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President Urusemal receives honorary degree

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): June 4, 2004 - President Joseph J. Urusemal is the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters conferred by the University of Guam during its Spring Commencement Ceremonies held on Sunday.

The President's honorary degree is in recognition of his commitment to education and prominent public servant and a leader of humanitarian efforts, as exemplified by his leadership in the Pacific region.

In addition to being the recipient of an honorary degree, President Urusemal was also the guest speaker for the Commencement Ceremonies.

He urged the graduates to maintain their cultures while actively engaging in an increasingly interconnected world, " do not lose sight of your heritage, as this is your bedrock," said the President.

President Urusemal referred to the commencement's motto of "holding on to tradition in the face of progress, " as the most concise and accurate description of the challenges and opportunities facing Micronesians in the wake of globalization.

He called on the graduates to assess the opportunities and give serious consideration to their roles as the future of Micronesian, " I am confident that many of you will find much greater rewards by playing an active role in mapping our future and improving our island governments.

"You are the building material for our future" the President told the graduates.

Close to 200 graduates attended Sunday's commencement ceremony, although organizers said a total of 253 degrees were conferred.