community colleges bulletin - sept 1998 · senior vice president and chancellor for community ......

tions that were started almost 35 years ago. In1964, when the State Legislature transferred juris-diction over four technical schools from theDepartment of Education to the University ofHawai‘i, Honolulu, Kapi‘olani, Kaua‘i and MauiCommunity College were born. Hawai‘iCommunity College joined the system shortlythereafter. Then, in 1968, Leeward CommunityCollege opened its doors, followed in 1972 byWindward Community College. Also in 1968 theEmployment Training Center became part of thesystem, providing an avenue of advancement forHawai‘i residents considered “at-risk.”

In the early days, much of the planning andgrowth of our Community Colleges, in additionto the construction of two brand new campuses,focused on developing college transfer programs,expanding the variety of vocational programsoffered, and developing support services char-

When Governor John A. Burns signedthe Hawai‘i Community College Acton April 23, 1964, to develop and

administer a system of community colleges in thestate, he established a law signifying Hawai‘i’scommitment to providing educational access forall our people. Its purpose—to place postsec-ondary education within the reach of every resi-dent who wants and can benefit from it—remainsthe University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges’primary mission. As open-door, low tuition insti-tutions, our community colleges offer access todegree and certificate programs, skill develop-ment, retraining, career and occupational oppor-tunities and personal enrichment.

Though this mission has remained constant, our campuses are quite different from the institu-

IN THIS ISSUE

◆ChancellorÕs

Messagepage 2

◆1997-98AcademicAwardspage 6

◆West HawaiÔiCenter hosts

its first graduation

page 5

◆Profiles in

Success ÑTwo CC grads

page 8

◆CiscoÕs Regional

NetworkingAcademy atHonolulu CC

page 11

◆

U N I V E R S I T Y O F H A W A I Ô I

Community CollegesResponding to the challengesof change

Volume 33, No. 5 ¥ September 1998

continued on page 3

Today’s students, such as theseat Maui CC, require skills thatgreatly surpass those required oftheir predecessors. They need tounderstand and have facilitywith technology that has revo-lutionized the way in whichstudents access informationand gain knowledge.

◆Joyce S.Tsunoda

Senior VicePresident andChancellor for

CommunityColleges

◆

“We will belooking

ahead andtaking thenecessarysteps to

insure thatour next

thirty-fiveyears

continue thetradition ofprogress…”

◆

2 UH Community Colleges

Academic year 1998-1999 is uponus—and year 2000 is close on itsheels! Before this year is over, we will

reach a 35th anniversary milestone for theUniversity of Hawai‘i Community Colleges.On our year-long journey toward that cele-bration, we will enjoy many opportunities tolook back through four decades of growth,celebrating the students, faculty, staff andcommunity who have brought us this far.Even more importantly, we will be lookingahead and taking the necessary steps to insurethat our next thirty-five years continue thetradition of progress so proudly established.

In this new year, on our campuses as wellas in the Chancellor’s Office, we will beworking to redefine ourselves as “Learning-Centered Colleges.” This involves more thansimply the buzzword of the day. As welearned last spring from the League forInnovation in the Community CollegeExecutive Director Terry O‘Banion, the con-cept of a “learning-centered” institution isnothing less than total reconstruction of ourorganizations. Such change involves evolu-tion from a highly bureaucratic institutionwhere job responsibilities are fixed and nar-rowly-defined to a dynamic organizationwhere jobs are broadly-defined and wherecross-functional teams share authority andresponsibility.

The bottom line for learning-centeredcolleges is accountability. What are our stu-dents learning? How do we know? How doesour instructional schedule contribute to stu-dent learning? How do we know? How doour student services—admissions, counsel-ing, financial aid—contribute to studentlearning? How do we know? How do our

administrative services—business office,maintenance, security—contribute to studentlearning? How do we know? When we cananswer these questions affirmatively, we willbe truly learning-centered.

A Learning-Centered Task Force, whosemembers represent each of our eight institu-tions and the Chancellor’s Office, will beworking through existing campus commit-tees to facilitate our efforts at transformation.I applaud their commitment to a task whichis far from easy…and which will not be com-pleted in a single year. I encourage all of youto participate with your colleagues in what-ever manner you can.

Also this year, in a separate but relatedeffort, all of us will be involved in campusand system self-evaluations as we anticipatethe 1999 preparation of formal Self StudyReports and the subsequent visits fromACCJC accreditation teams in the fall of2000. The uniquely American approach toaccreditation by one’s peers provides us withperiodic opportunities to “see ourselves asothers see us” and to hold ourselves account-able (that word again!). So it is timely,indeed, that our critical self-evaluation effortsand our focus on becoming more learning-centered will overlap in this new year.

Here’s to fresh starts! May the comingacademic year be filled with great accom-plishments!

Welcominga fresh start

September 1998 3

acteristic of colleges. At the onset of the 80’s, the

Colleges recognized the need tostrengthen the institutions as a system.Educational guidelines were developedto ensure the quality of education,standards of instruction and libraryand media sup-port were initiat-ed, use of com-puters in all areasof study became apriority, and staffdevelopmentneeds wereassessed.

