Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!

~Felis Pasgua (Chamorro)
~Maligayan Pasko (Tagalog)
~Peren en Krismas (Pohnpeian)
~Monono ilo raaneoan Nejin (Marshallese)
~Falang e Baynag (Yapese)
~Tok Tapeng (Kosraean)
~Ungil Kurismas (Palauan)
~Pwapwan Kirisimas (Chuukese)
~Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian)
~Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layi Luugh me raagh fee (Carolinian)

Congratulations Class of Fall 2012!

UOG celebrated the graduation of 224 students on December 16, 2012.  Enjoy the following UOG Commencement snapshots!

Fall 2012 Graduates

UOG Faculty during the Fall 2012 Commencement Exercise.

Dr. Dan Robertson, Dr. Lourdes Klitzkie, Dr. Larry Kasperbauer, and Father Ken Carriveau.

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie.

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Dr. Lourdes Klitzkie, and Dr. Susan McManus.

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Joann Diego,  Cathy Cardenas, and Dr. Susan McManus.

Pictured L-R:  Regent Marcos Fong, Norm Analista, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Ansito Walter, Dr. Salas-Walter, Dr. Susan McManus, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

SOE Recognition Ceremony Honors Graduates

SOE graduates were honored for all their hard work during a recognition ceremony held December 15, 2012 at the Marriott Resort and Spa.  Congratulations graduates, and may you continue to make a difference in the lives of Guam's children!

Pictured L-R:  Dr. Lourdes Ferrer, SOE Dean Frankie Santos Laanan, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Dr. Susan McManus.

SOE Alumni Officers Remain Status Quo

Congratulations to the SOE Alumni Association incumbents who retained their executive positions after the final votes were tallied from their annual election held Dec. 15 at the IRA Community Book Fair.

Pictured above L-R front row:  Graziella "Grace" Griffin, President; Margaret Beem, Vice President; and Martha Sudo, Secretary.  Back row L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster and Immediate Past President; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Public Information Officer; Rose Marie Cruz Castro, Treasurer; and Dr. Lourdes Klitzkie, Advisor.

Welcome Sandy Liberty!

Sandy Liberty

We would like to congratulate Sandy Liberty for becoming one of our newest members during our SOE Alumni Election held at the annual IRA Book Fair! She is a dedicated educator who retired from the Guam Department of Education.

SOE Alumni Election - Cast Your Vote!

The SOE Alumni Association is scheduled to host its election during the annual IRA Community Book Fair this Saturday, December 15, 2012.  Only those with active membership are allowed to place their votes.

SOE Alumni Association Nominees -
Graziella Griffin - President
Margaret Beem - Vice President
Secretary - Martha Sudo
Treasurer - Rose Marie Cruz Castro
Public Information Officer - Lois T. Gumataotao
Webmaster - Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera

Welcome Dr. Jose Q. Cruz!

Dr. Jose Q. Cruz

We would like to welcome Dr. Jose Q. Cruz back to the SOE Alumni Association!  Dr. Cruz, who serves as an Education Policy Board Member renewed his membership this month!  He was a former UOG President and retired as SOE's Program Chair for Administration and Supervision.

SOE Alumni Officers Recruit New Members at the Language Arts Conference

Congratulations to our newest members who were recruited on the second day of the 25th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held 17, 2012 at the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa.  The literacy-filled presentations and inspirational keynote speech by CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Penaflorida, were memorable.  Enjoy the following snapshots taken at this meaningful event!




SOE Alumni Association's Newest Members!  Congratulations!
Pictured L-R:  Helen DeGuzman and Lucinda Barazan.




Efren Penaflorida says his keynote speech at UOG's 25th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference.






SOE Alumni Officers with UOG President, Dr. Robert Underwood. Pictured front row L-R: Martha Sudo, Secretary; Margaret Beem, Vice President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster and LAC Chair. Back row L-R: SOE Alumnus Dr. Jose Q. Cruz and UOG President Dr. Robert Underwood.

LAC Committee with IRA and SOE Alumni Officers.  Pictured L-R:  Jackie Guzman, LAC Administrative Assistant; Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, LAC Chair; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Webmaster and LAC Chair; Dr. Clarisa Quan, LAC Chair; Jonathan Pilarca, IRA President and SOE Alumni Member; and Debbie Respicio, LAC Administrative Coordinator.




