HPU & HCFL: Eleven-year Friendship Going Strong!

Submitted by Barbara Hannum, HPU Director of Intercultural Education Programs

Hawaiʻi Pacific University recently provided students from Hiroshima, Japan a special custom-designed study-tour experience, the eighth since our inaugural program in 2006. From November 13 to December 1, 2017, a group of 17 students from Hiroshima College of Foreign Languages (HCFL) enjoyed a challenging yet rewarding three-week intensive Hospitality and English Program prepared and coordinated by Intercultural Education Programs Director Barbara Hannum with support from the TESOL Programs and the Dept. of English and Applied Linguistics.

A successful balance of academic and experiential learning, the program featured “English for Interaction” classes designed to build fluency in speaking and listening, customized classes in hospitality, tourism, language, and culture, special topics lectures on hospitality marketing and business strategies in Hawai‘i and the U.S. by Hospitality & Tourism Management faculty Dr. Wendy Lam and Dr. Dae Woo Park, observational visits to HPU classes in business, marketing, and Japanese, cultural presentations by HCFL students to HPU students, fluency-building workshops, and conversation sessions with HPU students and Center for Academic Success tutors. A special cultural lesson and hula workshop was provided by Kumu Tracie Lopes, who taught the group a meaningful hula about Aloha Tower and how to make ti-leaf lei.

The HCFL students also enjoyed a guided tour of historic downtown Honolulu, a visit to the State Art Museum, and a “Waikiki scavenger hunt” to the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Moana hotels led by Dr. Lam. The two cohorts of students also shared a full day of experiential learning and site visits: one group, comprised of hospitality and tourism majors, received an extensive tour of the Four Seasons Resort, where they learned about strategic branding/target marketing and were also treated to a delicious lunch! From there they traveled to the airport for a guided tour and presentation by Hawaiian Airlines marketing and sales management staff. The other group, comprised of English majors, enjoyed a morning at Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy sharing cultural presentations with HBA Japanese classes and observing other special HBA classes as well. They, too, were treated to a very special lunch and cultural exchange session by HBA administrators, staff, and selected students.  

The HCFL students all stayed with local families through the Hawai‘i Homestay Program, so they spent evenings and weekends learning about and experiencing American and local culture, especially enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday. The program culminated in a memorable HPU Completion Ceremony and Aloha Luncheon on Friday, December 1. We look forward to welcoming the next group in 2019 for another memorable and meaningful educational exchange between two universities and long-time friends. 

Alumni Perspective: College to Career Transition

Jose Dominguez (MBA ’17) is a General Building Manger, overseeing 423 residential units in a Kakaako complex. His management responsibility is for maintenance, security, and financial matters. Dominguez works directly with the owners’ association on a variety of issues affecting residents, maintaining open communication with all parties involved.    

In this Q&A with HPU Senior Career Development Advisor, Ryan Tin Loy, M.A., CWDP, Dominguez shares his experiences.  

How did your HPU education prepare you for the workforce?

I graduated with a MBA in Management. The education I received from HPU prepared me by exposing me to coursework in statistics, finance, and accounting. I also took advantage of a well-rounded education through the sciences and writing.

How did the Career Development Center prepare you for this transition?

The Career Development Center assisted me through effective resume building techniques and I took advantage of all the workshops and seminars they offered. Ryan Tin Loy in the Career Development Center maintained consistent contact with me throughout my time at HPU to ensure my educational needs and goals were being met.

What advice would you give other students as they prepare for the college to career transition?

My advice is to expect the unexpected. Prepare for the many bumps on road. There will be times you may feel like quitting but keep moving forward in life.

HPU students and alumni, check out what the university’s Career Development Center has to offer: Career Advising, Using internships and co-ops for class credit, Resume and cover letter assistance, Mock interviews, Job search assistance, Interest assessments (MBTI and Strong), Professional development events and workshops, Career Fairs, Employer information sessions and tables, HPU Connect online job board.  

HPU College of Business Names Executive in Residence

Mr. Akemi Kurokawa will serve as College of Business Executive in Residence beginning fall 2017.  He retired from his position as President of Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, LLC, & Mauna Kea Resort, LLC, and as Senior Vice President & Director, Prince Resorts Hawaii, Inc.  He had a 30-year career in Hawaii with 20 of those years with Seibu, Inc., which developed and managed the Mauna Kea Resort; the Makena Resort on Maui; the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, and the Hawaii Prince Golf Club in West Oahu.

Mr. Kurokawa serves on the Board Trustees of the Honolulu Museum of Art, as a Board Director of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, and on the Board of Governors of the Japanese American National Museum.  He also served on the Board of Governors of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, as a Director of the Honolulu Festival Foundation, and as a Director of the Urasenke Foundation of Hawaii.

