For the first time since 1986, loved ones, teachers and guests gathered on the Great Lawn for Kapi‘olani Community College 45th Commencement Exercises. Previously, the commencement had been held at the Waikiki Shell or the Blaisdell Center.
The graduates, dressed in flowing silver robes with golden adornments stood proudly on the bleachers, as Samuel Aiona, Executive Director of the State Office of Community Service, gave the commencement address.
Linda Letta, Phi Theta Kappa adviser, was mistress of ceremonies. Kawika Napoleon opened with a chant, and the Royal Hawaiian Band played.
While there were not enough chairs for all, most of the audience did not seem to mind, using it as a reason to lie in the grass and enjoy the amiable air.
The rental fees for the bleachers and the lights, in addition to the salary for the Auxiliary Support personnel, who set up the equipment, drove the bill to nearly double the cost of the previous year, reaching an estimated $15,000.
Despite the increased cost of the graduation, the consensus was that bringing the ceremonies back to campus was a success.
“The students wanted it back on campus,” said Deon Leon Richards. “To them it felt better.”
The ceremonies were also a chance to commend outstanding individuals for their contributions to the KCC community.
UH Vice-President of International Education, Joyce Tsunoda, who is retiring from her duties to begin working at the Honda Center, was recognized for her extensive work at KCC.
Two students, Crichton “Julio” Uale and Abe Flores Jr. received the Charles K. Nakamura Award and the KCC Chancellor’s Award respectively.
Two teachers were also congratulated for their work. Professor Nelda Quensell received the 2002-2003 Board of Regents’ Excellence in Teaching Award, and Professor Steven Wehrman was awarded the the Hung Wo and Elizabeth Lau Ching Foundation Award for faculty service to the community.
The co-valedictorian, Mimi Horiuchi, the first international student to give the valedictorian speech, spoke on behalf of the 28 other students with a 4.0 cumulative GPA.
George Higa, Student Activities Coordinator, was in charge of organizing the event.