Dr. Christian Wei, president, EUCON International University, with Rita Chong Dela Cruz.
EUCON International University is proud to announce that Rita Chong Dela Cruz has been awarded the Indigenous Scholarship for the Master of Business Administration program — a milestone that highlights EUCON’s mission of empowering the indigenous people of the CNMI to become the leaders, innovators, and community-builders of tomorrow.
With a career spanning leadership roles in cultural preservation, coastal resource management, homeland security, higher education, and community development, Rita embodies the very qualities EUCON seeks to invest in: integrity, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service.
For Rita, integrity is not just a value but a way of life. As a single working mother, she has built her professional reputation on honesty, fairness, and the courage to make the right choices even when they are difficult. From securing millions of dollars in federal grants for the CNMI to protecting cultural heritage to empowering youth and women through community organizations, Rita has consistently chosen to put the welfare of her community above personal gain.
“I choose to do what is right, even when no one is looking. Integrity has been my guiding principle as a mother, a leader, and a servant to our community. I believe education is the foundation for real change, and I am committed to using this opportunity to uplift our people and strengthen our islands,” she said.
Rita will pursue her MBA at EUCON International University, a journey that will prepare her not only to advance her leadership capacity but also to realize her vision of creating institutions and opportunities that will serve and uplift the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.
EUCON’s commitment: Building a stronger CNMI through education and leadership
The Indigenous Scholarship Program is one of EUCON’s most impactful initiatives, designed specifically to support Chamorro, Carolinian, and other indigenous groups of the CNMI. The program provides 50 full scholarships across five bachelor’s programs and advanced study opportunities, including:
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Golf Management
• Bachelor of Biblical Studies
Beyond tuition coverage, EUCON goes further by providing access to its Entrepreneurship Support Office, which equips graduates with the tools and mentorship needed to launch businesses, create nonprofits, and lead initiatives that rebuild the community’s social and economic foundation.
“EUCON is not simply offering higher education degrees. We are investing in the lives of indigenous students like Rita — investing in their integrity, their leadership, and their dreams for the CNMI. Our mission is to rebuild this community from the ground up, cultivating the next generation of leaders who will Make CNMI Great Again — through education, entrepreneurship, and service,” said Dr. Christian Wei, president, EUCON International University.
A call to the indigenous people of the CNMI
Rita’s story is an inspiration — but she is only the beginning. EUCON believes there are many more future leaders in the CNMI waiting for the opportunity to be educated, empowered, and equipped to serve.
“We invite indigenous students with vision, integrity, and commitment to community to apply for this life-changing opportunity. With EUCON’s 28 years of academic excellence — from kindergarten to university — we have built a foundation strong enough to prepare students not just for degrees, but for lives of leadership and impact.”
Applications are now open. Slots are limited.
Apply today and take the first step toward rebuilding the CNMI.
Contact information
EUCON International University and School
Phone: 670-234-3203
Email: info@eucon.edu
Website: www.eucon.edu and www.eucon.us
“Rita has chosen to lead with integrity. Who will be next?
“Join EUCON, and together we will ‘Make CNMI Great Again’ — starting with education.”
