ߣsirƵ Maui College | University of ߣsirƵʻi System News /news News from the University of ߣsirƵi Sat, 18 May 2024 01:12:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-ߣsirƵNews512-1-32x32.jpg ߣsirƵ Maui College | University of ߣsirƵʻi System News /news 32 32 28449828 National recruitment for next ߣsirƵ president to begin in late May /news/2024/05/16/national-recruitment-next-uh-president-begin-late-may/ Fri, 17 May 2024 00:59:45 +0000 /news/?p=197911 Reading time: 2 minutes The position description and leadership profile were based on feedback provided through six public forums, and a public survey along with input from the regents and the Presidential Search Advisory Group.

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Charlot mural at Bachman Hall

The national recruitment for the next president of the University of ߣsirƵʻi 10-campus system will officially begin in late May 2024 after the ߣsirƵ Board of Regents (BOR) approved the position description and leadership profile at the May 16 BOR monthly meeting at ߣsirƵ ԴDz. The position description and leadership profile were based on feedback provided through six public forums that were held on four islands, and a public survey along with input from the regents and the Presidential Search Advisory Group (PSAG), who edited and finalized the profile before it was brought to the board.

“We are very pleased that the next phase of the search can officially begin, and the regents thank the PSAG for their important work on the leadership profile,” said BOR Interim Chair Gabriel Lee. “We are hoping there is a lot of local and national interest in the position and that we are able to attract the best candidates possible to lead the state’s sole provider of higher education.”

, the search firm hired by the BOR, will officially launch the recruitment in late May with outreach and national advertisements. The search is following the timeline approved by the regents on March 21.

  • May to August—Candidate recruitment period
  • August—Review of candidate materials, first round of candidate interviews
  • September—Three to four finalists are named
  • October—Final selection and negotiation, new president is announced
  • Early 2025—New president begins

The PSAG is made up of stakeholders from across the ߣsirƵ system and local community. The group assisted with county forums along with the development of the leadership profile and position description. The PSAG will review candidate applications, identify and recommend candidates for interviews, interview the first round of eight to 12 candidates and recommend semifinalists to the selection committee, which consists of all 11 regents.

As part of the listening phase of the search promised by the regents, approximately 565 people attended the six public forums held across the state in person or via Zoom. The public survey completed in February received 2,093 responses.

The new president will succeed President David Lassner, who announced in September that he will retire at the end of 2024.

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May President’s BOR report: commencement, fall enrollment, $100M donated /news/2024/05/16/may-2024-presidents-report/ Thu, 16 May 2024 21:01:14 +0000 /news/?p=197871 Reading time: < 1 minute President David Lassner provided updates on ߣsirƵ support for Lahainaluna High School ߣsirƵ, 2024 fall enrollment and philanthropic fundraising.

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President David Lassner provided updates on ߣsirƵ support for Lahainaluna High School ߣsirƵ, 2024 fall enrollment and philanthropic fundraising—noting that the ߣsirƵ Foundation surpassed $100 million in fundraising—in his monthly report to the Board of Regents (BOR) at their May 16 meeting at ߣsirƵ ԴDz.

Lassner also highlighted the successful commencement activities of the 10 campuses, including the ߣsirƵuation ceremony held every four years on Molokaʻi and informed the regents about how recently passed federal appropriations require in-state tuition for the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

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Image of the Week: Shower tree /news/2024/05/15/image-of-the-week-shower-tree/ Wed, 15 May 2024 18:02:21 +0000 /news/?p=197647 Reading time: < 1 minute This week's image is from ߣsirƵ Mānoa's Nancy Marker

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Graduate taking picture of a tree

This week’s ߣsirƵ News Image of the Week is from University of ߣsirƵʻi at Mānoa’s Nancy Marker, academic support in the Social Science Research Institute..

Marker shared, “As many ߣsirƵ Mānoa ߣsirƵuates are photographed themselves, one pauses to photograph our beloved tree by Hamilton Library, the cassia bakeriana, known as the Baker’s Pink Shower Tree. May 8, 2024.”

