Hawaii Tokai : Weblog

Alumni Thanksgiving Gathering

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:20:02 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=39

In the evening of November 20, HTIC staff and faculty gathered with college alumni to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and pumpkin pie. The dinner offered an excellent chance for staff and faculty to reconnect with graduates and learn about the accomplishments these former HTIC students have made, the challenges some have faced, and the rewards many have reaped as they continue their education and enter into promising new careers.

A total of fifteen alumni attended the dinner. Most were recent 2007 and 2008 graduates now attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa in B.A. degree programs such as Marketing, TIM (Travel Industry Management), Business, and Economics. Others were from earlier graduating classes and now work in fields including travel and college education. One alumna, Ms. Sakurako Yagi (Class 05), now works for an NGO involved in community service.

It was great to visit with these alumni. The College looks forward to seeing even more at its next alumni event, an overseas event scheduled for Japan next March 2009.

Andrew Fujimoto wins Hawaii Kendo Championship!

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:26:44 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=38

On November 8, 2008 the 5th All Hawaii State Kendo Championship (AHSKC) was held on the Big Island in Hilo at the Stanley Costales Gym. This state-wide tournament began in 2000 and is held every other year on different islands of Hawaii. This year, HTIC's very own Student Support Specialist, Andrew Fujimoto, placed first in his division (3rd Degree black belt and above) and went on to win as the grand champion. This is Andrews second time as grand champion. Congratulations Andrew!

Andrew is currently working on starting a Kendo club at Hawaii Tokai International College and is now looking for members interested in participating. If anyone is interested, please see Andrew in the Student Services Office!

Halloween Events

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:11:00 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=37

Scary witches, princesses, teletubbies, and even a suit-wearing horse were just a few of the costumes worn by contestants at the 2008 Halloween costume contest held in the HTIC cafeteria at noon on Friday, October 31. Prizes were given to the best in the categories of scariest, most original, most creative, cutest, and funniest. The five winners of each category, chosen from a panel of staff and faculty judges, were awarded gifts from Karens Kitchen. After the contest, the students enjoyed taking pictures with fellow students before returning to class and then awaiting the continuation of festivities in the evening.

Halloween festivities continued from 6:30 pm in the 9th floor auditorium. After introductions by student government officials, students once again flaunted their costumes for another costume contest, this one judged by the students themselves. After the winners were announced, students were treated to a talent show featuring members of the student body. There were laughs by a comedy duo, Daiki Kawamura and Shun Kamijo, a hula show by Minami Yamaya and Mami Amano, and even a musical duet by Yuta Abe and Kenshi Ichinomori. The final portion of the evening included games coordinated by the student government.

HTIC students and staff wish to give a special thanks to Karens Kitchen for accommodating the costume contest and for Karen's generous prize donations.

Team Accepted to Participate in AIR-AACC-NCCCRP Data and Decisions Workshop

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:51:35 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=36

On November 3, a team from HTIC was accepted to participate in the Data and Decisions Workshop, to be held December 4-6 in Clearwater, Florida, by the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the National Community College Council for Research and Planning (NCCCRP). HTIC views the workshop as an opportunity to further refine its program review process, utilizing the information provided and drawing upon the expertise available at the workshop. The College hopes to strengthen its institutional skills in the area of data collection, presentation, and analysis in order to engage in more informed decision-making and resource allocation.

The HTIC team is comprised of the Vice Chancellor, Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), and Institutional Researcher. As the chief academic officer, the Vice Chancellor is responsible for overseeing student learning programs and services, and the Colleges program review process. The Accreditation Liaison Officer works with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to insure that HTIC continues to develop in accordance with the standards of good practice delineated by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, WASC. The institutional researcher is responsible for organizing and compiling data regarding the Colleges students, programs, services, etc., working closely with the Vice Chancellor, ALO and Planning Committee.

