New partnership with NAVFACMAR paves way for UOG engineering students to intern

University of Guam engineering students now have internship opportunities with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas thanks to a new partnership.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez and Capt. Troy Brown, NAVFAC Marianas Commanding Officer, signed a memorandum of understanding at NAVFAC Marianas’ Guam headquarters on Nov. 1.

For years the Department of Defense has worked with UOG, Guam Community College and local schools and educators to encourage students to explore engineering and other STEM-related professions through engineering challenges. Military engineers have also partnered with the organizations like Society of Military Engineers Guam Post and Guam Chamber of Commerce to host STEM fairs and camps.

Enriquez said developing Guam’s professional workforce continues to be an important area where the University delivers public value, according to the press release.

In September 2016, the UOG Board of Regents formally established the new School of Engineering, according to UOG's website. In February 2019, the board approved a four-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering for the School of Engineering. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Brown said the partnership is expected to enhance critical capabilities and bring more local talent to the NAFVAC workforce.

From left, Capt. Troy Brown, Commanding Officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas, University of Guam President Anita Borja Enriquez, and Human Resources Director Bharti Hemlani of NAVFAC Marianas. They signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize an internship pathway for UOG’s engineering students on Nov. 1. Contributed photo.

A NAVFAC Marianas human resources team visited UOG to help create the program. Bharti Hemlani, Lead Human Resources Specialist and acting HR Director at NAVFAC Marianas, also participated in a panel discussion with Enriquez and community stakeholders about UOG’s role in workforce development.

More details about the internships will be provided later. Interested residents can call Bharti Hemlani at 671-349-2320 or via email at [email protected]. mbj

Letter to the Editor: THREE WEEKS OF PURPOSE: A Brief but Meaningful Chapter at Guam Community College

Some opportunities arrive only once, asking little more than a willingness to serve. My brief appointment as President of Guam Community College was one of those opportunities. Although my tenure lasted only three weeks, I accepted the responsibility with the same commitment I have brought to every leadership role throughout my career. I intended to listen carefully, learn quickly, and contribute wherever I could.

New partnership with NAVFACMAR paves way for UOG engineering students to intern