Palau’s president tells La Sierra’s graduates, trust God, make a difference

“His mantra for a fulfilling life has always been put God first, get an education, work hard and live a life of service,” Whipps, Jr. said. “His life is a testimony of faith, determination, humility and resilience.“Like my father, you can fight the good fight with purpose, finish the race with integrity and keep the faith with hope and continue to learn,” Whipps told the graduates. “The world faces many challenges––wars raging, ocean states like Palau are sinking due to the impacts of climate, plastic pollution, homelessness, addiction and violence. Graduates, your education has prepared you to serve with a purpose, to be agents of change, champions for what is good and right.

”Like my father, you can fight the good fight with purpose, finish the race with integrity and keep the faith." -- Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President, Republic of Palau

Whipps Sr. influenced his son to also pursue public service with a heart for uplifting the Palauan people. Whipps, Jr. started his political career in 2008 as a write-in candidate and went on to serve two terms as senator in the 8th and 9th Palau National Congress before running for the presidency in 2016. He currently serves in the 12th Constitutional Government after being re-elected for a second term in the general election held on November 5, 2024.

Under his leadership, the government passed legislation on universal healthcare and fought for accountability and transparency. “[We] negotiated and doubled [Compact of Free Association] assistance with the United States, diversified and grew our economy by a record 12% last year, raised the minimum wage by 40% with another 10% coming in October, and we've expanded and reformed education programs, improved social services, and continue to lead the world in ocean protection,” Whipps said.

Palau also exited the Pacific Islands Forum of 18 Pacific countries formed for trade and regional peacekeeping, which led to a sub-agreement “that restored unity in the Pacific and respect for Micronesia,” he said.

The Republic of Palau is comprised of about 340 islands, islets and atolls which until 1994 operated under the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) previously administered by the United States. As the leader of a strategically located island nation of interest to the world’s major powers, Whipps has worked to ensure the conservation of Palau’s marine assets.

The country possesses the highest percentage of protected ocean area in the world and under Whipps’ guidance and has been an instrumental and leading voice in a global effort to expand protection and management of Earth’s seas. For instance, Palau last year was the first to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty which aims to protect the high seas beyond national jurisdictions. The treaty becomes binding once ratified by 60 nations. Whipps noted he was recently informed by Emmanuel Macron, president of France that the treaty has received 50 signatures.

Through the Bezos Earth Fund, Palau also inspired the creation of a coalition of nations to focus on ocean health, balancing protection and production. During the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in 2023, 18 Pacific countries made a commitment to create the largest marine protected area in the world. The Bezos Earth Fund pledged $100 million in seed funding of which $20 million was deployed for action this year.

“Life shouldn’t be about making a living,” Whipps told the graduates. “It’s about making a difference. Embrace your dreams, hold fast to your values. Learn from every experience and lead with compassion. The world needs your talents, your resilience, your integrity and your ability to bring hope.”

They day’s events included awards for faculty scholarship and for undergraduate and graduate students’ achievements that go beyond and set an example for others.

Arthur presented the Distinguished Scholarship Award to Kent Bramlett, director of the Center for Near Eastern Archaeology and associate professor of archaeology and history of antiquity for his outstanding contributions to the fields of archaeology, biblical studies, and ancient history.

The President’s Award for Outstanding University Undergraduate Student was presented to Nyla Provost who graduated with a B.A. in sociology and history. She served as the university’s student association president through which she launched the “Building Better Communities” initiative seeking to unite campus members and create a thriving culture, and which served as one of many contributions to on and off-campus groups and communities.

The President’s Award for Outstanding University Graduate Student was presented to Vy Cao who received a Ph.D. in leadership from the School of Education. She was noted for her dedication and service to international students as they navigated cross-cultural transition challenges.

The Conferring of Degrees included a posthumous degree presented to the family of student Joseph Nyangweso who died in 2023 while a third-year pre-medicine and business management for health professionals student. The 2025 graduating class included friends of Nyangweso who had attended Auburn Adventist Academy with him.

Arthur, who arrived at campus last July from the provost’s position at Andrews University in Michigan welcomed the Class of 2025, family members and guests. “Please know that your university community is proud of you and we, along with your family members and your friends, recognize and celebrate with you today your accomplishments.

“This is the 11th month into my presidency at La Sierra University and I am amazed and humbled by the dedication of our faculty and our staff. Faculty and staff play key roles in the success of our students,” he said.

 Arthur later commented, “the teaching, the research, the spiritual activities that are taking place daily, despite the outside challenges that many of our students and employees are facing, is an indication of our resilience.” He thanked the faculty and staff for all that they do in leading students to their graduation moment. Arthur concluded by saying, “La Sierra University is an amazing place and we are blessed to be here, together. Despite the unknown, despite our challenges, despite what awaits us in the future, we are here together, celebrating our students, and for that we are grateful. We are energized. The school spirit is high. Our best days are ahead.”

“La Sierra University is an amazing place and we are blessed to be here, together." -- Christon Arthur, President, La Sierra University

Once all graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas, Alumni Relations Director Gian Dudley Simmons welcomed them as the university’s newest alumni and encouraged them to raise their hands and voices, to actively engage and contribute.

Before and after the graduation ceremony, graduates and their families provided insights into their thoughts on the meaning of the momentous occasion.