By the mid-80’s, the UHCommunityColleges hadmatured into vitalcommunity-based institutions servingthe needs of Hawai‘i’s people, work-force and society. Assessing students’success and ability, strengthening cur-ricula, adapting programs to meettechnological changes and achievingnew standards for excellence ininstruction became the focus for

improving educational quality.As the 90’s arrived, we saw the

complexity of our lives grow moredaunting than ever. Here in Hawai‘i,as across the globe, change hasbecome a necessary constant. How,what and whom we teach are con-stantly changing, too. Our Collegeshave responded to these changes with

Internet courses, distance education,international exchanges, retraining pro-grams and customized training forbusinesses. We have become morelearning-centered. We have updatedcurriculum and opened up new fieldsof study in areas such as computing, air-

line pilot training,and marine edu-cation technolo-gies. We havehelped our stu-dents to continueon successfulcareer paths.

As our 35thanniversaryapproaches, ourmultiple roles asvocational, trans-fer, general and

remedial education institutions willcontinue to challenge us and move usforward. To promote public awarenessof the changing role our CommunityColleges play, and to demonstrate ourcommitment to educate Hawai‘i’speople, we are planning a year of cele-bration in 1999. The public is invitedto actively take part in these specialanniversary events and activities.Open houses on our campuses, amedia campaign, special anniversarymedia kits, historical displays and a35th anniversary party on April 16,1999, are already in the planningstages. Campuses are encouraged tooffer special events throughout theyear and designate other regularevents as commemorative activities.

To find out more or get involvedin the planning of these excitinganniversary events, call MarilynWalsh at 956-3862.

Responding to changing worldcontinued from page 1

As this 1964 photo shows, hands-on learningexperiences of electronics students have changeddrastically in the past three and a half decades.

… change has become a necessary constant. How, what

and whom we teach is constantly changing too.

Many changes have takenplace over the summermonths at our

Community Colleges, includingstaff moves within the administra-tive office. Here’s a quick update.Sharon Narimatsu has beenappointed the interim provost atLeeward CC. With her move,Kathy Jaycox became acting vicechancellor for student & commu-nity affairs, Debbie Nakagawabecame acting assistant toSVP/Chancellor Tsunoda, andMichael Yoshimura of the UHFinancial Management Office hastaken on the role of acting direc-tor of budget and planning. Toadd to the changes, KathyYamashiro officially became inter-im academic affairs program offi-cer, taking over John Muth’s posi-tion.

As if this weren’t enoughtransformation for one summer…State Director of VocationalEducation Alan Kohan took on achallenging new federal job inSaudi Arabia. So. . . Karla Jones,assistant dean from WindwardCC, became acting state directorof vocational education. This lefta vacancy at Windward to befilled by Human ResourcesDirector Carol Pang who hasmoved to Windward CC tobecome acting assistant dean.Coming in as acting director ofhuman resources is Sandra Uyenofrom Kapi‘olani CC.

Congratulations and bestwishes to everyone in his/her newposition.

CHANCELLORÕSOFFICE CHANGES

After several years in the planning anddevelopment stages, a new pilot trainingprogram “takes off” this semester at

Honolulu CC. The aviationprogram is the realization of adream for Honolulu CC’sDean of Instruction RamseyPedersen who started on this“quest” in the early 90s.Despite numerous setbacks,Pedersen championed the pro-gram and, with the long-timesupport of Chancellor JoyceTsunoda, the program is finallya reality. Realizing the program’s economic devel-opment benefits, Governor Ben Cayetano andLieutenant Governor Mazie Hirono were instru-mental in achieving legislative approval.

Pedersen has seen the potential all along.“Pilot training creates several economic possibili-ties for the state and career opportunities for

Hawai‘i’s youth.” He adds, “We have the poten-tial to attract others to the state as individualsinterested in becoming commercial pilots or as

businesses which require aworkforce of qualified pilots.Considering Hawai‘i’sdependency on the airlines forour transportation and touristindustries, this educationalopportunity is a natural forour state. ”

Students who completethe five semester program willreceive an Associate in Science

degree and an FAA certified professional pilot’slicense. Honolulu CC has also entered into anarticulation agreement with the University ofNorth Dakota’s Center for Aerospace Science sothat students may transfer credits to University ofNorth Dakota to continue toward a Bachelor ofScience degree in commercial aviation.


West HawaiÔiÕs UH Center hosts first graduation

If achievement can be measured in smiling faces, thefirst ever graduation ceremony for UH Center at WestHawai‘i was a resounding success. More than 60 stu-

dents participated in a ceremony held at the KingKamehameha Kona Beach Hotel on May 15. Hawai‘i CCawarded 24 Associate in Arts degrees, 2 Associate inScience degrees, 8 Associate in Applied Science, and 20Certificates of Achievement. Another 16 students receiveddegrees from UH Hilo during the ceremonies.