He recently received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his commitment to promoting Business Relations and Friendship between Japan and the U.S.

He has a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from University of Southern California.

Mr. Kurokawa will be meeting with students and visiting some of the business classes during the semester.

Associate Professor of Economics Travels and Presents and HPU Students Participate

Associate Professor of Economics Ken Schoolland gave a number of talks this summer. At the Mont Pelerin Society meeting in Seoul, South Korea, he discussed a new measure of macroeconomic activity called Gross Output. For the third consecutive year in Khovd, Mongolia, he gave a series of lectures on economic prosperity for the Silk Road Foundation.

Schoolland addressed problems of economics for the UNIRULE Institute and the IAPP-CIPA at Renmin University in Beijing, China. At the eighth annual Seminar Lecture Series for International Scholars of Economics and Management at Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, Schoolland offered a dozen lectures to 120 students from Asia, Australia, and Europe. He arranged for an HPU student from Germany, Denis Mannschatz, to participate.

Schoolland gave a talk on creative ways to teach economics at a conference in Las Vegas. In August, he addressed the economic impact of the Jones Act on shipping costs at an international conference in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Schoolland arranged a scholarship for HPU student Charlene Cuizon to attend.

Congratulations, Spring 2017 HPU Graduates!

Hawai‘i Pacific University held its Spring 2017 Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 11. The University proudly and warmly welcomes its newest graduates into its global network of alumni, comprising more than 45,000 individuals.

Mahalo to the valedictory speakers, Wesley Chai (BS Criminal Justice) and Louis C. Hare III (MA in Communication), for representing the graduating class with their thoughtful remarks. (Pictured left Hare and right Chai with HPU's mascot Sharky)

HPU Board of Trustee and alumnus Ray Vara (BSBA ’93), who delivered the Commencement keynote speech, was presented with an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his professional accomplishments, commitment to community causes, and the advancement of higher education.

Alumna Naomi Hazelton (MA in Communication ’05), publisher of Pacific Edge magazine, Green magazine, and Las Vegas Bound magazine, lead the graduates in the recitation of the HPU Alumni Pledge. The pledge signifies the official welcome of the Spring 2017 graduates to the HPU alumni community.

Professor Horgen Named Teacher of the Year

2016 Teacher of the Year Margo Bare presents David Horgen, Ph.D.,
the 2017 Teacher of the Year award

Annually in the spring, HPU graduating students are asked to nominate candidates for the Teacher of the Year award. Professor of Chemistry David Horgen, Ph.D., was named the 2017 HPU Teacher of the Year. He was presented the award by 2016 HPU Teacher of the Year Margo Bare, retired professor of social work.

Horgen, who is the chair of the chemistry and biochemistry program, joined HPU in 2000. His major research interest is in marine natural products chemistry. He is the head of HPU’s Shared Instrumentation Facility, which has been funded by the National Institute of Health since 2002. One of the research team’s accomplishments is the discovery of new biological activity for a naturally occurring marine compound, waixenicin A, which is produced by a soft coral that grows only in Hawai‘i. It may be a resource for finding new therapies for cancer and stroke.

Additionally, these biomedical research laboratories — known as INBRE — support instructional lab courses and increase undergraduate and graduate student research opportunities. Under the mentorship of this year’s teacher of the year and his biomedical faculty colleagues, nearly 100 students have participated in INBRE research projects and 40 undergraduates have coauthored scholarly presentations and manuscripts.

One of the participants in the student instrumentation-mentoring program that Horgen organizes said, “Programs like this have given students like myself not only a remarkable opportunity to get involved in what the Chemistry department has to offer, but the ability to make ourselves marketable in our field, with experience many other schools cannot offer their students.” This graduating senior has been accepted to a competitive summer research experience program at a graduate school of biomedical sciences, and she thanks Horgen for his support. This student is one of the many students he has impacted.

  

Faculty and Staff: Join the Hānai Program

Beginning in Fall 2017, the Office of First Year Experience, in partnership with the Office of Human Resources, is rolling out a new way to engage first-time freshmen with HPU faculty and staff!

Currently, first-time, full-time freshmen are placed into groups with a Peer Mentor (previously Peer Academic Coach), who provides support and guidance during the student’s first year at HPU. Faculty and staff are now invited to support a group of new students through the Hānai Program.

The Hānai Program and the Peer Mentor Program will work in tandem to formulate for each first year student their HPU 'Ohana (1 Peer Mentor, 1 Faculty/Staff, 15-20 students). This new volunteer position is designed to help bridge the divide students often feel when engaging with professionals, by making faculty and staff more accessible in a casual setting.

