Approximately 133 students at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) anticipate receiving their degrees and certificates during the College’s 59th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 13 at 10 a.m. in the ASCC Gymnasium.

The ASCC Student Services Division continually strives for distinguished guest speakers to highlight the graduation ceremonies, and this semester the College takes special pride in welcomingGovernor Lolo Matalasi Moliga as the fall 2013 commencement keynote speaker. “With his long background in education and his strong support for American Samoa’s school systems, we look forward with great interest to the insights Governor Lolo will share with us,” said Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i.

Born in 1949 in the village of Ta’u, Manu, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga currently resides in Tafuna.  His parents are the late High Chief Moliga Sa’ena Auauna Moliga of Ta’u, and Soali’i Galea’i of Fitiuta and Olosega. Lolo is a High Talking Chief from the village of Sili, Manu’a.  Prior to accepting the Lolo title, he was a High Chief holding the title of Letalu from Ta’u.  He served the Manu’a aumaga for many years before he was titled. 

Lolo is a deacon of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa in Tafuna. His personal educational achievements include a Bachelors degree in Teaching from Chadron College, Nebraska, followed by a Masters degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. Lolo is married to Cynthia Malala of the village of Pago, and they have two sons, Va’a Matalasi and Eteuati Sola, and two daughters,  Muaiao Moliga Fakalata and Lealofisa Moliga. 

Lolo began his long career in public service and education as a teacher at Manu’a High School.  He then became principal at Lauli’i Elementary School before returning to his home island to become, first, vice principal and then principal of Manu'a High School. He served as an elementary and secondary education administrator with the Department of Education before branching out to take the position of director of the ASG Budget Office, followed by a tenure as American Samoa's chief procurement officer for two terms.  Upon entering politics, Lolo was elected to the House of Representatives for four terms, later becoming a Senator and rising to the rank of Senate President. Lolo returned to public service as president of the Development Bank of American Samoa before entering and winning the gubernatorial race in 2012.

With education as one of the keystones of his election campaign platform, since taking office Lolo has taken initiatives such as facilitating the Educational Summit this past October, which brought together education and community stakeholders to focus on means of improving American Samoa’s school system. “Many  local educators, as well as surprising number of students, recognize Governor Lolo’s passion and commitment to bettering education in American Samoa as a means of ensuring a better economic and social future,” reflected Dr. Le’i, “and we’re honored that he’s agreed to make this forthcoming ceremony an especially memorable one for our graduates.”

For more information on the 59th ASCC Commencement Ceremony, Student Services can be reached at 699-9155, ext. 376.