Demapan honored for honorary degree

The 8th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council has adopted a resolution congratulating Supreme Court Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan for being awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the University of Guam for his exemplary contributions and services to the judiciary system.

The university’s board of regents conferred the honorary degree on Demapan last May 29, 2005, at the Guam University Field House.

The council said this brings regional honor and distinction to the people of the CNMI in Guam.

The University of Guam’s board of regents has been awarding an honorary doctoral degree to persons for exemplary contributions and services that benefit the community.

Demapan born on July 16, 1952 is the son of Gregorio Deleon Guerrero Demapan and Micaela Atalig Sablan Demapan. He is husband to Francesca Takai Tenorio Demapan and the father of Michael, Patrick, Frances, Soleana, and Micaela.

Demapan attended the University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam, 1971-1972; received a bachelor of science degree (with emphasis on chemistry), Seattle, Washington, June 1, 1975; a master’s in business administration (with honors), Golden State University, San Francisco, California, Aug. 20, 1983; and Juris Doctorate Degree, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, Dec. 21, 1985.

His professional background includes being Chief Justice of the CNMI Supreme Court, July 1999-present; Associate Justice, CNMI Supreme Court, July 1998-July 1999; Associate Judge, CNMI Superior Court, November 1992-July 1998; Justice Pro Tempore, Supreme Court of Guam; Judge Pro Tempore, Superior Court of Guam; chair, Commonwealth Law Revision Commission; chair, Criminal Justice Planning Agency Supervisory Council; private law practice, representing major business and local clients; former member, CNMI Tax Task Force; general counsel, J.C. Tenorio Ent. Inc.; teacher, Marianas High School; voucher clerk, T.T. Finance Department (Marianas); and ward clerk, Dr. Torres Hospital.

Demapan is a recipient of numerous certificates, honors, and awards; admitted to practice law before the CNMI Superior Court and Supreme Court; admitted to practice law before the U.S. Federal District Court; former president, Pacific Judicial Council; executive member, Pacific Judicial Council (treasurer 5/4/04-present; secretary 4/02-5/04; president 8/00-4/02); former board of directors, U.S. Conference of Chief Justices (1998-present); former chair of the resolutions committee, Conference of Chief Justices (USA); member, Asia and the Pacific Conference of Chief Justices; official member, CNMI Federal Bench Council; Alumni National Judicial College (Reno, Nevada); University of Hawaii Medical School, Imi Hoola Program (Hawaii); T.T.-wide Congress of Micronesia essay award winner; Marianas High School, class valedictorian; recipient, Trust Territory full scholarship; recipient, Saipan Municipal Council resolutions; attended the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (diploma); attended the University of Santa Clara Institute of International and Comparative Law-Tokyo, Japan (diploma); representative to the National Judicial College Assembly; member, American Law Institute (ex-officio) (2001); director emeritus, the American Law Institute; Distinguished Alumni Medal, Santa Clara University School of Law; and member, American Bar Association for professional responsibility.

“The members of the municipal council, the people of the CNMI and the proud family members join the CNMI courts’ personnel, Superior Court presiding judges and associate judges and associate justices in extending special recognition, congratulation and commendation to…Demapan for bringing honor and distinction to the CNMI Courts and the people of the CNMI,” part of the resolution reads.

The resolution was certified by municipal council chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice chair David A. Indalecio and attested by secretary Antonia M. Tudela. (PR)