Hawai‘i CC Provost Sandra Sakaguchi said, “This firstgraduation ceremony for UH Center West Hawai‘i is indic-ative of the Community College’s commitment to provid-ing higher education to all people. We’re not making resi-dents go to the schools, we’re bringing the schools to them.”

Joan Kannarr, the Center’s interim director, coordinat-ed the event and said the ceremony allowed the Center to“demonstrate its ability to usher in a new era in deliveringhigher education.” The center is the vehicle for deliveringprograms and services from all parts of the University tothe people of the West Hawai‘i region.

Representatives from Fukuyama City Junior College for Womenvisited Hawai‘i to sign a sister school agreement with Maui CC.Seated during the signing ceremony are Acting Vice Chancellor forStudent and Community Affairs Kathy Jaycox, Interim Provost ofLeeward CC Sharon Narimatsu, Senior Vice President andChancellor Joyce Tsunoda, Fukuyama City Junior CollegePresident Shoji Sumita, Maui CC Provost Clyde Sakamoto,Fukuyama Professor Michiaki Shitake, and Mrs. Sumita. They arejoined by nineteen students of Fukuyama City Junior College whowere delighted to visit Hawai‘i and take part in the celebration.

Pilot training offered at Honolulu CC

“This

educational

opportunity is

a natural for

our state.”

◆

Ramsey Pedersen

Maui CC sister to Japanese womenÕs college

Planes like this will take Honolulu CCPilot Training students to new heights.

September 1998 5

Makali‘i, the Journal ofthe UH CommunityColleges, is written by

and for the faculty and staff. It is abiennial publication, appearing inthe fall semester of a two-yearcycle. Makali‘i is a marvelousshowcase for the diversity and tal-ent which are pervasive on ourcampuses and in Hawai‘i’s multi-cultural population. Makali‘i is anexcellent venue to share past lega-cies and inspire our future heritage.Deadlines for manuscripts and art-work is September 30, 1998(round 1) and February 1, 1999(round 2). Publication year is 1999- fall semester.

ETC grad touches all with messageCALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS


Community Collegesis published by the Office of the Chancellor for

Community Colleges.

Joyce S. TsunodaSenior Vice President, UH and Chancellor for

Community Colleges

Sharon NarimatsuInterim Provost Leeward CC

Marilyn Walsh, Editor, 956-3862

CORRESPONDENTSVerna PostHawaiÔi CC

Karen HastingsHonolulu CC

Bobbie Bulatao-FranklinKauaÔi CC

Michael MosesKapiÔolani CC

Cindy Martin and Beth Kupper-HerrLeeward CC

Mona StevensonMaui CC

Libby YoungWindward CC

Dave MurakamiEmployment Training Center

Until now, the only entrance toLeeward CC has been a busyintersection off Kamehameha

Highway. But, in May, the Legislatureapproved $1 million to plan a roadleading from the west end of the cam-pus into Waipahu, giving drivers thechoice of turning left to head towardEwa, or right to enter the H-1Freeway eastbound. According toClifford Togo, director of administra-tive services, “In mid-morning ormid-afternoon, it can take 15 minutes

to get out onto the highway. We haverequested this access road for reasonsof safety and convenience.”

Although planning is approved,the approximate $6 million in con-struction funds has yet to be approved.State Senator Cal Kawamoto said heand others hope the project can beginin two or three years. There is also con-cern over the proposed road’s impact onan adjoining wetlands preserve. Federalapproval is needed to improve the accessthrough that area.

Leeward to get new access road

The Employment TrainingCenter (ETC) is known forturning lives around and open-

ing doors to vocational and education-al opportunities for at-risk youth anddisplaced workers. Yet, the center’s suc-cess is rarely stated so clearly as it wasby Recta Claro, the 1998 OutstandingStudent in the Introduction to CulinaryArts. He received a standing ovationfrom classmates for the warmth andcandor of his graduation speech onMay 15, 1998. Excerpts follow:

“First of all, I would like to thankGod for this award…. Joining this pro-gram was lucky for me. I was then a veryproblematic person because I couldn’tfind a better job to support my family.One day, I met somebody who intro-duced me to WorkHawaii, my sponsor.

“I was so excited to start, but after afew days, I wanted to quit. I felt like Iwasn’t ready, mentally and socially. I wasvery depressed and insecure. Chef Lloydtalked to me and gave me words of wis-dom. I was challenged by what he said,and continued to move on.

“The early part of the training wasvery tough because everything was new.With the assistance of Chef Eric and themagic words of Chef Lloyd, “I still love

you,” whenever we made mistakes, I wasencouraged and inspired to work harder. Iput my heart in everything I did… therest of the training was full of joy and fun.

“This program really made me a bet-ter person. I was trained not only withthe skills of a chef, but also learned aboutconfidence, love, joy of labor, bettercamaraderie and professionalism. Onbehalf of the culinary arts students, Iwould like to thank our sponsors, theETC staff, my classmates and most espe-cially to Chef Eric (Nakamoto) and ChefLloyd (Yokoyama) for their uncondition-al effort, encouragement and inspiration.Rest assured, wherever I go, I alwayscarry your good examples with me andwhatever success I have in the future, youwill be part of it.”

