Building a Career

Unpingco began his journey at UOG in 1990 when he joined the maintenance department. After a few years, there was an opening at the post office, and Unpingco made the transfer. His decision was influenced by a loved one who also worked in postal services.

鈥淚 was drawn to the position because my mom was the manager of the Marbo Post Office at Andy South in Andersen Airforce Base. I helped her with window operations after school and on weekends,鈥� Unpingco explains.

The early days of Unpingco鈥檚 own postal career at UOG were a mix of anticipation and learning. He admits he was anxious at first, but after becoming familiar with the daily operations, he settled well into his role. In addition to helping customers, Unpingco was entrusted with other responsibilities, such as completing afternoon deliveries, auditing department postage charges, and training student workers on new procedures and managing their timesheets.

鈥淚 loved the atmosphere,鈥� Unpingco says. 鈥淚 enjoyed meeting new faces and assisting my patrons with guidance on the best cost-saving services available to our community.鈥�

Lasting Connections

Part of Unpingco鈥檚 commitment to his work included building rapport with the people that he provided services to. His customers were primarily UOG students, faculty, and staff, many of whom would just stop by the post office to see how he was doing. Over time, these everyday encounters evolved into enduring friendships and relationships that crossed departmental lines and job titles.

LaVonne Guerrero-Meno, an administrative officer at the Micronesian Area Research Center, describes Unpingco as 鈥渁 silent hero at UOG,鈥� one who is always willing to help others with a smile.

鈥淓d will assure you that your parcel will go out in a timely manner. He'll go to the main post office facility to drop it or will take time out from his busy window schedule to research where your mail is in the world,鈥� Guerrero-Meno shares. 鈥淗e is so optimistic about life and work. It is truly a sad time to see Ed retire, but he deserves it.鈥�

She isn鈥檛 alone in her appreciation. Guerrero-Meno鈥檚 sentiments on Unpingco鈥檚 impact are echoed by Roland San Nicolas, associate professor and librarian at the RFK Library.

鈥淚 have a great day when I check the mail as I鈥檓 always greeted with an enthusiastic smile and an ecstatic 鈥楬氓fa Adai鈥� from Ed. He never fails to ask about my family before I leave and always provides me with guidance on my mailing needs. The University is going to miss him,鈥� says San Nicolas.  

For Ed, it was never just about postage鈥攊t was about people.

A Final Message

For Unpingco, the everyday interactions鈥攈elping customers navigate the complexities of shipping options, finding affordable solutions, or simply offering a friendly word鈥攈ave brought him a lot of fulfillment during his time at UOG. The trust and gratitude he received from customers and the University Community were, to him, the most meaningful rewards.

鈥淚鈥檒l miss my friends, my extended family, and being able to assist customers, whether that meant taping up a letter or reinforcing a parcel. Most of all, I鈥檒l miss the smiles and acknowledgment of satisfied customers,鈥� he says.

Entering his retirement, Unpingco sends one final message to his UOG family: 鈥淭hanks for the memories, and Biba UOG!鈥