AFTER enduring a semester disrupted by two super typhoons, Northern Marianas College's Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation as NMC awarded more than 220 degrees during its 45th Commencement Exercise on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the American Memorial Park amphitheater.
The ceremony held special significance for graduates, their families and college leaders, marking an academic milestone achieved through recovery and resilience.
NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, said the Class of 2026 celebrated "45 years of educational excellence" and represented "years of hard work, sacrifice, personal growth and learning." He said this year's commencement carried "even greater meaning" following the impacts of Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, adding that resilience remains "one of the defining characteristics of our people."
Student speaker Amy Rayn Soliman told her classmates, "We too need obstacles to build resilience," adding that the graduates would leave NMC with "roots that run deep." She said the class persevered with their education despite "the many external factors that have made the years difficult."
Keynote speaker Guam Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio said, "Commencement is not simply a celebration of what you have achieved. It is a declaration of what a community believes is possible." He said education equips graduates "to make a difference" and described the ceremony as both a personal achievement and a milestone for the community.
NMC also recognized graduates for service, leadership and academic excellence. The Excellence in Service Award went to Maria Daniella Sablan, Associate of Arts in Business, and Jin Kai Chen, Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting.
The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Ismail Hossain, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Education, and Amy Rayn Soliman, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Rehabilitation and Human Services and an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.
Academic Excellence Awards were presented to Fatima Rose Ito, Guiaiya Bannet Ogumoro, Hana Rhys Laxamana Diaz, Jiaxin Chen, Margareth Galgo Tawagon, and Shannea Mae Javate Dino.
The college also presented the Napu Award to NMC Senior Vice President Frankie Eliptico, now interim president, in recognition of his longtime contributions to the college and the community. During the ceremony, the award was described as honoring a leader and innovator whose work helped guide NMC through accreditation challenges, financial pressures, the pandemic and multiple super typhoons. His contributions in marketing and public relations, fundraising, and facilities planning were also credited with strengthening the college's visibility, finances and long-term development.