The University of Guam and the Young Men’s League of Guam have established the Andrew T. Laguaña Scholarship to support UOG students pursuing CHamoru Studies. 

Two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded beginning in Fañomnåkan (Spring) 2026.

The scholarship honors the late Andrew T. Laguaña, a prominent architect, public servant, and civic leader, who passed away in 2022. Known affectionately as “Andy,” he dedicated his life and career to preserving the CHamoru identity through architecture, education, and community leadership.

Laguaña served on numerous boards throughout his life, including the UOG Board of Regents, Guam Preservation Trust, and Guam Museum Foundation.

“Andy’s legacy is quite literally built into our University,” said UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez. “His work lives on in the buildings students walk through every day and now, through this scholarship, his spirit will guide the next generation of cultural leaders.”

The Laguaña family, including daughters Jerusa and Drew-Ann, expressed their deep appreciation for the tribute.

“Our language, our culture, and our beliefs are rooted in oral tradition. This is how we know who we are,” said Jerusa Laguaña Benevente, daughter of the late Andrew T. Laguaña. “With these scholarships, we are preparing our future, writing our story, and ensuring the legacy of our people will be told forever.”

“My dad believed that anyone, whether CHamoru or any of our island brothers and sisters, with the right mindset and support could achieve higher education,” added Jerusa. “To all who made this happen, thank you. This is not just a scholarship. It is a gift of legacy.”

The scholarship is open to junior or senior UOG students majoring or minoring in CHamoru Studies or CHamoru Studies for Education.

Submit a Scholarship Application Packet from YMLG Scholarship Committee Chair Roland Franquez (roland.franquez@yahoo.com).

Include an original essay in CHamoru on: “What the practice and proliferation of CHamoru language and culture means to me and how I would contribute to its growth in my lifetime.”

Finalists will read their essays aloud to the YMLG Board of Directors.

Application Deadline: Oct. 31, 2025.