So, what will you do? Great question!

We are looking for between 30-35 volunteers who will volunteer about 6-8 hours of their time per semester. This will include:

·         Having lunch with their assigned group during Orientation week

·         Emailing the group a few times during the semester to check in

·         Being willing to have a holiday meal with students who stay in town during holiday periods like Thanksgiving and the winter break (either by hosting them at your home or eating with them near campus)

However, volunteers are welcome to do more. Engaging with your HPU 'Ohana can also include things like:

·         Attending events the group is doing together (like bowling, a hike or snorkeling trip, typically organized by the Peer Mentor)

·         Inviting students to sit as a group at an athletic event

·         Participating in a community service project together

·         Encouraging the group to attend a Hawaii Spotlight service learning trip

The ideas are only limited by your imagination.

The Office of First Year Experience wants to create an environment for first-year students that shows them that we are a small community where engaging regularly with faculty and staff in a casual way is natural and encouraged. Please join us in making that vision a reality for new freshmen attending HPU in Fall 2017.

Sound like your kind of deal? Sign up at http://bit.ly/HPUHanai.

The Office of First Year Experience will be in touch shortly after that date with additional information.

Source: Office of First Year Experience (readysetgo@hpu.edu) and Office of Human Resources (hr@hpu.edu)

Teacher of the Year Nominations Due Wednesday April 12

Calling All Spring and Summer 2017 Graduating Students!

Each year, HPU recognizes one full-time faculty member for excellence in teaching. The teacher who is chosen for this honor is recognized at graduation and receives a monetary award. 

While you were a student at HPU, who was your most outstanding teacher? Submit your nomination by sending an email to tyaward@hpu.edu no later than 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2017. 

Consider the following details as you compose your nomination:

·         Teacher’s First and Last Name:

·         How did the faculty member stand out in one or more of these areas?

·         Communicating effectively with students

·         Motivating and inspiring students

·         Demonstrating excellence in the classroom

·         Demonstrating excellence in course content

If you have any questions, you may send an email to tyaward@hpu.edu or contact Dr. Valentina Abordonado at vabordonado@hpu.edu or (808) 544-1143.

Congratulations on your many accomplishments! We are so proud of you!

The Teacher of the Year Award Selections Committee

Pictured above: 2015 Teacher of the Year Regina Ostergaard-Klem, Ph.D., (left) presenting the 2016 Teacher of the Year award to Margo Bare 

Penny War Event: April 10-24

The Student Alumni Council is preparing for a “Penny War” event that will take place from Monday, April 10-Monday, April 24. The purpose of the event is to promote participation between the colleges and to engage students through fundraising. During this event, jars representing each college will be placed at Sharky’s Cove downtown, and Atherton Library on the Hawaii Loa campus. Students, as well as the HPU faculty and staff, are encouraged to participate by donating pennies into their specific college’s jar. Twenty students from the winning college will be receiving gift card prize giveaways.

Rules for the Penny War are as follows:

·         Pennies are worth one point toward the respective college

·         Silver coins deduct points based on amount of coin (ex. Nickel is minus 5 points)

·         Silver coins are encouraged to be placed in other jars to provide competition

·         Dollar bills will also deduct points according to amount ( $1.00 minus 100 points)

·         A mid war point check will be announced on Monday, April  17 via social media and pipeline

·         Winners will be announced on Monday, April 24 

·         Prize Giveaway winners can collect their prizes at the University Relations office located at Aloha Tower Suite 3100

Please help us promote this event within your college. 

Yours might come out on top! 

For any questions or concerns, please contact Daryn Vorderbruegge in University Relations at dvorderbruegge@hpu.edu

First-Year Writing Anthology Released

The eight issue of Fresh Perspectives, HPU’s online anthology of first-year writing, is released. It includes essays by student contributors Carlo Paez, Jon Davis, Nakoa Gabriel, Joleen Paul, Damon Niesen, Jhumar Ray Domingo, Hajar Tazi, Austin Zmolek, Kula Kukonu, Emma Ferguson, Rachel Gonzales, Sage Bennett, Mackenzie Otto, and Lina Bengtsson. 

Outstanding essays written for Spring 2016 first-year writing courses were nominated by instructors and selected and edited by the team of student editorial interns, Marian Gentile and Jun Dennis Sadang, under the direction of Associate Professor of English and Interim Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts Kathleen Cassity, Ph.D.      

The writing in Fresh Perspectives represents a diversity of voices, topics and perspectives. The anthology has become a regular and integral feature of HPU’s First-Year Writing Program, and it is something that both students and faculty look forward to reading and that students can be proud to share with their families and friends.