Given the Colleges unique international identity, the project submitted for the workshop will involve creating a working model for data collection, evaluation/assessment of data, and methodology so administration, faculty, and staff can utilize information, not just for program review, but as part of their daily tasks. HTIC hopes to include in its model clearly defined linkages between data, assessment, and planning (including revisions to prior planning), in order to demystify the process even further. This data collection model is especially appropriate to the themes of the workshop since HTICs program review process is linked to accomplishing the yearly goals set out in its mission driven Five-Year Educational Development Strategic Plan. With improved data, the college can better assess and evaluate the Colleges programs and effectiveness in supporting student learning, as well as its progress in meeting its goals. That will then enable HTIC to more intelligently decide how best to allocate its resources.

CP Students Participate in Service Learning at Queen Ka'ahumanu Elementary

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:11:09 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=35

This Fall Term, students in Core 4 of the College Preparatory Program, which is HTIC's ESL program for non-native speakers of English, have been visiting Queen Ka'ahumanu Elementary School once each week to provide one-on-one English language instruction for that school's ELL Program.
The HTIC College Prep students, with the support of Ms. Diane Murakami, are teaching basic English to some of the culturally diverse international students who are a part of the Queen Ka'ahumanu student body. The HTIC students, in turn, are learning the value of doing something special for their local community. This service learning activity is proving to be a fun and educational experience for all involved.

Mr Nick Delzotto, the Coordinator of the College Prep Program, invites all to follow the impressions and reflections of the program participants by reading and commenting on the HTIC Service Learning Blog, http://portfolio.hawaiitokai.edu/service/weblog/. (Please note, some students have restricted their blogs to Logged In users only, please email Mr. Delzotto for a username and password.)

To view pictures of the Core 4 students in the Rainbow Room at Queen Kaahumanu go to http://picasaweb.google.com/hawaiitokai/Core4ServiceLearning# .

Here are some interesting blog excerpts:

"The student I taught second was a Korean boy. We studied about the universe and planets in the solar system. Since astronomy is my favorite subject, I tried very hard to make my student interested in the content by testing his understanding and giving him some profound knowledge. At first, he seemed not to be interested in the topic so much, but he gradually took a positive attitude toward my lecture. This let my teaching go on smoothly. Actually he was a very smart student because he asked me many questions actively about the stars and the space. I hope he could have an effective learning time during my lecture."

-Yuma

"When she encountered words she could not pronounce and understand, during reading, she did some actions to indicate her feeling. For instance, she stopped reading and looked at me. These signals meant 'I do not know this. Please teach me.' They were using nonverbal communication just like what we learned about in our Intercultural Communication Class! Therefore, I could receive her signs. It means that I could help her."

-Satsuki

"When, I asked 'What color is this fire truck?' I expected that he would answer that 'The truck is red.' At first, he answered that but then he continued answering. 'The truck has purple, green, and yellow.' I couldnt understand the meaning of his answer. Then, I noticed that a switch inside of the truck was painted purple, green and yellow. Adults tend see things with common sense. However, children will not filter their answers and they will try to see the whole of the object. Thats why I think children are pure. They will not judge objects with their common sense."

-Shohei

Students Volunteer for "2008 Painting Zone Project" at Stevenson Middle School

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:25:52 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=34
Fourteen HTIC students, one alumnus, and HTIC's Student Support Specialist, Andrew Fujimoto, participated in the "2008 Painting Party Zone Project" held at Stevenson Middle School on Oct 18. The HTIC contingent was part of over 100 community volunteers who came out and donated time to paint over graffiti and make the middle school a more attractive place for its students and for those who live in the surrounding community.

The volunteering event began with a short introduction and meeting. The HTIC students then picked up their paintbrushes and rollers and began about four hours of clean-up work. The event was tiring but the students had fun and seemed to learn the value of helping out in the community. A cameraman from KHNL News 8 filmed HTIC student Ryohei Tayama vigorously scrubbing paint off the floor. Just seconds before, Ryohei was seen taking a break. This led to his friends sharing a good laugh at his expense as they joking accused him of showing off for the camera. All looked forward to seeing their classmate on the 6:00 news.