Chef Lloyd Yokoyama, Recta Claro,Counselor Ryan Perreira and Chancellor

Joyce Tsunoda at ETC’s graduation ceremony.


BOARD OF REGENTS MEDALFOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING,

HAWAIÔI CCLynnEnoki,professor ofEnglish,has been an

esteemed member of theEnglish faculty at Hawai‘iCC for 30 years. She hasserved as a role model andmentor to her colleagues andstudents, and is known to bea “master teacher,” one whois responsive to a studentpopulation with multipleneeds, and one who is everenthusiastic and optimisticabout her work. Enoki has,throughout her career, helpedstudents to regard their ownwriting as a viable means ofcommunication rather thanas an academic exercise.According to one former stu-dent, “I have said many timesthat Professor Enoki’s English100 class had more influenceon my success at bothHawai‘i Community Collegeand UH-Hilo than any othersingle class.”


HONOLULUCCCraigOhta, assis-tant profes-sor and

lead instructor in HonoluluCC’s Automotive MechanicsTechnology program, empha-sizes the need to keep currentwith the ever-changing tech-nology of the field. In doingthis, he stresses the impor-tance of being life-long learn-ers. Many of the studentswho supported Ohta’s nomi-nation for this award havegraduated, yet, in parting,they believe they were givenmuch more than a degreefrom their instructor. In the“learning Mecca” he createsin his classroom, Ohta teach-es students “how to learn.”On one occasion, a student’scar stalled at her home. Ohtamanaged to turn the student’smisfortune into a learningexperience. The students wereinvited to observe a real lifesituation and, in it, received a lesson on systematically diag-

nosing a problem, creating asolution, and repairing thevehicle—not to mentionhelping a classmate.


KAPIÔOLANICCSandraPerez, pro-fessor ofdrama, has

taught at Kapi‘olani CC for29 years. She was the forcebehind the creation of thedrama program at Kapi‘olaniand has served as its coordi-nator since its inception. Shehas directed and produced 18plays. The most recent one,“Rikki Tikki Tavi,” broke allprevious attendance records.This play was the sixth per-formed under the auspices ofthe Student Director Alliance,an arrangement created byPerez in 1993 which teamsUH Ma-noa theatre anddance MFA candidates withKapi‘olani’s drama students.In this alliance, students andteachers collectively learnnew techniques in producingand directing from up andcoming directors. In her nom-inations, one student wrote ofPerez, “Her class should be aprerequisite for life.”

BOARD OF REGENTS MEDAL FOREXCELLENCE IN TEACHING,

KAUAÔI CCNancyPhillion,instructorof nursing,was instru-

mental in establishing thecampus Wellness Center,where students can partici-pate in “live” therapy sessions

under her supervision. Shecoordinates stress manage-ment and other workshopsfor students and responds tounexpected needs, such asoffering bereavement sessionsor working with faculty tohelp them identify and assistsubstance abusers. In short,Phillion goes beyond the nor-mal expectations for faculty.Her students acknowledgedher as a role model who livesher philosophy of excellence.“She empowers us to be ourbest; makes us proactivelearners; shows us the impor-tance of community involve-ment; encourages us to go forour dreams.”


LEEWARDCCJanice Ito,professorof microbi-ology, was

nominated by a large num-ber of faculty, students andstaff from a variety of disci-plines across the Leewardcampus. Students say she hasmade the intimidating fieldof microbiology active andinteresting. Colleagues attestthat she sets high standardsfor herself, and works hard tohelp students achieve success.She devotes long hours work-ing with her students todevelop a creative laboratoryenvironment and forges astudent-centered classroom.Ito has also been instrumen-tal in supporting the profes-sional development of otherteachers in her role as a plan-ner of the locally and inter-nationally acclaimed Hawai‘iGreat Teachers Seminar. Theseminar annually attracts awide variety of teachers whowork together in rediscover-ing the great teacher within,

The UH Community Colleges abound withdedicated faculty, many of whom possess impecca-ble educational backgrounds and numerous out-

standing achievements. This year, the Office of theChancellor for Community Colleges announces therecipients of the UH Board of Regents’ Medal forExcellence in Teaching, the recipient of the EmploymentTraining Center’s Outstan-ding Employee of the Year, theFaculty Service to the Community Award and the Masakiand Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for OutstandingContributions to Vocational Education.

Academic excellenceshines in Ô97-Ô98

September 1998 7

through in-depth discussionson innovations and challengesin teaching.


MAUI CC“GertrudeUeoka hasserved herstudents,the field of

nursing and Maui CC excep-tionally well over the years,”Maui Provost Clyde Sakamotoproudly acclaims. Ueoka,assistant professor of nursing,is known and admired forher devotion to her studentsand her field. Her strategy ofencouragement and supportwas described by a numberof her students as being“therapeutic.” She is knowl-edgeable not only about thetechnical side of nursing, butalso about the “human” sideof the field. One studentwrote, “I have been movedby her ability to bring outthat place in each of us thatwe had never known toexist…. This was all due toher ability to help us to seeourselves as we had neverseen ourselves before.”

