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HPU celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 400 graduates on December 17, 2024, with two commencement ceremonies held at the Hawai'i Convention Center.
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A highlight of this fall's commencement was the graduation of HPU's inaugural cohort of 93 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students.
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Kiliona Palauni performed the Oli Aloha at the commencement ceremonies.
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Graduate valedictory speaker Alyssa Makanapulama'iaonalani Eva.
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Undergradaute valedictory speaker Allan Mark Cariaga Polendey.
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HPU President John Gotanda and Acting Senior Vice President and Provost Brenda Jensen with graduate Michael Matsushita.
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HPU faculty members moments before the commencement ceremony began.
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HPU graduates celebrate their accomplishments.
HPU proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its fall 2024 graduates on Tuesday, December 17, with two commencement ceremonies held at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Nearly 400 graduates were awarded degrees, marking the culmination of their academic journeys.
The morning ceremony honored doctoral, master’s, and graduate certificate recipients, while the afternoon celebrated associate, bachelor’s, and undergraduate certificate graduates. HPU President John Gotanda, J.D., presided over both ceremonies, offering words of encouragement and presenting degrees alongside Acting Senior Vice President and Provost Provost Brenda Jensen, Ph.D., who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Both ceremonies can be viewed online by clicking here.
HPU President John Gotanda with an HPU graduate.
A highlight of this fall’s commencement was the graduation of HPU’s inaugural cohort of 93 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. These graduates represent Hawai‘i’s first-ever DPT professionals, completing the state’s only accredited program. Launched in 2022, the program aims to address local and national needs for skilled physical therapists.
The diverse cohort included graduates from 26 states, with 25% hailing from Hawai‘i at the time of admission. An equal percentage plan to remain in the islands to serve local communities.
At the afternoon ceremony, nursing graduate Allan Mark Cariaga Polendey of Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i, represented undergraduate students as valedictory speaker. Polendey, who serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, shared his journey of balancing military service, academics, and clinical rotations while dedicating himself to community health. His leadership with HPU’s Student Nurses' Association exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact.
In the morning ceremony, Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate Alyssa Makanapulamaʻiaonalani Eva addressed her fellow graduates. Originally from Kapolei, Hawai‘i, Eva is a member of the program’s first cohort and class president. Her remarks reflected on the bonds formed with her classmates and the shared mission to serve their communities through compassionate care.
HPU alumnus Quentin Koch, President of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Activities, returned as the alumni speaker, offering inspiration to the graduating class. Koch shared how his HPU experience shaped his leadership journey and emphasized the importance of embracing change, collaboration, and valuing people. Koch is also an adjunct faculty member at HPU.
The fall 2024 commencement ceremonies celebrated the diversity, resilience, and aspirations of HPU’s graduates, many of whom are poised to make significant contributions to their fields and communities. This milestone event also underscored HPU’s role as an institution dedicated to shaping leaders for Hawai‘i and beyond. Congratulations graduates and go Sharks!
