Students
Hawaiian Islanders Club (HIC)
Contact
E-mail: hic@poets.whittier.edu
Tel: 562.907.5297
About Us
The Hawaiian Islanders Club at Whittier College (HIC) supports students from Hawai'i and other individuals whoactively demonstrate an interest in Hawaiian culture and traditions. As an organizati
on, the Hawaiian Islanders Club strives to develop and maintain a healthy, diverse community while seeking high moral standards and unity through numerous social events andcommunity service activities.
We are 25 members strong and will continue to grow in years to come. But, don't let our small size fool you, we actually have a tremendous influence here on the Whittier College campus,and pride ourselves on spreading the "aloha spirit."
A Home Away From Home
For more than a decade, the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College has hosted many of Hawai'i's most popular musical entertainers. In March 2008, the Shannon Center will receive its first Hawai'i Music Award for work done to promote Hawaiian culture and music. The unique showcase of arts and culture help students from Hawai'i stay connected and involved while receiving a quality liberal arts education. In addition, the Hawaiian Islanders Club has formed a unique partnership with the Shannon Center, helping to increase awareness of challenges facing Pacific Islanders and to introduce members of our organization to members of the community who are willing to assist in our endeavors.
Events
Being far away from home, we really begin to depend on one another. To make this transition smooth and enjoyable, members of the Hawaiian Islanders Club participate in numerous social events to acclimate to the new environment. Trips to downtown Los Angeles, days at the movies, visits to theme parks, and consumption of "local" food are just some of the things we do to get to know each other better.
Aside from having fun, giving back is a new mission in progress. We recognize the importance of our surrounding community and realize the tremendous positive impact we can have just by dedicating ourselves to a cause or purpose for a number of hours each month.
Each year, we aim to improve and strengthen the Hawaiian cultural knowledge of the general community by way of our annual lü'au. It is our hope to share with others the same aloha spirit and v
arious meaningful art forms that are prevalent back home. This event allows us the unique opportunity to reach out to the kama'äina andmalihini alike, letting them know that Hawai'i's culture and arts are alive and well on the continent.
This year's lü'au will be held on the Whittier College campus on Sunday, May 11, 2008.
Our theme, Me Ke Aloha (With Love), is done parallel to our club's mission and is very appropriate for this occasion that celebrates mothers. Food, the sale of products from Hawai'i, and a silent auction will complete this event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Women and Children's Disaster Shelter of Whittier.