Previous Images
Autofluorescence
Cup of Gold
Medea/Antigone Now
Kabuki
ŧŧ
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

Want to get in on the action? The next ߣsirƵ News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

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Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other ߣsirƵ connection. By submitting your image, you are giving ߣsirƵ News permission to publish your photo on the ߣsirƵ News website and ߣsirƵ social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

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ߣsirƵian Word of the Week: Puka /news/2024/05/14/hawaiian-word-of-the-week-puka/ Wed, 15 May 2024 07:21:40 +0000 /news/?p=197645 Reading time: < 1 minute Puka—To ߣsirƵuate, pass through, emerge.

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—To ߣsirƵuate, pass through, emerge.

Previous ʻōlelo
Hoʻomaʻemaʻe
Mei
Kupulau
ʻApelila
Lanakila
All ʻŌlelo of the Week

Hoʻomaikaʻi ʻana (Congratulations) to our ߣsirƵuates from all 10 campuses! May you carry the spirit of resilience and the warmth of aloha on your journey ahead. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication!”

Moanikeʻala Nabarro, Office of Communications, Ke Kulanui o ߣsirƵʻi ma Mānoa (University of ߣsirƵʻi at Mānoa)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the ߣsirƵ Hilo .

Olelo of the week

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Board of Regents medals awarded for teaching excellence /news/2024/05/12/bor-excellence-in-teaching-2024/ Sun, 12 May 2024 17:45:18 +0000 /news/?p=197202 Reading time: 11 minutes The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit ߣsirƵ.

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The word 'congratulations' in front of a flower

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit ߣsirƵ.

Carina Chernisky

Chernisky headshot
Carina Chernisky

Carina Chernisky is a ߣsirƵ West Oʻahu public services librarian who uses a variety of different methods and formats to foster a collaborative learning environment that ensures student success. She considers the library her “classroom,” which is more dynamic and adaptable than a traditional classroom environment. She cultivates it to be a safe in-person and virtual haven where individuals can go to seek help for research issues, participate in engaging events and learn critical-thinking skills.

Chernisky offers a variety of synchronous and asynchronous information literacy workshops that help ߣsirƵ become self-directed learners who can access information, evaluate sources, and engage in lifelong learning in and beyond the confines of the classroom.

“Carina is always so informative and relates the topic of the workshop to relevant news of the week. It’s always a pleasure to attend her workshops,” said a student.In addition to her primary reference and instructional duties, Chernisky has served as the on-site library project manager/co-manager for traveling exhibitions, and is a champion of open educational resources at ߣsirƵ West Oʻahu and throughout the ߣsirƵ System.”

Sothy Eng

Eng headshot
Sothy Eng

Sothy Eng is an associate professor of human development and family studies in the ߣsirƵ Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Eng observed from his required office visits with ߣsirƵ how their education fits into their complex lives. From that, he enhanced his course requirements, and gained a heightened sense of empathy toward ߣsirƵ and the families and communities from which they came.

The insights of educator Paulo Freire resonate with Eng: “The teacher is no longer merely the one-who-teaches but who is himself taught in dialogue with the ߣsirƵ, who in turn while being taught, also teach…jointly responsible for a process in which we all grow.”

A student said, “Professor Eng and the ߣsirƵ made it such an amazing class, a welcoming space” and “Little did I know his class would spark my future career goals of increasing the community’s access to food security and sovereignty.”

Colleagues praise him for inspiring ߣsirƵ to be collaborative, creative and respectful, and consider him “a role model among his peers, ceaselessly energetic, professionally dynamic, and abundant in his aloha.”

Kerri Inglis

Inglis headshot
Kerri Inglis

Kerri Inglis is a professor of history in ߣsirƵ Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences and specializes in research and teaching in the history of health, disease and medicine, especially as it pertains to ߣsirƵʻi and the Pacific, within a global context.

