It is with deep sadness and profound respect that the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) announces the passing of former President John R. Haglelgam, who passed away on September 12, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii. President Haglelgam, who served as the second President of the FSM from 1987 to 1991, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service to the people of Micronesia as a statesman, scholar, and lifelong advocate for education and history.
John R. Haglelgam was born on August 10, 1949, on the island of Eauripik in Yap State. His commitment to education and public service began early, as he excelled academically, attending Beaverton High School in Oregon through an AFS scholarship before completing his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Hawaii in 1973. His dedication to leadership and public policy took him to the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, where he earned a Master’s in Public Administration in 1993.
President Haglelgam began his political career in 1974 when he successfully ran for a seat in the Congress of Micronesia, representing the Outer Islands of Yap. He played a pivotal role in the drafting and ratification of the FSM Constitution in 1978, helping to lay the foundations of the nation’s independence. His distinguished service culminated in his election as the second President of the Federated States of Micronesia by the Fifth Congress of the FSM on May 12, 1987, succeeding the late President Tosiwo Nakayama.
As President, John Haglelgam championed FSM’s participation on the global stage, particularly through his leadership as Chairman of the FSM Delegation to the United Nations Law of the Sea Conference. His commitment to representing Micronesia extended beyond politics, as he later dedicated himself to academia, becoming a respected educator at the College of Micronesia-FSM. Throughout his 31 years of service at the college, Professor Haglelgam made significant contributions to preserving and teaching Micronesian history and governance.
A Presidential Proclamation declaring a national period of mourning will be forthcoming in the coming days as details of the funeral arrangements are made, so that the entire nation may come together to honor the life and legacy of one of FSM’s most distinguished leaders.
President Haglelgam is survived by his wife, Paula Ori of Uman Island, Chuuk, and their children, John P. Ori and Tess P. Haglelgam to whom our thoughts and prayers remain with.
As a nation mourns the loss of a visionary leader and educator, the FSM Government extends its deepest condolences to the Haglelgam family, and to the countless students, colleagues, and citizens whose lives he touched. His memory will live on in the history of our nation and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Details of the state funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
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