Micronesian alum delivers special
'thank you' to his alma mater

By Laura Hancock
Media and Publications Writer
lhancock@eou.edu

La Grande, Oregon – Eastern Oregon University alum David Panuelo, of Micronesia, will pay a special visit to the university on Thursday, May 26 to present a collective thank you on behalf of Micronesia’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Sebastian Anefal.

David Panuelo

Panuelo attended EOU from 1983 to 1987 and is a national of the Federated States of Micronesia. The university made a lasting impression on him, and 18 years later, he is thrilled to be coming back to visit.

“I love EOU so much because of what it gave me. EOU has been an important part of the building blocks of my life,” Panuelo said. “More important than my own little experience, is the collective contribution EOU has had in the human resource development of the Federated States of Micronesia and the region. Today, we have many productive members of our small island communities in Micronesia who are alumni of EOU.”

After returning home to Micronesia in ‘87, Panuelo launched a successful career in foreign affairs. He was named the Deputy Ambassador of Micronesia to the Fiji Islands, and Micronesia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations. From 2000 to 2003 he served as Assistant Secretary for the Federated States of Micronesia Department of Foreign Affairs, and in 2003 he became the acting secretary.

One of Panuelo’s objectives will be to visit with the EOU Alumni Board to explore the option of creating an alumni chapter in Micronesia. Panuelo will also speak with classes, tour the campus and meet with Micronesian students.

“If you were to visit the Federated States of Micronesia today, a country of only 100,000 people, you will run into an EOU alum who is a mayor, a doctor, a teacher, a foreign affairs secretary, a president of a bank, a senator, a congressman … and the list goes on,” Panuelo stated in a recent letter to President Fatemi.

A reception will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Loso Hall lobby. The Island Magic Club will perform traditional Pacific Island dances, and Panuelo will present a special cultural gift to President Fatemi. The reception will be open to the public. For more information contact the University Advancement Office at (541) 962-3740.