Author: Erika Pagsisihan

The University of Guam, in partnership with the UOG Endowment Foundation, proudly hosted an appreciation ceremony honoring University of Guam and SSFM International for its longstanding commitment to advancing engineering education and student success at the University of Guam. The event took place in the School of Engineering’s SSFM International Main Conference Room—a space that symbolizes the company’s enduring partnership with the University.  

Since 2020, SSFM International has supported UOG through the SSFM International Engineering Scholarship, a full-tuition award administered by the UOG Endowment Foundation. In addition to this scholarship support, SSFM has also made a $150,000 pledge commitment in support of the School of Engineering, further strengthening its long-term investment in building local engineering capacity. Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship program provides senior engineering students with invaluable paid internship opportunities, bridging classroom learning with real-world experience.  

A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of six UOG alumni who began their journeys as SSFM interns and are now full-time members of the company— demonstrating the lasting impact of investing in local talent. The program has supported eight scholarship recipients overall under the SSFM International Engineering Scholarship, underscoring the growing reach and impact of this partnership. University leaders and SSFM representatives gathered to celebrate this strong collaboration between academia and industry.  

SSFM Vice President Scott W. Hayashi reflected on the company’s commitment, sharing, “We don’t just serve the community—we are the community,” and reaffirmed  

the strength of the partnership: “It’s a great partnership we’ve experienced, and we look forward to many more years.”  

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez highlighted the origins of the collaboration, expressing gratitude for SSFM’s early confidence in building local capacity: “We are deeply grateful for the trust SSFM International has had in us from the very beginning.”  

UOG Endowment Foundation Executive Director Katrina T. Perez emphasized the broader impact of local opportunities, noting that students can pursue quality education while staying connected to their families and culture—strengthening both their futures and the island community.  

The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to SSFM International for investing in the next generation of engineers, including its $150,000 pledge commitment to the School of Engineering, and for helping create meaningful opportunities that advance student success and island sustainability. 

SSFM International is a professional consulting firm providing planning, project management, construction management, civil engineering, structural engineering, traffic engineering, and strategic services. After six decades of practice, SSFM has offices in Guam, Hawaiʻi, Okinawa, Manila. For more on SSFM International, visit www.ssfm.com. 

We’re proud to highlight John Gilken, a 2nd year Business Administration student whose drive, leadership, and community spirit have made a lasting impression both on and off campus.

Throughout his time at UOG, John has stayed actively involved in campus life participating in clubs, athletics, volunteer work, and cultural exchange while maintaining academic excellence. A standout moment in John’s journey was his internship at Yap State Court. He is also proud to be the first-ever recipient the Friends of Micronesia Scholarship in, a distinction that speaks to his character and his dedication to representing his community with excellence.

👏 Join us in celebrating John and wishing him all the success ahead!

#ScholarshipRecipient #StudentSpotlight #StudentScholarships #BibaFriendsOfMicronesia #BibaJohnGilken #BibaUOGEndowmentFoundation #BibaUOG

💙🌺 $1,400. One class. One powerful act of love for our island and and its neighboring communities.

In the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Dr. Kisha Borja-Quichocho’s CM412: Topics in CHamoru Studies class at the University of Guam raised $1,400 to support the Tritons Super Typhoon Sinlaku Relief.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse to Dr. Borja-Quichocho and every student who contributed their efforts. This is what Triton pride looks like. This is inafa’maolek 🙏🏽

The University of Guam and the UOG Endowment Foundation are proud to announce that we have surpassed our fundraising goal in support of Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief efforts.

Together, our island community raised a total of $18,786 through generous cash and in-kind contributions. This includes $11,006 in cash donations and $7,780 in in-kind donations, exceeding our original monetary donation goal of $10,000.

This achievement reflects the strength of our collective commitment to supporting those impacted by the storm and demonstrates the power of community collaboration in times of need.

Special thanks go out to the dedicated efforts of the United States Coast Guard, the Center for Island Sustainability, the 11th Annual UOG Film Festival Planning Committee (CO460: Integrated Public Relations class), the CM 412: Topics in CHamoru Studies class, the UOG Advancement Office, UOG Residence Halls, the UOG President’s Office, and the many volunteers and donors whose generosity made this initiative possible.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ for standing with our island community and helping make a meaningful impact for those affected by Typhoon Sinlaku.

The University of Guam Endowment Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Hanna Enterprises for their generous support of the 17th Annual University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

Hosted by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, this year’s conference theme, “Illuminating the Path to Prosperity,” reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions and empowering island communities across the Pacific region.

The CIS Conference brings together leaders, educators, researchers, students, and community advocates to exchange ideas and collaborate on issues impacting island sustainability, including climate resilience, environmental stewardship, renewable energy, and resource preservation.

Community partnerships with organizations like Hanna Enterprises help make these important conversations and learning opportunities possible, while encouraging innovation and collective action for a stronger future.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse, Hanna Enterprises, for helping support a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow for our island communities 🌏💚

The University of Guam Endowment Foundation proudly recognizes Slingstone Coffee + Tea Guam for their generous $3,500 sponsorship in support of the 17th Annual University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

Hosted by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, this year’s conference theme, *“Illuminating the Path to Prosperity,”* highlights the importance of advancing sustainable solutions that empower island communities and strengthen resilience throughout the Pacific region.

The CIS Conference brings together regional leaders, educators, researchers, students, policymakers, and community advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding climate resilience, environmental stewardship, renewable energy, food and water security, and the preservation of island cultures and resources.

Support from community partners like Slingstone Coffee + Tea Guam helps create opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and education that inspire lasting impact for our islands and future generations.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse for helping illuminate the path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future 🌏💚

We’re proud to highlight Brandon Ho, a current 3rd year student pursuing Nursing at the University of Guam. He previously did an internship at the University of Hawaii Cancer last summer and does constant community service through the Student Nurses Association of Guam (SNAG).

Brandon is a recipient of the IT&E Overseas Scholarship, an endowed award established in honor of Margarita Dueñas Perez, mother of IT&E Overseas Chairman, Jose D. Perez, and Jaime Felipe Tuquero, a dedicated colleague at IT&E Overseas. This scholarship provides $2,000 to support students as they pursue their long-term academic and professional goals.

We’re proud to highlight Mariana Pangelinan, a dedicated graduate student at the University of Guam, currently pursuing her EdD in Instructional and Academic Leadership. Mariana previously earned her B.S. in Mathematics in May 2014 and her MAT in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics in May 2022—demonstrating her strong commitment to education and student success.

Mariana is a recipient of the IT&E Overseas Scholarship, an endowed award established in honor of Margarita Dueñas Perez, mother of IT&E Overseas Chairman, Jose D. Perez, and Jaime Felipe Tuquero, a dedicated colleague at IT&E Overseas. This scholarship provides $2,000 to support students as they pursue their long-term academic and professional goals.

We are proud to recognize the American Water Works Association for their generous $1,000 donation in support of the University of Guam School of Engineering 🛠️👷👷‍♀️

This meaningful contribution goes beyond financial support. It represents an investment in the future of our island. By empowering students pursuing engineering, we are strengthening the pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will help shape sustainable solutions for Guam and the broader region.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ for your continued commitment to higher education and for helping us build a stronger, more resilient community through opportunity 🎓🌊