BOARD OF REGENTS MEDAL FOREXCELLENCE IN TEACHING,

WINDWARDCCJeanShibuya,professor ofEnglish,

was nominated by a studentand faculty committee, whodescribed her as a very spe-cial educator who has givenmany years of dedicated sup-port to Windward CC stu-dents. Her effective commu-nication skills, diversifiedteaching methods, outstand-ing knowledge of the field ofEnglish, and patient, nurtur-

ing character were just a fewof the attributes mentioned.Student comments attest toher effectiveness in preparingand inspiring students.According to one former stu-dent, “ Professor Shibuyatakes the time to explainthings, without ever demean-ing a student. She makes meeager to come to her litera-ture classes.”

EMPLOYMENT TRAINING CENTEROUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE OF

THE YEARThomas K.Doi, assis-tant profes-sor, specialeducation

counselor and coordinator ofthe student services program,is an experienced special edu-cation teacher. The counselingservices he provides, througheducational partnerships withthe Division of VocationalRehabilitation and with theState’s Department of Educa-tion, require much morethan traditional college coun-seling. Working closely withschools, colleges and otherservice agencies, Doi createsalternate programs to meetthe needs of specific studentsand groups, always “puttingstudents first,” as noted by acolleague. In his role as anadministrator, Doi empowershis staff. His leadership hasallowed the staff of ETC’sThe Learning Center to cre-atively design and implementa highly successful programto provide individual assis-tance to students. As aLeeward CC graduate, whowent on to earn a Bachelor’sdegree in special educationand a Masters in educationaladministration, Doi is also animportant role model andadvocate for ETC.

MASAKI AND MOMOE KUNIMOTOMEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUT-STANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO

VOCATIONALEDUCATIONDonaldBourassa,professorand assis-

tant dean of technical develop-ment, was selected for hisnumerous contributions tovocational education, and forhis efforts to improve theeducational experiences ofstudents. He has expertlyintegrated technology into allareas of coursework andaligned curriculum in voca-tional programs with actualprofessional needs. Bourassa’sleadership has brought valu-able certification and recog-nition to the college’s Auto-motive Mechanics Technol-ogy program, helped theComputing, Electronics andNetworking Technology pro-gram establish and maintainstate-of-the-art training inthis rapidly changing field,and resulted in an education-al grant and alliance with theHawai‘i Fashion Industry forthe college’s Fashion Tech-nology program. Bourassa isa founder of the MarineMaintenance and RepairProgram and facility, and isthe editor of the College’sTechnological Times publica-tion. He is on the Board ofDirectors of the Partnershipsin Environmental TechnologyEducation and a representa-tive to the National Coalitionof Advanced TechnologicalCenters. He continuallyworks to create and nurturelinks between industry andeducation, and strives tokeep Honolulu CC on thecutting edge in all vocationaland technological areas.

FACULTYSERVICE TOTHE COM-MUNITYRobert J.LeClair,

professor and chair of thelegal education department,is the founder of the LegalAssistance program and hasbeen the department’s Chairfrom its inception in 1974.LeClair is the primary authorof the American Bar Associ-ation’s publication, LegalAssistant Program: TheEstablishment and Mainten-ance of an Effective Program, abook written to help institu-tions start and maintaineffective legal assistant pro-grams. He is also creator andfirst editor of The Hawai‘iDivorce Manual, and haswritten numerous articles inthe paralegal field. LeClair isthe originator and host of“You and the Law in Hawai‘i,”and since 1995, has producedmore than 80 shows in thisTV series designed to makespecific legal subjects under-standable to viewers. In1996, LeClair won the JusticeAward by the Hawai‘i StateBar Association, an annualaward given to the attorneywho has done the most forthe cause of justice forHawai‘i’s people. He isnational chairperson of theDistance Education TaskForce, American Associationfor Paralegal Education and amember of the Board ofDirectors of the Hawai‘iJustice Foundation. He hasbeen teaching at Kapi‘olaniCommunity College for 24years and his commitment tohis students is evident in thehigh level of involvementand innovation he demon-strates in the classroom andin the community.


There is an old adage that sayseducation is a lifelong process.That saying comes vividly to

life when talking with the new Chiefof the Honolulu Fire Department(HFD), Attilio K. Leonardi.

After graduating in 1964 fromKapa‘a High School on Kaua‘i,Leonardi attended Church College ofHawai‘i (now known as BYU-Hawai‘i). However, he was activatedfor duty with the 29th Brigade of theHawai‘i National Guard in 1967 andsent to the Republic of Vietnam in1969 as an infantry Sergeant.

Upon release from the Reserves,Leonardi went back to school to com-plete his education and in 1970,received a Bachelor of Science Degreein Business Management. In 1971, hewas accepted into the Honolulu FireDepartment, a career field Leonardisays he “always wanted to pursue.”