Inglis has devoted her career to studying the history of leprosy in ߣsirƵʻi and has done extensive research on patients’ experiences on the Kalaupapa peninsula. Her award-winning 2013 publication, “Maʻi Lepera: Disease and Displacement in 19th Century ߣsirƵʻi,” stands as a seminal work on the subject.

Affectionately known as “Kumu Kai” to her ߣsirƵ, Inglis is celebrated not only for her scholarly contributions but also for her profound impact on education. According to ߣsirƵuate student David Freund, her endeavors have not only advanced her own professional growth but have also enriched the educational journey of her ߣsirƵ, who have actively participated in her projects.

Freund said Inglis “goes beyond the rote delivery of information, striving to instill a deep understanding of concepts and principles, enabling ߣsirƵ not only to acquire information and skills but also to think critically and apply their knowledge effectively.”

Kristiana Kahakauwila

Kahakauwila headshot
Kristiana Kahakauwila

Kristiana Kahakauwila is an associate professor of English in the ߣsirƵ Mānoa College of Arts, Languages & Letters. For Kahakauwila, a teaching philosophy rooted in choice is one rooted in kuleana—in responsibility, privilege and a sense of ownership.

Her teaching leans into analysis of how a work is shaped, and from where it takes its inspiration in the context of race, gender, sexuality, ability, Indigeneity and other lived experiences. Her ߣsirƵ express an experience of being treated not “only as ߣsirƵ but as writers and readers. She gives us a chance to grow and progress, first and foremost, as artists.”

Kahakauwila’s innovative pedagogical technique includes asking ߣsirƵ to take up the mantle of instructor at least once each term. A former ߣsirƵuate student describes Kahakauwila as a “devoted, kind and brilliant teacher who challenged ߣsirƵ in a way that was joyful and meaningful.”

Martina Kamaka

Kamaka headshot
Martina Kamaka

Martina Kamaka is a ߣsirƵ Mānoa associate professor in the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Native ߣsirƵian Center of Excellence.

Colleagues credit her with being at the forefront of training medical ߣsirƵ in patient-centered care and cultural competency well before these were goals of health care. A colleague speaks of her “dreaming, developing and delivering culturally relevant and sensitive education” for 23 years.

Kamaka recognizes learning as experiential and occurring in diverse settings and unexpected contexts. In her experience, learning is balanced between mind, body and spirit at the micro level, and between communities/families, environment and spiritual sources of strength at the macro level. She said that the “most important point is for ߣsirƵ who are future physicians to be able to communicate with patients with our hearts and our naʻau (intuition).”

A student called Kamaka “a big part of my journey in influencing the way I see myself, my relationship to the community and to my profession.”

Jenny Kelly

Kelly headshot
Jenny Kelly

Jenny Kelly is an associate professor of animal science, and veterinary technician program director at Windward Community College, where she helps ߣsirƵ navigate Ჹɲʻ’s only veterinary technology program. She is also a doctor of veterinary medicine.

Kelly creates meaningful hands-on curricula that encourages student engagement with an innovative teaching method for her anesthesia and surgical assisting classes. One student said, “I loved how she was always frank and honest and very clear about her expectations. She isn’t afraid to ask questions to help you rearrange your thought process or lead you in the right direction….it was my favorite aspect of her teaching style. It has definitely helped me become more confident and efficient.”

Overcoming obstacles is one of her fortes. Kelly has extended support to ߣsirƵ affected by the devastating fires on Maui, and has offered veterinary services in Lahaina to injured and burned animals.

A former student who is now an animal science lecturer said, “Dr. Kelly encourages me towards my goals, moving me forward to reach my full potential. Through her support she has equipped me with the strength to overcome any obstacle.”

Emily Moody

Moody headshot
Emily Moody

Emily G.A. Moody is an assistant professor of graphic design in the new media arts program at Kapiʻolani Community College. She teaches six courses including graphic design, typography, graphic symbolism, corporate identity, interface design studio and design portfolio.

