KAHULUI - From a father and daughter from Hana to a grandmother who cares for foster children, a diverse group of 70 Maui County residents will receive their bachelor's and graduate degrees Friday at the University of Hawaii Center's spring 2010 commencement.
The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Maui Beach Hotel's Elleair Rainbow Ballroom.
UH Center Director Karen Muraoka said she and her staff are "extremely proud of our graduates' accomplishments, commitment to their education and desire to serve their community."
"We look forward to seeing them thrive in their careers as leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, nurses, social workers and more. Many of these individuals made enormous personal sacrifices in their commitment to achieving their dreams."
Since the establishment of the UH Center in 1996, 845 residents have earned their degrees while continuing to live in Maui County. Bachelor's and graduate degrees were earned directly from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the University of Hawaii at West Oahu and the University of Hawaii at Hilo without leaving Maui.
Courses are taught on-site at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus, via the Internet and by video conferencing, allowing students to engage with their professors and classmates in real time.
The UH Center offers bachelor's and master's programs in accounting, early childhood, education, interdisciplinary studies, nursing, public administration, business administration, information technology and more.
To learn more, go to or call the UH Center at 984-3525.
* This article includes a correction from the original published on Sunday, May 9, 2010.
