Miss World Guam Tickets for Sale

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket for the Miss World Guam 2015 pageant on September 23, 2015, please e-mail Julia Naputi Rivera at julianaputirivera@gmail.com.  

You can also support Julia by purchasing a delicious Outback lunch plate scheduled for September 3, 2015.  Proceeds of the fundraiser will be donated to Island Girl Power.  Saina Ma'ase'!

Mothering Guahan Film Screening Event - Aug. 26

Support to CNMI - Container for Relief Effort

Hafa Adai UOG Tritons,

As you are aware, CNMI has been declared an emergency disaster area due to the severe damages done by Typhoon Soudelor 13W.  We will be serving as a site for a container that will be filled with needed items such as water, non-perishable food items, and other supplies.  

The container that will be going to Saipan is scheduled to arrive at the UOG Calvo Field House on Saturday, August 8, 2015, sometime late morning.  Projected hours for donations are Aug 8, 12pm-5pm and Aug 10, 8am-5pm.  

We encourage our community to help by providing generous donations.  Donations can be taken directly to the UOG Calvo Field House. 

Thank you for your generous support in advance. 

For Immediate Release

The Search for the Recipients of the 2015 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards is on!

(Mangilao, Today) The University of Guam Alumni Association in cooperation with the University of Guam Office of Development and Alumni Affairs is excited to announce that nominations for the 2015 UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards will be accepted from August 10 to October 16, 2015, no later than 4p.m. A total of (6) awards will be given to deserving individuals. Five awards will be given to one individual from each of the University’s schools and colleges: (1) College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, (1) College of Natural & Applied Sciences, (1) School of Business & Public Administration, (1) School of Education and (1) School of Nursing and Health Sciences. (1) Award will be given to an alumnus/alumna who is currently serving or is retired from military service.

Awards

All recipients will be recognized at the UOG Alumni Reunion scheduled for November 14, 2015 at the Lotte Hotel from 6p.m. to 9p.m. They will each receive a plaque, a certificate of recognition from the President of the University of Guam; and will be featured in a news release distributed to all local media. Awardees will be featured on the University’s website and social media channels.

Eligibility

Any individual who has graduated earlier than 2008 is eligible to be nominated. The nominee must consent to being included in the selection process.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be submitted by any individual, independently or on behalf of a group or institution. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Requirements:

Submit an official Nomination Form highlighting the nominee's achievements, and explaining how the nominee meets the criteria for the Award.

Submit a CV/resume and two letters of support from individuals familiar with the nominee’s work addressing the eligibility criteria (see below).
Supporting documents: depending on the nominee's field of endeavor, such documents could include notices and reviews of the nominee's work, sample publications, samples of media coverage, personal citations and testimonials, etc.

Nominees will be contacted as soon as the Nomination Form is received. If a nominee cannot be contacted and their consent is not given by October 16, 2015, no later than 4p.m., the individual will not be considered for the award.

Upon acceptance of the nomination, nominees may submit specific evidence of their accomplishments in the following areas, limited to five pages.

Judging Criteria

Professional accomplishment in the field. The nominee has attained a high level of distinction and achievement through scholarship, research, teaching, creative contributions to the arts (comprising Humanities, Performing and Fine Arts, Social Sciences and Business) or sciences (comprising Science, Engineering and Health Sciences) and/or service to society.

Candidate exhibits a high degree of character and integrity.
Civic and University involvement, awareness and concern.
Nominee's achievements have local, national and/or international significance.

For Military Nominees:
Professional accomplishment in their field. The nominee held critical positions of responsibility and authority (i.e. command and key staff positions).

Nominee attained above normal promotion achievements.
Level of rank achieved or level of elected official capacity.
Awards that have been earned exhibiting exemplary performance.
Significant community service or civic involvements that have been achieved.

Submission of Forms

All nomination forms, CV/Resume and two letters of support (due October 16, no later than 4p.m.) may be transmitted through any of the three methods below. Submissions received after the abovementioned deadline will not be considered.

