KCC Alumni and Friends Harvest Dinner & Membership Drive

“This was our most successful event in our history,” according to KCCAFA President Calvin Nomiyama (AA ’74, BEd ’76, MEd ’80). The Kapi‘olani Community College Alumni & Friends Association kicked off the holiday season with its annual Harvest Dinner & Membership Drive event. Those in attendance heard from two very inspiring speakers. Will Jonen (BS ’01), a KCC English professor, shared his inspiring story of attending KCC as a student without direction and purpose, whose life got turned around by the faculty. His full circle adventure now permits him to make an impact on current KCC students. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Louise Pagotto (PhD ’87) was equally as inspiring as she spoke of the ‘ohana culture of the school and how they strive to be the best community college campus in Hawai‘i. She also shared how 40% of Kalani High School students attend KCC in their senior year, getting a head start on college.

Not to be outdone, the Harvest meal presentation by the staff and student chefs of KCC pushed the limits of culinary excellence. From the grilled scallop with soy yuzu beurre blanc and nori brush appetizer to the coriander-dusted shutome in chili aioli, the alumni and friends were treated to a night far beyond expectations.

As is always the case with KCC events, KCC’s liaison Louise Yamamoto (BA ’68, MA ’71, MEd ’72) was instrumental in the evening’s great success.

University of Hawai‘i Alumni