April 4, 2011
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
Dr. Michael J. Chun Aloha mai kākou, When I accepted the job as President of Kamehameha Schools in 1988, I knew I had an exciting opportunity before me, but I had no idea how deeply it would change my life. What began with a simple dream to help our students and our people realize their own goals and aspirations became a remarkable journey through one of the most interesting periods in the history of Kamehameha Schools—one marked by exciting opportunities, sobering events, significant growth and timely changes. At every step in this journey were students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, alumni and friends of Kamehameha who inspired, excited, supported, guided and mentored Aunty Bina and me with their enthusiasm, energy, talents, wisdom, courage, integrity and loyalty. We have proudly watched thousands of inspiring – and aspiring—Hawaiian students receive their diplomas, knowing they are capable of succeeding anywhere in the world. This coming school year will be my 24th year as President and Headmaster of the Kapālama campus. It will also be my last. This morning, I informed our CEO, Dee Jay Mailer, and our campus leadership team of my decision to retire at the end of the 2011–2012 school year. The next 15 months will allow Kamehameha Schools to conduct a thorough search for the leader who will build on the good work of the KSK staff and faculty over the last two decades. I believe KSK is well-positioned for this transition.
KSK remains a beacon for all Hawaiians and is well-prepared to remain so far into the future. While there is sadness and nostalgia in leaving a place filled with such precious memories, cherished friendships and deep aloha, there is also gratitude for being able to be part of such a wonderful 'ohana, and excitement for all that lies ahead for our remarkable school. I Mua Kamehameha! |
Dee Jay Mailer Aloha mai kākou, With expected humility, Dr. Michael Chun has tendered his resignation in a letter filled with appreciation for the good fortune of being part of the remarkable Kamehameha Schools 'ohana. This good fortune is mutual as Dr. Chun has shaped our Schools in remarkable ways! On behalf of Kamehameha Schools, I thank him for his dedication to fulfilling Pauahi's vision and for 23 years of leadership marked by professionalism and integrity and founded on Christian values and deep aloha for our haumāna and their 'ohana, our faculty and our staff. He will retire in June 2012 as the longest serving President in the history of Kamehameha Schools. Dr. Chun will continue to lead our Kapālama Campus through the next fifteen months as we complete the search for the best leader to continue Dr. Chun's legacy. Under Dr. Chun's leadership:
Dr. Chun and his wife Bina have been our "first family," symbolizing the spirit of Kamehameha Schools: excellence, responsibility, service, compassion and aloha. From launa at their home to attendance at every event where our haumäna demonstrate their excellence, the Chuns have provided warm encouragement. It is no wonder that so many of our graduates have emerged as exemplary servant leaders in the tradition of Ke Ali'i Pauahi. I look forward to watching all of the aloha that will pour out to Mike and Bina Chun over the next year, knowing that even as new doors open before them, this door called Kamehameha Schools will never close. I mua e Mike a me Bina! I Mua Kamehameha! |
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
