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University of Hawai'i |
(808) 956-8856 Telephone |
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For Immediate Release : |
June 27, 1997 |
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Contact: Donnë Florence, PIO, (808) 956-7522 |
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Windward CC's Lillian Cunningham, UH Hilo's Don Hemmes honored for community serviceLillian Cunningham and Don Hemmes, two University of Hawai'i system faculty members who have devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to community service, have been named the 1997 recipients of the Hung Wo and Elizabeth Lau Ching Award. The award, established by the Hung Wo and Elizabeth Lau Ching Foundation, is presented to two faculty members&emdash;one female and one male&emdash;from the Hilo, West O'ahu or Community College campuses of the University of Hawai'i. It recognizes "significant contributions to strengthening ties between UH campuses and the community." Each honoree receives $5,000. Nominations from the community were solicited earlier this year and evaluated by an awards committee chaired by Toni Martin, an art instructor at Windward Community College.
Windward retreats encourage creative writing Cunningham, an English professor at Windward Community College, was cited for her leadership of the Kane'ohe campus's popular writing retreats, which have drawn hundreds of aspiring poets, novelists and playwrights over the past twelve years. The free retreats, held on Saturdays six times a year, provide a supportive atmosphere where novice and professional writers can find inspiration, encouragement and helpful feedback. Sue Cowing, a winner of the Elliott Cades literary award and editor of the recently published Fire in the Sea anthology (UH Press), wrote in her nomination letter: "Lillian's efforts have created a nurturing community for this island's writers.... [She] understands that creative writing and ideas have a high infant-mortality rate, so she has built an atmosphere of enthusiasm and acceptance for them. This explains why both veteran, published writers and those making their first uncertain attempts feel at home in the same group and eagerly return to the retreats. If developing and supporting written expression is vital to the college and the community, then Lillian Cunningham's contribution has been and continues to be invaluable." Another beneficiary of Cunningham's initiative, Maxine Sandison, wrote: "In the past twelve years, the retreats have sparked a small renaissance of writing on the Windward side.... [They] have attracted people from widely diverse backgrounds and abilities&emdash;from an old plantation worker speaking little English but with a story to tell, to authors of established reputation trying their hand at a different genre." Other letters of support cited Cunningham's leadership in bringing noted island writers to the community and her founding of WCC's award-winning literary magazine, Rain Bird, which showcases both student and community work.
Big Island scientist shares knowledge, enthusiasm Supporters were equally enthusiastic in their praise of Don Hemmes, professor of biology at UH Hilo. Hemmes was cited for his creation of two major botanical gardens on the Hilo campus, his frequent public lectures on everything from tidepool organisms to mushrooms of Hawai'i and his participation in a wide variety of other community service efforts. John Scott, associate professor of biology, described Hemmes's range of volunteer work, including service as a research adviser for numerous high school students and as coordinator of a "world class" shell collection for Lyman House Museum in Hilo. He said: "Don Hemmes is not the sort of person who does an occasional service project. In his case, his service activities are more like a second, non-paid, full-time job.... His passionate and energetic approach to community service is truly inspirational." Biology department chair Leon Hallacher added: "In my opinion, Don's service-related activities have been without equal on the UH Hilo campus over the last decade.... He has presented more than 200 public talks to school classes, civic clubs and other community organizations on both the Big Island and O'ahu. Don's willingness to give freely of his time borders on the philanthropic, but in the years that I've been at UH Hilo, I've never seen Don turn away a student or colleague with 'I'm sorry, but I'm just too busy right now to help you.' That is a truly amazing record."
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