University of Guam holds memorial tribute for longtime TRIO director Yoichi K. Rangel

The University of Guam held a memorial tribute to Yoichi K. Rangel, the longtime director of the university—s TRIO programs, honoring his 33 years of service and regional advocacy, university officials, colleagues and family said.

President Anita Borja Enriquez said Rangel was a "devoted educator, respected leader, beloved member of our Triton family" who worked to expand student access across Guam and Micronesia. Borja Enriquez credited Rangel with sustained advocacy for TRIO funding and with mentoring staff who now oversee the programs.

Rangel joined the University of Guam in October 1986 and over his career served as a federal programs officer, TRIO programs officer, acting dean of student affairs and later director of Upward Bound and UOG TRIO Programs, a university memorandum read at the event said. The memorandum, read during the program, said Rangel helped expand TRIO to include Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services, and secured "millions of dollars in federal funding" that increased access to higher education for low-income, first-generation and disabled students. He retired in 2019 and continued as adjunct faculty until 2021.

Speakers recalled instances of Rangel—s hands-on advocacy. Gina Rojas, dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success, said Rangel continued to "advocate passionately" for TRIO even in retirement and that his work helped secure an additional year of funding when programs were at risk. Rojas also read a letter from a former student describing the practical supports TRIO provided for college access and completion.

Rowena Andrade, director of Upward Bound, described Rangel—s mentorship and persistence in winning grants and joked about his abrasive but effective style, quoting one of his sayings: "You are a dime among nickels." Colleagues from regional TRIO organizations, including a prerecorded message from Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education, said Rangel traveled to Washington, D.C., and elsewhere to represent Pacific students at the national level.

Several tributes traced Rangel—s impact beyond Guam. Retired faculty and regional TRIO leaders recounted his work with students across the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau, and his role in promoting cultural mentorship and Palauan music. Colleagues and alumni said Rangel—s programs served thousands of students across the region.

Family members also spoke. Shara Rangel Santos, one of Rangel—s daughters, said, "My dad loved his work. He was the only person I know who would willingly go to work seven days a week," and described how former students attended his funeral and how one school planned to name a new gymnasium in his honor. The family read a Palauan presidential proclamation (Proclamation No. 25-406) honoring Rangel—s service; the family also shared a slideshow of memories and the 2016 Walter O. Mason Junior Award acceptance video, the national honor given to TRIO professionals.

Speakers alternated between personal stories, program history and regional context. Multiple speakers emphasized Rangel—s persistence in advocacy, his willingness to travel for students and his role in growing TRIO capacity at UOG. Attendees were invited to refreshments at the conclusion of the program.

The memorial program included recorded tributes from national and regional TRIO partners; longer personal eulogies by retired faculty and program staff; and family reflections about Rangel—s career and local honors. No formal university policy actions or votes were taken during the gathering.