The form will be available for download soon. In the meantime, email nanalista@uguam.uog.edu to get the form.

Mail to/Hand Delivery:
University of Guam President’s Office – ATTN: Norman Analista
UOG Station 2nd Floor, Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building
Mangilao, Guam 96923

Email) uogalumniassociation@gmail.com

For more information, please contact Norman Analista, Director, Development & Alumni Affairs at 797-3333 or email nanalista@uguam.uog.edu.

PEC Unforgettable!

The 29th Pacific Educational Conference (PEC) held in Majuro, Marshall Islands was meaningful! The theme was “Our Ocean, Our Islands, Our Children.”  Over 80 Guam Delegation members participated, and many of them had the honor of presenting their educational workshops at the conference hosted July 28-31, 2015 at the College of the Marshall Islands.  Enjoy the following snapshots!

GPLS Summer Reading Program a Success!

GPLS Summer Reading Program participants wrap up with a celebration on July 25, 2015 at the Hagatna Public Library.

Kudos to the organizers of this year's GPLS Summer Reading Program!  It was a huge success!  Congratulations to all!

Happy 71st Liberation Day, Guam!

Tomorrow marks Guam's 71st Liberation Day! The island's annual liberation parade on July 21 is traditionally packed with crowds to celebrate Guam's freedom from Japan's cruel occupation. As part of our patriotism, we continue to celebrate and thank our Dear Uncle Sam - the United States and to those who serve in the Armed Forces who continue to fight for our freedom!

Happy 71st Liberation Day, Guahan! Biba Guahan!

IGP Presents Pulani Performance - July 16, 17, 18

Please join Island Girl Power for the Pulani performance at the Kurason Ysengsong Complex, Dededo on July 16 - 18, 2015. Saina Ma'ase'!

I Can Too! Summer Camp - July 27-31

Lunch plate fundraiser for Julia Naputi Rivera, Miss World Guam Contestant

Please support my daughter Julia in her quest to become the next Miss World Guam!  Thank you!  Si Yu’os Ma’ase’!  Mahalo nui loa!  Kalangan!  Kommoltata!  Kinissow!  Mesulang! Kammagar! Salamat!  DomoArigato!  Gracias!

ADA Anniversary Celebration

Schedule of activities in honor of the

25th AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

Anniversary Celebration

1)   Proclamation Signing with Governor of Guam: “In celebration of the 25th ADA Anniversary”

Coordinator: Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

June 29, 2015 (Mon) at 10 am at Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room, Adelup

2)   Pledging on to the ADA: “Promoting and becoming a part of the nationwide celebration and recommitment of the implementation of the ADA – with a goal of getting 2500 signatures for the 25th ADA Anniversary by logging onto: http://adaanniversary.org/ 

Encouraging Individuals with Disabilities to Sign the ADA Pledge; and Faith Based, Not for Profit Organizations and Government entities to Sign the ADA Proclamation

July 1 – 31, 2015

3)   Workshop: “Technical Requirements of providing Accessible Parking for People with Disabilities in your facility”

Presenter: Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 6th, 2015 (Mon.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

4)   Workshop: “The Rights of Individuals with Disabilities under the ADA” Presenter: Harold Parker, Guam Legal Services Corporation (GLSC)

July 9th, 2015 (Thurs.) from 2:30-5pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

5)   Accessibility Site Assessments and Technical Assistance: “Local Businesses/Hotels/Restaurants”

Facilitated by Ben Servino and Individuals with Disabilities in the Community

July 10th, 17th, 24th2015 (Frid.) from 9am-12pm

6)   Workshop: “Effective Communication & Interaction Strategies for People with Disabilities”

Presented bySiNA Organization

July 14th, 2015 (Thurs.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

7)   Workshop: “How to make your PDF Documents Accessible for People with Disabilities”

Presenter: Carla Torres, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)

July 16th, 2015 (Thurs.) from 10am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

