WHEREAS, the more than 1,000 community colleges, public and private, in the United States have contributed tremendously to the value and accessibility of higher education. About 5.4 million college students in the Nation today are enrolled in community colleges; and
WHEREAS, community colleges provide higher education to students with the fewest resources and the greatest obstacles, serving as vital centers of their communities. Community colleges are among the most in-demand institutions during and following times of economic challenges, are primary certifiers of in-demand nursing and other healthcare professionals, and are there for their communities during times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is served well by the Northern Marianas College, our community’s only public higher education institution, and whose graduates have become critical members of our workforce, serving on the frontlines during our COVID-19 pandemic response as nurses, medical support staff, emergency and information technicians, police officers, firefighters, and customs officers; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Marianas College has led strong workforce development initiatives in collaboration with the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, the CNMI Public School System, the Office of the Governor, the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, and private sector partners to provide training to unemployed and underemployed individuals and address skills gaps across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, while colleges and universities have seen enrollment decrease over the last several years, the Northern Marianas College has seen its enrollment increase every year with 1,430 students as of Fall 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Marianas College was commended by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission for its resiliency in responding to Super Typhoon Yutu, its timely, comprehensive, and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and effective management of its financial resources, resulting in the reaffirmation of NMC’s accreditation in March. This historic eight-year accreditation term, the longest in College history, is a clear validation and assurance of the quality of education and services provided by the Northern Marianas College for the people of the Commonwealth.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim April 2022 as
COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH
The Northern Marianas College will continue to play a vital role in increasing our US workforce, growing our economy, and enhancing the quality of life for the people of the Marianas. I call upon the people of the Commonwealth to support our Proa Tribe as they continue to provide quality higher education for our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 4th day of April 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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