Read the Editors’ Welcome by Marian Gentile, Jun Dennis Mata Sadang and Kathleen Cassity, Ph.D., on page 3.

Meet the Writers!

Lina Bengtsson is originally from Sweden and is majoring in Marine Biology. Her goal is to become a shark specialist, and her favorite thing about living in Hawai`i is the sunsets.

Sage Bennett grew up in the Metro D.C. area—Silver Spring, Maryland, to be exact. An International Business major, Sage hopes to someday own a business or work for an international corporation that allows her to travel as well as tap into her creative side through digital marketing. Her favorite thing about HPU is how diverse our student population is: “Coming from a very diverse area, moving to Hawai`i and attending HPU was such a relief. There are so many students and staff from all over the world, and it is so refreshing.”

Jon Davis is originally from Dothan, Alabama, where he was born and raised until leaving for the military in 2009. His major is Business Management, and his career plans are to work at the S.E.R.E, (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) school in Alabama, to train soldiers in these tactics while preparing to open his own business in the construction industry. His favorite thing about attending HPU is the small class sizes that allow students to be directly engaged with their professors: “This provides an exceptional learning experience in an ideal environment.”

Jhumar Ray Domingo is from Dumaguete Negros Oriental, Philippines. He is majoring in Criminal Justice, with the goal of working for the Department of Homeland Security. His favorite thing about living in Hawai`i is that it is like “home away from home,” with good food and friendly people.

Emma Ferguson is from Bremerton, Washington, but has lived in Belfair, Washington, for the majority of her life. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a zookeeper specializing in large cats. Her favorite thing about living in Hawai`i is the extraordinary opportunity to meet so many amazing and inspiring people that she never would have had the pleasure of meeting had she not come to such a culturally and ethnically diverse location: “It has changed my life.”

Nakoa Gabriel was born and raised in Waipahu, Hawai`i, where he still lives. When not working at the pet hospital in Waipahu, he is pursuing his major in Criminal Justice with a minor in Writing. Upon graduation he plans either to work with the FBI or pursue a degree in law and start his own firm. His favorite thing about living in Hawai`i is its natural beauty: “I’ve lived here for 19 years and have never gotten tired of seeing the ocean. It is important to know your roots and where you come from.”

Rachel Gonzales is from Guam and is majoring in Public Health. Her intended career plans are to align herself with a global health community to promote understanding based on public health principles. Her favorite thing about living in Hawai`i and attending Hawai`i Pacific University is “feeling the aloha spirit everywhere I go.”

Kula Kukonu is originally from Honolulu and is a Communication Studies major who intends to work for the federal government. Her favorite thing about attending HPU is being surrounded by diverse cultures and peoples: “We live in a world of mixed cultures and it's amazing to have a small part of that within the HPU community.”


[Not pictured] Damon Niesen is originally from Round Valley Indian Reservation in Northern California. His major is Nursing and he plans to work in the E.R at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willis, to help his people. His favorite part of Hawai`i is “getting away from the reservation and not seeing poverty everywhere you look.”

Mackenzie Otto is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Public Health major, she hopes to join the Peace Corps. Her favorite thing about living in Hawai`i and attending HPU is the diversity: “I get the chance to have classes with and meet people from so many parts of the world. It is fascinating to hear about what other cultures are like. I hope to get some opportunities to travel, and hearing about all these wonderful places motivates me to work hard to be able to experience some of them firsthand.”

Carlo Paez is originally from the Philippines and moved to Hawai‘i when he was three years old. He is currently majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems. He intends to pursue a career within the realm of information technologies, and plans to someday become the CIO or CTO of a major corporation. His favorite thing about living in Hawai‘i is the different types of people he gets to meet each day: “Hawai‘i is indeed a unique place, and there really is no other place like it in the world.”

Joleen Paul is originally from Maui and is majoring in Pre-Nursing. She plans to move back home to Maui to work at the local hospital or clinics. She has also considered moving to the mainland. Her favorite thing about Hawai`i is that “it is always going to be home,” and her favorite thing about attending HPU is meeting people from all over.

Hajar Tazi is originally from Casablanca, Morocco. She is double majoring in Humanities with a concentration in Philosophy, and in International Studies with a concentration in Peace and Security. She would like to work with an intergovernmental organization or do research in ethnography. Her favorite thing about living in Hawai`i is that she can surf whenever she wants: “The waves are perfect!”

Austin Zmolek is originally from Syracuse, New York. His major is Biology – Human Health and Psychology. He changes his mind about the future every day: “Part of me wants to be a gender reconstruction surgeon, part of me wants to move to the forest and live in a tree, part of me wants to get another degree in fashion, and part of me wants to be a Cross Fit instructor; I'll figure that out later.” His favorite thing about living in Hawai`i is “when I hear people cheee-hoo.” His favorite thing about HPU would be the Kaneohe campus.

