Update from the President's Office - No. 210

May, 2002MEMORANDUM

To:       All Regents, Faculty, Staff, and Students

From:     Interim President
Subject:  Update from the President's Office-No.210

National Campus

Personnel. The new COM-FSM President, Dr. Michael Tatum arrived here on Friday, May 17, 2002. A welcome party consisted of the Chairman of the Board of Regents, Podis Pedrus, members of the Cabinet, Executive Assistant to President, Norma Edwin, Executive Secretary for the President, Hadleen Satele, several faculty members, staff, and handful of students met President Tatum upon arrival at the airport. President Tatum was received with warm handshakes and "marmars" at the VIP lounge at the airport. A similar welcome was given to the President upon arrival in Chuuk.

Welcome to your new home, Dr. Tatum!

On behalf of all of us at the College, I would like to convey our thanks to the Governor's office for authorizing the College to use the VIP lounge. The spirit of cooperation extended to the welcome party by Pohnpei Port Authority Representative, Mr. Melson Darra, Airport Security, and the Continental Micronesia Airport crew is appreciated.

Mary Snaden is leaving after spending four years of dedicated service to the College. Thank you so much Mary! We wish you and your family the best.

Mr. Jeffrey Steel was hired as a Vocational Education Instructor at Pohnpei Campus. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Steel to the COM-FSM family.

Mr. Raul Javier, Pohnpei Campus Land Grant, and Mr. Alan Hopkins, Pohnpei Campus Vocational Education Instructor are leaving the College. On behalf of all of us at the
College, I would like to say thank you to Mr. Javier and Mr. Hopkins for your years of fine service to the College. We wish you well in your future endeavors.

Staff Awards. A ceremony to present the National Campus Staff/Faculty Incentive Awards for school year 2001-2002 was held on Friday, May 17, 2002, in the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center. The following is a summary of awards presented and recipients:

Services Awards: (5 years) - Mariana Ben-Dereas, Robert Churney, Samuel A. Cox, Joseph Felix, Jr., Jonathan Gourlay, Jennifer Hainrick, Sylvia Henry, Linda Maradol, Eric Mecklenburg, Julie Nimea, Lihno Panuelo, Kiyoshi Phillip, Alilihna Sackryas, Jean Thoulag; (10 years) - Paulino David, John R. Haglelgam, Bruce E. Robert; (15 years) - Paula Haglelgam, Mellyana Langinmes, Arleen Yamaguchi; (25years) - Eugene J. Ashby, Spensin James

Roson Mwahu Award - Robert Andreas, Lihno Panuelo, Loatis Seneres, Nancy Simor

Faculty of the Year- Dana Lee-Ling

Award of Recognitiont -Arlene Yamaguchi

Professional Recognition - Susan J. Moses, Jonathan Gourlay, Norleen Oliver, Magdalena Hallers, John Haglelgam, Donald W. Buden, Harvey Segal

Innovative Idea Award - Francisco Mendiola

Students' Choice - Jennifer Hainrick

Community Service Award - Charles Musana

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AWARD WINNERS!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

Following the awards ceremony a potluck dinner was held outside the entrance of the Sports Center to honor the awardees and welcome the new COM-FSM President Dr. Michael Tatum.

Staff Awards for the state campuses will be reported in future updates when the data is received.

COM-FSM Board of Regents Meeting: The Board is holding its Regular meeting beginning on Monday, May 20-24, 2002. The draft Board Agenda is attached for your information. The COM-FSM Board of Regents will conclude its meetings on Friday, May 24, 2002 at 3 p.m. with the FSM Congress. The Committee on Health, Education, and Social Affairs will hold a hearing on the COM-FSM's FY 2003 Budget proposal.

The Board of Regents hosted a dinner reception at Misko Restaurant on Monday, May 20, 2002 in honor of President Mike Tatum.

35th Annual Commencement Exercises: The COM-FSM will hold its Thirty-Fifth Commencement Exercises, today, May 22, 2002 at 2 p.m. at the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center. The United States Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary to the FSM, His Excellency Larry Miles Dinger will give the keynote address to the graduates. A total of 167 students are expected to receive their degrees and certificates. Please come and celebrate with the graduates and their families.

More next time!!