Students at the recent Convocation showed the usual pride, excitement, and stacks of colorful lei. But there was something different about their appearance this year.
Spring 2019 was the first class to receive a congratulatory CTAHR stole, handmade by committed students and faculty of the college. The work of the volunteer collective, the “Stole Society,” was spearheaded by FDM but included other departments as well. The society committed more than a hundred work hours to cutting, stitching, and embroidering.
The stoles have gold satin fronts embroidered with “CTAHR 2019,” but the back of each stole is made from a different pattern of material. This not only makes each stole unique, but this choice allowed the stole-makers to use all sorts of fabric scraps, boosting their sustainability.
CTAHR generously supported the production of these stoles, and proceeds from the project will go to providing scholarships to FDM students. Special mahalos go to Stole Society faculty members Minako McCarthy, Abby Cristi, and Andrew Reilly (all FDM); FCS department chair Barbara Yee; and Stole Society president Mark Oandasan, as well as every student who volunteered their time in making these handsome and celebrational accoutrements.
Check out the video here.