Kapiʻolani Community College celebrated eight decades of education, service and community impact at its 80th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee on October 10 at Kapiʻolani CC, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to honor the college’s history and look toward its future.
Held under the theme “E Mau Ana Ka Hoʻoilina ʻo Kapiʻolani—Perpetuated is the Legacy of Queen Kapiʻolani,” the evening traced the college’s story from Queen Kapiʻolani’s legacy of care, courage, service and kuleana to the generations of people who continue to carry that legacy forward.
Emceed by Kapiʻolani CC alumnus, Native Hawaiian storyteller and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Kamaka Pili, the program reflected on the college’s beginnings, its growth through generations of leaders and educators, the impact of its students and alumni, and the responsibility to perpetuate that legacy for those who follow.
“For 80 years, our college has opened doors to opportunity and helped shape Hawaiʻi’s future. Our graduates serve communities across Oʻahu and the neighbor islands, from vital healthcare professions to our award-winning culinary and hospitality programs, and our alumni carry that impact far beyond campus,” said Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi.
“That legacy is also reflected in strong transfer pathways to four-year 糖心视频 campuses and national distinctions in cybersecurity, undergraduate research, and New Media Arts. As we look ahead, we are focused on helping every student find their direction, navigate their education, and succeed after graduation. The future John Morton Student Welcome Center, a one-stop student services hub and redesigned counseling services carry that commitment forward, while major projects such as Māunulau represent an investment in the generations to come,” she said.
The evening began with a 贬ōʻ颈办别 Showcase featuring projects from across the college, followed by dinner prepared by Kapiʻolani CC culinary students under the guidance of chef instructors. The evening also included a silent auction and a performance by Nā Hōkū Hanohano awardee Raiatea Helm.
“I want to express my gratitude to the visionary chancellors, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and so many friends who built this incredible college,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel. “Congratulations on 80 extraordinary years. We are so proud of what you have built, and we cannot wait to see how high our students will soar over the next 80 years.”
Former Kapiʻolani CC Provost and 糖心视频 Community Colleges Chancellor Emerita Joyce Tsunoda, whose leadership helped guide Kapiʻolani CC’s move to its Diamond Head campus, reflected on the many people who helped turn a shared vision for the college into reality.
“I am most proud that this campus has maintained what I first saw here in the early 1970s. I am equally proud of the many students who have walked through our doors over the years,” said Tsunoda. “Please ensure that the community around this campus continues to be involved in maintaining this learning environment for the people and by the people. This is our Kapiʻolani CC, a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi System.”
That spirit of community partnership continues today as organizations across Hawaiʻi work alongside Kapiʻolani CC to serve the state’s workforce.
“Kapiʻolani CC listens to the community and responds. The college is deeply connected to Hawaiʻi’s communities and works alongside healthcare partners to shape how we prepare the next generation of nurses and health professionals,” said Hawaiʻi Pacific Health System Chief Nurse Executive Amy Thomas. “Kapiʻolani CC’s nursing graduates are widely regarded across health systems as well-prepared nurses with clinically sound skill sets and a strong nursing foundation to meet the care needs of our patients and communities.”
The Ruby Jubilee honored 80 years of service while reaffirming its commitment to student success, workforce development, community partnership, and educational excellence for generations to come.
—By Lisa Yamamoto
