The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Alpha Epsilon Mu chapter of the nation-wide Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society held its Fall 2025 induction on Thursday, September 11th, welcoming 13 ASCC students into the ranks of the prestigious honor society as family and friends joined them in the College’s Multi-Purpose Auditorium to celebrate their achievement.

               To provide a keynote speech, the PTK always invites an influential member of the community, who exemplifies the honor society’s core value of service to others. For this occasion, ASCC and PTK alumnus Pa’u Dr. Roy Ausage provided the keynote speech. Dr. Ausage earned his Associate of Science degree and graduated valedictorian from ASCC in 1990. He went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Public Management from the Australian National University, a Master’s of Science in Human Services from Golden Gate University, another Master’s degree in Education from San Diego State University, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University.

               Dr. Ausage has served with the American Samoa government for 31 years, in capacities including drug free specialist, teacher, trainer, counselor, administrator, deputy director and director. In addition, he holds four matai titles and has been active in the cultural community for decades. He is a member o the Seventh Day Adventist Church, where his service over the years has earned him the title of “elder”. Dr. Ausage has been happily married for 33 years and is the father of three.

               For his keynote message to the fall 2025 PTK inductees, Dr. Ausage stressed the importance of perseverance. He recounted examples from his own time as a student, when he learned how daunting the challenges of higher education can be, especially for students from the Pacific facing the cultural adjustments to life in the United States. He now has the perspective of an instructor, and he has always tried to instill those he teaches the values that served him as a student, specifically the determination to never give up, and maintaining the focus on one day serving the community that provides an opportunity to succeed.

               Following Dr. Ausage’s address, the PTK Officers led the new inductees through the traditional candle-lighting, which allowed for the introduction of each new member, followed by the group recitation of the society’s oath of allegiance. This semester, the PTK welcomed inductees Mulueā Tufanua Ilimaleota, Nalei Aigafealofaini Vaouli, Julius-Apelu Mila Faalogo, Angelina Taliaoa, Celestine Rosalia Mao, Orlando David, Moesha Siniua Metuli, Pearl Eunize M. Munoz, Toalei Sigafili Toelupe, Hazel Ipuniuesea Leo, Vennessa Leota, Leone Alema and Lydia Epa-Gurr

               At ASCC, the society’s Alpha Epsilon Mu chapter is overseen by lead advisor Mr. Kuki Tuiasosopo, and faculty advisors Dr. Ernie Seiuli and Mrs. Amete Mulipola-Moefiainu, and community member Mrs. Adrien Vasai-Moana. PTK Officers for fall 2025 are Marion Afioae (President), Melanie Paletaoga (Vice President), Athena Polu (Secretary), Elisha Akeli (Treasurer) and Falesoa Tufi (Public Relations Secretary.

               Representing the ASCC administration at the event were President Dr. Rosevonne Pato; Vice President of Academic, Community and Student Affairs Dr. Letupu Moananu, Vice President of Administration and Finance Mr. Sonny Leomiti; Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Siamaua Ropeti; Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i; and Director of Institutional Effectiveness Mr. Tauvela Fale. For more information on PTK activities and opportunities across the nation, visit their website: www.ptk.org.