Kaua`i Community College Blesses its Campus Center

April 23: Today, Kaua`i Community College held a Blessing and Open House for its newly renovated Campus Center.  Students, faculty, staff, friends, and supporters of the College gathered for the Blessing and unveiling of maile lei commemorating the opening of the new facility.

The Blessing was conducted by Reverend Wayne Vidinha, Sr. of Ke Akua Mana Church.  The Open House was coordinated by ASUH-KCC student government and members of the Student Activities Council and clubs.

The new Campus Center, elegantly designed by Paul Noborikawa of Noborikawa & Associates of O`ahu, is a state-of-the-art transformation of space into a welcoming gathering place for Kaua`i CC students.   It is the new home for ASUH-KCC Student government; KCC Board of Publications publishers of the “Ka Leo O KCC” student paper; International Education; Student Activities Council and clubs; and KCC Radio.  Space has been given to Veterans who are studying at KCC.  The new facility also will house several instructional lecturers.  New flooring gracefully curves throughout the rooms to create inviting meeting spaces; glassed walls allow natural light to illuminate the interior; the natural beauty of the land surrounding the College can be enjoyed from well-placed windows; and paint color combinations evoke freshness and renewal.  “Kaua`i is so beautiful,” said Noborikawa.  “I wanted everyone to see that throughout this new space.”

Kaua`i CC Chancellor Cox also thanked the State Department of Accounting and General Services, Project Supervisor, Dave Whitaker and team from Layton Construction Company, the Office of the Vice President for the University of Hawai`i Community Colleges, and UH Board of Regents for supporting the project from inception to completion.  Key members of the College involved in this project included John Constantino, Counselor and Student Activities Coordinator, who worked closely with the architect on the design; Calvin Shirai, KCC’s Auxiliary & Facilities Specialist; and members of the College Facilities and Maintenance team.

“This marks another milestone in creating a campus environment that invites students to participate in their education outside of the classroom as well as inside” said Helen Cox, Kaua`i CC Chancellor.  “I know that this space will change the character of our campus for the better and look forward to working closely with the students in their future endeavors,” she said.