About 450 Kapiʻolani Community College students participated in three commencement ceremonies on May 15, before parents, friends and well wishers at Diamond Head Theatre.
The students earned a range of degrees and certificates from programs from liberal arts to culinary and hospitality to natural sciences and engineering.
Liberal arts graduate Micah Tutuvanu was the student speaker for the 11 a.m. ceremony. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology at UH Hilo in the fall and has his sights set on earning a PhD one day.
“At 17 years old, I walked onto this campus unsure and terrified,” Tutuvanu said. “Now, at 21, I stand before all of you, not as someone who has life figured out, but as someone who is finally confident in his ability to lead, serve and create change. For that, Kapiʻolani Community College changed my life forever.”
Finding purpose
During the recessional, graduates walked through a corridor lined with Kapiʻolani CC faculty, staff and administrators, who waved blue and white pom poms and wished them well.
“I’m very excited. I’m very proud of myself for going to school right after high school and completing my degree in two years,” said Charli Rose, who earned a degree in Hawaiian Studies.
China Moriya earned a degree in natural science, natural resources and environmental management, as well as biological sciences and sustainability certificates.
Moriya said, “[Kapiʻolani CC] honestly started my career in the conservation field, and I found my purpose in life here.”
They join the ranks of alumni as the college celebrates its 80th year. Notable Kapiʻolani CC alumni include Post Ranch Inn General Manager Tim Lee, and James Beard Award-winning chefs Robynne Maii and Alan Wong.