American Samoa Community News Briefs

SNHU DEAN'S LIST compiled by Samoa News staff Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Melanie Paletaoga of American Samoa has been named to Southern New Hampshire University 's Spring 2026 Dean's List. The spring terms run from January to May. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 93-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the "Most Innovative" regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. UTAH TECH'S 115TH COMMENCEMENT Utah Tech University celebrated the 2025 graduating class of 3,078 students at its 115th Commencement ceremonies this week. The ceremonies took place May 6 and 7 at the Utah Tech University Burns Arena. Four ceremonies were held over the two days to provide a more efficient and intimate opportunity to celebrate each individual graduates accomplishments. The first ceremony was at 9 a.m. on May 6 for those receiving their associate degrees. The second ceremony was held that afternoon for those receiving their degree from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences or College of the Arts. The third ceremony was held Thursday morning for those from College of Health Sciences and College of Education. The final ceremony was held Thursday afternoon for graduates from the College of Science, Engineering & Technology and the College of Business. "I am incredibly proud of Utah Tech University's Class of 2026," President Shane B. Smeed said. "I am confident that as Utah Tech's newest alumni, our Trailblazers will take their next steps not only with knowledge but also with confidence. They are equipped with the capability that come from hands-on experience and are ready to apply what they've learned to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve." The following local students were celebrated as part of Utah Tech's 115th graduating class: Tavui Toatelegese of Nu'uuli, America Samoa Kirsten Tulouna of American Samoa Kristina Timoteo of Ili'ili, American Samoa Uputaua Nielsen of St. George, UT Lorna Siaumau-Sanitoa of Leone, American Samoa Miracle Ma'ae of Nuuuli, American Samoa Merry-Christmas Vaa of Tula, American Samoa Each graduating class is unique. This year, the graduates represented 21 countries and 43 U.S states, with 2,384 graduates being from Utah. The eldest graduate is 71, earning their General Studies Certificate, while the youngest graduate earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at age 15. The majority of this year's graduates are female, at 62%, and 28% are first-generation students. Celebrating the culmination of Utah Tech graduates' hard work and the ultimate accomplishment of earning their degrees, Commencement is the most important time of the year on the Utah Tech campus. As a result, the Commencement Committee works very hard all year long to ensure no detail is overlooked. This year, to increase the celebratory feeling of Commencement festivities, Utah Tech hosted a Commencement Drone Show at the beginning of the week for the first time in its history. NEW COSMETOLOGY BOARD MEMBERS Governor Puaali’i Nikolau Pula has appointed two new members to the Cosmetology Board. They are: Robert ("Bok") Dalmacio, Jr. — to serve a two-year term on the Cosmetology Board, replacing Ms. Dorothy Tarasawa. Mr. Dalmacio's term will expire on April 29, 2028; and, Ms. Fa'atamali Lealaõ — to serve for a one (1) year term, expiring on April 29, 2027. The governor said, “I look forward to meeting with the full membership of the Cosmetology Board to better understand its vision and mission in protecting public health and ensuring professional standards within the beauty industry. Section: Local News Tags: community news briefs
2026-05-13 17:39:03