Economics. She is expected to receive her degrees in both fields at the end of this year. While attending school, Borja works at the University's Admissions and Records office. She is the daughter of Sebastiana and Theodoro Borja, who is the Palau High School Principal.

PCC to Offer Summer 2008 Teachers Academy

Palau Community College (PCC) is again preparing to host a Summer Teachers' Academy for 25 days this coming summer. The purpose of the academy is for beginning or aspiring teachers who are high school graduates or current teachers who need refresher training.

Topics to be covered include:
• Introduction to Teaching
• Classroom Management
• Teaching Methodologies/Strategies
• Tests and Managements/Evaluation
• Lesson Planning & Presentation

The academy is set to begin on June 23rd, 2008 and will end on July 25th, 2008. The cost of the program is ONLY $420.00. Courses will be conducted daily from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Additional time will be arranged if holidays are observed.

For more information or to enroll in the program, please contact Associate Dean Sherman Daniel at PCC OMIP office at 488-2470/2471 ext. 254. You can also fax to 488-2447 or email him at shermand1961@yahoo.com.
 

2nd Graduating Student
Exit Survey Conducted

The Institutional Research- Development Office of Palau Community College (PCC) administered a one page survey to all PCC graduating students for academic year 2007-2008. This is the second year that the College conducted the survey. About 79 graduating students participated in the survey last week at the PCC cafeteria headed by the Institutional Research Analyst and Assessment Consultant Niño "ONZ" Pate. This survey collects information from graduating students to help the College identify areas of improvement and assess the effectiveness of programs and services. Thank you graduates for your cooperation and congratulations!

CE Offering Programs for the Summer

Palau Community College (PCC) Continuing Education (CE) office would like to announce that they are offering the Summer Kids program as well as a course on the Constitution and your Rights this summer.

The Summer Kids program will include:
English Reading (3rd 8th Grade)
English Writing (3rd 8th Grade)
Palauan Writing (3rd 8th Grade)
Palauan Reading (3rd- 8th Grade)
Art Class (3rd- 8th Grade)
Keyboarding (5th- 8th Grade)
Math (3rd- 8th Grade)
Marine Science Class (5th & 8th Grade)

The classes are designed to provide educational activities for students, enhance their abilities to improve in the subject areas, and foster new skills. Classes will begin on June 9, 2008 and will end on July 4th, 2008. Last day to register is June 6, 2008.

Classes are on a first come first serve basis. Maximum number of students for each class is 25. PCC, 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 also 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 end on July 30, 2008.

If anyone is interested or want to know more information about these summer programs, please call Taruu Nakamura or Leona Blaluk at CE office at 488-2470/6223. Remember, the Summer Kids program availability is limited to twenty-five (25) per class so, register your kids soon to ensure their spot.

BITS AND PIECES...

Former CRE Staff Now with
US DOD...

Byron Tellei

Byron Tellei, a former Cooperative Research & Extension Aquaculturist Technician, is now employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the United States Department of Defense (DOD) in the US Mid-West. Congratulations and best wishes from your PCC family!

Yano & Sons Market Donates...
On behalf of the College cafeteria staff and the dormitory residents, the College thanks Yano & Sons Market yet again for donating 150 pounds of cucumber. Yano & Sons Market continuously contributes to the well-being of the students and we at the College are grateful for their support.

Japan Scholarship Deadline Today...
Applications for the Japanese Scholarships are due today to the Embassy of Japan on the grounds of Palau Pacific Resort.


Graduates of the Education- Early Childhood and Elementary Education programs.


Seventeen (17) graduates of Adult High School. Two graduates, Amanda Umang received the Academic Excellence Award while Geneross Sangalang received the Exemplary Student Award.


President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei (l) receives a plaque from Dr. Steve Spencer of SDSU symbolizing the partnership between SDSU and Palau Community College.


Twenty-two (22) graduates of the San Diego State University (SDSU) Masters program with Dr. Steve Spencer (r) of SDSU.

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

Family and loved ones of the graduates as well as the PCC faculty and staff crowd the cafeteria to witness the commencement exercises last Friday.

Dawnette OIsudong (r), Zilah Oiterong (2nd from right), Janee Kloulechad (l) and Terra Temong (back left) are joined by their friends for a group photo after the ceremonies. (Photo by Danka Ledgerwood)

The PCC Mesekiu Baseball team paid tribute to the late Felix Kyota by retiring his #13 uniform (banner shown upper left) at the ceremonies. Kyota was not only a coach, but also a player for the College's Mesekiu Baseball team when it first organized in 2001.

          ALUMNI NOTES:

Class of 2003 & 2001 (PCC)
Hartman Ybelmar - 2003 PCC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in Agricultural Science (AGS) and a 2001 graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in Small Engine & Outboard Marine Technology (SE). Ybelmar, who is from Yap State, works at the Taiwan Technical Mission as an Agriculture Specialist. He has been working there for the past 5 years.

Class of 1999 (PCC)
 Eileen Babauta - 1999 PCC graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Business Accounting (BEA). Babauta works at the Koror State Government- Solid Waste Management as an Administrative Officer. She has been working there for the past 2 years.

Class of 1977 (MOC)
Haruich Telmetang - 1977 MOC graduate with a Vocational Certificate of Achievement (VCA) in Agricultural Science (AGS). Telmetang is a Quarantine Officer 1 at the Ministry of Resources & Development- Bureau of Agriculture. He has been working there for the past 13 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 23, 2008
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

 PCC Acknowledges Kalei Luii's Great Contribution to                                    Mesekiu Baseball
 
Kneeling (l-r): Ty Saiske, Justin Udui, Kalei Luii, Dexter Sadang, Kaleb Meltel, Sohrab Jacob, Sureor Ngirailemesang.
Standing (l-r): Manager Todd Ngiramengior, Cleofas Iyar, Nelson Ngirairikl, Merei Ise, Gordy Norman, Gibson Paulino, Carl Mengidab, John Stills, Yoshi Okabe, Brandon Wilter, Dekei Ngiramengior, Misech Yuri, Etitel Mad, Coach Norman Sato.
Not pictured: Meriu Antonio, Melngis Uchel, Omsuul Yalap, Rekis Haruzi, Jayvan Emesiochel, Jason Monkeya, and Isimang Smus.
Inset: Kalei Luii.

Palau Community College extends sincere apologies to Mesekiu Baseball player Kalei Luii for not including his name in the team roster during the PCC 45th Commencement Exercises that was held on May 23, 2008. The action was an utter oversight and by no means whatsoever was it intentional, and we express utmost regret for the suffering this might have brought on Kalei, his mother Nona Luii and all of Kalei's family, friends, fans, teammates, classmates and anyone who knows Kalei.

One of the starting nine in the Mesekiu team line-up, Kalei is a star player for

the Mesekiu Baseball who is considered a "utility player", playing multiple key positions on defense (2nd base, Shortstop, Catcher, Pitcher). His clutch offense was vital in helping the Mesekiu Baseball win its first-ever Palau Major League Championship crown this year.

Once again, the College deeply apologizes to Kalei, his mom Nona Luii and everyone else, and looks forward to many more winning seasons with Kalei Luii and his Mesekiu teammates.

Palau Community College

Celebrating Birthdays

      Leonard Ngiramengior      June 04
 
       Happy Birthday To You!

 Wanted
1998 PCC Yearbook

PCC Development Office is looking to buy two (2)
1998 Palau Community College (PCC)
Yearbook.

Please contact Armstrong Debelbot at the PCC Development office at 488-2470/2471 ext. 250.