Perseverance and resilience became a common thread as speakers took the stage in the Fañomnåkan 2023 commencement celebrating the achievements of 303 graduates on Sunday at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.

UOG conferred 237 bachelor’s degrees and 66 master’s degrees producing the latest batch of future nurses, teachers, business and public administration professionals, social workers, scientists, artists, engineers, and others.

Three tied for valedictorian are twins - Hunter Orland and Madison Orland - both bachelor of arts in fine arts graduates; along with co-valedictorian Britney Sison, who achieved a bachelor of science dual degree in chemistry and biology.

"We have confronted uncertainty head on, particularly during the change to remote learning and then the transition back to in person classes. We have made sacrifices not only in our pursuit of education but also in our personal lives. Some of us have experienced the loss of loved ones or grappled with financial hardships. But we overcame these obstacles because we are resilient," Sison said.

Fleurdeliza De Peralta, an expert in nuclear power, renewable energy and cybersecurity, was the commencement speaker encouraging the new graduates to keep their curiosity.

Congratulations, UOG grads!