Tickets are on sale for the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s 17th annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Campus Center Dining Hall.
This year’s distinguished alumni honorees are:
• Jackie Pualani Johnson, UH-Hilo drama professor, Performing Arts Department.
An iconic figure in the world of performing arts for Hawaii Island, Johnson is no stranger too many. She attended UH-Hilo before transferring to the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she graduated with a Master of Arts in theater. Johnson was instrumental in the development of UH-Hilo’s Performing Arts Department, where she has served as the chairwoman since shortly after its inception.
For more than 30 years, she has been a mentor to students and directed and performed in numerous plays and musicals in theaters throughout the state.
• Lyndell Lindsay, director of E Maka‘ala School for 29 years and director of the Haili Invitational Volleyball Tournament for more than 30 years.
A 1980 UH-Hilo graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, Lindsey’s outstanding athletic skills helped the UH-Hilo volleyball team secure a national title in the late ’70s. In addition to being part owner and principal of E Maka‘ala School and an active member of Haili Church, Lindsey also is one of the directors of the famous Haili Invitational Volleyball Tournament, which attracts teams from Hawaii, the Pacific Basin, Japan, U.S. mainland and Canada.
• Harry Kim, Hawaii County mayor.
Kim attended UH-Hilo before transferring to and graduating from Southern Oregon University with a Master of Science in economics. His service as director of Hawaii County’s Civil Defense for 16 years earned him much recognition and his expertise was sought after by several U.S. government agencies and foreign countries. Kim went on to serve as mayor of Hawaii County for two terms from 2000-08.
In 2016, Kim decided to make a comeback to politics and successfully ran his campaign for the mayor’s post.
• The late state Sen. Gilbert Kahele’s memory will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award presented for his contributions to the university and local community.
Kahele attended Hilo High School and went on to obtain an associate degree in science from Laney College, Calif., in 1967.
Kahele was a Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate, representing District 1 from 2011-16. A strong advocator of UH-Hilo, Kahele worked tirelessly to secure understanding, support and funding from legislators for the College of Pharmacy program and student housing.
In spite of his demanding schedule, Kahele always made an effort to attend UH-Hilo’s commencements and groundbreaking events.
This signature event is organized by UH-Hilo and the university’s Alumni and Friends Association. The public is invited to attend.
The evening will include a buffet dinner, auction and opportunities to meet and connect with UH-Hilo’s community, alumni, business leaders and supporters.
Seats are $85 each or $680 for a table of eight.
To purchase tickets, call 932-7670 or 7672.