For archived issues of Fresh Perspectives and more information on literary life at HPU, click here. 

Employer Perspective: Advice for Student Interns

Mike Murray (pictured far right) CMM, CMP, CASE, is the Senior Vice President & Director of Events for Peerless Host Hawaii, Waikiki Beach Activities, Port Waikiki Cruises. Since 2014, Murray has been working with the HPU Career Services Center staff to place students in hospitality, marketing, and management internships at Waikiki Beach Activities (WBA). WBA provides in-house entertainment services for the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They primarily focus on guest/concierge services, staffing and event planning for guests and travelers.

Q&A with HPU Career Services Advisor Ryan Tin Loy, M.A., CWDP, and Murray

What areas of engagement with HPU have proven to be most beneficial for Waikiki Beach Activities? The interns who have completed their internships and some who’re still finishing up with us have been exemplary and wonderful students!  If anything, the question should be flipped, as we have gained more by the opportunities in working with your students. It’s been very gratifying to mentor our future tourism leaders!  Their passion, knowledge, willingness to learn, quickness to learn — with aloha —  has exceeded our expectations!  Bravo to you and your faculty and curriculum, for preparing them into the workforce.

How can an HPU student stand out when seeking an internship or employment opportunity with your organization? 
They should not be shy, and they should be willing to learn, be honest in terms of who they are and recognize their weaknesses and strengths.

What advice do you have for students seeking a career in the hospitality and tourism field?
Don’t get too caught up with your long term goals…the short term goals and outcomes, often times, change the path you initially seek.  You need to be nimble in our industry, guest oriented, have a vision and go after it!   Of course, try to have fun in the process and share your aloha always!! 

For more information on career services, go to: www.hpu.edu/careerservices

HPU Learning Outcomes Proposal Selected by WASC

Through a competitive application process of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), HPU was among the universities selected to participate in the March 15, 2017 launch of the free, online Community of Practice (CoP) for Advancing Learning Outcomes Visibility project.

Assistant Dean for General Education Valentina Abordonado, Ph.D., is HPU’s project lead. Joining Abordonado on the HPU project team, are Director of Institutional Research Sara Liao-Troth, Ph.D., Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator Marites McKee, Director of Study Abroad & International Exchange Programs Melissa Matsubara, Department Chair of Public Service Sheryl Sunia, and Director of the Career Services Center Michael Van Lear.

HPU’s project goal is to develop a page on the HPU website that will showcase student achievement initiatives at HPU. It will contain information about student learning to include institutional learning outcomes and evidence of student learning. It will also contain information about student engagement, including high impact practices, such as first year experiences, general education, undergraduate research, community service, internships, and study abroad opportunities. Finally, it will contain information about program review processes, retention and graduation rates, and career outcomes.

The CoP project is anticipated to run through August 2019. During this time, the HPU team will have access to significant opportunities. As noted on the WSCUC site:

•Implementing student learning assessment projects to meet institutional needs that are informed by national and regional thought leadership, knowledge generation, capacity building, and resource sharing within the Community of Practice (CoP).

• Engaging with expert consultants to help guide their institutional projects and highlight best practices. Regional and national content and/or assessment experts who can provide advice, guidance, and resources are paid for as part of the grant.

• Building networks and support among participants in the CoP, with the intention of broad-based engagement across the region over time.

• Receiving WSCUC support, guidance, and input from a dedicated facilitator of the CoP.

• Building and implementing sustainable assessment practices to support student learning and accreditation requirements.

Alumni Perspective: Professional Readiness through Internships

Q&A with Nathanael Howard (BSBA ’16); By Amanda Austin, Career Services Advisor 

Is there a particular service from the Career Services Center you’ve found most beneficial?

I would say the most beneficial service that I have found helpful from the Career Services Center has been the employees themselves. Ever since I have been out here in Hawai‘i, the employees at the Career Services Center have gone above and beyond to help me achieve my goals and employment in many different areas. Even after graduating, they have been helpful in guiding my career path and professional resume and cover letter.

What inspired you to choose a State Capitol internship?

I was inspired to choose this particular internship after serving HPU as the Student Body President from the year of 2015-2016. After serving, I wanted to get more experience in our state government. A few learning outcomes included maintaining relationships with governmental service providers, personal time management and professionalism in the workplace.

What advice do you have for other students considering an internship?

