Katherine Bordallo Aguon
Advisor and Author
Katherine B. Aguon earned her associate’s degree in elementary education in 1958 from the Territorial College of Guam, the forerunner of the University of Guam and then obtained her bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a minor in English from the University of Guam in 1964. After receiving her advanced degrees; a master’s in secondary education and administration in 1966 from the University of San Francisco and doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction in 1971 from University of California, Berkeley, Aguon became the first Chamorro woman to earn a PhD.
Aguon retired with the rank of full professor from the University of Guam. In prior years, she was a teacher in Guam’s public schools and director of education from 1972 to 1976 and took on the role of director of education again from 1981 to 1984. Her legislative experience includes serving as senator and vice speaker in the 14th and 15th Guam Legislatures.
Aguon has authored numerous books which include: Let’s Chat in Chamorro, An Invitation to Chamorro Recipes, Chamorro Grammar Book, Me versus the World, Practical Chamorro and Chamorro: A Complete Course of Study. In addition, she served as editor for Hale’-ta Chamorro Heritage Books and is currently lead editor for The First Official Chamorro-English Dictionary.
Katherine Bordallo Aguon was married to the late Edward LG Aguon; both survived World War II. Together they have eight children, Ronald Aguon, Ernestina Cruz, Lynda Aguon, Barbara Aguon, Josita Aguon, Gaily Alcantara, Gena Rojas, and Baltazar Aguon. They also have twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Her 3rd edition of Let’s Chat in Chamorro, features The Historical Evolution of the Chamorro Costumes: Tinituhon I Modan Chamorro.