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Note to the media: Sue Wesselkamper and Gaddi Vasquez will be available to the media from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, December 13, before Chaminade’s graduation ceremony at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, second floor Oahu Room. Seating for the actual ceremony is limited to Chaminade students and their families, but the ceremony will be broadcast live on Chaminade’s home web page www.chaminade.edu and on Olelo television.
Honolulu, HI -- Dec. 3, 2004 -- Gaddi H. Vasquez, Director of the U.S. Peace Corps, is the Fall 2004 Commencement Ceremony speaker for Chaminade University of Honolulu on Monday, December 13, 7-8:30 p.m. at Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. With a lifetime career in public service, Vasquez will address 300 plus Chaminade graduates and their families about the rewards of a life committed to service. Undergraduate speaker Lorinda Dalipe and graduate speaker Tammy Watson will also offer inspirational messages to the graduating class.
A native of Carrizo Springs, Texas, Vasquez was the first member of his family to earn a college degree. His parents were migrant farm workers and always encouraged him to excel in school to obtain a better life. He is a graduate of the University of Redlands and has served as a trustee professor at Chapman University. Vasquez has served in the administrations of three California governors.
Vasquez began his service as the 16th Director of the Peace Corps in February 2002 as the first Hispanic American to serve as Director of the Peace Corps. Nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate, Vasquez has led the Peace Corps to achieve a 29-year high in the number of volunteers serving in 71 countries, with the first ever program opening in Mexico.
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. 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. CUH offers day, evening, online and accelerated 10-week courses to meet the needs of working adults at 10 satellite locations around Oahu military bases and Catholic parishes and schools. Chaminade University is located at 3140 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816. For more information, visit the Chaminade University website at www.chaminade.edu or call (808) 735-4711.