The student volunteers reportedly had a great time working for a great cause. The College hopes these students learned the value of community service. The fifteen students who volunteered for this event included Masato Ariga and members and supporters of the Hawaii Tokai Baseball Team: Riki Fujimori, Ryohei Tayama, Kota Hobara, Masashi Kimura, Kenshi Ichinomori, Terumasa Kanzaki, Hirofumi Takasaki, Shun Kamijyo, Ryohei Nishida, Risa Funato, Akiko Fukuwa, Haruka Suzuki, Aine Takeuchi and HTIC alumnus, Takahisa Koike.

Please Join the YOGA MARATHON To Feed Hungry Children In Hawaii!!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:13:25 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=33
On Sunday September 21, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the yoga community in Honolulu is holding a yoga marathon in the HTIC auditorium to raise money for homeless families living on Oahu. In addition to featuring yoga (various styles and schools), mantras, dance and meditation, live performances will be provided by Underwater Radar and other artists, in addition to special performances by IHS kids yoga class and kids ukulele by Uke N8ture. Healthy snacks and water will be provided by a number of local sponsors.

At least 80% of participant donations will go to two local organizations that help Hawaiis homeless: HIS (The Institute for Human Services), which was founded in 1978 by Father Claude F. Du Teil and provides supportive services to homeless families; and H-5 (Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope), which provides over 4000 meals a month and provides weekly after-school programs to approximately 80 local high school students. The remaining 20% of donations will go towards expenses incurred by the event.

The Yoga Marathon is held as a part of the United Nations "International Day of Peace," which was first established as an annual September event by a United Nations resolution in 1981. Last year was the first year that the State of Hawai'i joined this global endeavor with its own "Peace Day Hawai'i" celebration. At last year's celebration, HTIC was proud that one of its students, Shu Hikichi, was awarded top prize in the States "Adult, Non-Native Speaker Essay" category. This year, HTIC is honored to serve the yoga organizers as the venue for their important Peace Day fundraising event.

For more information, please contact the organizers of this event: Debbie Azama-Park dazamapark@hotmail.com or Jai Ma (Maria Steele) at mariasteele@msn.com.

Nine Japanese Universities Join HTIC Medical English Workshop 2008

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:02:57 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=32
HTIC will host students from nine medical programs in Japan for a short-term Medical English Workshop to be held August 20-27.

The participants represent a number of distinguished university medical schools, including those at Tokai University, Kobe University, Kochi University, Tokyo University, Kyoto University, and Hokkaido University.

The workshop offers courses that teach Medical English and reinforce English communication for the medical professional. Participants in the workshop will also conduct clinical practice situations with University of Hawaii Medical School students.

Doctors in practice in Hawaii as well as a world renown surgeon, Dr. Ken Kimura, are scheduled to share their own perceptions and experiences with the Japanese medical students. Participants will also particpate in workshop sessions with Japanese residents training in hospitals in Hawaii.

HTIC Students Volunteer at Lion's International Youth Summer Camp

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:35:17 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=30
On Friday and Saturday, July 25-26, approximately 20 HTIC students participated in two events hosted by the Palolo Lions Club to honor 25 international students from 13 countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Turkey. The HTIC students were invited as guests to the first event, but worked as volunteers in the second event as a part of the Colleges efforts to encourage service learning in the local community.

The first event, held on Friday at the Palolo Community Center in Palolo Valley, Honolulu, was the International Youth Summer Camp Pool Party. HTIC students enjoyed a memorable night of fun interacting with the international students as well as with local MAAC and HCAP youths from Palolo Valley. Students were treated to pool time, a buffet dinner, and a movie presentation and award ceremony given by the local MAAP group. The pool party helped the visiting international students relax at the end of a three week summer camp that took them to beautiful sites on Oahu and Maui.

