CUC’ Iglecias gets educational fellowship award

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has named its water and wastewater manager Mariano Iglecias as the first-ever recipient of its educational fellowship award that will entitle the official to pursue a degree while working for the utilities corporation.

The fellowship, funded by an Environmental Protection Agency state revolving fund grant, will pay for Iglecias’ tuition, books, living stipend, travel expenses, and a portion of his regular salary for three years while studying.

Total funding grant is estimated at $168,400 over the period of the fellowship. The criteria for the award includes a commitment to sustained employment upon completion of an engineering degree program, demonstrated working performance, U.S. citizenship, CNMI residency, and possession of an in-depth knowledge of the CUC water and wastewater systems.

“I have been working at CUC for over 19 years. I am very grateful for this opportunity. It will be a challenge, but it is a challenge that I am willing to take on because in the end it will be beneficial not just for CUC and me, but for the people of the CNMI as I will be returning in three years with more knowledge in my field and the ability to help better the corporation even more,” said Iglecias.

CUC has experienced difficulty recruiting and retaining a sufficient number of licensed technical and professional engineering employees. The ability to recruit and retain these positions is a factor in the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the utility as well as in developing the future leadership needed to operate a sustainable utility business.

According to CUC deputy executive director Alan Fletcher, CUC is taking an active role in the training of its future leaders. He described the fellowship program as a win-win situation for CUC, Iglecias, and the CNMI.

“Thanks to the EPA grant, Mr. Iglecias, who has long desired to complete his professional training, will be given that opportunity and in return, CUC will benefit for many years from the advanced training and leadership skills he gains,” said Fletcher.

He said the fellowship is one tool for CUC to further develop the professional-level skills of employees. It particularly targets individuals with inherent knowledge of CUC’s water and wastewater system, that have strong ties to the community, and are committed to the long-term economic and public health of CUC and the CNMI.