To welcome the 2015-2016 academic year, the faculty and staff at Kapiʻolani Community College gathered for an evening of song, fellowship, good food and recognition of the best in each other. On the evening of August 20, the first annual, Neʻepapa Kālāhu (“the sun emerges in unison”) brought together more than 300 faculty, staff, students, custodians, groundskeepers, librarians, technicians, administrative assistants and administrators to affirm neʻepapa (to move as a whole or unit; moving or working together in unison) and aloha at the college.
Chancellor Leon Richards stepped back and allowed organizers, Nawaʻa Napoleon, Veronica Ogata, Keolani Noa and Kapulani Landgraf and the Kalāualani Council take the lead to plan a unique and memorable event. The Kalāualani Council provides oversight to the governance of Native Hawaiian programs and affairs at the college.
Chancellor Richards said, “The evening was a feel good moment for all of us. Every activity on the program was heartfelt. I am proud of the leadership that brought us together. But most importantly, the event reminded us of how special the college is. I felt Queen Kapiʻolani was with us and guiding us with her spirit of nuʻu.”
The evening honored the past, present and future of the college. The cadence of Noa’s drumbeats on the pahu remembered colleagues, now deceased; the recognition of current members with more than 30 years of service celebrated the present; and the naming of the most outstanding member in respective units and departments with a hoe (Hawaiian paddle) focused on the future. These hoe will be on display in the Lama Library and subsequent recognition will be made on the paddles to perpetuate future achievers.
Perhaps the most touching message was a rendition of Pearl Cleage’s poem, “We Speak Your Names.” The meaning was to no one person because it was meant for all who dedicate themselves to the good of the many.
—By Louise Yamamoto
