CUH Micronesian Club Revived

Three years ago, due to low numbers, the Micronesian Club was disbanded. Now it’s back to once again unite Micronesian (and non-Micronesian) students on campus.

“We are very excited and happy that the club is revived,” said Sisca Aaron, a fourth-year Business Administration major who is a returning club member. “We knew there were more Micronesian students coming in but we didn’t know them. We wanted the chance to know them better and let them know that there are other Micronesian kids here. And with the club back, we get the chance again to bring everyone together and showcase our culture.” 

For the first time since 2019, the Micronesian Club will be performing at Chaminade’s Pacific Island Review on Friday at Sullivan Family Library Lawn at 6 p.m. Samoan Club, Hawaiian Club, and Filipino Club will also be performing.  

This year’s PIR, the Micronesian Club will be performing traditional and contemporary dances from the islands of Palau, Kosrae, and Pohnpei. More specifically, each island represents a certain style of dance so the contemporary dances will be from Palau and the traditional stick dances will be from Kosrae and Pohnpei.

“Micronesian Club is not only for cultural performances but also to spread awareness and let other Micronesian people know that there are other Micronesians attending Chaminade,” said Fritz Perman, a second-year student, and club president. 

As the years passed, Micronesian students found it hard to connect with other Micronesian students on campus without the help of a club to bring them together. 

“The club isn’t just a club that brings people together but it’s to celebrate and teach others what the Micronesian culture is like, what the people are like, and our way of life.” said Mvfaden Iriarte, club vice president. 

In 2019, the club was dormant mainly due to the lack of members when a club needs at least 10 active members to stay, according to Perman.

With the help of the Micronesian seniors and our advisor, the club was successfully registered last semester and became reactive in August. “It was a group effort and decision to start our club back again,” Perman said.

At the beginning of the semester, the club had 32 club members who registered. However, there are only 18 active club members, with an additional four Micronesian students from the University of Hawaii that will be helping the club with the performance at PIR.

“We’re a community where we can come together and relive the environment we used to have back home, it’s a great exposure and way to share our culture, community, and traditions as people from Micronesia.” said Shota Shigeta, a fourth-year student who is a returning club member.

If you want to join the club, being Micronesian isn’t a requirement. All ethnicities are welcomed and can sign up by contacting the club via email [email protected] or through Instagram @cuhmicronesia.

“Micronesian Club is a second family.” Aaron said. “For most of us it’s our first time coming here, away from home, so we are able to reconnect with our people.”