Attilio K. LeonardiFire Chief, Honolulu Fire Department

Graduate of Honolulu Community College

tion as a semi-finalist for partic-ipation in the Program forSenior Executives in State andLocal Government at the John

F. Kennedy School of Government, atHarvard University. In the fall of1989, he applied for and was accept-ed in the University of Hawai‘i’sMBA Public Administration Program.His six-week practicum was with thePhoenix Fire Department. There, hestudied with Chief Alan Brunacini, aforemost innovator of fire sciencetechnology. Another valuable learningexperience. “I brought back many ofthe ideas and concepts developed byChief Brunacini. Over the years, Ihave implemented several of theseprogressive ideas into the HonoluluFire Department.”

Leonardi, who became Fire Chiefin February 1998, values the advance-ments and experiences his educationhas provided. “I consider myself fortu-nate to have been able to serve in everyrank from Fire Fighter Recruit to FireChief,” he states. “A program of con-tinuing education at each level of thecareer ladder gave me the cutting edgeto implement the kinds of programsthat were needed to accomplish theDepartment’s mission.”

The father of four grown children,Leonardi and his wife, Luwella, haveworked to nurture educational valueswithin their family as well. In fact,Luwella is presently working toward herMaster’s degree at UH Ma-noa.

When asked if he has any advicefor young people starting out on theircareers, Leonardi says,“Education doesnot stop. There are many kinds ofprograms and opportunities available.All you have to do is take advantageof them.”

A career ignitedby education

“The HFD encouraged personnelto register for courses in HonoluluCC’s Fire Science Program,” Leonardiremembers. “Armed with the GI Bill’seducational benefits, I enrolled andearned an Associate in Science Degreein 1972. The HFD provided excellenttraining in their recruit program andHonolulu CC provided me with aneducation. I learned theories, insightsand the latest doctrine and technologyof fire fighting. In other words, I wasgiven an added dimension of trainingand could more thoroughly under-stand what my officers were teachingme. This degree, coupled with firefighting experience, gave me the toolsI needed to assume a leadership role atthe company level.”

Leonardi quickly moved up thecareer ladder and with his advance-ment, he again realized he neededtraining. This time in management.Leonardi states, “My Degree fromHonolulu CC gave me the impetus totake advantage of the numerous train-ing and educational opportunitiesoffered through the Department. I wasvery fortunate to be accepted into theExecutive Fire Officer Program, a four-year course of study designed for sen-ior fire officers. The annual summersessions at the National Fire Academyin Emmitsburg, Maryland, enabled meto meet senior officers from thenation’s major fire departments.”Leonardi completed the program in1989. One of the outgrowths of thateducational experience was his selec-

Profiles in success

September 1998 9

A. Frenchy DeSotoChairwoman, Board of Trustees

Office of Hawaiian AffairsAttended Leeward Community College

E lawe i ke a ‘o a malama, a e‘oi mau ka na‘auao.” A.Frenchy DeSoto,

Chairperson of the Board ofTrustees of the Office of HawaiianAffairs (OHA), has taken these wisewords from the olelo no‘eau(Hawaiian proverbs) to heart. “Hewho takes his teachings and appliesthem increases his knowledge.” Herlife has been a learning experienceon many levels, as evidenced in hersuccess as a community activist, cul-tural preservationist, businesswoman, wife and mother.

She learned the value of familyearly on. Reared in foster homes afterthe death of her father, DeSotosought to be a part of a family.Although having a family as a childeluded her, it became an importantgoal she achieved as an adult. Now,

the mother of six, ha-nai mother offour more, grandmother of 17 andgreat grandmother of five, DeSotohas successfully created a very special‘ohana. To protect and provide forher children, she became involved inthe PTA and other communityorganizations. She founded Wai‘anaeBantam Football and served on theboards of many organizations suchas the Wai‘anae Valley HomesteadAssociation, Alu Like, and the AIDSFoundation. She worked forWai‘anae Model Cities Program, andto enhance her career took businessclasses at Leeward CommunityCollege.

Through her communityinvolvement, DeSoto became moreaware of the needs of the Hawaiianpeople, and she embraced her ownHawaiian roots. Soon she took onthe responsibilities of her larger fam-ily—the people of Native Hawaiiandescent. To help her on her road toself-discovery and in her growinginvolvement with the Hawaiiancommunity, DeSoto decided toreturn to college to learn Hawaiianlanguage. She selected Leeward CCfor its convenience and affordabilityand found quality, indepth instruc-tion. “The language classes weresmall, and there was much interac-tion between student and kumu,”she remembers.

From there, becoming politicallyactive was an easy transition. By1976, DeSoto’s political and culturalawakening evolved into a strongvoice for the Hawaiian people. Shebecame involved with the ProtectKaho‘olawe ‘Ohana. “The fact therewas a group of Hawaiian people will-ing to stand up to the U.S. militaryappealed to me,” she recalls.

In 1980 she was elected to theOHA board. She left to run for thestate Senate in 1982, lost and was re-elected to the OHA board eight yearsago. Today, as the Chair of the OHABoard of Trustees, DeSoto sees her-self as “the little shepherd who keepspulling people together to get thingsdone.” One of her most importantduties in this position is to help facil-itate discussion on sovereignty.“OHA has a responsibility to providethe forums for all these things to bediscussed. My responsibility is to bekauwa, or servant, for the majority ofthe people. I am committed to makeit possible for all of my family, ifthey choose, to be able to learn theirmother’s culture.”