Those HTIC students who attended the pool party were Masato Ariga, Yaeko Okano, Hitomi Yahagi, Yoshimi Araki, Narumi Sugimura, Atsuto Matsumoto, Terumasa Kanzaki, Ken Hamanaka, Haruka Ishiwata, Kota Hobara, and Emi Iwai.

At the second event held on Saturday, about ten HTIC students volunteered time to serve food at the Lions International Youth Camp Farewell Dinner. This dinner was held at the Jarrett Middle School Cafeteria, with Lions Club members from all over the island coming together to say farewell to the international students. The three-hour dinner party showcased the many talents of the international students as they performed hula and an impressive haka, a traditional New Zealand warrior dance. It was apparent that the students put a lot of time into their practice for this performance. The evening was topped off with everyone holding hands and singing "Aloha Oe."

The HTIC students enjoyed volunteering and helping out with this community event. They worked hard in setting up, serving, and cleaning up for the farewell dinner on Saturday in honor of the international student visitors. Hopefully, they will learn from their experiences, encourage others to help out in the community, and continue to expand their own service learning experiences.

The ten students who volunteered at the Farewell Dinner were: Ayako Sato, Yurina Nakamura, Moeka Dobashi, Kosuke Muramoto, Masato Ariga, Yuko Watanabe, Emi Iwai, Mana Shiokawa, Ryohei Suzuki, and Shun Suzuki.

Student Talent Show Held, July 22-24

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:58:15 GMT

http://www.hawaiitokai.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=31
Hawaii Tokai International College held its first "Bi-Annual Student Talent Show" in the College Cafeteria during the fourth week of the Summer Term on July 22, 23, and 24. Emceed by Class President Hirofumi Takasaki (July 22, 23) and College Prep Coordinator Nicholas Delzotto (July 24), the three-day event featured performances by College Preparatory students, College Liberal Arts (A.A degree program) students and some HTIC staff. Judges were impressed by the vast range of talent that was showcased in the show. Three performers demonstrated musical talent by playing different selections on the French horn, violin, and trumpet. These acts were joined by three other musical entries, two of which (teams of two students apiece) performed different original versions of music by the group "Green Day" and the third, an act that featured song and dance. In addition to these musical acts, other participants performed dance, stand-up comedy, magic, animal balloon-making, acrobatic cheerleading moves, and skateboarding (this last event was held outdoors).

In the end, the judges gave awards to these top acts:

1st Place: Mana Shiokawa / Moe Saito (Acrobatic Cheerleading Routine)
2nd place: Ayana Oshima / Otono Naniwa (Singing / Dance Performance)
3rd place: Takuma Hirako / Yuki Hirohata (Magic Act)

Here are all the acts that performed each day:

Tuesday, July 22
Emcee: Hirofumi Takasaki
Kenshi Ichinomori - Violin (Titanic theme My Heart Will Go On)
David Oshima - Japanese Stand-up Comedy
Kota Hobara - Hip Hop Dancing Routine
Takuma Hirako / Yuki Hirohata Magic Act

Wednesday, July 23
Emcee: Hirofumi Takasaki
Kosuke Hashida Trumpet (Disneys When you Wish Upon a Star)
Yuki Tamura - Balloon Animals
Mayumi Yoshida - French Horn (Titanic Theme)
Narumi Sugimura Dancing Routine

Thursday, July 24
Emcee: Nicholas Delzotto
Yukihiro Bando / Hirofumi Takasaki - Singing / Guitar (Green Day Time of Your Life)
Yuya Nakagami / Kousuke Muramoto - Singing / Piano (Green Day)
Ayana Oshima / Otono Naniwa - Singing / Dance Routine
Mana Shiokawa / Moe Saito Acrobatic Cheerleading
Kento Takahashi - SkateboardingJumps
Special Dance, Comedy Performance by Student Government Officers (Akiko, Yuki, Sherwood, and Andrew)

HTICs next Talent Show is scheduled for the Winter Term (January-March 2009). Interested participants please contact Student Support Specialist, Andrew Fujimoto, for more information.