8)      Workshop: “Developing ADA Self Evaluation Plans & Transition Plans” 

Presenter: Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 20th, 2015 (Mon.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

9)   Workshop: “How To Make Your Websites Accessible For People With Disabilities”

Presenter: Carla Torres, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)

July 23rd, 2015 (Thurs.) from 10am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

10)         Disability Simulation Event: "A Day in a Life" Participation of Government and Private Sector Leaders shadowed by an Individual with the same Disability

Coordinated by Ben Servino and Carla Torres

July 24th, 2015 (Frid.) from 8:30am-12pm at Participant’s worksite and experiences will be shared during a Luncheon hosted by the Nikko Hotel

11)  Inclusive Recreational Activity: “Integrated Bowling Tournament with Special Olympics Athletes and GovGuam/Military/Private/NPO Sector Entities”

Coordinator: Marlon Molinos and Ben Servino

July 25th, 2015 (Sat.) from 8:30am-12pm at Central lanes Bowling Center, Tamuning

12)  Workshop for Employers: “Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Applicants and Employees with Disabilities”

Presented by Ben Servino, Dept. of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 28th, 2015 (Tues.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

13)  Acknowledgements and Certificates of Appreciation: “CAPE Volunteers and Hotels, Restaurants, and Businesses that have increased access to their goods and services”

Coordinated by Ben Servino, Dept. of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 31st, 2015 (Frid.) from 10am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

Holiday - July 4 ~ Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to one and all! We are grateful to all veterans & those who serve in the Armed Forces, for they are instrumental in the freedom we enjoy today.

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Source:  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
Image source: www.estateweddingsandevents.com

UOG Alumni & Founders Day Gala Sponsor Appreciation Reception - 7-2-15

Guam Council IRA in partnership with PIBBA Guam Chapter promotes literacy in Micronesia

GC-IRA-PIBBA Guam Chapter book donation to Kosrae DOE 

GC-IRA-PIBBA Guam Chapter book donation to CNMI PSS 

The Guam Council IRA-PIBBA Guam Literacy Project:  As part of GC-IRA's mission to promote literacy in Guam and Micronesian, they have partnered up with the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Guam Chapter to donate books to children in the various islands in Micronesian.  This year, Okkodo High School students participated in a service learning project that provided books for GC-IRA and PIBBA Guam Chapter to give the students of Kosrae and CNMI the gift of literacy with a collection of children's and young adult books.  The book donation was presented at the 34th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Kosrae, FSM.  Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!  Kuloh!

Visit with Rosario & Neth Peneinei in Pohnpei

Guam Council IRA Donates Books to GMH Volunteers Association Program

The Guam Council International Reading Association continues to support service projects, such as the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association Reading Program.  Reading resources were provided which encourages and inspires literacy in the children and adults at Guam Memorial Hospital.  Pictured L-R: GMH Gordon Mizusawa; GMHAVA President Jenny Cruz; IRA 2015-2016 President Evangeline Chaco; Catriona Melyan, GMH Volunteer; Anna Pangelinan, GMH Volunteer; and IRA 2015-2016 President-Elect Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

Congratulations Newly-Elected PIBBA International Officers!

PIBBA Officers.  Pictured L-R:  Theresa "Ewy" Taitano, President-Elect; Alister Tolenoa, Historian; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Nik Willson, Co-Webmaster; Frances Sablan, Secretary; Rosa Salas Palomo, Treasurer; and Arwelson proxy for Senator Shelten G. Neth, President-Elect.   

34th PIBBA International Conference a Success!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, and God Bless all fathers who make a difference in the lives of their children.

The following is a poem I wrote in dedication to my father.

My Tata

Tata

Tata*…
I love you more than words can say
For all that you are
And all that you do
To provide for us all.
And your stern, yet caring ways
Instill us with a stamina to succeed
To reach beyond the limits
And keep going for victory!
So Tata,
Just know that I care too…
I love you!
© mnrivera

Philippine Independence Ball - June 13