Caption: Swains Island Rep. Alexander Jennings (center) gathers his family together for a group portrait. Jennings will provide the keynote address at the ASCC Fall 2006 graduation ceremony on Friday, December 15th at 10 a.m. (Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

This semester’s graduation will mark the introduction of some new procedures in the way ASCC designates honor graduates. The College has discontinued the practice of designating a Valedictorian and Salutatorian, and has instead instituted the honor categories of cum laude for all students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50 to 3.74, magna cum laude for those with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.89, and suma cum laude for students who earn a GPA from 3.90 to 4.0.  “We made these changes after researching graduation procedures at other colleges in the U.S.,” explained Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Irene Helsham. “These changes bring us into closer alignment with other American colleges, and also provide the opportunity to recognize the special achievements of a wider range of students rather than just the top two.”  

            At each graduation ceremony, the College strives to feature guest speakers whose achievements exemplify community service, and this semester’s choice, Alexander Eli Jennings, has earned the distinction of a “son of American Samoa” whose long journey through a series of educational experiences led him to the success he enjoys today. As a youngster, Jennings attended Marist Brothers School, and then graduated from Conway High School in Conway, Arkansas in 1979. That same year, Jennings returned home and enrolled in ASCC, where he completed his Associate of Arts degree in General Education in 1981. While attending ASCC, he also worked for South Pacific Island Air as an aircraft training mechanic.

            Following graduation from ASCC, Jennings spent four years in the U.S. Navy, working as jet engine mechanic aboard battleships such the USS Constellation, the USS Ranger and the USS Kitty Hawk. Receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1985, he spent almost 20 years in the airline industry as a mechanic for firms in Washington and California. Along the way, he received technical training from a number of institutions, including the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland, CA, where he earned his FAA Airframe/Powerplant Mechanic License. He also worked steadily at earning a succession of qualifications as a pilot, beginning with a Private Pilot License, moving up to an Instrument Pilot License, and finally receiving his Commercial Pilot License.

            Back in American Samoa with his family, which includes his daughter Danielle Nafanua Jennings, the current Miss ASCC, Alexander began his career with the Legislature in January, 2005 as the delegate to Swains Island. He has also served on House Committees in the areas of Transportation, Commerce, Public Safety and Homeland Security. In August of this year, Jennings took to the air once more as a pilot for Inter-Island Airways, while still maintaining his post with the Legislature.

“With the wide range of professional experience he had brought home with him, as well as his dedication to his legislative duties, I’m honored to have Rep. Jennings address our graduates,” said ASCC President Dr. Adele Satele-Galea’i. “I feel especially proud that an alumnus of this college has gone on to achieve so much, and I’m sure he will have some interesting perspectives to share.”

The ASCC Admission and Records Office estimates that “about 119” students will earn their degrees this semester, but the exact number will depend on the results of final exam week.

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