Moody’s deeply rooted passion for design is shared with unabashed enthusiasm. She hopes that expressing her love for design and its applications will inspire the ߣsirƵ to see the wonder of design and pave their pathway within the discipline. Each course is designed to provide ߣsirƵ with a structured framework for experimentation and the cultivation of their unique approach to visual communication.

“You can tell Emily truly cares about her ߣsirƵ and holds them to very high standards,” shared a nominator. “This in turn pushes ߣsirƵ to reach their highest potential. She is passionate about design, teaching, and the success of her ߣsirƵ. She creates an environment where we feel comfortable to share, fail, learn, and grow. Plus, she’s just a great person with a great sense of humor, which always makes it fun to learn!”

Steven Nakata

Nakata headshot
Steven Nakata

Chef Steven Nakata is an assistant professor and chair of the culinary department of Kauaʻi Community College

Nakata puts his ߣsirƵ first, and always tries to connect with each of them. He provides his personal cell number so they can reach him when needed, demonstrating a great level of dedication and commitment.

He brings a vast wealth of knowledge and experience from his past appointments as an executive chef and general manager. Service and cuisine are “in his blood.”

He has traveled internationally to parts of Europe, South America and the Caribbean and shares many learnings and adventures with his ߣsirƵ. He is solid and accomplished with cooking methods, baking, sanitation and front-of-the-house training. He teaches with an openness and caring, a sense of humor and a strict, strong hand.

Nakata was overwhelmingly nominated by his ߣsirƵ and colleagues. There are many successful ߣsirƵ who have come out of the culinary program and Nakata was a big part of their growth, skill and confidence.

Michael T. Oishi

Oishi headshot
Michael T. Oishi

Michael T. Oishi is an associate professor of English literature at Leeward Community College. Students respect Oishi for his clear and thoughtful instruction and his ability to make them feel heard and appreciated. Perhaps most notable is Oishi’s ability to get his ߣsirƵ to appreciate and excel at what can be complex themes and material, whether it be tackling difficult moral dilemmas such as what it means to be human or an “outsider,” to exploring Ჹɲʻ’s painful political past.

One student expressed, “He has left a truly remarkable impression on me… through his course I was able to deeply strengthen my connection to ߣsirƵian roots, cultivate pride where there once was shame, understand the world around me with a greatly altered state of awareness. There are incredible professors here at Leeward CC… Professor Oishi stands apart in distinction.”

Susan Lum, professor of English literature and Arts and Humanities Division chair, at Leeward CC, states, “Michael embodies many of the qualities one hopes to see in a leader: diligence, humility, hard work, attention to detail and an eagerness to embrace challenges for the betterment of others.”

Over the years, Michael’s willingness to take on difficult tasks and his commitment to improving the work of the college and its employees has earned him not only a reputation as someone who is dependable, creative and efficient but also someone who cares deeply about people.

Mitchell Okamura

Okamura headshot
Mitchell Okamura

Mitchell Okamura is an assistant professor of speech at Honolulu Community College.

Through encouraging an active, experiential approach to classroom learning, Okamura embodies the principle of Ma ka hana ka ʻike (in doing, one learns). He penned a quote that he often shares with his ߣsirƵ, “To be something you have never been, you have to do things you have never done.” He focuses on getting ߣsirƵ to do different things via activity-based learning everyday and building pilina (relationships) with each other, the course content and the instructor.

“After the pandemic, I had no motivation to attend any in-person classes that weren’t specifically related to my major,” said a student. “On my first day of speech class, I was so nervous. However, after experiencing Speech 151 with Mr. Okamura, my outlook changed. I felt motivated for the first time in a long time and actually had faith that I would pass the class and have fun while doing it.”

Okamura earned hisBA in speech and MA in communicology from ߣsirƵ Mānoa. He started his career in education in 2004, and has taught in the ߣsirƵ system as a ߣsirƵuate assistant, lecturer, instructor and assistant professor.

