THE UNIVERSITY on Nov. 16, 2009 signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the University of Hawai’i-Maui Community College (UH-MCC) to promote the advancement of international understanding, dissemination of learning, and strengthening of cultural ties, and to improve the educational and professional training programs of both schools.

This developed as Dr. Miriam E. Pascua visited UH in November when she attended the 4th Nakem International Conference as guest of honor and speaker.

The cooperative programs will principally focus on student, faculty, and other academic exchange particularly on the exchange of short-term students for a two- or three-month training program in the areas of management theory, case studies, and internship practice, and on the exchange of long-term students for academic degree programs majoring in business, hospitality and tourism, culinary arts and catering management, nursing, language/Philippine studies, and teacher education.

The exchange of academic activities include exchange of professionals and executives to serve as visiting lecturers and/or consultants, and holding of joint professional seminars, conferences, and other academic and training projects.

The MOI was signed by President Pascua and Dr. Clyde M. Sakamoto, UH-MCC chancellor.

In a related development, Dr. Debra Aguinaldo-Nakama, UH-MCC professor and articulation coordinator, visited MMSU in December to firm up initial explorations on the areas of cooperation between the two universities. She was with other faculty members and staff who traced their roots from Ilocos. They were welcomed by a program at the FEM Conference Room where President Pascua presented a brief profile of the university.

Dr. Nakama said she was overwhelmed and impressed by the achievements of MMSU and told everyone that their visit aimed to increase support for higher education for the Filipino community. \"I am humbled by your hearts, intelligence, and willingness to work with us,\" she said.

The linkage is expected to be concretized with the visit of Chancellor Sakamoto in March.