50th Anniversary
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!
Upcoming Events
Alumni Gallery
Brooks Baehr
COVID-19 & Pandemic Response Administrative Assistant, Hawai’i Department of Health
"Windward Community College played a huge role in shaping my future. The guidance from faculty and experience gained working on the school newspaper helped launch my nearly 40-year career in journalism and communications. After decades of news and sports broadcasting, I am now in charge of pandemic communications for the Hawai’i Department of Health."
Carla Rogers
retired, Student Parent Counselor, Windward Community College
"I enrolled at WCC as a non-traditional student with 16 years of hotel management experience. Windward presented an amazing experience of self development, academic learning and the vehicle through which I realigned my professional future. The career counselor became my mentor, the Writing Center guided me through academic writing and TRiO SSS tutored me through math. I was treated with professionalism, patience and diligence that was the foundation of my academic achievements through a master’s degree at Hawai'i Pacific University. I have fulfilled my dream of serving WCC students with the same respect and guidance I was recipient of so many years earlier."
Makana Tani
Student and Academic Support, Windward Community College
Makana Tani lives and breathes Windward Community College, and goes above and beyond in supporting WCC's students, staff, and faculty and community. He is the epitome of one of WCC's core values–He pūnāwai kahe wale ke aloha. Serving and supporting with aloha. Makana is the perfect example of the amazing foundation that WCC instills in students who come through its doors to be successful and grow in both their professional and personal lives and also coming full circle and giving back to WCC and the windward community.
WCC History
1972
Windward Community College dedication
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
John Prihoda is appointed provost
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)
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.
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
Leroy J. King is appointed second provost
The student body grows by 56% to 834. John Prihoda resigns as provost and Leroy J. King is appointed second provost.
1974
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.
O Ka ʻOhana begins publication
The college newspaper, O Ka ʻOhana, begins publication. The name is translated as “Of the Family.”
First graduating class
WCC graduates its first class of 28 in May 1974.
1975
New Administrative Services building acquired
The college acquires its sixth building from the hospital, Eckerdt building, which is renovated to house Administrative Services.
1976
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
