11 students graduate from Loyola
Eleven nursing students on Wednesday became the first graduates from the University of Loyola at CNMI.
The eleven students received an associate science degree in nursing. The students were: Marjorie Celebrado, Francis Jason Dimapilis, Robina Francia, Nerissa Inciong, Jean Isidro, Ariel Jerome Laus, Arnaldo Laus, John Lawrence Pelayo, Philip Laurence Salud, Vanessa Tebia and Robert Vincent Ungco.
Gov. Benigno Fitial gave the keynote address. He said he was very proud of the historic achievement the graduation ceremony represented.
“It’s not just an accomplishment for the students, but for the CNMI — to have two nursing programs is an accomplishment,” he said referring to Emmanuel College, which recently held a graduation ceremony for its nurses a few months ago.
There are currently 35 students enrolled in the nursing program at Loyola.
University of Loyola at CNMI president/CEO Dr. Johnny Y. Fong presented the opening remarks.
Several officials were in attendance at the ceremony, including Senate President Pete Reyes, Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Juan Tudela, Rep. Oscar Babauta, and Labor Director Barry Hirshbein, among others.