Nicole Reyes

Reyes headshot
Nicole Reyes

Nicole Reyes is an associate professor of educational administration in the ߣsirƵ Mānoa College of Education. She shares the vision of ߣsirƵ Mānoa’s strategic plan: “the education of ߣsirƵ is the core mission of the University; it is the reason we exist.”

To be a faculty at home on Oʻahu means she is serving those who represent the potential and future of what our institutions of higher education could be. Her ߣsirƵ respect that her teaching is grounded in social justice, saying that “her deep passion for education has shaped my future research.”

A ߣsirƵuate student said Reyes was not only an “expert on qualitative research, but genuinely invested in fostering a collective and communal learning environment.”

Students said Reyes’ mentoring practices of inviting them into co-presenting and co-authoring with her, provide an experience of “what it means to be a serious faculty mentor and researcher,” inspiring ߣsirƵ “to emulate the radical care with their own future ߣsirƵ.”

A student said, “She turned my PhD experience from black and white into color.”

Stephanie Teves

Teves headshot
Stephanie Teves

Stephanie Teves is an associate professor in the department of women, gender and sexuality studies in the ߣsirƵ Mānoa College of Social Sciences. Teves connects with local ߣsirƵ through a shared sense of place and welcomes ߣsirƵ new to ߣsirƵʻi by applauding their sense of adventure.

“Under her guidance, I became a haumāna (student) who did not simply complete coursework but became enthralled with researching and received a scholarship for a project with Dr. Teves as my project mentor,” said a student.

Teves encourages ߣsirƵ to learn from one another and explore who they are in a global sense. Her teaching has included the development of an underߣsirƵuate certificate in queer studies.

Another student said, “All of her ߣsirƵ were treated with utmost respect and given the space to learn enthusiastically, while being sensitive to the differences that exist among us.”

A colleague said, “A beloved teacher, mentor and kumu, a visionary thinker, Lani has pursued undertakings that have transformed the educational landscape of the university.”

Richard Wallsgrove

Wallsgrove headshot
Richard Wallsgrove

Richard Wallsgrove is an associate professor in the William S. Richardson School of Law. An alumnus of the school, he attributes his approaches to teaching to those from whom he learned.

He is described by colleagues as being on the cutting edge of clean energy law. He believes in and aligns his teaching with the mission of ߣsirƵ Mānoa as a Native ߣsirƵian Place of Learning, with respect for ʻāina (land) and engaging ߣsirƵ in understanding how atmospheric dynamics is explained and rationalized in ߣsirƵian and other Indigenous cultures.

Students describe him as embodying principles of empathy, rigor, passion and respect, saying “he makes us better.” Colleagues speak to how “In these polarized times where schools, colleges, and law school campuses alike are struggling with polarization, Rich’s thoughtful brilliance stands out.” As a teacher, mentor and colleague, he is, “a teacher’s teacher in every sense,” and respectful and sensitive to the needs of ߣsirƵ from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Aubrey Weston

Weston headshot
Aubrey Weston

Aubrey Weston is an instructor and coordinator for ߣsirƵ Maui College’s accounting program. Her commitment to teaching is evident in the numerous nominations she received for the award for teaching excellence.

Students praise Weston for her willingness to go above and beyond to support their learning journey. A student said, “Her enthusiasm for teaching shines through as she acts not only as a professor but also as a mentor, guiding ߣsirƵ through complex concepts with clarity and patience.”

Weston’s organizational skills and professionalism create a conducive learning environment, where ߣsirƵ can easily navigate course materials and assignments. Her creativity makes learning enjoyable and engaging for her ߣsirƵ.

A student said, “I can say that I love taking accounting, and this is 100% thanks to Aubrey.”