I would say do it! Do it as soon as possible! Do not wait, go to the Career Services Center today to see what is available! And if nothing is available there, do some research through your teachers and by visiting the companies you want to work at. This way you can show that you have that experience, dedication and skills to meet what your employers may need. And if you still can’t find anything, get more involved in school by joining a club, volunteering at events, or being a part of SGA. This way you can start building up a network with other students to learn of different internships for more than just your major. But nothing is going to happen if you don’t try. So make the first step today, by going to visit the Career Services Center.

College of Business Students Present at Hawaii International Conference on Education

At the Hawaii International Conference on Education held on Friday, Jan. 7, four HPU COB graduate students, Anna Campmany Rosello (MBA) and Idilia Alves Seixas (MBA with IS concentration), Vahojeh Brooks (MSIS) and Brian Lee (MSIS), presented two papers.

Rosello's presentation, "Assessment of Teamwork: Early Experiences of a MBA Program," arose out of her fall 2016 work as a Graduate Assistant with Chair, Department of Financial Economics and Information Systems, and Associate Professor of Information Systems, Larry Rowland, Ed.D.

The presentation by Seixas, Brooks and Lee focused on a class project in the IS 6260 Network Analysis course taught by Rowland.

Pictured above Rowland, Rosello, Lee, Seixas and Brooks

Principles of Marketing Class Visits Anthology Marketing

On December 2, students in the Fall 2016 Principles of Marketing class of Attila Pohlmann, Ph.D., toured the offices of Anthology Marketing Group, which offers services in four disciplines: Research, advertising, digital, and public relations. Preceded by a presentation about the company, students viewed some of its award-winning commercials. Hearing firsthand accounts about the creative process that goes into researching, conceiving, and executing marketing campaigns allowed students to glean insight into how the theories from class are applied in marketing practice. A peek behind the scenes at the focus testing facility and the in-house call-center exemplified how marketing endeavors are informed by prior consumer research.

A team of Anthologists including Nathan Kam, Noah Tom, John Itamura, and Samantha Tsui took the time to answer students’ questions. 

The company’s clients include Hawaiian Airlines, Bank of Hawaii, Marriott, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Anthology offers internships to HPU students.

Pictured are Nathan Kam, Partner / President PR (far right), Noah Tom, Creative (7th from right), and Dr. Attila Pohlmann (far left)

Student Success: Justin Kammer’s AIG Internship and Job Offer

Submitted by Amanda Austin, Career Services Advisor

What inspired you to choose the particular internship opportunity?

I found myself searching through the HPU Connect site and company career pages, looking for opportunities to pursue in the spring or summer term. One field I was interested in was banking and wealth management. Unfortunately, the companies I was interested in interning with (Wells Fargo, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan) had quite competitive and time-sensitive programs.

I have a family friend working in the insurance industry. After a discussion with this person on how greatly insurance relates to finance — through risk management, data science, investments, and underwriting — I sent in an application to AIG, one of the largest insurance companies in North America. After applying in February for AIG’s internship program in Commercial Underwriting, I received an invitation to attend an April Superday in their Los Angeles office. (A Superday is a day of several interviews with management and is common with large companies operating in the finance sector.)

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Superday due to midterms occurring at HPU. However, AIG did agree to a phone interview. A month later, I received a call-back offering me a position to join their internship program in Los Angeles. I would have the opportunity to live and work in Los Angeles for the summer, attend a paid training and networking event in the New York City headquarters with other interns placed around the world, and have the chance to meet with management and executives within the insurance industry.

At the time, I knew very little about insurance. I thought I would be getting into a sales-type gig, which I did not want to do. After attending training with over 250 fellow interns in the AIG New York City headquarters, I knew I would be enjoying it more than I had expected. Within the insurance industry exist many career paths to consider including: brokerage, science, technology, underwriting, audit, legal, and investments. It is a very social industry with immense room for growth.

I chose this opportunity because it was related to what I have been studying at HPU, and I knew an internship would help me decide what career I may consider after college. I believe this internship accomplished just that.

What two learning outcomes added to your career readiness in this field?

·   One struggle I had at the beginning of my summer with AIG was I felt that I was in the way. I had so many questions, and I felt like I knew nothing. I’ve learned that my peers, colleagues, and managers have not only been in my shoes, but they don’t expect me to know everything. I’ve learned that questions are okay, and by being curious, you will only improve work ethic and show colleagues and management that you care and are interested in learning.

· This internship was essentially a 10-week long interview that could affect my future. I would like to think I made the impression I wanted to, as I was offered a full-time analyst position, returning to AIG in July after graduation. I’ve learned that it’s necessary to always carry yourself professionally, be honest, show colleagues and management what you bring to a team, and finally, be present. You should make it known that you’re happy where you are at, as this can open doors.

