Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will hold its 81st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 13th, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Kanana Fou Gymnasium.

At press time, 121 students are slated to receive their degrees and certificates, although that number is subject to final examination results. In keeping with its tradition of inviting a distinguished community member to address the graduating class, the College is proud to announce that McDonald’s American Samoa and Samoa CEO, and ASCC alumnus Mrs. Dolores Tautolo-Galea’i will give the keynote address at the upcoming 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.

She returned home to begin working for her family’s American Samoa McDonald’s franchise in 2010. While raising a family with six children, and working as Finance Manager for McDonald’s, 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 McDonald’s, 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 McDonald’s 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. “McDonald’s 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 McDonald’s scholarships being just one example of this. I’m sure Dolores will share an inspiring message with this semester’s graduating class, and we look forward to welcoming her to the podium.”

For more information on the 81st ASCC Commencement, contact the ASCC Division of Student Services at 699-2722, extension 0004.