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ߣsirƵ ߣsirƵuation returns to Molokaʻi /news/2024/05/10/uh-ߣsirƵuation-returns-to-molokai/ Sat, 11 May 2024 05:56:14 +0000 /news/?p=197386 Reading time: 3 minutes This cherished tradition, usually observed every four years, had been delayed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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For the first time since 2016, the University of ߣsirƵʻi hosted a ߣsirƵuation ceremony to honor the ߣsirƵuates from the Friendly Isle.

Grad flashing shaka

This cherished tradition, usually observed every four years, had been delayed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ߣsirƵuates are ߣsirƵ Maui College ߣsirƵ who attend classes at the ߣsirƵ Molokaʻi Education Center and/or online.

Between 2021 and 2024, the center awarded 47 associate degrees and 52 certificates. Forty-two of the ߣsirƵuates participated in the 2024 commencement ceremony on May 10, which honors Molokaʻi residents who earned degrees at the Center or online at a ߣsirƵ campus.

Check out more stories of our ߣsirƵ spring ߣsirƵuates

Never stop learning

Group of ߣsirƵutes
Two smiling ߣsirƵs
Pualei Lima and Lohiao Paoa, one of two couples who earned their degrees

After a 23-year journey, 41-year-old Harriet Uʻilani Mokiao proudly earned her associate degree in liberal arts. Cheers and applause roared for Mokiao as she delivered one of the student addresses, emphasizing the significance of her path to achievement.

“We really need to live in the present having learned from the past. There’s an ʻōlelo noʻeau that reads ma ka hana ka ʻike, ma ka ʻike ka mana. Through work, through doing, comes knowledge and through knowledge comes power,” Mokiao said.

More than 50% of the ߣsirƵuates are Native ߣsirƵian and received degrees and certificates ranging from associate degrees in dental hygiene and early education to certificates in ߣsirƵian studies and construction technology.

The number of nurse aide ߣsirƵuates nearly doubled since the island’s last commencement with 23 ߣsirƵ earning their certification, which will help to address a critical need on Molokaʻi.

Sonni Han, 17, is one of the ߣsirƵuates who earned nurse aide certification while attending Molokaʻi High School.

Two smiling ߣsirƵs
Cousins Sonni Han and Meleana Pa-Kala

“A lot of kids think that they can’t do it because they come from Molokaʻi and they don’t have a lot of opportunities but this year I found that a lot of people want to help you, especially here at the college,” Han said. “If you just reach out to them theyʻll get you places where you didn’t think you could go.”

Historic milestone on Molokaʻi

Pūlama Lima is the first ever doctoral ߣsirƵuate on Molokaʻi to be hooded at the ceremony. Lima earned a PhD in anthropology from ߣsirƵ ԴDz.

Doctorate student
Pūlama Lima, first ever Molokaʻi native to be honored for earning a doctorate degree

Molokaʻi is our biggest teacher and the best way to show appreciation for that is to come home and devote yourself to community work,” Lima said.

As part of ߣsirƵ Maui College, the center offers a wide range of credit and non-credit courses and certificate and associate degree programs. Like other ߣsirƵ outreach sites, it provides selected courses from other ߣsirƵ community colleges and receives selected bachelors and masters degree programs from ߣsirƵ ԴDz, ߣsirƵ Hilo and ߣsirƵ West Oʻahu via –Iճ.

Grad flashing shaka

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ߣsirƵ Maui College holds first commencement since wildfires /news/2024/05/10/uh-maui-college-commencement-spring-2024/ Fri, 10 May 2024 23:58:43 +0000 /news/?p=197355 Reading time: 2 minutes ߣsirƵ Maui College ߣsirƵuates sang and danced to “This Is Me” at their commencement.

The post ߣsirƵ Maui College holds first commencement since wildfires first appeared on University of ߣsirƵʻi System News.]]>
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The held its first commencement since the 2023 wildfires. About 220 ߣsirƵ participated in the ceremony on the Great Lawn on May 9.

“It means the family—we did it and we pushed through to get me to where I am today,” said Mary Martinez, who earned an associate’s degree in health and human services.