    

     What advice do you have for other students considering an internship?

Internships are the best opportunity to get an insight into an industry before you graduate. It can open doors for you within a company, and it could lead you into a career path you had not considered before interning. My greatest advice is to be aggressive in finding something — it may not be glamorous, it may not pay well (or at all for that) — but it is the experience you need that will set you apart from your competition after graduation. Once your internship finishes, you have a better understanding of yourself and what you may consider in your future career. If you love what you did during your internship, that’s fantastic. You may want to consider a career with that company or within that field. If not, that’s also great. You now know you’re interested in something different, and that’s perfectly okay.

 Is there a particular service from the Career Services Center you've found most beneficial?
The most beneficial services I took advantage of was résumé and cover letter review and the HPU Connect job/internship website.

Check out the Career Services Center’s offerings for HPU students and alumni at www.hpu.edu/careerservices

Chantal Charbonnier and Her Scholarship Winning Experience at HPU

Not many teenagers can say they’ve had the opportunity to give a TED Talk and even fewer can say they’ve won a four year scholarship based in part on that talk, but Chantal Charbonnier can say she’s accomplished both. As the recipient of last year’s Biz4Good scholarship, Charbonnier proposed a way to increase employee productivity through changing each employee’s mental state.  

Charbonnier, a freshman majoring in Business Administration, heard about the scholarship opportunity three days before the deadline to register from her high school counselor at Maui Preparatory Academy. Her willingness paid off when she was one of two students awarded full tuition to HPU.

The inspiration for Charbonnier’s idea came from Tony Robbins’ Global Youth Leadership Summit that she’s been attending for the past four years, most recently serving as a Youth Leader. The conference teaches young adults about the importance of having a strong mind and learning to stand up for themselves and their ideas.

Charbonnier’s project was the culmination of a year-long venture that was supported by multiple people including her high school counselor and HPU faculty and staff. The skills she’s learned go far beyond just the project itself. She’s learned communication and flexibility when curve balls have been thrown her way. “The day of the workshop, I had to fly in from Maui, but there was a big brushfire that closed down the major highway, so I was unable to get to the airport. I had to Skype in and I was able to participate in the final workshop where I was awarded the scholarship. It definitely taught me to plan ahead in case things go wrong!”

For prospective students interested in competing in HPU’s scholarship challenge, she encourages students to attend the workshops. “It helps to be able to connect with prospective students as well as teachers and faculty and to be able to see what you’re getting in to. It’s (also) nice being able to see where you’re going to be if you do attend HPU.”

Within the few short months that she’s been at HPU, Charbonnier has created a lot of memories in and outside of the classroom. In the HPU Honors Program, she’s learning about topics like science fiction and its relationship to real-life science, something that she didn’t know much about before. Outside of the classroom, she’s been bonding with her peer mentor and even conquered Koko Head to watch the sunrise. When asked about some of her favorite things about HPU so far, she reflects and says there are so many. “I love the weather. The faculty are really nice and I love that they embody the Aloha spirit, because that’s something I take very seriously. I don’t regret coming to HPU.” 

About #HPU4HAWAII:
The #HPU4HAWAII Scholarship Challenge is a program designated to encourage Hawai‘i’s youth to find creative solutions that positively impact the state and the world. Hawai‘i High School seniors are invited to share their ideas; four full 4-year tuition scholarships to HPU are being offered. A workshop is being held on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. More information here.   

Hospitality & Tourism Management Student Receives Industry Scholarship

The Skål International, Hawaii Chapter, presented a scholarship to Senior Hospitality & Tourism Management major Gabriella Andrade, at its annual scholarship dinner held on Sept. 29.

Skål is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members, the industry's managers and executives, meet at local, national, regional and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest. 

Andrade, who is from Mililani, is concurrently enrolled in HPU’s MBA program. She is the treasurer for HPU TIMSO and interns at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.    

Gabriella Andrade; Peter Fithian, owner Greeters of Hawaii; 

Mary Lou Lewis, founder and past president HNL Travel Associates

Amazing opportunity for HPU: IUCN World Conservation Congress

From September 1 to 10, the people of the state of Hawai‘i welcomed more than 10,000 people from around the world — delegates to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress  (WCC) — to Honolulu for what is commonly referred to as “the Olympics of conservation and environment.”

The Congress, entitled “Planet at the Crossroads,” was held for the first time in the United States, and making it even more special, the location was Hawai‘i. With the WCC being held in Hawai‘i, members of the HPU ‘ohana along with the larger community of the state, had the amazing opportunity to showcase the Hawaiian Islands and its leadership in conservation.

