Our People of the Pacific class recently returned from a historic two-day trip to Southern Utah University. This marks the first time a People of the Pacific class or club has been invited to and traveled for a higher education summit and combined showcase outside of the city/county limits—a significant milestone for our students and program.
Throughout the summit, our students were fully immersed in educational and cultural workshops specifically designed for them. We are incredibly grateful to the SUU faculty and professors who took time out of their busy schedules to lead these sessions. Their expertise provided our students with resourceful, innovative, and engaging learning experiences that bridged the gap between high school and higher education.
To conclude this landmark event, our students took to the stage alongside SUU’s Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA). The combined cultural showcase was a powerful display of Polynesian heritage, celebrated through traditional music, dance, and performance.
This trip was more than just a visit; it was a pioneering step in expanding our students' horizons and building lasting connections with the broader academic community.