She also realizes the importantrole education has played in her lifeand feels it is vital to anyone’s per-sonal success. “Any form of educa-tion is a must,” DeSoto states.“Continuing education onlyenhances your life cycle, expandsyour experiences, and broadens yourhorizons.”

“

Achieving goals throughservice to thecommunity

Spotlight on successful Community College alumni

details for a model home. Carpentrystudents prepare the site and con-struct the building in compliancewith the Uniform Building Code,electrical installation students wire thehome in accordance with theNational Electrical Code, and thewelding and sheetmetal students per-form all the necessary tasks in thoseareas. Hawai‘i Island ContractorsAssociation completes work that isnot taught at Hawai‘i CC and build-ing materials are supplied by HPMBuilding Supply. This year, for thefirst time since the 1970s, the landwas part of the Hawaiian HomeLands, in the Keaukaha area of Hilo.

The beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathhome is the 32nd affordable homebuilt by the Hawai‘i CC Model HomeProgram which began in 1965. At aceremony on May 14, the Pascuasreceived the keys to their new home,and the students of Hawaii CC real-ized their accomplishment and theircontribution to the community.


Hawai‘i CC students work with profession-als in the community to construct a homeon Hawaiian Homes land. The hands-onexperience gives students a deeper under-standing of their chosen field, as well as astronger sense of community.

What began as a vacant lot isnow a very special homefor Alberdine and Jesus

Pascua and their family, thanks to thestudents of Hawai‘i CommunityCollege and the collaborative effortsof the Big Island community. Eachfall semester, Hawai‘i CC draftingstudents design and prepare the

HawaiÔi CC turns vacant lot into home

On October 5, at 5:30 p.m. inthe Ka Ikena Dining Roomof the ‘Ohelo building,

Kapi‘olani CC’s Board of StudentPublications will hold an evening ofmoon viewing, a tea ceremony, din-ner, shakuhachi and koto music, anda showing of kimonos. Tickets are$40 with $20 tax deductible. Forreservations call 734-9570.

Moon Rise over Maunalua Bay

Windward Community College is planning twonew facilities, to be completed by 2000. Atwo-story humanities building that will

include art classrooms and studios, faculty offices, musicrooms and a photography studio will also house a 300seat auditorium. The humanities building will be builton a parking lot above the science building, whichopened last fall. The second project is a multimediaplanetarium next to the science building. The planetari-um will seat about 65 and also serve as a presentationand lecture hall. Provost Peter Dyer said “We are excitedabout the new facilities, especially since most of the cam-pus is still housed in old buildings that once were part ofthe Hawai‘i State Hospital. The new additions will makethe campus a much more attractive place for students tolearn.”

Windward planning new facilities

“The new

additions will

make the

campus a much

more attractive

place for stu-

dents to learn.”

◆Peter Dyer

LEEWARD THEATREThe Hawai‘i State Theatre Councilnominated the Leeward CCTheatre for three PookelaExcellence in Theatre Awards thisyear for their fall production, “TheEpic of Gilgamesh.” Leeward wonthe award for costume design andreceived two other nominationsfor lighting design and originalscript. Congratulations to DirectorPaul Cravath, and all who helpedbring this honor to Leeward CC.

POND ELECTED TO WASC In April, the CommissionerSelection Committee of theAccrediting Commission forCommunity and Junior Colleges(ACCJC) of the WesternAssociation of Schools andColleges named Professor GarmanJ. “Jack” Pond of Leeward CC toone of the positions that representfaculty. This marks the first timethat a faculty member fromHawai‘i has been appointed to theACCJC. Pond has extensive expe-rience in accreditation matters,having been active in the self-studyprocess at his campus, and partici-pating as a member of eight evalu-ation teams over the past 13 years.

CONGRATULATIONSÉ

September 1998 11

Network switches, routers,patch cables and RJ-45jacks…not your ordinary

list of back to school supplies. Thenagain, thanks to HonoluluCommunity College’s new role asregional Cisco NetworkingAcademy, some Hawai‘i highschool students will havehands-on experiences whichare quite out of the ordinarythis year. Through an inno-vative partnership withHonolulu CC and CiscoSystems, Hawai‘i’s highschools are gearing up to pre-pare students for the demandsand opportunities of today’sinformation economy.

The Cisco NetworkingAcademies are a cooperativeventure between CiscoSystems, which provides cur-riculum and trains HonoluluCommunity College’s regionalinstructors; Honolulu CC, theregional academy, which offers sup-

port and training to the high schoolinstructors; and Hawai‘i high schools,which provide instruction to theirstudents in a computer lab, designedusing Cisco approved equipment.

As the Regional NetworkingAcademy for the state, Honolulu CCinstructors will provide local supportand remain informed of the latesttrends and tools in network designand implementation. Two Honolulu

CC professors (Dallas Shiroma andWayne Lewis) received Cisco’s train-ing in Chula Vista, California in July.