“It is truly a blessing in so many ways,” Whipps Jr. said. “First of all, it's Father's Day, and then to be here and witness Moded graduating. We're so proud of her for all that she's done and represents. I spoke at her graduation from high school, so she got to hear me twice. But to be able to be here, be up on stage and to be able to congratulate her, that was very special.

“I didn't really know that he was speaking until recently,” said Moded. “When I found out, I was like, wow, that's cool. It was good. My parents, my mom, dad, and then, of course, his parents have been the biggest supporters in my educational journey. So him doing that just shows how supportive he was. It was cool to see him up there.”

Moded plans to use her business degree to help run her grandparents’ store in Palau, and noted her father and grandfather’s inspiration for public service. “I want to get that experience so I can go and do grad school. I want to get an MBA and a JD, and I hope all that knowledge that I gain from their support and also education will help me when I go back to Palau.

"My parents, my mom, dad, and then, of course, his parents have been the biggest supporters in my educational journey." -- Moded Samantha Surangel, B.S., Magna Cum Laude, Political Economy, Accounting

Moded is the eldest of four siblings and has talked to her sisters and brother about attending La Sierra. “I met a lot of good people. The diversity was really quite a big factor [in selecting La Sierra]. [I’m a] Pacific Islander so when I found that community, it was really cool. I just love how open and accepting the school is and I think in situations that are tough, they have chosen to do the right thing.”

Dwayne McNeil, a student from Florida and an accounting graduate and computer science minor said he chose to attend La Sierra because of the Zapara School of Business. “It was a huge reason for me wanting to come.

“I think it’s finally hitting that four years of work is coming to an end and I’m very excited,” he continued, adding he aims to pursue a graduate degree next.

Justine Silva, a resident of Jurupa Valley, earned a master’s degree in counseling and will earn an additional graduate degree and licensure as a professional clinical counselor after completing required practicum hours. “I am very nervous. I didn’t sleep much,” she said, standing in line with other graduates prior to the start of the 8 a.m. outdoor ceremony. “But I am very happy.”

Elva Garcia, cum laude biomedical sciences graduate commented, “I think I’m very excited, very happy to have my family here to see the [work] that I’ve been putting in throughout all of these years, just summarized into one ceremony.”

“I’m feeling very fulfilled by my four years here.” -- Alexandria Falvo, Summa Cum Laude, Biological Sciences, Pre-med

“I’m feeling very fulfilled by my four years here,” said Alexandria Falvo, a summa cum laude biological sciences, pre-med graduate from Redlands. “Really excited to graduate, really excited to see my professors and my family at the end and take pictures and feeling very complete by my time here at La Sierra.”

Triston Broughton, along with his twin brother, Tyler, received an MBA in sports management. Both graduates, who earned undergraduate degrees from San Diego State University, are interested in possibilities in brand partnerships, among other things. Both were members of the Golden Eagles basketball team which in March played for the conference championship title game at UC Merced. On June 3, the twins received the Dean’s Graduate Award from the Zapara School of Business.

"I know I can always come back here and [am] already calling it home.” -- Tyler Broughton, MBA, Sports Management

“It’s just so crazy, it’s flown by,” Triston said when asked his reaction to the end of his La Sierra academic career. “I loved the community here, it’s bittersweet leaving right now, but I’m glad to be done with school.”

“Today feels like I’m entering a new chapter in life,” Tyler said. “[There is] a lot to be grateful for, a lot to be blessed for. I’m excited for the next journey in my life. I think that La Sierra has prepared me more than enough to succeed in whatever I do. I’m loving the family here and the sense of pride that I have at La Sierra. I know I can always come back here and [am] already calling it home.”

Andy Zhang, a La Sierra alumnus who is studying in the School of Education’s doctoral program, cheered his daughter, Xinyue Wei, a Bachelor of Music and summa cum laude graduate. Around 30 people from the Zhang’s Seventh-day Adventist church in Chino and family members who flew in from China attended the commencement ceremony.

“I’m so proud of her,” Zhang said. “She graduated with national honor and summa cum laude.”

“I’ve been here for five years,” said Wei. “I know that my time here has shaped my skill and approach as a musician. Before college I’ve never had formal training, so I guess it’s a milestone. I’m going for a master’s program next. I think this is a really important steppingstone for me.”

The Nakka family expressed appreciation for La Sierra’s role in their son Albert Nakka’s faith development. He graduated with a degree in exercise science and was inspired to enroll at La Sierra by his late friend Nyangweso who had attended academy with Albert.

“This day was emotional, but it’s a reflection of God’s grace upon my life,” Albert Nakka said. “And I lost my friend tragically, but this is just a moment to remember to push through for the things he wanted to do and care about people the way he cared about people.”

Around 25 family members congregated at Albert’s graduation, including relatives from Canada.

“I thank God for Albert and [his] graduating this year,” said Vijay Nakka, Albert’s father, a native of India along with his wife and other family members. They immigrated to Canada and then to the United States, settling in Oregon. “He is a wonderful kid and we thank La Sierra University for training him to be a good steward. And the most important thing is growing in faith and I thank the university.”

Albert’s cousin Sujay Nakka added, “it’s amazing to see my cousin graduate. So congratulations, Albert, for the achievement that you have here in this university. And we pray that he grows in faith and in close relationship with God.”

“We are proud of Albert and we are thankful to God for bringing him to this point and we ask God’s blessings to be with him as he continues his journey of life,” said Albert’s mother, Chandini Nakka. “It’s an emotional and happy moment and we thank the college, the faculty and everyone that was part of upbringing him in these four years.”