Alumni News

During this fall 2023 semester, the FDM 495: Capstone Portfolio class had the great opportunity to meet and talk stories with two local fashion designers, Matt Bruening (Bruening label) and Allison Izu Song (Allison Izu label). The two designers shared their background information, their triumphs and challenges in the fashion industry, and what they are looking forward to accomplishing in the near future. The FDM seniors were encouraged to ask questions such as what to expect after graduation, as well as what advice they can share with new fashion graduates in a very competitive field. The FDM seniors were thrilled that the designers disclosed their experiences and insights and are grateful to have met with Matt and Allison. We are truly appreciative to have Matt and Allison’s unwavering support all these years. They have been the best mentors to FDM students in our internship program, as well as very active FDM Advisory Board members. Mahalo, Matt and Allison! -written by Marie Cristi-Kim

Congrats to Leah Aoki, a senior in the Dept. of Family and Consumer Sciences, Fashion Design and Merchandising program! A garment designed by Leah was accepted by the International Textile and Apparel Association, and will be presented at the ITAA’s annual conference this November in Baltimore. 

Since 2013, CTAHR has been honored to be invited to Waimea Valley Botanical Garden’s Kalo and ʻAwa Festival on the North Shore of Oʻahu. This year, the Dept. of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences and Dept. of Family and Consumer Sciences participated once again byproudly hosting an educational booth that focused on educating participants about kalo plant parts, varieties, and groups. 

CTAHR faculty and staff are excited to host their first Open House at the Oʻahu Urban Garden Center since the pandemic – and public interest is super high – so head over Pearl City this Saturday morning! UGC will combine the event with the popular “Second Saturday at the Garden” to provide a variety of educational exhibits and demonstrations for the general public. 

The search for a new CTAHR dean is on, and the CTAHR ‘ohana are encouraged to participate and meet the finalists during their visits. At the invitation of UH Provost Bruno, the three candidates will visit the Mānoa campus October 25-27, November 6-8, and November 15-17.