Participating high schools havesigned an agreement to offer at leastfour semesters (or the equivalent

thereof ) of instruction for credit tostudents and provide the high schooleducators who will be trained as localacademy instructors. Training of thefirst group of high school instructorstook place August 3 through 14 atHonolulu CC.

As part of the project, studentswill design, build and maintain theirhigh school network. In a lab set-ting that closely corresponds to thereal world, students will get theirhands on the building blocks oftoday’s global information networks,learning by doing as they bring to lifelocal and wide-area networks.

This innovative program is aprime example of private industrycreating a mutually beneficial rela-tionship with educational institu-tions. For Hawai‘i’s high schools,becoming a Cisco Networking

Academy will bring vital technologysupport and resources to supplementthe limited funds the schools have topurchase and maintain computerequipment. Students get valuablepreparation for the increasingly tech-

nology-dependent economyinto which they willemerge. For Cisco and pri-vate industry, the programis a meaningful step towarddeveloping sorely neededtechnology skills in the nextgeneration of workers.Honolulu CC is helpingcreate a future student bodyfor its more advanced com-puter-related programs andbenefits from having well-informed faculty in thefield.

The curriculum hasbeen written to national

industry skill standards so that stu-dents who complete the four semes-ters of training will be prepared toqualify for Cisco certification, andhave the skills necessary to work withany business computer networkingsystem.

According to the InformationTechnology Association of America,anywhere from 190,000 to 350,000high-tech jobs in information tech-nology (IT) are currently available inU.S. corporations. HonoluluCommunity College Dean ofInstruction Ramsey Pedersen empha-sized, “The Cisco NetworkingAcademies are an outstanding exam-ple of how industry/education part-nerships can be structured to meetthe training needs in informationtechnology for the next millennium.”

Developing an information age workforce

This innovative program is aprime example of private industry

creating a mutually beneficialrelationship with educational

institutions.

Honolulu CC instructors Dallas Shiroma and Wayne Lewis (lastrow on the right) held the Cisco Networking training for high schoolteachers and instructors from BYU in early August so that they couldbring the knowledge with them to their classrooms this fall.

Island of OÔahuHonolulu Community College

KapiÔolani CommunityCollege

Leeward Community CollegeWindward Community

CollegeEmployment Training Center

Island of HawaiÔiHawaiÔi Community College

Island of KauaÔiKauaÔi Community College

Island of MauiMaui Community College

In support of the UH CommunityColleges’ concept of lifelong learn-ing and the colleges’ commitment

to provide access to education for allHawai‘i’s people, the seven UHCommunity Colleges and theUniversity of Hawai‘i West O‘ahuentered into a memorandum of agree-ment to offer college credit for priorlearning experiences. This agreement,signed by Senior Vice President andChancellor Joyce Tsunoda and InterimChancellor of UH West O‘ahu Joanne

Clark on July 9, 1998,will help students

who show compe-tency through

examination or portfolio assessment toattain credits toward their Associate inArts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS)degree. The AA degree and select ASdegrees will also apply as preparationfor transfer to UH West O‘ahu forthose working toward their baccalau-reate degree. This agreement culmi-nates the yearlong planning andassessment by a task force that includ-ed faculty and admissions personnelfrom the Community Colleges andUH West O‘ahu.

Recognizing the increasing needsof mature adults who are hindered bytime, distance or family obligationsfrom attaining higher education, stu-dents may be awarded college credit

for prior experience, helping themcomplete their degree morequickly.

Though credit by exam hasbeen available on all UH campusesfor quite some time, portfolioassessment is an expanded avenue

by which students can provide evi-dence of their competency.

In the agreement, UH West O‘ahustudents who want to receive credit forlower division course work will bereferred to one of the CommunityColleges for testing or portfolio assess-ment. The credit earned will be trans-ferrable to UH West O‘ahu towardtheir baccalaureate degree. Studentswho wish to receive credit for upperdivision course work will work directlywith UH West O‘ahu faculty andcounselors.

Tsunoda emphasized the value theagreement has in today’s rapidlychanging technological and economicclimate. “This allows for greater accessand flexibility to serve adult learnerswho want to advance their educationor career while juggling the responsi-bilities of jobs and families.” UHWest O‘ahu Interim ChancellorJoanne Clark added, “We are excitedabout working closely with theCommunity Colleges to insure trans-fer of credits. This agreement trulyenhances access to the baccalaureatedegree for Hawai‘i’s residents, particu-larly in Leeward O‘ahu.”


Community Colleges

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PA I DHonolulu, HI

Permit No. 278

University of HawaiÔiOffice of the Chancellor for Community Colleges2327 Dole StreetHonolulu, HawaiÔi 96822

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

UHCCs expand credit for prior learning

The new credit for prior learningagreement between the CommunityColleges and UH West O‘ahu canmake returning to school after being inthe workforce easier for adults.

community colleges bulletin - sept 1998 · senior vice president and chancellor for community ......

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