Keynote speaker, Efren Penaflorida with LAC Committee, SOE Alumni and IRA Board Members.  Pictured L-R:  Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, LAC Chair; Troy McVey, CLASS Associate Dean; Dr. Clarisa Quan, LAC Chair; Lou Hiura, IRA Historian; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni/IRA Webmaster and LAC Chair; Margaret Beem, SOE Alumni Vic e President; Lynn Arriola, IRA Corresponding Secretary; Jonathan Pilarca, IRA President; Debbie Duenas, IRA President-Elect; Efren Penaflorida, Keynote Speaker; Martha Sudo, SOE Alumni Secretary and IRA Recording Secretary; Young Adult, Carmen Paulino; and Therese Volsteadt, IRA Software Board Member.




Jonathan Pilarca, IRA President and SOE Alumni member.



Efren Penaflorida inspires the audience with his keynote speech at this year's Language Arts Conference.





SOE Alumni Officers during their presentation titled Digital Storytelling with Young English Language Learners.  They also presented Creatively Differentiating Instruction for Pacific Island Students.  Pictured L-R:  Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Webmaster and LAC Chair; and Lois Taitano Gumataotao, SOE Alumni PIO.

SOE Alumni Officers ready for recruitment at the LAC.  Pictured L-R:  Martha Sudo, Secretary; Margaret Beem, Vice President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Webmaster and LAC Chair.




SOE Alumni Officers pose with SOE Alumni.  Pictured front row L-R:  Martha Sudo, Secretary; Margaret Beem, Vice President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster and LAC Chair.  Back row L-R:  SOE Alumnus Dr. Jose Q. Cruz, and Jonathan Pilarca, IRA President and SOE Alumni Member.




Keynote speaker, Efren Penaflorida with Dr. Rivera, SOE Alumni Webmaster and LAC Chair.





Happy Veteran's Day!

To all of those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, so that we may have the freedom that we enjoy, we salute you! *HAND SALUTE* God Bless you all, and God Bless the USA! HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!



Image source: amarinesview.com

Welcome Cathy Cardenas!

Cathy Cardenas

 

We would like to welcome Cathy Cardenas as one of our newest SOE Alumni Association members!  Cardenas, who serves as an adjunct professor for the Special Education program at the School of Education, became an official member on November 9, 2012.

UOG Alumni Reunion a Success!

The UOG Alumni Reunion "Celebrate Good Times!" event held Friday, November 9, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel was memorable.  The SOE Alumni Officers also took a number of mini-studio photos to make a lasting impression.  Enjoy the following snapshots!

UOG ROTC Drill Tream Performance

SOE Alumni Officers strike a pose!
Pictured L-R:  Margaret Beem, Vice President; Grace Griffin, President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster.  Not pictured are Martha Sudo, Secretary; Rose Marie Castro, Treasurer; Lois T. Gumataotao, PIO; and Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie, Advisor.

SOE Alumni Officers Take 2!
Pictured L-R left photo:  Margaret Beem, SOE VP; Rose Marie Castro, SOE Alumni Treasurer; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Webmaster.  Right photos:  Martha Sudo, SOE Alumni Secretary; VP Beem; Treasurer Castro; Webmaster Dr. Rivera; and Grace Griffin, SOE Alumni President.  Not pictured are Lois T. Gumataotao, PIO; and Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie, Advisor.

SOE Alumni Officers Take 3!
Pictured L-R:  Margaret Beem, SOE Alumni Vice President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Webmaster.  Not pictured are Grace Griffin, President; Rose Marie Castro, Treasurer; Lois T. Gumataotao, PIO; and Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie, Advisor.

SOE Alumni Officers Take 4!
Pictured L-R:  Rose Marie Castro, Treasurer; Martha Sudo,  Secretary; and Margaret Beem, Vice President.  Not pictured are Lois T. Gumataotao, PIO; Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie,  Advisor; Grace Grfiffin, President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster.

SOE Alumni Officers Take 5!
Pictured L-R:  Martha Sudo, Secretary; Rose Marie Castro,  Treasurer; and Grace Griffin, President.  Not pictured are Lois T. Gumataotao, PIO; Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie,  Advisor; Margaret Beem, Vice President; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster.

