A large part of the University of Guam Endowment Foundation’s Mission is to cultivate and adhere to the wishes of our generous donors. Our Patrons and Donors come from all walks of life with different values. The one thing they all have in common is their dedication to philanthropy and enhancing the legacy of the University of Guam.
Take some time to read about our amazing donors and how they were inspired to give back to the University of Guam.
About Our Scholarships and Their Patrons
A core tenet of the UOG Endowment Foundation’s mission is to enhance the experience of the University of Guam. A major component of this is through the stewardship of donor support. One way that our donors directly impact student life is through the establishment of scholarships. Our generous donors come from all walks of life and are looking to foster a new generation’s development into their relevant fields of study. Please take some time to read about the rich history of our scholarships and our donors who established them.
Akira Baba Memorial Scholarship
Akira “Mike” Baba was a beloved, husband, father, grandfather, respected member of the business community, great friend of the University of Guam and the UOG Endowment Foundation.
Originally from Nagoya, Japan, Mr. Baba came to Guam in 1967 & established a family of hospitality companies under the Baba Corporation. Mr. Baba’s love of adventure—scuba diving, travelling, photography—inspired Baba Corporation’s ethos of hospitality and exceptional tourism services.
Akira Baba was an avid and enduring supporter of the University of Guam during his lifetime. His family established the Akira Baba Memorial Scholarship to honor his giving legacy. Reflecting the hospitable spirit of Baba Corporation’s founder, the scholarship aims to assist students pursuing tourism, hospitality, and marine biology.
“More Like Jimmy” Scholarship
In memory of Jimmy Hall.
There are few people as passionate about sharks as was Jimmy Hall. This scholarship was founded in his honor to pass on the spirit of curiosity and excitement for sharks and their world. Jimmy inspired countless people with his energy, enthusiasm, and infectious personality.
Jimmy died in 2007 during one of his many great adventures, a BASE jumping expedition to Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. His unwavering hunger for life and sense of adventure left most who met him striving to be “More Like Jimmy”.
Christine P. Lewis Memorial Fund
Christine P. Lewis co-founded the Cancer Center of Guam; Guam’s premier and oldest cancer center. She served as a Manager and Emeritus Director. Christine provided support to many cancer patients and families on Guam and helped them navigate through some of the most tumultuous and taxing times of their lives.
Christine, herself, battled cancer for over twenty years. She was able to empathize and commiserate with patients and family members in ways no one else could because she understood the illness intimately.
Despite suffering near constant pain and deteriorating health, she continued to be a beacon of hope for others with her warmth and unbelievable smile.
On July 10, 2020, Christine passed away at the Cancer Center of Guam surrounded by her loved ones. The Memorial Fund was established to honor her last wishes to give back to the people of Guam.
The Sylvia Blas Mendiola Scholarship for Mothers
Sylvia Blas Mendiola was born on Guam during World War II. An Air Force wife, retired Guam Community College, and a loving mother of three, she sacrificed to give her children opportunities to pursue their dreams. She was a hard worker, contributor to the Santa Teresita Church and numerous civic organizations including the Young Men’s League of Guam Ladies Auxiliary.
Sylvia passed away in January of 2020 Her children and grandchild established this scholarship in her honor so that busy working moms may have the opportunity to pursue their dreams while taking care of their families.
Being a mother is a full-time job as it is, this scholarship seeks to empower mothers who are seeking to complete their degree and who contribute to the University of Guam Community. The scholarship hopes to ease some of the anxiety and financial burdens of school and allow moms to focus on what matters most–family.
The Kurt S. Moylan
Foundation Scholarships
The KSM Foundation is a tribute to Kurt S. Moylan, Guam’s first elected Lt. Governor of Guam. A prolific public figure and celebrated businessman, he had long served the people of Guam through his service as an elected official as well as through the establishment of the Moylan family companies–Moylan’s Insurance Underwriters, Inc., NetCare Life and Health Insurance Company, FirstNet Insurance Company, MoyCommunications, Inc., Equitable Adjusting and Service Co., and Colonial Investment Company, Inc. Kurt Moylan was known for his tireless work ethic, vision, and leadership.
To honor his legacy, the KSM Foundation Scholarships aim to cultivate Guam’s future business leaders. The scholarships are open to Business Administration majors who can demonstrate their vision for a better Guam through a 500-word essay.
Cerila M. Rapadas Scholarship
Cerila M. Rapadas worked tirelessly along with social workers and other social service caregivers at Catholic Social Service for over twenty years. A revered mentor to her co-workers, she and the fine folks at Catholic Social Service provided respectful and dignified care to hundreds of clients who were in need of basic humanitarian attention and love.
Mrs. Rapadas and her family offer this scholarship to help aid future social services professionals in their education and development to eventually choose to serve Guam’s most needy and vulnerable people.
Karri Perez
Entrepreneurial Scholarship
The entire UOG family mourns the passing of Dr. Karri Trahin Perez, a beloved professor at the School of Business and Public Administration. We are grateful for her devotion to her students, and she will be deeply missed.
Her family has expressed a desire to establish the Karri Perez Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund in loving memory of Dr. Perez and her work. Family and friends may make a contribution here to go towards funding this scholarship.
The John F. Kennedy High School Class of 1969 Scholarship
The JFK Class of 1969 established the scholarship to give back to their beloved school. Many of the Class of ’69 attended and graduated from the University of Guam. They eventually went on to work in different facets of the private and government sectors, including education, law, banking, business, health, social services, and the military. Their intention is to provide annual scholarships for graduating JFK high school students who need financial assistance in their pursuit of higher education.
The Frederick J. Horecky
Scholarship
Attorney Fred Horecky is an active member in our island business community. Practicing law for over three decades, he is the the proprietor and managing attorney at his law firm, The Law Offices of Horecky & Associates.
Mr. Horecky established this scholarship to give back to our island community and to help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with obtaining higher education.
James A. Marsh Jr.
Scholarship in Marine Biology or Water Resources
James A. Marsh Jr. is a storied professor, Emeritus Director of the Marine Lab, and Emeritus Dean of the Office of Graduate School and Research. Dr. Marsh arrived in Guam in 1970 when the Marine Lab was still under construction and has since dedicated his life to studying reefs in Guam and Micronesia.
Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Marsh has seen the lab and the university grow exponentially from a ragtag group of professors and researchers to an internationally renowned institution.
Dr. Marsh started this scholarship to give back to the island and to UOG. He especially hopes to encourage and support graduate students in pursuing thesis research to not only further their educational journey but contribute to an appreciation and understanding of the environment and resources of Guam and Micronesia.
