✨ Donor Spotlight ✨ World Theater Productions Share a $10K Gift in support of Triton Athletics

Our Executive Director Katrina T. Perez and WTP Executive Producer Margarita Dancel came together to celebrate a generous $10,000 gift in support of Triton Athletics.

World Theater Productions Executive Producer Margarita Dancel visited our office last week to share some good news and a remarkable gift! 🎁

We extend our heartfelt thanks to World Theater Productions (WTP) in association with Guam Philharmonic Foundation, Inc. for their generous $10,000 gift to UOG Triton Athletics! 🏀 🔱 ⚽️ 🔱 🏐

This contribution was made possible through their spectacular production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the UOG Calvo Field House from August 29–31 🎭

World Theater Productions has been a consistent champion for UOG Triton Athletics, with their latest performance of Jesus Christ Superstar adding to a legacy of generosity built from recent outstanding productions such as Disney’s Dare to Dream, The Lion King Jr., Beauty and the Beast, and Miss Saigon. Their artistry continues to inspire our island community while their philanthropy uplifts our student-athletes 💚💛

A powerful moment on stage as the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar delivers a moving performance at the UOG Calvo Field House. Courtesy of World Theater Productions.

UOG Release: Matson strengthens partnership with UOG through shipping services, student scholarships, and event sponsorship

Matson and UOG leadership come together in Mangilao on Aug. 14 to celebrate a renewed partnership supporting students, scholarships, and campus growth. Pictured from left: Maria Theresa “Tes” Reyes-Burrier, UOG Advancement Associate; Rachel Field, Interim Vice President, Administration & Finance; Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President & Provost; Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President; Mike Naholowaa, Vice Chairperson, UOG Board of Regents; Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO, Matson; Len Isotoff, Vice President, Matson Terminals; Patrick Bulaon, Vice President & General Manager – Guam & Micronesia, Matson; Stephen Gatewood, Sales and Customer Service Manager, Matson; Katrina Perez, Executive Director, UOGEF and Shawn Wegner, Associate Director, UOGEF.

For more information, contact:
Tes Reyes-Burrier
Advancement Office
University of Guam
Tel: (671) 735-2902
Email: reyes-burrierm@triton.uog.edu

The University of Guam and the UOG Endowment Foundation (UOGEF) have received a $165,000 in-kind shipping commitment from Matson, reaffirming the company’s long-standing partnership with the University and its mission to expand access to higher education in Guam and Micronesia.

The contribution, presented on Aug. 14 by Matson Chairman and CEO Matt Cox and his executive team, will support the transport of equipment and furnishings for four new campus buildings — the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Student Success Center, School of Engineering Building, Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Annex, and the Water and Environmental Research Institute Building. These facilities are designed to enhance student learning, research, and collaboration.

In addition, Matson will continue its investment in student success through a pledge of $5,000 in annual scholarship support from 2025 through 2027. The UOG Endowment Foundation will announce the opening of the 2025 scholarship application period soon.

“Matson’s corporate culture has a long-standing tradition of supporting organizations that help to improve the quality of life where we do business and where our employees live and work,” said Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson. “We applaud the University of Guam’s plans to expand and make higher education more accessible to students in Guam and Micronesia.”

The company is also a $10,000 sponsor of UOGEF’s upcoming Tumua comedy show fundraiser on Nov. 1. Proceeds from the event will support UOG scholarships and student success through the “G is for Giving” Campaign.

In recognition of this multi-tiered partnership, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez presented Matson with a Tulos Mo’na plaque, honoring their shared commitment to student opportunity and Guam’s future.

“Matson’s support reflects its confidence in the potential of our students and the role of the University in shaping Guam’s future,” said President Enriquez. “Their contributions help us create opportunities that make a real difference in our classrooms, programs, and community.”

Through its Ambassador Program, Matson continues to engage with UOG students and alumni, offering mentorship and workforce development opportunities that align with UOG’s strategic focus on career readiness and community partnership.

UOG and UOGEF extend their deep appreciation to Matson for its support and shared commitment to advancing education and opportunity in the region.

To learn more about partnership opportunities with the University of Guam and how you can help shape student success, develop the professional workforce, and impact the community, contact Tes Reyes-Burrier, UOG Advancement Office, at (671) 735-2902 or email reyes-burrierm@triton.uog.edu.

Four University of Guam Students Awarded “More Like Jimmy” Scholarships

On August 29, 2025, the University of Guam Marine Laboratory hosted a scholarship presentation honoring the legacy of Jimmy Hall, an adventurer remembered for his boundless curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for sharks and the natural world. Four UOG students were awarded the More Like Jimmy Scholarship, created in his memory to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists

The 2025 scholarship recipients are:

  • Nicolas Ubaldo, a sophomore majoring in Integrative Biology  – $2,000
  • Sage Uchel – a sophomore majoring in Business Administration – $1,000
  • Mary Jolleen Perez, a junior double majoring in Integrative Biology and Anthropology – $4,000
  • Ale’a Dueñas, a sophomore majoring in Integrative Biology – $3,000

The More Like Jimmy Scholarship supports students pursuing initiatives in marine, terrestrial, and environmental sciences—fields that reflect Jimmy’s passion for discovery and stewardship of the planet.