SOE Alumni Officers Finale Photo!
Pictured L-R:  Margaret Beem, Vice President; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Rose Marie Castro, Treasurer; Grace Griffin, President; and Martha Sudo, Secretary.  Not pictured are Lois T. Gumataotao, PIO; and Dr. Lourdes P. Klitzkie,  Advisor.

Welcome to our newest SOE alumni members!

Christine Borja Mallari

Lou Meno Farfan

Marie Wessling

UOG Alumni President with McDonald's Pal at the Family Expo

UOG Alumni President, Robert Paulino, poses with his McDonald's pal during the Family Expo held October 13, 2012 at the UOG Field House.

UOG Alumni Reunion - Fri., Nov. 9 at the Hyatt Regency

Hafa Adai, to All Our Alumni and Friends of the University!

I hope all is well with you! See you at the UOG Alumni Reunion which is just 8 days away! This event is open to the public – all are welcome to celebrate with us, alum or not.

Don’t delay, purchase your tickets today to take advantage of special pricing. Tickets are available from any of the SOE Alumni Officers, as well as at Pay-Less and Primo Surf in the Agana Shopping Center and Pay-Less in the Micronesia Mall. $30 per person or $25 each for a pair (if purchased in advance), $35 at the door.

Guam IRA President Joins the SOE Alumni Association

We are pleased to announce that the Guam IRA President, Jonathan Pilarca, became one of SOE Alumni Association's newest members on October 30, 2012. Congratulations Jonathan!

Pictured L-R:  Jonathan Pilarca, Guam IRA President; and Martha Sudo, Secretary for both SOE Alumni Association & Guam IRA.  Pilarca is a 2005 Presidential Awardee of Excellence of Mathetmatics & Science Teacher for U.S.Territories. This is a prestigious award given by the U.S. President.

SOE Alumni Association Officers Showcase New Banner

SOE Alumni Association Officers display their new banner on October 28, 2012.  Picture L-R:  Martha Sudo, Secretary; Margaret Beem, Vice President; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Grace Griffin, President; and Rose Cruz Castro, Treasurer.  Not pictured are Lois Gumataotao, PIO, and Dr. Lourdes Klitzkie, Advisor.

SOE Alumni Association Welcomes Former IRA President Tina Buendicho

Tina Buendicho
Former Guam IRA President

The SOE Alumni Association signed up Tina Buendicho, Former Guam IRA President, as one of its newest members, during the SOE Alumni Association Membership Drive held October 13, 2012.

UOG Culture and Learning Program

The University of Guam's Enrollment & Student Services in collaboration with the School of Education and Human Resources Office held a meaningful Culture & Learning Forum on October 19, 2012 with focus on "enriching and contextualizing teaching and learning in Pacific Island settings to improve achievement."

Participants were enlightened by various cultural speeches. Among a few of the highlights are the following:

"I have my own story, my own identity, and I need to accept that," said Dr. Isebong Asang, Palau Community College. Asang said that it's essential to have "knowledge, history and truth specific to Palau." MESULANG, Dr. Asang, for the inspirational speech!

Dr. Nicholas Goetzfridt shared that we must genuinely focus on ethnomathematics, the language of numbers. He said that it "requires different people around the world, and in this case the Pacific, to adapt (relevant mathemathetics)."

Traditional ethnomathematics in the Pacific involve "navigators of the past, navigators of the present, and values to live on," Goetzfridt said. He stressed the traditional ideas of patterns and that if the indigenous mathematics is unable to be carried out, it is done through imperial colonial means.

Our traditional mathematics need to be preserved in education, because it is the essence of communal identity. In fact, the UH Project MACIMISE is doing research to recover mathematical ideas and curriculum ideas to be used in schools. This will allow us to imagine with purpose and resolve for our own ethnomathematical identity. To get an insight of the experience on one of the UH candidates' first phase of Project MACIMISE, visit http://projectmacimise-rivera.blogspot.com.

Dr. Frankie Santos Laanan, SOE Dean focused on "Sieving Through Asian and Pacific Island Data on Culture Variation and Achievement." He mentioned about the importance of STEM. He further shared videos and websites to provide explicit, yet meaningful visuals pertaining to its relevance. Check out Pathway2.stemdegree.org for more information.

Students in the videos shared powerful messages, such as the following: "I'm just as good as anyone else in college." Another student said, "I deserve to be here. I work just as hard as anyone here."

