Kaua‘i Community College commencement exercises are set for May 16. Over 200 students will receive degrees and certificates at Kaua‘i Community College’s 43rd commencement at 6:15 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for those
Kaua‘i Community College commencement exercises are set for May 16.
Over 200 students will receive degrees and certificates at Kaua‘i Community College’s 43rd commencement at 6:15 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for those with tickets. At 6 p.m. any remaining seats will be offered to those without tickets. A live feed of the ceremonies may be seen at the KCC cafeteria.
KCC fall 2007 and spring 2008 graduates, as well as Kaua‘i distance-learning University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and University of Hawai‘i n West O‘ahu baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate graduates will be honored.
This year’s distinguished keynote speaker is Chancellor Peggy Cha, chief executive officer of Kaua‘i Community College since 1998. Cha served as program officer in the UH System Office of the Vice President for Planning and Policy. Cha began her UH career at Manoa as a scientific librarian in the Institute for Astronomy and in 1984 took a position at KCC as a Title III federal grant coordinator spending seven years in various positions. She taught English at UH Manoa.
Her other service includes activities with the UH President’s Commission on the Status of Women. She mentors the UHCC Leadership Champions. Cha holds a bachelor’s degree in English with honors from Stanford University and a master’s degree in English from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.
Cha recently announced she will retire this year.
Together, KCC graduates Arvin Montgomery and Lopaka Naka‘ahiki Bukoski will be the 2008 student speakers.
Montgomery completed his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2007 and is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo distance learning. Montgomery, a student government leader, has been actively involved with the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i-KCC throughout his tenure and serves on the Campus Council. Upon completion of his degree, his dream is to work with substance abuse clients.
Student speaker Lopaka Naka‘ahiki-Bukoski is an eighth generation lomilomi practitioner who received his professional massage therapist license and graduated with honors.
He received his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2007 and will transfer to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo in August to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies.
Upon completion of his bachelor’s, he plans to pursue his master’s degree in Hawaiian language and literature.
