ASCC held its 77 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 16th, in the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) Gymnasium in Tafuna. 138 ASCC students received their degrees and certificates, and the ceremony also included commencement formalities for 12 guest graduates from off-island universities, one receiving a Bachelor’s degree, eight receiving a Master’s degree, and three receiving their Doctorate degrees.

          As with all ASCC Commencements, the family and friends of the graduates came in great numbers to show their support. They joined invited dignitaries including the Governor and members of the Board of Higher Education (BHE), the governing body which oversees ASCC. The opening and closing prayers for the ceremony were led by Rev. Iasepi Ulu, who also serves as Vice Chairman for the BHE. The College’s decision to hold the Commencement at an off-campus facility this semester was based on recent weather conditions and the indoor seating capacity of the DYWA Gym.

          The ceremony featured as keynote speaker an ASCC alumnus who has gone on to a distinguished role in the community. Mr. Justin Tuiasosopo, originally from Manu’a, now serves as CEO for Bluesky Communications, and he shared his insights from a long journey of learning and professional service that has taken him from American Samoa to Hawaii and California. Tuiasosopo graduated from Tafuna High School in 2009, and earned his first college credentials at ASCC before continuing on to Chaminade University in Honolulu, where he graduated with an MBA in Accounting. His subsequent professional experience included leadership positions at Enterprise Holdings in California, where he oversaw the Sacramento and Orange County regions. His professional experience in California set the stage for his return to American Samoa, where he joined the Bluesky team and has risen to the rank of CEO. Since 2021, Tuiasosopo has also served as a member of the BHE. Tuiasosopo gave a stirring address in which he reminded the graduates that hard work is the key to any success.

          The administration, faculty and staff of ASCC wish all of the Graduating Class of Fall 2022 a successful and fulfilling future!