MEMBERS of one of the largest graduating classes in Northern Marianas College history received 267 associate and bachelor’s degrees during its 43rd Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 17, at the Marianas High School gymnasium.
The temperature in the gym was hot — Variety learned that there was an “issue” with the air-conditioning system — but the graduates were in a festive mood.
Awardees
Academic achievement awards were given to the following students who accumulated the highest grade point average (summa cum laude):
• Jerine Wilson, Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis
• Tiara Kiyoko Mizutani Cepeda, Associate of Arts in Business
• Anastasiia Shamanaeva, Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Aljanah Flores Manabat, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
• Eric Iglesias Mafnas Jr., Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Esther Kim, Associate of Arts in Business
Two graduating students who exemplified service leadership within the college community and beyond received the Excellence in Service Award (magna cum laude):
• Richard Enrico Baleares (associate’s degree), and
• Mary-Jo Maris Camacho (bachelor’s degree)
According to NMC, Baleares “demonstrated a strong commitment to service, a deep understanding of community needs and a proactive approach to creating positive change. His experiences at NMC have not only enhanced his leadership skills but have also instilled in him a service-minded perspective that extends beyond the classroom, reflecting a lifelong dedication to making a difference in the community. [He is honored for] his exceptional leadership within the Rotaract Club, his dedication to community service, and his ability to apply his experiences at NMC to make a positive impact both locally and internationally.”
As for Camacho, NMC said she “has overcome adversity and seized second chances. This recipient has experienced a remarkable journey of resilience, transformative growth, and impactful leadership. She has excelled academically, becoming a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Through her diverse leadership roles in student organizations like the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College, the Humanities Club, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, she demonstrated a deep commitment to service, community engagement, and cultural appreciation.”
For exhibiting outstanding leadership and contributions at NMC and in the community, Rownel Jody Coloma (associate’s degree) and Ainah Lizave Chargualaf (bachelor’s degree) also received the Excellence in Leadership Award (magna cum laude).
NMC said Coloma is “an individual whose unwavering commitment to excellence sets a standard for others. Most notably, [he] recently facilitated a ‘Climate Change, Preparedness, Community Resilience’ roundtable that presented its findings to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington, D.C. Through his involvement with 4-H Marianas, the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College, the Blue Planet Alliance, Project PROA, and other community-based organizations, he consistently demonstrates empathy and humility, understanding the needs and perspectives of those he leads.”
For her part, Chargualaf has showcased her exemplary leadership skills through her pivotal roles with Karidat, the Community Guidance Center, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and many more organizations. Additionally, she had “the invaluable opportunity to engage with indigenous scholars and leaders from across the globe at the 2023 Indigenous Geoscience Community Workshop held in Ketchikan, Alaska. Her unwavering commitment to serving and inspiring others, coupled with her steadfast dedication to personal and professional growth, embodies the values of leadership, service, and excellence that define her remarkable journey at NMC, making her a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award.”
Speakers
U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, who is set to retire when his current and eighth term ends in January 2025, was this year’s keynote speaker while the student speaker was Anushi Joshi, who is originally from Nepal.
After graduating from Marianas High School, Joshi “set her sights on a bachelor’s degree at NMC. Though initially unsure of her English fluency, she embraced the challenge. She honed her language skills, growing into a confident and captivating speaker. Her leadership qualities flourished as she was eventually elected to serve as NMC’s Student Body President, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Club President, and most recently, the Vice President of the School of Business Club. She actively volunteers in the community, from distributing Christmas toys to children through Toys for Tots to participating in the Annual Business Gala with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. A champion for international students, she interviewed gubernatorial candidates, advocating for their needs and challenges. After earning her master’s degree, she plans to return in a few years, equipped with knowledge and experience, ready to give back to the island that has impacted her life and her family’s.”
Guests
The dignitaries on stage who congratulated the graduates included Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles V. Cepeda, NMC Vice Chair Elaine Hocog Orilla (the recipient of the President’s Napu Award), NMC Regent Zenie P. Mafnas, NMC Regent Jesus M. Tudela, NMC Regent Michelle L. Sablan, NMC Regent William M. Cing, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D., NMC Vice President of Advancement and Administration Frankie Eliptico, NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs & Services Dr. Barbara Hunter, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda and College Marshal Poonsri “Lek” Algaier.
The guest of honor, University of Guam President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, with the dean of the UOG School of Business & Public Administration, Dr. Roseann M. Jones, certified and conferred diplomas on NMC students enrolled in UOG’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Program. NMC and UOG established an articulation agreement in 2020 that allows NMC associate degree students to obtain their bachelor’s degree from UOG.
The full event was livestreamed and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne0sMkgMQ4E
Northern Marianas College graduates cheer as they receive their degrees Friday at the MHS gym.
Ainah Lizave Tomokane Chargualaf, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Rehabilitation and Human Services, was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercises on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Chargualaf, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Aljanah Flores Manabat, who graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, was honored with the Academic Excellence Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Manabat, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Anastasiia Shamanaeva, who graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, was honored with the Academic Excellence Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Shamanaeva, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Anushi Joshi, the speaker for Northern Marianas College’s Class of 2024, delivers her address.
Eric Iglecias Mafnas Jr., who graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, was honored with the Academic Excellence Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Mafnas, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Jerine Wilson, who graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis, was honored with the Academic Excellence Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Wilson, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Governor Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Governor David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan smiles as he delivers his keynote address.
Mary-Jo Maris Jack Camacho, who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, was honored with the Excellence in Service Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Camacho, from left to right, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Richard Enrico Baleares, who graduated magna cum laude with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Education Emphasis, was honored with the Excellence in Service Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Baleares, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Rownel Jody Valladolid Coloma, who graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, Business Management and Accounting Emphasis, was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Coloma, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
Tiara Kiyoko Mizutani Cepeda, who graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Arts in Business, was honored with the Academic Excellence Award at Northern Marianas College’s 43rd Commencement Exercise on May 17, 2024, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. Pictured with Cepeda, from left, are keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, CNMI Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, NMC Board of Regents Chair Charles Cepeda, NMC Dean of Student Support Services Charlotte Cepeda, and NMC Acting Dean of Academic Programs and Services Dr. Barbara Hunter.
