The journey will begin for 638 Honolulu Community College students

2011 commencement ceremony to feature alumni Danene Manuheali‘i Lunn

Honolulu Community College
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Posted: May 11, 2011

Honolulu Community College commencement at the Waikiki Shell
Honolulu Community College commencement at the Waikiki Shell
 
HONOLULU - The 2011 Commencement exercises of Honolulu Community College is an annual ritual that marks the bittersweet culmination of a students' academic journey, while also signifying the new beginning they will embark upon after graduation. Six hundred thirty-eight students will be receiving degrees this spring, with a contingent from the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, in which Captain Brian Osgood, commander of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, will be in attendance.

Honolulu Community College 2011 Spring Commencement
May 13, 2011
 
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Waikiki Shell (2805 Monsarrat Avenue)
 
“Commencement is a time for us as a college to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, and seize the opportunities before us as we recognize the pivotal role higher education has on our community’s success,” shares Michael T. Rota, chancellor of Honolulu CC.
 
This year’s commencement speaker is Honolulu CC Outstanding Alumni recipient, Danene Manuheali‘i Lunn, owner of Manuheali‘i Inc. An ’86 graduate of the fashion technology program, Lunn began selling her famous Hawaiian inspired collection of apparel at craft fairs in 1985 while studying fashion at Honolulu CC. Since then she has received several honors including the Native Hawaiian Business Award from American Savings Bank, and in 2006 she was awarded the Governor’s Award Cup, Hawaiian Apparel-Manufacturer of the Year. 
 
Also featured will be two student speakers, Kevin Matsumoto and Willsie Scott. Matsumoto, a Kona native and Kamehameha Schools graduate who will be receiving his associate degree in applied trades, is currently a welding apprentice with the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard where he will continue his career.
 
Scott, a Music & Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) student, will be graduating with an associate degree in audio engineering technology. Two years ago the Honolulu CC MELE program opened with an enrollment of 27 students. Today, more than 300 students have taken MELE classes, and Scott will be amongst the first MELE students to be awarded the degree.
 
“My journey over the last three years was that of a person with the standard 9 to 5 job that paid well, but was boring and frustrating. I had a passion for entertainment that I could only do part time," said Scott. "Now I am able to support my family by working in the career that I could only dream about. The MELE program helped me further my reach in the entertainment industry and showed me how I could improve myself, so I did, and here I am today."
 
It will truly be a season of celebration for the Scott family whose son, a 6th grader, and daughter, a high school senior, will be graduating, while his wife will also be receiving her masters in social work; three graduations within three weeks. 
 
The gates to the Waikiki Shell will open to family, friends and guests at 4:45 p.m. Tickets are not required for entry.