CUH and Hawaiian Civic Clubs Launch Leadership Program with $178,000 ANA Grant

Honolulu, HI—September 3, 2003--- Chaminade University President Sue Wesselkamper will announced a new partnership with Hawai'i Maoli (Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs) designed to offer promising students of Hawaiian decent an opportunity to learn and be mentored by Hawaii’s business, civic and community leadership. The Hawaiian Leadership Education Training Program, Na Ala Hele I Ke Ao, meaning the pathways to enlightenment, is funded in part through a $178,200 two-year grant from the Administration of Native Americans (ANA).

A dinner reception on Wednesday, September 3, 6-8pm, at Washington Place will formally introduce the first 10 student members (Na Mamo - Hawaiian Chaminade University students) and the nine Papa Alaka'i (Advisory Board.) The new program is centered around a Hawaiian Leadership Training (HLT 310) class. Students earn three credits as they learn about traditional Hawaiian values and practices.

Na Ala Hele I Ke Ao Advisory Committee

• Kumu John Keola Lake, CUH Kumu in Residence, Kumu Halu Mele
• Charlie Rose, President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs
• Dr. Sam Gon, Director of Science, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
• Piikea Miller, Program Officer, Hawaii Community Foundation
• Manu Kaiama, UH Manoa Hawaiian Leadership Program
• Guy Kaulukukui, VP of Cultural Studies, Bishop Museum
• Puakea Nogelmeier, UH Manoa Hawaiian Language Associate Professor
• Dr. John Webster, Director of Hogan Entrepreneurial Program, CUH
• Dr. Carmen Himenes, Superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools
• Dwight Kealoha, Ke Alii Pauahi Foundation

Na Ala Hele I Ke Ao is based on three core concepts:

1. ho'okumu - to spiritual connect to our 'aina and 'ohana through our history, chants, and geneology
2. ho'omana - to empower ourselves, 'ohana, and community
3. ho'olala - to branch out, network to diverse career fields and opportunities

Most of the classwork takes place out of the classroom, where students do community service work in the lo'i (taro patches), loko i'a (fishponds), and ala hele (hiking trails). Malama 'aina, the concept of caring for the land, is crucial for Hawaiians. Another characteristic of Hawaiian leadership is the concept of kua'ana (older sibling) caring for the poki'i (younger sibling).

A number of Hawaiian leaders/role models are committed to mentoring the students in various academic and occupational fields, providing six-week stipend internships. The program is formatted similar to the Native Hawaiian charter public schools, Native Hawaiian Leadership Program at the University of Hawaii Hilo campus, and The Kamehameha Schools Na Pua No'eau Program. Project Coordinator Kuulei Reyes was recruited by Chaminade University Associate Provost Henry Gomes. She previously taught in public schools, Saint Louis High School, and is a Kumu Hula.

Founded in 1955, Chaminade University is committed to educating future leaders equipped with both talent and character. Chaminade University offers a liberal arts curriculum that prepares students for life, work and service. Ranked among the top three colleges in its category for diversity by U.S. News & World Report, student diversity weaves a rich culture of appreciation for worldview learning: 15% Hawaiian, 15% Filipino, 8% Samoan, 6% Micronesian and 20% Asian/Pacific. With 22 undergraduate degree programs and five graduate degree programs, CUH enrolls over 2,500 students at its scenic Kaimuki hillside campus overlooking Diamond Head, as well as nine satellite locations around O’ahu military bases and parishes. CUH offers day, evening, online and accelerated courses to meet the needs of working professionals.

For more information on Na Ala Hele I Ke Ao, contact Project Coordinator Kuulei Reyes (808) 735-4769 or kreyes2@chaminade.edu