Key Chapter Winner Highlight: University of Hawai'i at Manoa

The University of Hawai’i at Manoa chapter participated in over 70 events during the 2012-2013 academic year! Amongst the book drives, fundraisers and socials, the Hawai’i at Manoa Golden Key chapter had two particular events that the chapter felt were the most influential to the chapter and the community.
One value that is held dearly in the hearts of Hawaiian citizens is adoration for the island’s habitat. To show their appreciation for such, the Golden Key chapter hosted a morning service project in which students and community volunteers were taken to the Lyon Arboretum, a public botanical garden maintained by the University. The members and volunteers were taught about a couple of invasive plants on the island and how to remove them- a task that is necessary for growth of the indigenous flora. Once taught about the intrusive shrubs and how to rid them, everyone was sent out to uproot them. The removed plants were then properly placed so they would not sprout again, but rather they could decompose back into the earth. The Hawaiians have a term for this- malama ‘aina, which means “to care for the land”.
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa chapter also initiated the first ever Honor Society Conference, which brings together the members of three different honor societies, as well as members of the community, student body and faculty. This year’s theme for the conference was “Success through Collaboration”. Attendees and presenters began the conference with a discussion about the importance of building collaborative relationships, and students shared experiences of personal growth and change that has come about from being a part of an honor society. The keynote speaker, Chancellor Tom Apple, spoke about the significance of starting such collaborative events and how they affect the community. The attendees then moved to break-out sessions where they considered new cooperative initiatives, such as disaster relief and continued personal development for the future.
Congratulations to the University of Hawai’i at Manoa chapter for being named a 2012-2013 Key Chapter and we wish you the best in the upcoming year!