Southwestern Adventist University will present an honorary degree during graduation this May to Bilung Gloria Gibbon Salii. Bilung Gloria Gibbon Salii, the beloved Queen of Palau also attended Southwestern in the early 70s but had to leave before she could finish her degree in secondary education. She ascended to the top of the traditional matriarchy of Koror and Palau in 1975 after the passing of her grandmother. Bilung has been a powerful advocate for women's rights and social change in the Pacific region and beyond; she has received prestigious awards for advocacy.
Bilung will be visiting us with members of her family, the President of Palau, and additional dignitaries. Bilung and her guests will arrive to Keene on Tuesday, April 30. She has very fond memories of her time at Southwestern and is very excited to see her college campus again. She feels it is a “coming home.”
KAES is excited to participate in welcoming Bilung back to Keene. Tuesday KAES will be the third stop on her parade route to SWAU. Students will be able to wave and greet Bilung as she travels through the parking lot from east to west.
A special thanks to all the parents who encouraged their kids to do their best this past week with MAP testing. The brain food (snacks) were a special treat and much appreciated during testing. Parents, please be on the lookout for test results. They are now available and should be received by next week.
