‘Going Above and Beyond,’ HPU’s Summer Guides

Submitted by Kelly Lucero, Manager, Student Services Center and Summer Guide Campaign Coordinator

The staff and faculty of HPU demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to our students, their families, and the university over the summer. Nearly 80 faculty and staff stepped up to the plate and volunteered to serve as Summer Guides, helping incoming first-year students across the U.S. and globe make the transition to Honolulu this Fall. Our ‘Ohana worked together and navigated the stormy seas united in the face of a worldwide pandemic and uncertainty.

Summer Guides served as the point of contact to 5 to 15 students (in some cases, more). Each Summer Guide took time out of their already-busy schedules every week to participate in planning meetings and provide student outreach via email, phone calls, text, and video chat. Questions from students and families ranged from HPU’s COVID health and safety precautions to the university travel exemption program to housing to financial aid and much more. In addition to helping new students manage important university business, Summer Guides showcased the true meaning of the values we embrace.

They demonstrated ALOHA by customizing their communications with students, and adapting to radical changes, setting the tone for a welcoming experience and environment. Their commitment to attend planning meetings, ask the right questions, and share subject matter expertise with each other highlighted their sense of PONO. And finally, Summer Guide volunteers took on more than their fair share of KULEANA by managing a fluctuating volume of students at any given time – without complaint.

HPU would like to recognize the following individuals for their participation and contribution to this year’s Summer Guide campaign. You are all irreplaceable!