HPU STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF UNITED IN THEIR COMMENCEMENT DAY CELEBRATION

On May 5, HPU celebrated the achievements of its spring 2024 class with two graduation ceremonies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. More than 550 students graduated, everyone united with HPU faculty and staff in a joyous celebration of commencement.

Nearly 70 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama (KSK) dual-credit students received their Associate in Arts degrees (AA) and eight Maryknoll dual-credit students graduated with their AA degrees in the morning ceremony.

The achievement of the HPU dual-credit program marks a second year in a row that HPU has graduated a significant number of high school students with their AA degrees, a week before receiving their high school diplomas. 

Thabiso Faith Mutumhe was the HPU undergraduate valedictory speaker, delivering a captivating speech to an arena of family members, graduates, and HPU faculty and staff.

Mutumhe is earning her Graduate Certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies alongside majors in International Studies, and Diplomacy and Military Studies. Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, and raised in Chinhoyi, she immigrated to Maryland with her family during elementary school. Seeking a university with a supportive community and smaller student body, Mutumhe chose to attend HPU where she found exactly what she was looking for.

Lt. Col. Omar E. Becerril (USAF), serving as the graduate valedictory speaker, delivered a profoundly impactful and inspiring speech that resonated with all in attendance.

Becerril is earning his Master of Arts in Organization Development and Change. He is retired Comptroller of Special Operations Command Pacific, managed a substantial $355 million budget covering various defense appropriations. His responsibilities included funding Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, among other crucial operations in the Pacific region, supporting United States Indo-Pacific Command counter-terrorism missions. With a 25-year Air Force career, Becerril held diverse financial and program management roles globally, including at the U.S. Embassy, Cairo, Egypt, and U.S. Central Command at MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida.

HPU also awarded two honorary doctorate degrees. Entrepreneur and pioneer in broadcast John F. Scarpa was awarded an honorary degree in the afternoon ceremony and HPU Professor of Hawai‘i Language Tracie Lopes received an honorary degree in the morning ceremony.

John F. Scarpa is a pioneering entrepreneur in broadcast, radio, cable television, and cellular communication, notably co-founding American Cellular Network Corp (NASDAQ) and Unitel Wireless Communication Systems. Through the John F. Scarpa Foundation, he supports education, healthcare, and disadvantaged families, while also providing critical leadership on various non-profit and civic association boards. His philanthropy extends to academia, where he established chairs and centers at Villanova University and Stockton University, and to healthcare, sponsoring cancer centers and technical education facilities. Scarpa's remarkable contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hughes Center for Public Policy and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Hailing from Kaimuki, Oahu, Lopes, alongside her husband Dr. Keawe Lopes Jr. and their three daughters, is deeply rooted in Pū’ahu’ula Ko’olaupoko, O’ahu. As a Professor of Hawaiian Language at HPU and Nā Kumu Hula of halau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, she imparts her profound understanding of Hawaiian language, culture, and hula to students and the community. Recently, their halau clinched the prestigious Overall Winner title at the 61st Merrie Monarch Festival for the second consecutive year, with their daughter Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai securing the 2024 Miss Aloha Hula, marking the fourth consecutive year of their halau’s success in this category.

The commencement ceremony was live streamed, and both ceremonies can be viewed in their entirety by clicking here.