Jimmy Hall, who passed away in 2007 during a BASE jumping expedition to Baffin Island in the Arctic, inspired countless people with his adventurous spirit and unwavering love for life. His legacy continues through this scholarship, encouraging students to carry forward his drive to be “More Like Jimmy.”

Also recognized during the ceremony was UOG alumnus Farron Taijeron, widely known as The Guam Guy, who previously received a grant from Shark Allies to further his advocacy and stewardship of Guam’s environment and natural resources. His recognition highlighted the growing network of UOG Tritons contributing to marine and environmental conservation.

About the “More Like Jimmy” Scholarship

Jimmy Hall

The More Like Jimmy Scholarship was established by an anonymous donor to honor Jimmy Hall’s adventurous life and enduring passion for sharks and the natural world. The scholarship provides financial support to students dedicated to advancing research, advocacy, and education in marine, terrestrial, and environmental sciences.

It’s National Make-A-Will Month!

August marks National Make-A-Will Month 📑✍💚 a powerful reminder that YOU have the ability to create a lasting impactful legacy. Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful acts of care we can make for our families and our island community.

At the UOG Endowment Foundation, we believe that every legacy matters. By including the University of Guam in your estate plans, you’re investing in education, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders who will shape our region for years to come.

This month, we invite you to learn more about how easy it is to create a will and how your legacy can help build a brighter future for our students.

Visit https://give.uog.edu/plannedgiving to learn more.

Let’s plan with purpose. Let’s give with heart. Let’s shape the future together.

36 Students and 7 Faculty Awarded Jackson Yang & Family Foundation Scholarships for 2025 Taiwan Agritourism Study Abroad Program

The University of Guam and the UOG Endowment Foundation is proud to announce that 36 students and 7 faculty members have been awarded scholarships from the Jackson Yang & Family Foundation to participate in the 2025 Summer Taiwan Agritourism Study Abroad Program. This immersive educational experience will provide participants with hands-on exposure to Taiwan’s dynamic agritourism and smart agriculture industries, as well as cultural and language enrichment.

This marks the third exchange program supported through the Jackson Yang & Family Foundation’s partnership with UOG. Since 2023, more than 51 students have participated in these transformative Taiwan study-abroad opportunities, which are designed to strengthen educational ties and foster global leadership among UOG students.

During the 2025 program, students and faculty will visit a range of innovative agritourism businesses and institutions across Taiwan. They will experience smart farming technologies at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology Smart Agriculture Center, tour the Taiwan Jinshi Coffee Leisure Farm, and explore the Kavalan Whisky Distillery and Kavalan Jiaoxi Orchid Garden with its botanical and ecological exhibition hall. Participants will also engage in cultural and language learning at the National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center and gain additional exposure to agribusiness through visits to sites such as the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences Smart Rehabilitation and Promotion Center. As part of their experience, they will also earn a Taiwan Tea Assortment and Grading System Certificate.

The study-abroad program is made possible through the generous $600,000 commitment from the Jackson Yang & Family Foundation over three years. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Guam, supports UOG’s mission to provide students with global learning opportunities and foster stronger academic and cultural connections across the Asia-Pacific region.

UOG Triton Alumni Mixer: Echoes of Our Legacy

The University of Guam (UOG) Advancement Office is delighted to invite you to a special evening celebrating Triton Alumni. As part of our commitment to fostering lifelong connections, we strive to bring together alumni from Guam and beyond to honor the achievements and impact of our Triton family.

Join us for the 2025 Triton Alumni Mixer, an exclusive gathering designed to reconnect old friends, forge new relationships, and strengthen the Triton legacy.  

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025  
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM  
Location: Club Zoh at the Sandcastle  
Theme: “Echoes of Our Legacy”

This special evening celebrates your accomplishments while fostering a renewed sense of belonging. Whether you are reminiscing with classmates, networking with fellow alumni, or simply enjoying the camaraderie, this is an opportunity to rekindle Triton pride.

Tickets: $35.00 per person (includes complimentary appetizers, and entry into a raffle with exciting prizes). Proceeds will help with re-engaging and building our Triton Alumni connections. Tickets are available for purchase at guamtime.net.

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and meaningful connections. Dance the night away to the beats of a live DJ and immerse yourself in an evening dedicated to honoring the Triton spirit.

Your participation and support play a vital role in uplifting the value of education and inspiring future generations of Tritons. We would be honored to have you join us in building a thriving Triton Alumni community.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

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