An opening ceremony to kick off the WCC highlighted Hawaiian culture and practices. The chanters and dancers represented hālau from Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Māui and Hawai‘i. Director of Tax and Financial Compliance Jory Cummins, Kumu Hula of hālau Na Pualei o Likolehua, was a chanter in the opening (31:30 to 50:50; then 2:54:19) and closing (at 1:52:40) ceremonies of the WCC; (see Star-Advertiser story and gallery of photos.) Cummins said “it was not only such an honor to participate with such great cultural practitioners, but to be a part of something with such global impact.”          

Jory Cummins, front row, third from left 

Representing Hawai‘i Pacific University, an affiliate member of IUCN, Associate Professor of Environmental Science Regina Ostergaard-Klem, Ph.D., worked with the WCC host committee to provide a range of opportunities for HPU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, representing colleges and departments from across the university, to participate in the Congress. In turn, student and faculty volunteers received passes to attend WCC sessions. Many students from Environmental Science and Studies programs took advantage of the opportunity to learn about environmental efforts at the national and international levels as well as network with local organizations.

High level sessions included world-renowned speakers such as Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall and E.O. Wilson. WCC also included hundreds of workshops and panel and roundtable discussions. Associate Professor of Oceanography David Hyrenbach, Ph.D., took part in one of the panels, entitled “Seabirds at the Crossroads,” presenting his research on seabirds to track ocean pollution.    

    

The activities were non-stop in the Exhibition Hall of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, with a variety of themed pavillions that were free and open to the public.  In the Hawaii and Pacific Pavillion, HPU hosted a booth and over several days, more than 35 university faculty, staff and student volunteers provided delegates with information about HPU and its sustainability-related programs and initiatives. Thomas Kohler, Ph.D., Associate Professor Marketing and founder of the Hawai‘i nonprofit travel2change, shared the organization’s mission of “connecting travelers with the local community to create a positive impact.”    

Associate Professor of Marketing Thomas Kohler, Ph.D., 

and Biology major Polly Miller, manning the HPU booth 

HPU students also volunteered directly with IUCN, serving in various capacities to facilitate operation of the event. For Emily Macri, an MA/GLSD student who volunteered as a quote capturer, “it was empowering to sit in a crowd of individuals from all around the world who are really striving to make a difference for our planet.” She also described her experience as a quote capturer “like a big melting pot of knowledge in one room. The gathering of such a diverse group of environmental leaders enabled me to see that it is now 100% possible to tackle these problems on a larger scale.” 

Tim Fallis, Assistant Professor, Department of Communications, and MA/COM program chair, also participated. Fallis and his students worked in the press center and as quote capturers. Fallis said “all the students were delighted to be there, and soak in what was being discussed and what people are trying to do to protect the environment.” The most exciting thing for him was “to see that there are so many really smart people who are donating their time and money doing amazing things.” 

Two MA in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development students, Delphine Homerowski and Rachel Sherman, in their roles as interns for Susty Pacific, collected data at the Congress to certify it as a Green event. They worked with HPU alumnus Kristopher Wee (MA GLSD ’16), Sustainability Manager for Susty Pacific.

Through HPU’s affiliate membership, Ostergaard-Klem was able to sit in on the Members’ Assembly. The assembly included discussion focused on the establishment of IUCN mandates and the election of the IUCN Council and President. Klem said “to witness the negotiation process was an enlightening and exciting experience.” The motions that are passed at WCC provide guidance and direction to international negotiations for the next four years. “It was a chance to see history being made on environmental policies like marine protected areas, wildlife trafficking, and economic valuation of natural resources,” she added.

Additionally, HPU had the opportunity to invite WCC delegate Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Vice President for Conservation Policy at Conservational International, to campus. Rodriguez served as the guest speaker of HPU’s September 7 Presidential Lecture Series on Global Leadership and Sustainability, made possible through a grant from Hawaiian Electric Industries. Rodriguez, who was previously the Minister of Environment and Energy for the Republic of Costa Rica, told the inspirational story of Costa Rica — once a poor, underdeveloped nation — rising to become one of Central America’s strongest economies while maintaining its natural resources.             

Dr. Sylvia Earle and MA in Global Leadership 

and Sustainable Development student Gabby Lout

Overall, hosting the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai‘i was a success. The shared knowledge and insights from international leaders made the event a learning experience for all. The presence of HPU was helpful in exposing the progressive work that is done at the University in terms of sustainability. Hosting the WCC in Hawai’i was the perfect place to spark awareness and spread knowledge of the delicate ecosystems that surround us. Truly, bringing the IUCN WCC to O‘ahu provided a solid framework for tackling environmental issues from an international level, which is ultimately what our future depends on.