By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– Hawai?i Pacific University (HPU) is proud to announce that its Spring 2017 Commencement exercises will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena.
“Hawai’i Pacific University equips its graduates with the skills and experiences to be globally minded citizens who are ready to make an immediate difference in their communities upon leaving our campus,” said President John Gotanda. “I’m honored to address these accomplished men and women, celebrate their achievements and help them start a new chapter in their lives as alumni of HPU.”
During the ceremony, President and CEO of Hawai’i Pacific Health, Ray Vara, will address the graduating students as the commencement keynote speaker. Vara handles executive oversight of Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center and Wilcox Medical Center on Kaua?i. He is an esteemed HPU alumnus and holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree from the university. In 2006, HPU presented Vara with the Paul C.T. Loo Distinguished Alumni Award, acknowledging his outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the community. He has been a member of the HPU Board of Trustees since 2008 and continues to support the university as the Chair of the Compensation Subcommittee and a member of the Executive Committee and the Finance and Investment Committee.
Wesley Chai will represent HPU’s undergraduate students as valedictory speaker and reflect on his experience at the university. Chai will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Writing. His list of academic achievements includes two published works, serving as Chief Justice of the Student Judicial Council in the Student Government Association, President of the Criminal Justice Club and memberships with several national honor societies. His post-undergraduate plan is to attend law school and attain his Juris Doctor degree.
Attendees will also hear from Louis C. Hare III, who will receive a Master of Arts in Communication and will speak on behalf of the graduate students. Hare earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Psychology with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering from the Unites States Military Academy. After 10 years of serving in the army as an active duty officer, Hare decided to pursue a Master’s degree from HPU. His academic success has inducted him into National Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta. Upon graduation, Hare will transition to his next duty assignment in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Guests may enter with their admission tickets starting at 4:00 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. ceremony. There are 10 seating tickets per graduating student, and everyone, including children, will need a ticket for entry into the arena. Following the graduate recessional will be a meet-and-greet event for graduates and guests at the Exhibition Hall located next door.