Contributed by Pono Maʻa
In a letter presented to alumni Wednesday evening, Kamehameha Schools Director of Advancement and Executive Director of the Pauahi Foundation Pono Ma‘a KSK’82 delivered the following message:
Kamehameha Schools alumni represent more than 28,000 Warriors worldwide who have been uplifted by Ke Aliʻi Pauahiʻs legacy of generosity and aloha. Our commitment to each one of you includes experiences, programs and events to help you stay connected and engaged with your alma mater and each other.
One of the highlights each year is KS Kapālama’s Alumni Week – scheduled this year for June 1-7 honoring graduating years ending in “0” and “5” and culminating with the Alumni Lūʻau, attended by over 1,700 alumni, friends and family each year.
However as you are aware, we are in unprecedented times with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. For millions across the globe, this global pandemic has impacted the ways in which we live and interact with each other. Federal, state and local government health care officials have provided guidance and mandates on a variety of issues including those related to large gatherings and social distancing. The most recent guidance includes avoiding gatherings of 10 people or more anywhere at any given time.
Our top priority remains the health and safety of our haumāna, staff, alumni and broader communities. Given this context and the uncertainty over this public health crisis, we are having to make difficult decisions, which includes the cancellation of Alumni Week 2020.
Please know, we did not take this decision lightly. Alumni Week is a signature event for classmates who look forward to the time together reminiscing and making new memories. However, one key factor for this decision is our kūpuna who make up a large part of those who attend Alumni Week festivities - they are our most vulnerable and it would be irresponsible to put them and any others with underlying health issues at risk.
As most of you know, planning for Alumni Week also takes a considerable amount of time, effortand resources. However, given the environment we are in, most of our staff are currently focused on planning for the COVID-19 response and recovery. Making this decision proactively grants our celebrating alumni time to adjust any plans, including travel, that may be impacted by the current situation.
We appreciate your aloha, grace and understanding as we work together to find ways to honor our celebrating classes in the near future. If you have any questions, please email alumni@ksbe.edu or call us at (808) 534-8283.
Please keep each other safe and in your prayers as we work through this difficult time.
E kūpaʻa mai kākou,
Pono Maʻa
TAGS
safety and well-being,alumni week,coronavirus
CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Themes, Culture, Community, Leadership, I Mua Kamehameha, Kapalama Newsroom, Kapalama Home, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Kapalama, Health and Wellness, Alumni, Oahu
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