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Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education

Kunimoto Award Winner

Mary E. Goya, headshot

Mary Goya
2002

Mary E. Goya is an assistant professor in early childhood education at Hawai‘i Community College. Since first recognizing the need for the program more than two decades ago, she has initiated, expanded and maintained a high-quality program. The program, begun in fall 1987, flourished in large part due to her leadership and guidance. It is the campus’ largest vocational program, with more than 125 majors island-wide, and Goya is expanding its reach through the use of new technologies.

Goya has implemented many program modifications and additions to help keep the program current with National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines. A children’s center was added in 1990 to serve as the main laboratory for the college students as well as providing early care and education for the children of Hawai’i CC and UH Hilo students, staff and faculty.

Goya creates two-way involvement with the community. She recruited lecturers to serve on screening committees for faculty selection. She serves on the Hawai‘i Career Development Coalition and the TEACH (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) committee and is vice president and conference coordinator for the Big Island Chapter of the Hawai‘i Association for the Education of Young Children. She advised the Hilo High School Advisory Board on its childcare program and has presented many workshops for various groups.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education rewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student.

The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes’ role in development of the food industry in Hawai‘i.

Current Winners
Go to UH News for stories on the latest honorees.

2002–2015 Honorees

Judy Toba, headshot
Judy Toba
2009
Reese Lee, headshot
Reese Lee
2007
Mary Goya, headshot
Mary Goya
2002