The CARE was also highlighted and its relevance in research regarding Asian Americans, risk factors of AAPI students, and other critical areas of research. Laanan also presented statistics and terminologies, such as MSI-Minority serving institution and AANAPSI-Asian Americans Native Americans Pacific Islanders.

Laanan expressed the need to expand knowledge, broaden awareness, and build institutional capacity. He shared DOE and UOG data to stress the critical needs. He mentioned that of the 31,000 students in DOE, there is a high ESL population. This entails that we are faced with the challenge to meet the unique needs of ELLs.

Unfortunately, Guam's latest SAT10 performance data shows low scores. This makes us question what's happening in these areas. "What are we going to do about it? How do we serve these students? What do we do to ensure that they understand?" Laanan asked.

He presented student demographics, trends, enrollment by ethnicity, gender, and status. He also shared that for the UOG English placement, 2/3 placed in developmental English (EN085 and EN100).

Laanan further shared retention and graduation tracking by program statistics, so that we can reflect and analyze the data. He then showed a Robert Feldman video that mentioned we need to take action, so that we don't endanger college student success. We need to provide opportunities for first year experiences before college students arrive on campus.

Dr. Michael Bevacqua focused on decolonization. He said that Guam is a colony and shared the expansive definition of decolonization. He stated that some people think that "if he (colonial power) ever leaves, all the things disappear" or "so long as the colonizer is in power, you are out of luck."

He questioned, "What is the role the university should take in regards to this situation?" He stressed that we should "look more regional for things," because it's important that we tap on our own resources that are within reach.

UOG President, Dr. Robert Underwood, also highlighted the importance of culture and education. "Education is one through which cultural knowledge is formulated," he said.

Underwood said, "It takes the strength of soul for a child to struggle, to travel, to succeed." He reminded participants to make a difference. "As you navigate, you must help them learn," he said.

He highlighted culture as a process and that we must understand where those places are. Underwood further questioned, "What do we do about our students? What do we know about our students? Did we do anything about it (data performance)?"

Enjoy the following snapshots taken during the forum!

Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President, says his speech on culture and learning.

Dr. Isebong Asang, Palau Community College Professor, conducts her presentation titled, "Palauan Epistemology: Implications on Teaching & Learning."

Dr. Frankie Santos Laanan, SOE Dean, conducts his presentation titled, "Sieving Through Asian and Pacific Island Data on Culture Variation and Achievement."

Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua conducts his presentation titled, "Decolonization at the University of Guam."

Larry Gamboa, UOG Chief Human Resources Officer, welcomes the participants of the Culture & Learning Forum.

Dr. Nicholas Goetzfridt conducts his presentation titled, "Ethnomathematics in Micronesia."

Reminder - Join us for the SOE Alumni Association Membership Drive

Please join us for the SOE Alumni Association membership drive to be held during the Guam Council IRA meeting on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Guam Aurora Resort & Spa (Old Hotel Okura). Visit us at the SOE Alumni Association table this Saturday, see any officer at the Guam IRA meetings, or check out our website at http://soealumniassociation.blogspot.com for further details.

The SOE Alumni Association supports SOE’s mission of effectively preparing educators and other education personnel for professional per-formance in diverse cultural contexts. It serves as a connection for which SOE alumni can give back to their alma mater by sharing their talents, resources, etc. in different SOE events. It further serves as a source for developing alumni pride, spirit, and life-long commitments to the School of Education.

We hope to see you soon!  Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!

Community invited to UOG Alumni Association Family Expo

The University of Guam Alumni Association invites the community to a Family Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the UOG Field House. There will be games and activities, jumpers, a photo booth, food and drink sampling, raffle prizes and more. For more information, call UOG Alumni Association President, Robert Paulino, at 647-6841 or email robert.paulino@pfcguam.com.

Join us for the SOE Alumni Association Membership Drive

Please join us for the SOE Alumni Association membership drive to be held during the Guam Council IRA meeting on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Guam Aurora Resort & Spa (Old Hotel Okura). Visit us at the SOE Alumni Association table this Saturday, see any officer at the Guam IRA meetings, or check out our website at http://soealumniassociation.blogspot.com for further details.

The SOE Alumni Association supports SOE’s mission of effectively preparing educators and other education personnel for professional per-formance in diverse cultural contexts. It serves as a connection for which SOE alumni can give back to their alma mater by sharing their talents, resources, etc. in different SOE events. It further serves as a source for developing alumni pride, spirit, and life-long commitments to the School of Education.

