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Hale Alakaʻi will be temporarily closed from May 20 for electrical repairs. Read more for relocations and details.

Help Us Reach our Goal of $1 Million

$ 0

raised for scholarships

Inspiring and transforming lives since 1972

For 50 years, Windward Community College has been educating future entrepreneurs, scientists, dreamers, artists, and builders. WCC is celebrating its golden anniversary with a goal of raising $1 million for scholarships—to help all students fulfill their dreams of a college education. The college is kicking off its 50th anniversary year with two events. We hope you will join us!

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Honorary Awardees

Terry George

President & CEO at Harold K.L. Castle Foundation

This award recognizes the work of Terry George and the Harold KL Castle Foundation. Without which, WIndward would not be the place of learning it is today.

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Jacquie Maly

Dr. Jacqueline Maly

Windward Community College Professor Emerita

Jacquie has provided endless opportunities for students and colleagues. On campus Jacquie is referred to as “WCC’s Angel”. We canʻt thank Jacquie enough.

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Ian Kitajima, alumnus

President of PICHTR

Ian has established a scholarship for Windward Community College students who transfer into Shidler College of Business, creating access to the baccalaureate and a pathway for our alum to follow in his footsteps.

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Lina Girl Langi

Windward CC Alumna

ina Girl defines aloha with her positivity, kindness, and intelligence. She can do anything - She plays music, sings, emcee’s, dances hula, and supports higher education at Windward Community College.

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Sponsors

WCC History

1972
September 18
Windward Community College dedication
Large group of people sitting in chairs on the lawn in front of Hale Mana‘opono for the dedication of WCC

On September 18, 1972, University of Hawai‘i President Harlan Cleveland presides over dedication of Windward Community College. Note: Professor Emerita Jacquie Maly in foreground. On opening day, there were 525 students taught in five renovated buildings which were formerly part of Hawaiʻi State Hospital built in the 1930s. The buildings are one story,…Read More

September 20
John Prihoda is appointed provost
John Prihoda

Faculty that year number 25 in the disciplines of Speech, History, Communication/English/Reading, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Mathematics, Business, General Science, and Oceanography. (Photo by Masao Miyamoto)

September 27
Kanaloa Building becomes the library/media center
Kanaloa building becomes the library/media center

It opens the first day of school with a small collection of reference books shelved on boards supported by bricks. By the end of the first year, metal shelving is in place and the collection grows by several hundred books and audiovisual materials.

October 10
Hospital site approved as permanent college

The University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents approves the hospital site as a permanent home for Windward Community College and authorizes the college to proceed with planning and construction of permanent facilities.

1973
February 1
Leroy J. King is appointed second provost
Leroy J. King wearing a double carnation lei

The student body grows by 56% to 834. John Prihoda resigns as provost and Leroy J. King is appointed second provost.

1974
April 20
First Ho‘olaule‘a

WCC’s first Hoʻolauleʻa is held April 20, 1974. It is a day of Hawaiian music, arts and crafts, and exhibits.

April 30
O Ka ʻOhana begins publication

The college newspaper, O Ka ʻOhana, begins publication. The name is translated as “Of the Family.”

May 11
First graduating class

WCC graduates its first class of 28 in May 1974.

1975
June 1
New Administrative Services building acquired

The college acquires its sixth building from the hospital, Eckerdt building, which is renovated to house Administrative Services.

1976
January 1
Pikake Wahilani wins national award

Windward Community College instructor, Pikake Wahilani, is named one of 13 national winners of the Ford Foundation Graduate Fellowship for Native Americans.

1977
March 1
New vocational training programs

The Board of Regents approves five new vocational training programs: automotive technology, finance, social justice, secretarial science, and clerical accounting as fall enrollment is 1,300.

1978
July 1
Alma K. Cooper is named acting provost

The same year, WCC student, Janice Kilbey, is the first student from a community college in Hawaiʻi to receive the Truman Scholarship, an award of $20,000 for four years of college study.

1979
May 1
Dr. Peter T. Dyer appointed third provost

At this point in time, Fall enrollment is now at 1,485 and the Marine Option Program receives a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to begin a study of Hawaiian backyard aquaculture. The study begins with a feasibility study of raising prawns. As practical experience, students build the aquaculture…Read More

July 1
The college launches Rain Bird

The college launches Rain Bird, its literary magazine, providing an opportunity for students and faculty to publish their prose, poetry, and artwork. Lillian Cunningham is faculty advisor.

August 1
Windward Performing Arts Theatre finds a home

Windward Performing Arts Theatre, the new theatre facility makes its home in the Eckerdt building. The theatre presents plays featuring students and Windward residents.

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