KOROR (PCC) — Palau Community College held its 58th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 14, with 147 graduates receiving degrees in the following programs: agricultural science (6), criminal justice (8), community and public health (2), early childhood education (5), elementary education (11), environmental/marine science (1), liberal arts (12), nursing career ladder (9), STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) disciplines (3), business administration (7), information technology (4), office administration (3), tourism & hospitality: food & beverages (1), tourism & hospitality: hotel management (7), tourism & hospitality: hotel operations (2), tourism & hospitality: tour services (4), air-conditioning & refrigeration (2), automotive mechanics technology (5), construction technology (6), electrical technology (2), general electronics technology (2), and small engine & outboard marine technology (3).
In addition, 13 students received their diploma for completing the PCC Adult High School Program.
Palau Community College along with San Diego State University also honored and congratulated 29 graduates who completed the San Diego State University bachelor of arts degree.
The officiators for the graduation ceremony included Ibedul or high paramount chief Yutaka M. Gibbons, Reklai or paramount chief Raphael B. Ngirmang, Reverend Billy G. Kuartei chairman, PCC board of trustees, Dr. Patrick U. Tellei president, Palau Community College, Pastor Daniel Velez, Sen. Andrew Tabelual, chairman, Senate Committee on Education-11th Palau National Congress, Delegate Yutaka Gibbons Jr., chairman, Committee on Education, House of Delegates-11th Palau National Congress, Ms. Roman Wong vice chairperson, PCC board of trustees, Mr. Masa-Aki Emesiochl secretary/treasurer, PCC board of trustees, Mr. Kobe Moses, student trustee, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., who was the commencement speaker, Ms. Deikola Olikong dean of academic affairs, and Mr. Kione J. Isechal member, PCC board of trustees.
PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei gave the welcoming remarks that recognized the officiators, honored guests including Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior, Cabinet ministers, senators and delegates from the 11th Olbiil Era Kelulau or the Palau National Congress, members of the Palau diplomatic corps, parents and families of the graduates.
The commencement speaker was Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., an avid supporter of education and a well-respected local businessman and politician. A two-term senator serving both the 8th and the 9th OEK, he graduated from Andrews University in Michigan with a bachelor’s in business and economics and a master’s from University of California-Los Angeles in business administration. He is an advocate and a strong proponent for a robust economy for the Republic of Palau.
In his address, President Whipps emphasized promoting and fostering human resources while at the same time striking the balance between economic gains and preservation of Palau’s environment.
Community and Public Health program graduate Ms. Cecilia G. Andrew is the class valedictorian. Ms. Andrew’s address reminded fellow graduates that learning never ends and that education is a lifelong learning opportunities. “Your achievement today is a result of hard work performed over the last two years. Be proud and continue diligently to pursue your desire with great passion and effort,” Andrew said.
Palau Community College is an accessible comprehensive public educational institution helping to meet the technical, academic, cultural, social, and economic needs of students and communities by promoting learning opportunities and developing personal excellence.
For more information, call PCC Dean of Academic Affairs Deikola Olikong at (680) 488-2470/2471, email olikongd@gmail.com or visit http://www.palau.edu
Criminal Justice graduates
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Nursing graduates
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Palau Community College President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei
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