We hope to see you soon!  Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!

SOE Alumni Officers Meet with Dean Laanan

The SOE Alumni Association Officers met with SOE Dean, Dr. Frankie Santos Laanan, on September 27, 2012, to collaborate on alumni activities and how the association can continue to support the School of Education. 

Pictured L-R:  Margaret Beem, Vice President; Rose Cruz Castro, Treasurer; SOE Dean Frankie Santos Laanan; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, PIO; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Martha Sudo, Secretary; and Grace Griffin, President.

SOE Alumni Update - Sept. 21

2012 UOG ALUMNI REUNION: SAVE THE DATE, NOVEMBER 9^TH!

Theme: “Celebrate Good Times!” Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, Hyatt Regency Guam from 6p.m. to 10p.m.

Take advantage of special pricing today! $30 per person or $25 each for a pair (if purchased in advance), $35 at the door.

When you purchase a ticket, you will be entered into our door prize raffle. The grand prize for this raffle is a roundtrip ticket for one to Japan, courtesy of Delta Air Lines!

We will have a separate raffle where you will have the chance to win a roundtrip ticket for one to the US mainland, also courtesy of Delta Air Lines!

 

Be a part of the action and join one of our committees by emailing me or calling 735-2586. Thank you to all the committee members listed below who have signed up to date!

 

Speed Networking Committee: Provide input on who you want to network with and help us to make the connections.

·         Kris Torres

·         Kyla Marie Aquino

·         Mark Mendiola

·         Maryanne Pascua

·         Nicole Andre

 

Talent Showcase Committee: Organize and participate in a variety of singing and dance performances by our alumni.

We are working with the SKIP Entertainment Company to choreograph our routines. Expect to see some fun and exciting performances!

·         Billy Navarrete

·         Chelo Paulino

·         Danny Bungcayao

·         Eileen Agahan

·         Elvie Tyler

·         Fran Fernandez

·         Irish Olivares

·         June Calvo

·         Larry Gamboa

·         Michele Manosa

·         Oly Ancheta

·         Shiela Concepcion

·         Star Mercado

·         Tabitha Espina

 

Karaoke Contest Committee: Help us find contestants and collect prizes. This activity is sponsored by the School of Business and Public Administration.

·         Eileen Agahan

·         Mhonn Perez

·         Renee Jasmin

·         Russell Ocampo

New to You Bazaar Committee: This indoor bazaar will feature gently used items such as leather goods, clothing, electronics, etc. This will be a great opportunity to find a bargain and clean out your closets. Help us find interested alumni and vendors.

·         Dave Okada

·         Debbie Toves

·         Jonas Macapinlac

·         Dr. Michelle Santos

                                                                                                                                                                                

Ticket Sales Committee: Help us reach out to your fellow alumni, friends and family to support this exciting event!

·         Dave Okada

·         Gloria Travis

·         Louise Toves

·         Renee Jasmin

 

 

 

TRITON PLANNERS ANNOUNCED!

At The G Factor Alumni mixer, held June 1 at the Westin Resort, we introduced our first set of Triton Planners! This is a designation for generous individuals who each pledge to give the University $600 over the course of five years. All funds raised from this effort will support the construction of the facilities in our 21^st Century Campus Physical Master Plan.

If you want to join this effort and be recognized as a Triton Planner at the upcoming reunion, please contact me ASAP.

Triton Planners will be given FREE entrance to the reunion!

Check out our youtube page to see our first group of Triton Planners:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77qw30vdF34&feature=context-cha

 

 

UOG ALUMNI AFFAIRS YOUTUBE PAGE LAUNCHED!

The official Youtube channel for the UOG Office of Development and Alumni Affairs is now live! Take a look at performances from past events as well as featured alumni in our series: “60 Triton Stories.”

Above: The University Singers performed at the Founders Day Gala. Catch a glimpse of this performance and more through the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvJO2gXUQjQ&feature=plcp

 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR FIRST-EVER FOUNDERS DAY GALA!

As a result of the support we received from our sponsors and guests, we raised close to $60,000! Thank you!!! All funds raised from this effort will support the construction of the facilities in our 21^st Century Campus Physical Master Plan.

For more pictures from this special event, please visit the link below:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/uogalumnipics/