Archbishop Michael Byrnes is pleased to announce the appointment of a new President for the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Dr. Rita Diaz Duenas. A 1988 graduate of the Academy, Dr. Duenas offers a magnitude of educational achievements, work experience, and talents in the field of education.

Dr. Duenas succeeds outgoing President, Sister Angela Perez, RSM who will assume a new role with Academy as its Director of the Mission Effectiveness Office. Archbishop Byrnes and the Archdiocese of Agaña join Academy in thanking Sister Angela for her outstanding work and leadership as President for the past seven years.

This is the first lay appointment to head the school which has been administered by the Sisters of Mercy since its founding in 1949. Dr. Duenas is a natural leader both in her work with our Catholic schools as well as in the parish she serves, Santa Teresita Mangilao Dr. Duenas has an impressive and comprehensive education background, which includes a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision, Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a Second Major in Public Administration. She served as a teacher, principal, and president at our Catholic schools. In addition to her professional qualifications, Dr. Duenas is a compassionate, magnanimous woman of integrity and respectful of others including those of different views. As a team player, she is generous, hardworking, and dedicated to the mission of Catholic education. Her care of students, especially those who are in need, is highly commendable. She helps students grow in their love of God, themselves and others.

As we enter a new chapter at the Academy, the Archdiocese thanks the Sisters of Mercy for their leadership, dedication, commitment, and hard work for the past 75 years in making the Academy of Our Lady of Guam the outstanding secondary education institution it is today. We are grateful that the Sisters of Mercy will continue their ministry at the Academy as we move forward into School Year 2022-2023. Please join the Archdiocese in welcoming Dr. Duenas as the new President of the Academy. May the new vision under her leadership and guidance bring continued success at the Academy.

May Santa Marian Kamalen continue to intercede for the
Academy’s ongoing blessings of guidance of the Spirit of God.