The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) held its 81st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 13th, at the Kanana Fou Gymnasium. 121 students received their degrees and certificates from the College, as family, friends, College staff and invited dignitaries looked on. In keeping with its tradition of inviting a distinguished community member to address the graduating class, the College proudly welcomed McDonalds American Samoa and Samoa CEO, and ASCC alumnus Mrs. Dolores Tautolo-Galea’i to give the keynote address at the ceremony.

              Mrs. Tautolo-Galea’i was a member of the Tafuna High School class of 2004, after which she transitioned to ASCC and graduated magna cum laude in 2007. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Washington State University, again graduating cum laude in 2009. Mrs. Tautolo-Galea’i returned home to begin working for her family’s American Samoa McDonalds franchise in 2010. While raising a family with six children, and working as Finance Manager for McDonalds, she began online studies with Syracuse University towards a Master’s degree in Business Administration, which she completed magna cum laude in 2022.

                  “I’ve worked in various departments within McDonalds, starting as a crew member in the restaurant, even after graduating with my Bachelors,” she recalls. “My father made his intentions known by telling me, ‘You will never appreciate the people who work for you unless you put yourself in their shoes.’ This was profound advice to me, and has helped me in leading our company today.” She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for McDonalds American Samoa and Samoa, and hopes to carry on the vision and business legacy of her father, Rep. Charlie Tautolo, most importantly in terms of giving back to the community. Describing her leisure activities, Mrs. Tautolo-Galea’i shared, “I love to read, spend time with my family, and watch murder mysteries.”

                     ASCC Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i expressed pride in having an alumnus like Mrs. Tautolo-Galea’i share her life story and insights with the fall 2024 graduates. “McDonalds has long been a pillar of not only American Samoa’s business sector, but also our cultural life,” said Dr. Le’i. “They’re an example of how American Samoans can develop a thriving business while also assisting others achieve their dreams, the McDonalds scholarships being just one example of this. I’m sure the message shared by Dolores inspired this semester’s graduating class, and we are grateful she joined us at the podium.”