OSA Adviser George Higa: Bringing enthusiasm, energy to student activities
volume. 36 issue. 28 | May 07, 2003
OSA Advisor Geoge Higa
“Commencement. When I see everything running smoothly and we have good speakers, when everyone is doing their job to make this a memorable day, at the end of the evening, as I reflect, I feel proud, I feel rejuvenated” —Geoge Higa
It was the second Ice Cream Social day in April, an event students eagerly look forward to. Shortly before 11 a.m., George Higa hurried into ‘hi‘a balancing a couple of ice cream tubs.
Higa, Director of Student Activities, is responsible for making sure activities like the ice cream social, happen as planned. In this case, it extended to picking up the ice cream personally.
The task of the Office of Student Activities is to provide students the opportunity to have some fun, develop leadership skills, become exposed to new ideas and participate in activities that will enrich them personally.
Higa is responsible for seeing that the $10 student activity fee is spent on activities that will enrich student life.
When Higa took over the job in 1998, not much was happening in the way of student activities. The change Higa has made is evident in the wide variety of events listed in the Student Activities calendar: musical and cultural performances, field day competitions, movies, guest speakers, ice cream socials, Book buy & sell days, talent show, and more.
Higa has contracted some of the best musical groups, including Kapena, Kapono, Sistah Roby, and the Stanford University Acapella Choir. He has also introduced many new groups just getting started in the entertainment world, such as Kpono Kne, a young group with a bright future.
Higa works hand-in-hand with the many clubs on campus, getting them involved in many activities, either as participants in the activity or by volunteering their help to make the activity a success.
“I think George has made the cafeteria come alive with all kinds of music and entertainment,” said Phi Theta Kappa adviser Linda Letta. “Also, George has created other events to bring clubs together such as club day and the field games. These are good activities that help to recognize clubs and add to the overall school spirit.
“Phi Theta Kappa has appreciated being able to work with George in applying for Student Activities grants that enable us to put on events such as the Scholarships Workshop and Honors Week.”
Dean of Students Mona Lee commented: “If I were limited to mentioning only one of George’s accomplishments, I would say his commitment to offering a well developed program of activities to the students.
“From ‘Study with a Buddy,’ to ‘Cactus and Coffee,’ to the wonderful entertainment, talent show, speakers’ series, and to-be-leadership course he will be teaching, George’s leadership in the area of student activities has resulted in meeting the diverse interests of our students.”
Hawaiian Club adviser Mike Ane said: “We had a lot of dealing with Student Activities and George has always been helpful and supportive of the events that were held. He has always done a great job in getting people together to help out and to cooperate, set up, etc.
“It’s obvious that George enjoys doing what he is doing,” Ane said. “He brings such positive enthusiasm and energy when he presents upcoming events. I think he has been a positive addition to the staff as well as working with his group he has assembled in his Office of Student Activities.
“A testament to this is the ongoing working relationship and support that the Malama Center received when the Maori visited last fall.”
When asked what his proudest moments have been at KCC, Higa said without hesitation, “Commencement. When I see everything running smoothly and we have good speakers, when everyone is doing their job to make this a memorable day, at the end of the evening, as I reflect, I feel proud, I feel rejuvenated.”
Despite such a long list of accomplishments, Higa has even bigger goals set for the future. “I would like to see a real vibrant student congress, strong programs in all clubs, and maybe one day have our own building to hold our functions instead of using the cafeteria.”