U H Maui ߣsirƵuates
Courtesy of ߣsirƵ Maui College

The theme of the ceremony was “resilience.”

“We wanted to celebrate the fact that our ߣsirƵ have endured so much, not just only through the pandemic, but also through the wildfires, and they came out okay. They came out to a place where they tell us every day they want to serve out in Lahaina and try to help. So we wanted to celebrate that. We wanted to celebrate their resilient spirit.” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana.

Graduate Soloman Palad added, “There was a lot about our troubles going through some tough times these last few years, last few months, but our community has pulled through together stronger than ever I think.”

We wanted to celebrate their resilient spirit.
—Chancellor Lui Hokoana.

Student commencement speakers Mjee Abara and Jennifer Russo also shared their personal reflections on resilience. In the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, ߣsirƵ Maui College ߣsirƵ, staff and community volunteers produced about 200,000 meals and the college served as a food hub for fire relief efforts.

The finale of the ceremony was a joyful celebration of resilience, as ߣsirƵ danced and sang along to “This Is Me” sung by alumna and former Miss ߣsirƵʻi Sheron Lehuanani Bissen.

Check out more stories of our ߣsirƵ spring ߣsirƵuates

I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me!

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

More stories of ߣsirƵ Maui College ߣsirƵuates:

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Two generations of Dagdag ʻohana earn degrees from ߣsirƵ Maui College /news/2024/05/09/dagdag-ohana-uh-maui-college/ Thu, 09 May 2024 19:37:52 +0000 /news/?p=197224 Reading time: 3 minutes Three members of the Dagdag family have earned multiple degrees and certificates from ߣsirƵ Maui College.

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Three ߣsirƵs in cap and gown
Seanna-Victoria, Frederick and Landyn-Angelie Dagdag

Two members of the Dagdag family will participate in ’s commencement ceremonies on May 9. Seanna-Victoria and her father Frederick have earned associate in arts degrees in liberal arts. In addition, Seanna-Victoria’s sister and Frederick’s daughter Landyn-Angelie, an early college student and Maui High School (MHS) class of 2024 ߣsirƵuating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

The learning legacy at ߣsirƵ Maui College spans two generations in a family of nurses, two degrees and multiple program certificates.

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag
Seanna-Victoria Dagdag

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS ߣsirƵuate, crossed my path during our high school outreach for fall registration when she was a senior. She expressed her ambition to become a pharmacist, and her dedication was evident in her academic achievements,” said Eri Nomura, ߣsirƵ Maui College academic counselor. “Following ߣsirƵuation, she seized the opportunity to obtain the pharmacy tech certification during the summer. This experience, I believe, led her to reconsider her career path, ultimately deciding to pursue nursing.”

Since earning her certified pharmacy technician national certification in spring 2022, Seanna-Victoria has been working at a CVS Pharmacy at Target. After ߣsirƵuating with her associate’s degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the ߣsirƵ Maui College nursing program in January 2025.

“Walking across the stage with my father beside me fills me with profound gratitude for his guidance, unwavering support, and countless lessons. His pursuit of education showcases his commitment to continuous learning. Graduating together is more than receiving diplomas; it’s about celebrating our shared journey and the endless possibilities ahead,” said Seanna-Victoria. “The University of ߣsirƵʻi Maui College has been pivotal in my academic growth, expanding my horizons and nurturing my personal development. Faculty dedication guided me, instilling purpose and pride, emphasizing that learning never ceases. I’m immensely grateful for the university’s role in shaping who I am today, laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.”

Frederick Dagdag, father

Frederick Dagdag
Frederick Dagdag

Frederick completed his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2023. He accepted an automatic admission offer, and is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree through ߣsirƵ West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he ߣsirƵuated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs ߣsirƵʻi.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I ߣsirƵuate from Maui College with an associate degree in liberal arts and a CO in information security. Returning to school to continue my education alongside my daughter, I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. This milestone is not only about academic achievement, but also about resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning,“ Frederick said.

