Kosrae Campus IT Technician Katchugo Joe Passes Away at 28

Tofol, Kosrae - The College of Micronesia-FSM community is mourning the loss of Katchugo Joe, a beloved member of the Kosrae Campus staff, who passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 28.

Katchugo joined COM-FSM in October 2022, bringing her dedication and expertise to the role of IT Technician. In her short time with the campus, she quickly earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and students for her technical skills, friendly demeanor, and willingness to help. At the COM-FSM Board of Regents’ meeting at the Kosrae Campus in June 2023, Katchugo worked tirelessly to ensure that all of the required technological equipment was set up and the services fully functional. She responded quickly and efficiently to the many and varied requests made by Board members and College colleagues alike.

In November 2023, Katchugo was identified for further and advanced IT training. Her single-minded commitment, genuine and keen interest in improving the IT infrastructure at the Kosrae Campus was clearly evident. Even during her last trip to the U. S. on personal leave in late 2023, she was sending photos of potentially useful STARLINK equipment to the IT Consultant, asking if she should purchase it for the Kosrae Campus.

Katchugo's journey with COM-FSM began long before her time as an employee. She
was a proud alumna, having completed two Associate of Science degrees: one in
Computer Information Systems (CIS) in 2019 and another in Business Administration
in 2021.

Katchugo's death is a loss not only to COM-FSM, but also to the entire Kosrae
community. She was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and her
passing leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew her.

On behalf of the Board of Regents, students, faculty, staff and administrators of
COM-FSM, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Katchugo Joe’s family. Our
thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends, and all those whose lives Katchugo touched.

May she rest on high with angels and in eternal love and peace.