It was an emotional moment when Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg looked into her daughter’s eyes with tearful pride as she presented her diploma at the college’s commencement ceremony in May.
Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School student Beatrice Winuna Eschenberg had spent four years working on her associate’s degree in liberal arts through the Early College program, which allows high school students to take free college classes and receive both high school and college credit (dual credit).
“What I love the most about this campus is the love you feel—between the professors, all of the faculty, administration and my fellow students—it’s really easy to come here and feel loved,” said Beatrice Eschenberg. “And just like the motto of the college that says ‘he puniwai kahe wale ke aloha,’ this school is like an endless spring of love.”
She will be enrolling in University of California, Santa Cruz in the fall and majoring in environmental studies.
Both Eschenbergs are grateful for the support Beatrice received at Windward CC.
“Through the eyes of my daughter and as a makua (parent), I have been able to see how the aloha of our faculty and staff nurtures students to become their best selves,” said her mother, the chancellor. “Windward CC is an amazing college because of our people. My family is so thankful to each person who grew Winuna, my lei poina ʻole (child), on her educational journey.”
—By Bonnie J. Beatson
