Hawai‘i CC Chancellor Message: The End of the Academic Year is a Time of Triumph

By: Rachel Solemsaas, Chancellor
 
Kona resident Alden Anger’s academic career was sidetracked when a car accident in 2003 left him in a coma and unable to enroll in college.
 
But on May 11, Alden, who is now 32 and has two sons, stood on the stage at the Hawai‘i Community College – Pālamanui commencement and addressed his classmates as the student speaker. Alden earned an Associate of Science in Natural Science from Hawai‘i Community College – Pālamanui, and this fall he will attend the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s biology program. His ultimate goal is to become a medical technologist.
 
Alden has made a comeback, and higher education is a major part of that story.
 
This is the time of year when we celebrate these kinds of victories over adversity. In May, 576 students earned degrees and certificates from Hawai‘i Community College. Not everyone’s story is the same as Alden’s, but all our students have overcome obstacles, worked incredibly hard, stayed up late, woken up early, gained new knowledge and learned new skills in their pursuit of the good life. Many will transfer to continue their education at four-year universities, and others are already working in their chosen field.
 
Among the graduating students were 35 who earned a 4.0 grade point average. Such an impressive achievement! Congratulations to all the graduates, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors!
 
Click here for more photos of the Hilo and Pālamanui Commencement Ceremonies.
 
Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Community Awards
 
In addition to recognizing students, at the end of the year we also celebrate those who help students reach their goals. This includes the faculty, staff, alumni and community members who help our campus and community. This year there was special emphasis on honoring community members who went above and beyond to help during the Kilauea eruption last year. The winners, announced at our annual End-of-the-Year Breakfast, are listed below:
 

• Gilbert Aguinaldo, Owner, Big Island Electrical Service, Hawai‘i CC Class of 1992, Mahalo Award
• Department of Education, West Hawaii Complex, Mahalo Award
• Sandra Claveria, Assistant Professor, Human Services, Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
• Rebecca Jacobs Elution, Lecturer, English, Innovation Award
• Lew Nakamura, Instructor, Agriculture, Board of Regents’ Excellence in Teaching Award
• Rex Ribao, Lecturer, Carpentry, Hawai‘i CC Class of 2000, Lecturer of the Year
• U‘ilani Soares, Volunteer, Red Cross, Mahalo Award
• Shawn Sumiki, Instructor, Culinary Arts, Outstanding Service Award
• Leonard Tanaka, President, T & T Electric, Hawai‘i CC Class of 1976, Alumni of the Year Award
• Amelia Tom, Custodian, Outstanding Staff Member
• Hawai‘i CC CARE Team, Melanie Wilson, Kate De Soto, Mari Giel, Kenoalani Dela Cruz, Wailani Walker, Rene Gobeyn, Chancellor’s ‘A‘ali’i Award

 
Sincerely,
Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas