Palau Community College (PCC) celebrated its 51st Commencement Exercises last Friday, May 23, 2014.  The ceremony was held at the PCC Cafeteria – Belochel Building and recognized the academic achievements of ninety-six (96) graduates: seventy-seven (77) PCC Graduates including summer candidates, seventeen (17) PCC Adult High School Graduates, and two (2) from the Palau Community College/Ministry of Health Substance Abuse & Treatment Counseling Program.

The ceremony began with the marching in of graduates and officiators.  Father Rusk Saburo of the Catholic Mission Church gave the benediction and was followed by the welcoming remarks of PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei.  President Tellei welcomed everyone and recognized honored guests which included government officials from the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch.  Student Trustee Dizzette U. Dolmers introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Yimnang Golbuu.

Dr. Golbuu is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).  He is the first Palauan scientist to receive a doctorate in marine science.  In his speech, Dr. Golbuu reflected on his time spent as an instructor for Palau High School (PHS) and as a researcher for the PCC Cooperative Research & Extension (CRE) Department.

Through his personal experiences, Dr. Golbuu advised the students to study subjects that are in their range of interests.  That simple curiosity in a subject will transform into passion which will motivate them and fuel productiveness in their lives.  He also advised the students to apply their best effort in whatever they choose to do, especially when the days begin to feel routine.  In the end, he reminded each graduate to remember where they began and to contribute to their communities in any way possible.

A copy Dr. Golbuu’s entire Commencement Address can be found here.

Nursing Program graduate Emily V. Loughin was given the honor of valedictorian.  In her valedictory address, Ms. Loughlin congratulated her fellow graduates for their achievements at PCC.  She encouraged the graduates to seize all the opportunities in life and to be thankful for all the support offered along the way.

The recognition of honors and awarding of degrees followed the speeches.  PCC Adult High School graduate Telei Javis Marcil was presented with the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.  His fellow Adult High School graduates Allen Ngiralmau and Marcelino Augustine were given the Exemplary Student Awards.

The Outstanding Student Awards were presented to Emily V. Loughlin, Desiiu D. C. Ngirkelau, Leolin N. Tellei, Daphne J. Nestor, Kerufin Tolngii, Ucheliou A. Filbert, Kornelia I. Thomas, Valeria William, Nicole C. K. Adachi, and Joseph Anastacio.  Mr. Anastacio is also the recipient of the Outstanding Citizenship Award.

The Micronesian Occupational College/Palau Community College Alumni Association also presented awards to the graduates for the best grade point average (GPA) and best effort.  The MOC/PCC Alumni Award for Best GPA was presented to Kyah M. Remeliik, Emily V. Loughlin, Kamrul Zaman, Nicole C. K. Adachi, Kerufin Tolngii, Desiiu D. C. Ngirkelau, and Joseph Anastacio.

The MOC/PCC Alumni Award for Best Effort was awarded to Shari Megreos, Elaine G. Arurang, Adria I. Demei, Joshua J. Mongkeya, Sixtus Makalul, Kordonvan S. Olkeriil, Joseph Anastacio, Arson Fangloreg, and Fabio Siksei.  The Nursing Program graduates were led in their recitation of the Nightingale’s Pledge by retired nurse Brenda R. Ngirmeriil.

Recognized for their membership in the Beta Zeta Chapter – Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society among the graduating class were Leolin N. Tellei, Ucheliou A. Filbert, Kaya M. Solomon, Kornelia I. Thomas, Emily V. Loughlin, Mariah U. Lund, Ciara E. Haruo, Dilmeang Ishim, Nicole C. K. Adachi, Joseph Anastacio, K-La R. Shiro, and Judgewin Daniel.

After the ceremony concluded, President Tellei announced that the President of the Republic of Palau Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. signed into law RPPL 9-22 (The Skilled Palauan Workforce Act).  President Tellei then certified the graduates of the PCC vocational programs in accordance with the stature.

Congratulations to all the Graduates of 2014 and best wishes to you in whatever paths you choose!