The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu welcomed about 200 faculty and staff at the Fall 2023 Convocation and Professional Development Day — on Aug. 16 at the Campus Center multi-purpose room — a semesterly event that featured updates, recent achievements, and upcoming goals for the campus.
As faculty and staff arrived at the event, many shared warm embraces and cordial conversations after not seeing each other all summer. Before the program began, attendees enjoyed refreshments and participated in a fun informational activity, visiting tables to learn more about various organizations and resources on campus.
The event opened with the singing of “Mele Honouliuli” and offering of Hō‘oia ‘Āina (Land Acknowledgement), as well as a welcome by the beloved and recently retired Kupuna-in-Residence Aunty Lynette Paglinawan. There was also a recognition of the efforts of UH West O‘ahu’s ‘Ai Pōhaku Indigenous Peoples’ Club donation drive for those affected by the Maui wildfires, and an introduction from UH West O‘ahu’s DreamHouse High School partners.
The convocation program recognized UH West O‘ahu’s new hires, service award winners, Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching winner Eli Tsukayama, Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching winner Katherine Aumer, Laulima Teaching Innovation Award winner Monique Mironesco, Lecturer Excellence in Teaching Award winner Sarah Glancy, and National Earth Science Teachers Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner Rick Jones. Those who received tenure and promotion were also recognized during the program.
Chancellor Maenette Benham also introduced UH West O‘ahu’s new Executive Leadership Team: Jessica Miranda, Director of Strategic Directions, Assessment and Accreditation; Camonia Graham-Tutt, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; David McDonald, Vice Chancellor for Administration; Dee Uwono, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and Harald Barkhoff, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Benham continued with insights into the new UH System Strategic Plan and its four imperatives, and its alignment with the UH West O‘ahu Strategic Action Plan and its three impact strategies. Benham highlighted successful efforts across the impact strategies such as the UH West O‘ahu Career Expo, Healthy Minds Survey, UH West O‘ahu’s strong early college program and its new pre-nursing program, and the completion of the Library Air Conditioning Repair Project.
At the end of the program, Benham offered her gratitude to all those in attendance.
“Mahalo for all that you do, not only for each other, but for our students and for this community,” Benham said.
Following the program, faculty and staff attended unit meetings presented by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
The event ended with lunch and time for fellowship for the attendees at the Nāulu Center and Outdoor Learning Space.
To see more photos from the event, visit the Fall 2023 Convocation and Professional Development Day album on Flickr.
Click here to see the Convocation PowerPoint presentation.
A recording of the Convocation program will be made available at a later date.