HOW many times did Dr. Nerrisa Brittania Schafer almost become the GPSS superintendent? As many times as Dr. Robert Anacletus Underwood almost became the governor of Guam.
What is it in our DNA that causes us to recoil at folks with a higher education? It is because we do not place a premium on formal college or vo-tech education as evidenced by the low numbers that go on to seek a post high-school education.
To me it looks like we don’t want to be identified with a collegiate-type environment when in the States, a community our size (150,000 to 170,000) is the perfect fit where the institution becomes the central focus of that community and everything good – and maybe bad – flows from that symbiotic relationship.
Despite the university’s contributions to the local economy and the good return on the dollar invested through local appropriations (which account for about 78 percent of total funding, according to David O’Brien, VP for Administration and Finance), UOG does not command respect within the rank-and-file at large.
I see that on the playing fields when I used to coach the Tritons (hence my desire for the institution to participate in NCA or NAIA which I inquired and they said, “Sure, just be accredited”). I see that in the level of support that comes out of the governor’s office (not just this administration but previous ones as well). I see that in the eyes of seniors and juniors who apply everywhere else but UOG and pose the question, “Where are you going, just UOG?”
While I see it and it hurts, I doubt if it hurts of elected officials, and others who have no clue what UOG is all about. It is this ignorance and naiveté that causes me to believe that we do not REALLY value higher education on Guam. The elite have the ability to send their kids off-island while they do not seem willing to cough up more dough to make investments that will improve greatly our tax base.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam