Palau Community College holds 51st Commencement Exercises

Palau Community College held its 51st Commencement Exercises on May 23, 2014. In attendance were a number of honored guests as well as proud families and friends. A total of 96 graduates were recognized for their academic achievements: 77 PCC graduates, 17 PCC Adult High School graduates, and two graduates of the Palau Community College – Ministry of Health Substance & Abuse Treatment Counseling Program.

The officiators of the ceremony were High Chief Ibedul Yutaka M. Gibbons, Palau’s Minister of State Billy G. Kuartei (also the vice chair of the PCC board of trustees), Palau’s Minister of Education Sinton Soalablai, Palau’s Minister of Health Gregorio Ngirmang, Fr. Rusk Saburo of the Palau Catholic Mission Church, and Ngeremlengui State Governor Wilson Ongos. PCC board of trustees chair Masa-Aki N. Emesiochl, PCC student trustee Dizzette U. Dolmers, and PCC board members Jemmy Blelai and Dr. Emais Roberts also officiated, along with PCC president Dr. Patrick U. Tellei and PCC dean of Academic Affairs Robert Ramarui.

The event’s keynote speaker was Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, CEO of the Palau International Coral Reef Center and the first Palauan to receive a doctorate in marine science. He is a former instructor of Palau High School and a former researcher for the Cooperative Research & Extension Department of Palau Community College.
Graduate Emily V. Loughin was the valedictorian of this year. Loughlin graduated with an associate of applied science degree in Nursing.

The recognition of honors and the 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, Valerie William, Nicole C. K. Adachi, and Joseph Anastacio.

Anastacio was 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 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.

Following the certification, acceptance, and conferring of degrees/certificates PCC president Tellei certified the graduates of the PCC vocational programs. (PCC)