Molokai College Graduation

UHMCM News Release

Once every four years, the college invites the community to join us in honoring our University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC), Molokai graduates.  On Friday, May 13, we held our quadrennial commencement ceremony to celebrate the awarding of 87 Associate Degrees, 17 Bachelors Degrees and 12 Masters Degrees since 2012.

There were 42 graduates who participated in the commencement ceremony.  The graduates’ ages ranged from 17-59; representing 42 years of separation.  Shyla Purdy-Avelino was the youngest graduate to ever earn her Associate Degree on Molokai at the age of 17.  She double majored in Liberal Arts and Hawaiian Studies and is planning to pursue a Bachelors Degree at the University of Hawaii in Hilo in the Fall.  Seventy-five percent of the participants are of Native Hawaiian ancestry.  The graduating class consisted of three veterans who were also honored for their service to our country.

Molokai’s graduating class of 2016 was recognized for their persistence and determination to succeed.  Many stories were shared throughout the program to highlight the non-traditional nature of many of our students.  There were stories of students who cared for ill family members, overcame substance abuse issues, pioneered new learning opportunities and more.  These stories captured the uniqueness of our students and provided inspiration to all in attendance.

One of the student speakers, Ekolu AhYee challenged the students to “ask not what Molokai can do for you, but what you can do for Molokai.”  We are excited to see what the future holds for our students and look forward to seeing their contributions to Molokai.  Please join us in providing heartfelt congratulations to the UH Maui College, Molokai Class of 2016.

Mahalo to all the individuals and organizations that contributed to the event:  UH Maui College, Molokai Staff, Chancellor Lui Hokoana, Molokai Student Activities Council, Young Brothers, Kamoi Snack N Go, Platinum Tents, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, County of Maui, Monsanto, Paddlers Inn, Lohea Audio, Molokai Plumerias, Kupu Ae, Steve Uyehara, PF Bentley, Eddie Gorospe and Paul Hanaoka, Alton Arakaki, Michelle Naeole, Kim Svetin, Rodney Rodrigues, Russell Phifer, Laureen Yap, Pamela Wakuta, Frank Lawelawe, Ekolu AhYee, Coral Gozales, Lacey Phifer, Tricia Mersberg, Kiley Johnston, Alice Russell, Kanoelani Dudoit, Raina Dudoit, Pulama Lima, Kilia Purdy-Avelino, Justin Avelino, Shyla Purdy-Avelino, Donna Puaa, Joyce Yamada, Juli Patao, Kimberly Newhouse, Crystal Ceballos, Hoku Hobbs, Chad Lima, Aukai Arce, Kaipo Dudoit and all the others who contributed to making this a special day for all our graduates.