MAHALO NUI LOA!!
Commencement would not have been possible without all of YOU!
We appreciate everyone who has helped in some way or form — whether you helped set up the day before, consulted on what needed to be done to ensure equity, or provided moral support. Thank you for everything. Shari and I (Romyn) definitely did not do this alone. We have such a good (SO GOOD!) working committee that helped us feel calm this year (almost too calm, it felt suspicious :)).
We would like to say thank you to our committee and consultants:
- Kaprice Viveiros & Dyan Kaneshiro (CHECK IN) for making check in a smooth and organized process.
Shannon Sakaue (GRAD PREP) for ensuring the excited graduates were prepared and made it to the stage and back! - Amy Shiroma & Sheryl Fuchino-Nishida (HOSPITALITY) for managing all of the hospitality stations, such as the overflow/lei zone, and getting food and snacks for volunteers!
- Jamie Sickel for organizing the CHEER SQUAD and corridor — that energy is endless and brought smiles to everyone’s faces!
- Kristy Yoshikawa for being the VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, managing all of the volunteers coming in and out!
- Lisa Yamamoto (MESSAGING) for ensuring the Commencement website was updated with the online program booklet, list of student names, messages and live stream, and for printing physical programs. Mahalo also for updating the UH NEWS site with our photos right after Commencement!
- Lori Maehara and Alfie Gonzales (SPEAKER SELECTION) for coordinating the Commencement speaker selection process, and practicing with them!
- Our consultants: Martin Chong for Non-credit students, Sheldon Tawata for High School dual enrolled students, Michaelyn Nākoa Hall for Hawaiian Protocol, the entire HIC staff for working with international students AND for translating the graduate checklist in Japanese and Korean (currently working on other languages as well), Teri Teramoto for security, Jameson Ramelb for all facilities things, and Deneen Kawamoto for Disability Services.
More to thank!
- Susan Jaworowski for wearing three hats for the ceremony: 1) Faculty Marshal, 2) Keynote Speaker, and 3) Tassel Turn Leader!
Dave Evans for serving as emcee and keeping the program to exactly 1 hour 2 minutes and to Nāwaʻa Napoleon, Palakiko Yagodich, - Joe Yoshida, and Mark Kunemuni for the pule, pu, and oli. Erica Dias and Grant Itomitsu for calling out candidate names during the Presentation of Candidates.
- Aloha Club for handling hospitality in the Overflow/Lei Zone and very much spreading that aloha to everyone
CELTT crew for producing the live stream so that loved ones could watch it no matter where they were, and to Raphael Lowe for working with Lisa on the Commencement webpage. - Lance Yamamoto, Jameson Ramelb, Wanda Mita and Teri Teramoto for facilities, signage, and security assistance to manage Parking Lot B and everything KapCC
- Diamond Head Theatre staff, Cameron, Emily, Brando, Kerri, and Dawn for being great partners and collaborators on this event. It’s been so easy with you all! Thanks for making things work!
- ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS (attach list if people want to see, it’s a lot) for all your work especially those who consistently volunteer at EVERY SINGLE COMMENCEMENT. We APPRECIATE YOU!!
- All ELT – Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lokelani Kenolio, Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Lance Yamamoto, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Nāwaʻa Napoleon, Dean Carol Hoshiko, Dean John Richards, Dean Karen Boyer, and Dean Eric Denton – thank you for your support in this Fall commencement and congratulating the students on their achievement!
- Chancellor’s Office – Alison Ohata for invitingVIPs and procuring lei, Jamie Miyashiro for handling the behind-the-scenes paperwork, and Linh Hoang Poe for working with UH foundation donors to attend.
- AAUW RIO Club for making leis so every graduate can have at least one
Thank you again so so much! We appreciate everyone that has helped out! You can see Commencement photos here: https://kapiolanicc.smugmug.com/Commencement/2023-Fall-Commencement! You’ll hear from us soon as May Commencement is just around the corner 😉 Happy holidays everyone and have a happy new year!
Romyn & Shari
Commencement Co-Chairs
Commencement Team
Kapiolani Community College
4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
