UOG Press provides first ever financial aid awards to four outstanding UOG students

L-R front row: Awardees Francine Cruz, Franklin Fujihira, Katielyn Aizon, and Caleb Cruz surrounded by family, friends, UOG administrators, and the family members of the CHamoru authors and songwriters who were honored through the awards. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)

Four University of Guam students were awarded financial aid awards from the University of Guam Press as part of its first cycle of UOG Press Awards.

Each award honors the legacy of the author it represents and exemplifies UOG Press’s commitment to fostering scholarly excellence and cultural preservation by supporting students who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their respective fields.

The recipients of the 2025 UOG Press Awards are:

Katielyn Aizon – Chris Perez Howard Future Author Award ($1,700)

L-R: Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba, CHamoru Author Chris Perez Howard’s niece Joleen Perez and cousin Joey San Agustin, Awardee Katielyn Aizon, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG Press Director of Publishing Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, and University Libraries Dean Monique Storie

Katielyn Aizon is awarded with the Chris Perez Howard Future Author Award for her exemplary work ethic and dedication to bringing more Micronesian perspectives into journalism and literature. L-R: Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba, CHamoru Author Chris Perez Howard’s niece Joleen Perez and cousin Joey San Agustin, Awardee Katielyn Aizon, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG Press Director of Publishing Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, and University Libraries Dean Monique Storie (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)

The late Chris Perez Howard is the author of the novels, Juanit and Mariquita. His premier novel, Mariquita, is the most widely read novel about the CHamoru experience during World War II on Guam. This award is given to an English or Communications major with a minor in Writing who is committed to publishing stories that capture the experiences of the people of Guam or Micronesia.

Franklin Cruz Fujihira – Mike Laguåña Lancheru Award ($1,500)

Franklin Fujihira is awarded the Mike Laguåña Lancheru Award for his dedication to sustainable agriculture and his inspiring vision for a healthier, greener, and responsible Guam. L-R: University Libraries Dean Monique Storie, Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba, CHamoru Recording Artist and Producer Johnny Sablan, Awardee Franklin Fujihira, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, and UOG Press Director of Publishing Victoria- Lola Leon Guerrero (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)

The late Mike Laguåña is a celebrated CHamoru songwriter whose song “Kånta Babui” continues to be a popular and beloved kassi na kånta (teasing song) about a farmer’s dedication to his pigs. This award is given to a student in the Department of Agriculture who demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability in farming and agricultural practices.

Caleb Cruz – Clotilde Gould and Johnny Sablan CHamoru Studies Award ($1,500)

Caleb Cruz is awarded the Clotilde Gould and Johnny Sablan CHamoru Studies Award for his high academic standing and unwavering commitment to sustaining CHamoru language traditions. L-R: University Libraries Dean Monique Storie, Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba, CHamoru Recording Artist and Producer Johnny Sablan, Master CHamoru Storyteller Clotilde Gould’s daughter Sandy Gould Yow, Awardee Caleb Cruz, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, and UOG Press Director of Publishing Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)

The late Clotilde Gould devoted her life to preserving the CHamoru language and culture through her roles as an educator, author, and dedicated advocate. Johnny Sablan is an acclaimed recording artist who has recorded more than 100 songs whose lifelong mission has been to keep the CHamoru culture alive through music. This award is given to a CHamoru Studies major who demonstrates a commitment to sustaining CHamoru traditions, language, and practices.

Francine Cruz – Dr. Bernadita Camacho-Dungca Place-Based Education Award ($1,500)

Francine B. Cruz receives UOG Press’s Dr. Bernadita Camacho-Dungca Place-Based Education Award for her exceptional academic achievement and dedication to teaching Guam’s history, culture, and environment in GDOE classrooms. L-R: School of Education Dean Alicia Aguon, University Libraries Dean Monique Storie, Senior Vice President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Awardee Francine Cruz, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, and UOG Press Director of Publishing Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)

The late Dr. Bernadita “Benit” Camacho-Dungca was a lifelong educator and advocate for the perpetuation of CHamoru culture and language. Her seminal work Inifresi became Guåhan’s pledge in 1998. This award is given to a student in the School of Education who demonstrates a strong commitment to place-based learning.

Five students for each award were nominated with the support and assistance from the Deans and Department Chairs from the Department of English and Applied Linguistics, Department of CHamoru Studies, Department of Agriculture, and the School of Education.

Each awardee was then selected for their work ethic and academic excellence that set them apart from a competitive pool of applicants.

UOG Press will be hosting an award ceremony on March 31 at 10am in the Micronesian Area Research Center. This event will celebrate each student and their dedication to their fields of study and commitment to carrying on the legacy of CHamoru authors, songwriters, and educators who have been published by UOG Press.

For more information, contact UOG Press Publicist Via De Fant at defantv@triton.uog.edu or +1 (671) 735-2153.