A new era of student support is beginning at the University of Guam as it unveiled the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Student Success Center. Over at UOG's Mangilao campus, they're redefining the Triton experience.

For decades students at the University of Guam had to crisscross campus to get the help they needed. Today, that changes with the opening of the new center. Named after a business magnate and philanthropist, best known as chairman and CEO of LT Group, Inc., Dr. Tan's contribution of $1.5 million to UOG helped make the facility possible. 

Attending on his behalf, his daughter, Jeselyn Tan Yu, says throughout his career Dr. Tan's efforts to give back to the community always placed a strong emphasis on expanding access to education - believing that an education could take any person from humble beginnings to reaching their dreams.

"With the new Dr. Lucio C. Tan Student Success Center, we show our support for higher education," Tan Yu announced, "a key building block to developing and growing Guam's human resources as a foundation to build Guam up further and higher than ever before."

She added that amongst their various Guam-embraced businesses such as Philippine Airlines and the Micronesia Mall, their goal is to not only be a part of the island's everyday life, but to contribute to uplifting its communities. "Guam has always been near and dear to my father's heart. With this new student support center, we further realize his vision to be one with Guam as Guam's adopted son," she said.

The 45,000-square foot facility offers Tritons a wide range of services to help them be the best they can be - from academic advising and financial aid to guidance for post-grad employment opportunities. The building also stands as a place for the university's many clubs and societies to host their meetings, collaborate, or just hang out!

And students are already getting excited about what the future of the center holds. Student Jordana E. shared, "It was great to see such a large space where clubs and organizations can come together. Especially since we've held our club meetings in some small rooms before. So having that open space is really exciting for us and for future club meetings this semester."

And fellow undergraduate Mia H. added, "I think it's a really nice, open space for everyone to just meet up and for friends to be able to come here and hang out. They don't have to sit in the hot sun or try to find an empty classroom to hang out."

"It's great that there's a space dedicated to us students," noted Sean M., "because for the past how many years we've had so many buildings taken away from us or there was a lack of accessible spaces where we could study in peace."

"I think it's so heartwarming! Now we have a central hub and area where we can see career [counselors] and people to guide us through post-grad," Jordana said.

At the SSC, it's all about supporting students always. Complete with student health services, a computer lab, and a dining hall, its Tritons' one-stop student support hub ready to transform campus culture - giving students a permanent space designed specifically for them to succeed.