A graduation ceremony was held in Wotje on May 27 in honor of six individuals who completed their diplomas and degrees from the College of the Marshall Islands — including the first student on Wotje to receive her BA degree.
College President Dr. David Newnham, in his address, referred to graduates as the heart of CMI’s mission: “To cultivate knowledge, preserve Marshallese culture, and uplift our communities to think better, do better, and be better.”
“You are RMI’s next bodybuilders of the Mind, Spirit, and Culture of this Republic,” he added. “You are the light that shines beyond these shores. You are the storytellers of our past and the architects of our future.”
Wotje’s Mayor Rithen Lajar, the event’s keynote speaker, encouraged the graduates to pursue higher education and return to work for the nation.
Lucey Mea, who is part of the graduating class, was recognized as the first CMI Wotje graduate to receive a bachelor’s degree.
Among the VIPs present at the commencement exercise were Irooj Farrend Zackious, Acting Minister of Education Wisely Zackhras, CMI Board of Regents Chair Meitaka Kendall-Lekka, and members Morean Watak and Wilmer Joel, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Switaj, Dean of WAVES Rigieta Lord, MIR General Manager Hirobo Obeketang, and MIDB’s representative Jikko Anien.
Wotje Campus Coordinator Noreen Ishoda-Lani was the master of ceremonies, and Reverend Tommy Jacob of the Assembly of God provided the opening and closing prayers.
RMI High School Equivalency diplomas went to Johnnylee Alwoj – Wotje, Kwajalein; Fred Dayawon – Wotje; and Motellang Luther – Wotje.
Graduates achieving their Associate of Science Degree in Elementary Education were Daniea Binejal – Likiep and Kamisha Capelle – Likiep, Wotje.
A Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education went to Lucey Mea – Mili, Wotje.