On September 15, 2017 the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) hosted the second ever Alumni Dinner at the MIR Pool Side, catering to over 200 alumnus and friends of the College. This milestone event is one in a series of events designed to celebrate CMI’s 25 th Anniversary. Alumni and CMI’s Chief Financial Officer, Stevenson Kotton was the Master of Ceremonies and the venue was decorated by the island’s finest and proud alumnus. Faculty, staff, families and friends of the College, including the guest speaker, Honorable Speaker of the Nitijela Kenneth Kedi joined in the festivities.
Attendees interacted with old classmates, colleagues from all corners of the country, young and old, and thoroughly enjoyed the sumptuous buffet which included local delicacies, dancing to the live band and winning generously donated door prizes.
President Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono in her remarks reminded everyone about the value of CMI education in providing greater opportunities to our families here in the RMI, that “our children need our guarantee that they too will have the opportunity for higher and continuing education right here on island and they too will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to continue sustainable nation building”. The President reminded the alumnus and the friends of the College that CMI success stories are warranted only because of hard work and dedication and contribution from staff, partners, students, the RMI government, and the local community of RMI.
Honorable Speaker Kenneth Kedi shared his experiences as a young man, struggling to complete his college education. In his efforts to improve his life through education it sometimes seemed that instead of a straight graph going upwards he often went around in circles, backwards, and then downwards. He certainly tapped right into a shared and fundamental experience that many Marshallese have in common; that when you hit rock bottom in life, only you will be able to make a difference. His key message was perfectly in line with the theme UNARE PEIM, which simply means ‘to rely on no one but yourself, to continue on despite all of the storms, persevere and don’t lose sight of your goals.’ Education alone is the single weapon that is required to conquer whatever challenges we may encounter later in life. Equally important, Speaker Kedi encouraged Faculty members to give it their all and be the sharpener of this weapon (education) that will holds the brightest promise for the future of this young island nation. As a product of the only College of the Marshall Islands, the Speaker closed his remarks thanking CMI’s role in the community, in his life, and for the many children today and tomorrow.
As one of the attendees and alumnus Reginald White, Director of NOAA, said “by far this is the best speech ever…and by far the best program I’ve attended.” From the Honorable Speaker’s captivating story, it was very easy to see that Kedi continues to be an inspiration in the RMI community and a shining CMI alumnus.
A lively song and dance program kept everyone thoroughly entertained. The College also paid tribute to the longest serving employee of CMI, often referred to as ‘Mama,’ Rosina Korean. Her services and commitment were highly commended as were her impeccable dedication and continued service to the College.
As a way to help the Endowment Fund and bring CMI alumnus closer to the College, a new alumnus membership was introduced, where resources are now accessible for the alumnus through an annual membership of either the President’s Circle or the Regular CMI Alumnus
Membership, priced at $250 and $25 respectively. An introductory discount was given to the early birds who applied for or pledged at the Alumni dinner. Details of how you can join CMI’s alumnus membership can be found on the CMI website.