“Maui College has given me the opportunity to earn an education while being close to home. In addition, ߣsirƵ Maui has provided me with numerous resources and a supportive community that have helped me, and countless others, to move forward in our educational accomplishments.”

Check out more stories of our ߣsirƵ spring ߣsirƵuates

Frederick added, “Sharing this moment with my daughter, who is also earning her associate degree in liberal arts, adds an extra sense of pride and joy. As we both step onto the stage together, we represent the spirit of determination and the belief that learning is a journey with no age limits.”

—By Valerie Matsunaga

Dagdag family tossing their ߣsirƵuation caps

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Public gives feedback on next ߣsirƵ president /news/2024/05/08/public-feedback-next-uh-president/ Wed, 08 May 2024 18:40:38 +0000 /news/?p=197177 Reading time: 2 minutes Approximately 85 people attended the six public feedback forums in person, and roughly 480 participated via Zoom.

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Charlot mural at Bachman Hall

The University of ߣsirƵʻi completed a series of public county forums to gather feedback that will help inform the search for next president of the 10-campus ߣsirƵ System, the state’s sole provider of public higher education.

Approximately 85 people attended the six forums in person, and roughly 480 participated via Zoom. The forums, which took place on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and ߣsirƵʻi Island and finished on May 7, were scheduled by the ߣsirƵ Board of Regents (BOR) as part of the listening phase of the search process. A public survey completed in February received nearly 2,000 responses.

“We plan to take all of the feedback from the forums and the listening sessions and try to incorporate it into the presidential profile that’s going to go out to essentially search for candidates to apply,” said Erin Centeio, co-chair of the presidential search advisory group (PSAG).

Centeio said that the PSAG plans to incorporate all the feedback from the forums and the surveys into a presidential profile that will be presented to the BOR at their meeting on May 16.

“Beyond the profile, these listening sessions are going to help us understand who the community wants for a next president,” said Centeio. “As we look at applicants and do first round interviews, we will be looking to these forums as well as everything that’s been submitted to be able to help guide us in who the next president should be.”

The board announced at its March 21 meeting that it plans to name finalists in September and announce the next president in October. The new president will begin in January 2025 and will succeed David Lassner, who announced in September 2023 that he will retire by December 2024.

“The selection of the next president will likely be the single most important decision made by this board and we are committed to doing it thoroughly in an inclusive and transparent manner,” said BOR Chair Gabriel Lee in a previous BOR meeting.

The PSAG is made up of ߣsirƵ stakeholders and will make candidate recommendations to the search committee, which consists of all 11 regents. WittKieffer, a Chicago-based firm, was hired to assist in the search and will work with the BOR to develop the position description and profile of an ideal president and then recruit candidates.

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Image of the Week: Autofluorescence /news/2024/05/08/image-of-the-week-autofluorescence/ Wed, 08 May 2024 18:30:45 +0000 /news/?p=197075 Reading time: 2 minutes This week’s image is from University of ߣsirƵʻi Cancer Center Associate Specialist Christine Farrar.

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Auto fluorescence

This week’s ߣsirƵ News Image of the Week is from University of ߣsirƵʻi Cancer Center Associate Specialist Christine Farrar.

Farrar shared, “This image is of the autofluorescence in a cross section of a Loosen plant stem. This and other images were taken by class members of Spring 2024 CMB622 as part of a practicum assignment. The data was collected on a widefield microscope and computationally cleared using deconvolution software. The final presentation of this image was generated by class member Clara Errard using FIJI software.”

Previous Images
Cup of Gold
Medea/Antigone Now
Kabuki
ŧŧ
Rainbow Day!
All Images of the Week

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Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other ߣsirƵ connection. By submitting your image, you are giving ߣsirƵ News permission to publish your photo on the ߣsirƵ News website and ߣsirƵ social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

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