Family and friends of the late Andrew T. Laguaña gather with members of the Young Men’s League of Guam, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, CHamoru Studies students, and representatives from the UOG College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences during the Andrew T. Laguaña Scholarship announcement ceremony held on July 23, 2025, at the University of Guam. The event honored Laguaña’s legacy and celebrated the launch of a scholarship in his name that will support students pursuing degrees in CHamoru Studies. (Photo courtesy of the University of Guam)
The University of Guam and the Young Men’s League of Guam (YMLG) have established the Andrew T. Laguaña Scholarship to support UOG students pursuing CHamoru Studies. Two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded beginning in Fañomnåkan (Spring) 2026.
The scholarship honors the late Andrew T. Laguaña, a prominent architect, public servant, and civic leader, who passed away in 2022. Known affectionately as “Andy,” he dedicated his life and career to preserving the CHamoru identity through architecture, education, and community leadership.
Laguaña served on numerous boards throughout his life, including the UOG Board of Regents, Guam Preservation Trust, and Guam Museum Foundation.
“Andy’s legacy is quite literally built into our University,” said UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, who also shared personal reflections about their shared community service and family ties. “His work lives on in the buildings students walk through every day and now, through this scholarship, his spirit will guide the next generation of cultural leaders.”
Young Men’s League of Guam
Founded in 1917, the Young Men’s League of Guam has a long history of service, focusing on initiatives that safeguard Guam’s heritage and strengthen its people. League members, including UOG CHamoru Studies faculty Siñot Cody Lizama and Dr. Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, advocated for this scholarship.
“Andy was the driving force behind our league’s constitutional reforms. He challenged us to do more and to do better with our resources,” said Bob Pelkey, President of the Young Men’s League of Guam. “Establishing this scholarship in his name is our way of honoring his example and continuing his work.”
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Laguaña family, including daughters Jerusa and Drew-Ann, expressed their deep appreciation for the tribute.
“Our language, our culture, and our beliefs are rooted in oral tradition. This is how we know who we are,” said Jerusa Laguaña Benevente, daughter of the late Andrew T. Laguaña. “With these scholarships, we are preparing our future, writing our story, and ensuring the legacy of our people will be told forever.”
“My dad believed that anyone, whether CHamoru or any of our island brothers and sisters, with the right mindset and support could achieve higher education,” said Jerusa. “To all who made this happen, thank you. This is not just a scholarship. It is a gift of legacy.”
Drew Ann Laguaña (second from left, back row) and Jerusa Laguaña (far right, back row), daughters of the late Andrew T. Laguaña, pictured with their families during the scholarship announcement ceremony. The sisters delivered heartfelt remarks honoring their father’s legacy. (Photo courtesy of the University of Guam)
UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez stands with Drew Ann Laguaña (left) and Jerusa Laguaña (right) following the scholarship announcement ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the University of Guam)
How to Apply
The scholarship is open to junior or senior UOG students majoring or minoring in CHamoru Studies or CHamoru Studies for Education.
Submit a Scholarship Application Packet from YMLG Scholarship Committee Chair Roland Franquez (roland.franquez@yahoo.com).
Include an original essay in CHamoru on: “What the practice and proliferation of CHamoru language and culture means to me and how I would contribute to its growth in my lifetime.”
Finalists will read their essays aloud to the YMLG Board of Directors.
Application Deadline: Oct. 31, 2025.
“This scholarship is more than just financial support. It is a continuation of Andrew’s vision for our island’s future,” said Pelkey.
For more information about the scholarship, contact the UOG Financial Aid Office at (671) 735-2288 or email finaid@triton.uog.edu.
