Alumni from all over the world were invited back to the University for this homecoming event. "This is the University’s first reunion weekend and it will become an annual event to be held each fall," said Kris Smith, alumni coordinator.

The celebration officially began Saturday afternoon at 3:30 with the dedication of the new Student Center at the windward campus. HPU trustee Rev. Frank E. Butterworth performed the blessing for the University’s newest facility—a 4,200-square-foot building located below the Dining Commons near the residence halls. Faculty, staff, and alumni then toured the new building, which is designed to provide students on the windward campus with a place to relax, watch films, play cards, or surf the Internet.

Immediately following the dedication of the Student Center, HPU alumni were able to reconnect with each other and HPU faculty at the Alumni Reunion Dinner.

"People from all over the world came," said Andrew Lee, Northern California alumni coordinator. "There were alumni from Taiwan, Brazil, Canada, Tokyo, and the mainland."

· Alumni Service Award, for outstanding service to HPU, and

· Young Alumni Leadership Award, for alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years and who have been an overall outstanding role model for future graduates.

"When we come into this world we are possessive and selfish," said Loo. "It’s is an institution like HPU that gives us background, education, and tools so that we become responsible citizens who don’t go through life taking. Instead we go through life giving."

HPU’s pride of excellence continued Sunday afternoon at St. Andrew’s Cathedral with an academic convocation. Dressed in full academic regalia, President Wright, along with trustees, faculty members, and alumni formally commended HPU’s past, present, and future.

"We have come a long way over the past 35 years," said President Chatt Wright. "Today gives us the opportunity to celebrate our past, to build on the accomplishments of the present period, and to plan for the University’s future."

Representatives from the faculty, alumni, and students pronounced congratulatory messages on the mission of the University and its significance from their perspective.

"We’ve accomplished so many things," said Dr. Helen Varner, dean of communications. "But what comes clear to us when we look at where we have come, is where we need to go."

Founded by four prominent and public-spirited individuals—Eureka Forbes, Paul C. T. Loo, Elizabeth W. Kellerman, and Reverend Edmond Walker—Hawaii Pacific College was granted a charter of incorporation by the state of Hawai‘i on September 17, 1965. Throughout the years Hawaii Pacific College grew dramatically to become recognized and highly regarded as an institution dedicated to higher education and community service.

In 1990, it became Hawaii Pacific University. In 1992, it welcomed Hawaii Loa College, a small independent, liberal arts college located on the windward side of Oahu, in a merger that has made Hawaii Pacific University what it is today.

President Wright took the time to honor three distinguished trustees who have gone above and beyond expectations in their humanity and their service and dedication to the community and HPU.

Trustees William E. Aull, Ann B. Simpson, and Jean F. Cornuelle each received HPU’s highest laurel of distinction–the Fellow of the Pacific Award. John Marvel, a former provost of Hawaii Loa College and president of the American Council of Education, Reverend Dale Burke, University chaplain, and Reverend Frank Butterworth, HPU Trustee, were among the distinguished guests who spoke in praise of the University’s accomplishments.

A smaller version of the anniversary cake was also cut at the windward campus.