Matson strengthens partnership with UOG through shipping services, student scholarships, and event sponsorship

Matson and UOG leadership come together in Mangilao on Aug. 14 to celebrate a renewed partnership supporting students, scholarships, and campus growth. Pictured from left: Maria Theresa “Tes” Reyes-Burrier, UOG Advancement Associate; Rachel Field, Interim Vice President, Administration & Finance; Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President & Provost; Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President; Mike Naholowaa, Vice Chairperson, UOG Board of Regents; Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO, Matson; Len Isotoff, Vice President, Matson Terminals; Patrick Bulaon, Vice President & General Manager - Guam & Micronesia, Matson; Stephen Gatewood, Sales and Customer Service Manager, Matson; Katrina Perez, Executive Director, UOGEF and Shawn Wegner, Associate Director, UOGEF.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez presents the Tulos Mo’na Partner in Excellence plaque to Matson Chairman and CEO Matt Cox in recognition of the company’s continued investment in education and community development. From left: Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President; Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President & Provost; Mike Naholowaa, Vice Chairperson, UOG Board of Regents; Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO, Matson.

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The contribution, presented on Aug. 14 by Matson Chairman and CEO Matt Cox and his executive team, will support the transport of equipment and furnishings for four new campus buildings — the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Student Success Center, School of Engineering Building, Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Annex, and the Water and Environmental Research Institute Building. These facilities are designed to enhance student learning, research, and collaboration.

In addition, Matson will continue its investment in student success through a pledge of $5,000 in annual scholarship support from 2025 through 2027. The UOG Endowment Foundation will announce the opening of the 2025 scholarship application period soon.

“Matson’s corporate culture has a long-standing tradition of supporting organizations that help to improve the quality of life where we do business and where our employees live and work,” said Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson. “We applaud the University of Guam’s plans to expand and make higher education more accessible to students in Guam and Micronesia.”

The company is also a $10,000 sponsor of UOGEF’s upcoming Tumua comedy show fundraiser on Nov. 1. Proceeds from the event will support UOG scholarships and student success through the “G is for Giving” Campaign.

In recognition of this multi-tiered partnership, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez presented Matson with a Tulos Mo’na plaque, honoring their shared commitment to student opportunity and Guam’s future.

“Matson’s support reflects its confidence in the potential of our students and the role of the University in shaping Guam’s future,” said President Enriquez. “Their contributions help us create opportunities that make a real difference in our classrooms, programs, and community.”

Through its Ambassador Program, Matson continues to engage with UOG students and alumni, offering mentorship and workforce development opportunities that align with UOG’s strategic focus on career readiness and community partnership.
UOG and UOGEF extend their deep appreciation to Matson for its support and shared commitment to advancing education and opportunity in the region.

To learn more about partnership opportunities with the University of Guam and how you can help shape student success, develop the professional workforce, and impact the community, contact Tes Reyes-Burrier, UOG Advancement Office, at (671) 735-2902 or email reyes-burrierm@triton.uog.edu.