By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

JUNG Hwan Ku and six other graduates were honored by Northern Marianas College during its 27th commencement exercises on Saturday at the Marianas High School gymnasium.
Ku, one of the four students who drowned in the waters off Forbidden Island in March, was granted the college’s first honorary degree to be bestowed on a student.
Ku was three months away from completing his bachelor of science program when he died. Ku’s award was received by his mother Park Young Ok and brother Jack.
“We’re very honored and proud to receive this award for my brother. Although we’re still mourning his death, we believe that he is now in good hands,” Jack Ku told Variety.
His 52-year-old mother said she was saddened when her son’s graduation gown and cap were handed to the family.
“It’s sad that he was not able to join his colleagues at this moment, but we’re very honored — the family is thankful for this honor and we greatly appreciate all the support of his colleagues and NMC,” Park Young Ok said.
The college reserved a seat for Ku during the event. His photograph was carried by his friend, Chang Torres, who was seated next to his chair.
Six students received this year’s academic achievement award, the highest honor given to a graduate: Richard L. Morgan, adult basic education; Henry D. Tudela, general educational development program; Kevin Frank Pangelinan Camacho, Irina Anatolievna Vasina, and Yang He, associate degree programs; and Linda M. Birmingham, baccalaureate degree.
In his valedictory address, Camacho said new graduates must continue acquiring knowledge and wisdom so they can unlock their limitless potential.
“I am very confident of what the future holds for us,” Camacho said. “Despite the differences and hardships we have encountered, each and every one of us has had the courage to face insurmountable odds. We should hold our heads up and be proud of the sacrifices that we all made to further our knowledge and expand our horizons. Even if we all stray apart to the corners of the world, and even if we pursue different career paths, as long as we hold the noble desire to improve ourselves intellectually, physically, and emotionally we are all contributing to the benefit of humankind.”
Camacho will study medicine in the U.S.
“I am very happy to be given this award,” he told Variety. “For high school graduates, I think they should give NMC a shot. This is a good place to start and I am glad that I chose to stay and start here at the college,” he told Variety.
Yang He encouraged her fellow graduates to strive more.
“This is not the end but the beginning of a long journey. Today, I am confident that we can achieve success as we have learned to become patient, responsible, hardworking and dedicated. The sacrifices have finally paid off today, but we would not have had this success without the support and love of our parents, friends, teachers, and the community…let’s dedicate our honor to them,” she said.
During the ceremony, 240 students from Rota, Saipan and Tinian received degrees, diplomas and certification from NMC President Carmen Fernandez in the presence of the college regents, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, members of the community, the faculty, keynote speaker Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, and other lawmakers.
The college also paid tribute to two other NMC students who died with Ku — Mira Yang who studied elementary education and Song Won Seo who was in the liberal arts program.
This year, there were 33 graduates of the bachelor of science in elementary education program; 2, associate in arts major in business; 1, international business; 41 liberal arts; 15, associate in applied science business administration major in accounting; 22, business management; 3, computer applications; 1, office technology administration; 4, criminal justice course; 2, hospitality management; and 26, nursing program.
Certificates of achievement for accounting, computer applications and hospitality management were given to three graduates.
Certificates of completion were also awarded in the following courses: accounting, 2; business management, 2; computer applications, 3; early childhood education, 1; hemodialysis technician, 6; sales and marketing, 3; and combined law enforcement, 24.
Last year, NMC had about 210 graduates.