ASCC student Anna Imelda Afoa (left) received an award for outstanding achievement in Samoan Studies at the Graduate Banquet this past Wednesday. Lelia Mona Chang (right) received the same award in the Science category. (Photo: J. Kneubuhl)
ASCC student Patricia Tofilau received an award for outstanding achievement in English at the Graduate Banquet this past Wednesday. The College's 61st Commencement Ceremony will take place today at 10 a.m. in the ASCC Gymnasium. (Photo: J. Kneubuhl)
ASCC student Anna Imelda Afoa (left) received an award for outstanding achievement in Samoan Studies at the Graduate Banquet this past Wednesday. Lelia Mona Chang (right) received the same award in the Science category. (Photo: J. Kneubuhl)
ASCC Graduate Banquet Celebrate Scholastic Achievement
December 11, 2014
By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer
The Division of Student Services at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) holds its Graduate Banquet each semester several days prior to the official Commencement Ceremony. The Banquet gives the pending graduates an opportunity to enjoy a social occasion where members of their class receive recognition for outstanding scholastic achievements. The fall 2014 Banquet took place this past Wednesday, December 10th, at Seafood Restaurant, and highlighted the accomplishments of the most recent group of young men and women transitioning from ASCC into the next phase of their academic or professional careers.
With student Princess Auava’a serving as the evening’s MC, and student Peter Mata’utia leading the opening prayer, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Kathleen Kolhoff-Belle welcomed the students by congratulating them and wishing them well on behalf of the entire ASCC administration, faculty and staff. Representing the Alumni Association, Mrs. Amio Luvu and Mr. Evile Feleti announced the recipients for this semester’s outstanding achievement awards as Lelia Mona Chang for Science, Anna Elizabeth Taimane Iosefo for Math, Patricia Tofilau for English and Anna Imelda Afoa for Samoan Studies.
On behalf of the Business Department, Mr. Ioapo Taua’i recognized Miranda Galo as this semester’s student with outstanding achievement in Business. Community & Natural Resources representative Mrs. Pauline McFall continued with awards for exemplary scholarly performance for Jacinta Uelese and Meighen Fanolua, followed by Fine Arts chairman Kuki Tuiasosopo announcing the Fine Arts Award recipients as Irae Fuimaono, Jasmine Muasau, Ruta Ropeti and Molly Asifoa. Angelique Ma’ae represented the American Samoa College Research Foundation (ASCRF) to present its award for outstanding achievement to Anna Elizabeth Taimane Iosefo, and also to recognize ASCRF Student Organization graduates Athena Fa’anoi Lefano Savali, Ching-Ho Malua Hunkin, Jasmine Muasau, and Lana Toia.
Samoan Studies Institute chairman Teleiai Christian Ausage announced this semester’s students with exemplary accomplishments as Anna Imelda Afoa, Toni-Marie Hollister and Lana Toia. On behalf of the Teacher Education Department, Mrs. Feleni Petelo recognized this semester’s three graduates with Bachelor in Education degrees, Amarantos Faalevao, Lene Matila-Chanel, and Vanila Ta’ai.
On behalf of SGA Coordinator Maxine Tuiolemotu, Student Representative to the Board of Higher Education Jessebeth Ropeti, along with Archivist Princess Auva’a next announced the Student Government Association (SGA) Award of Recognition going to former members in recognition of their services. For fall 2012 to spring 2013, SGA awards went to Irae Fuimaono, Filemoni Faleali’i, and Peter Mata’utia, while the recipients for service from fall 2013 to spring 2014 were Lana Toia, Athena Savali, Mereina Laumatia, Arona Toalepai, and Tony Bishop. The SGA also presented Dr. Kolhoff-Belle with a gold “thank you” plate and a personalized coffee cup for “endless support, words of wisdom, and inspiration.”
Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i provided the closing remarks, wishing the graduates a bright and prosperous future, and Dr. Repeka Nuusa led everyone in prayer to end an enjoyable evening.