East-West Center Alumni and Community

East-West Center Alumni and Community The East-West Center Association (EWCA) is an international network of professionals

For more than four decades, Greg Knudsen (Communication, 1980) has helped to preserve the stories, people, and moments o...
06/24/2026

For more than four decades, Greg Knudsen (Communication, 1980) has helped to preserve the stories, people, and moments of the East-West Center. What began as an EWC scholarship to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, evolved into a lifelong connection to the East-West Center.

Through his lens, Greg has documented student life, international conferences, community celebrations, and historic events. His photographs capture more than just moments; they capture the relationships, exchanges, and shared experiences that connect people across cultures and generations.

Swipe to see the East-West Center through Greg's lens, and visit our website to read the full story: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/news/announcement/alumni-profile-greg-knudsen-80

Continuing to highlight how alumni around the world celebrated EWC Day— In Fiji, EWC Day coincided with Girmit Day, a na...
06/18/2026

Continuing to highlight how alumni around the world celebrated EWC Day—

In Fiji, EWC Day coincided with Girmit Day, a national observance honoring the descendants of Indian laborers and recognizing their contributions to Fiji's history and development.

At Fiji National University's 147th Girmit Day celebration in Labasa, Fiji Chapter President Payal Maharaj served as the chief guest and delivered the keynote address, representing the chapter during this important community commemoration.

Through leadership and civic engagement, the Fiji Chapter demonstrated how the values of the East-West Center continue to extend beyond the EWC experience and into the communities our alumni serve around the world.

This past May, East-West Center Association alumni chapters around the world came together to celebrate EWC Day through ...
06/11/2026

This past May, East-West Center Association alumni chapters around the world came together to celebrate EWC Day through community, connection, and giving back.

Here at the East-West Center campus, the East-West Center Alumni Hawaii Chapter rolled up their sleeves to support current students through a service project in the EWC Participant Association’s community garden. The group helped clear and care for the space, giving it some much-needed TLC while nurturing a place that continues to bring the EWC community together.

It was a meaningful way to honor EWC Day and give back to the next generation of the East-West Center.

A special tribute from EWC alum, Dr. Verne de la Peña (Education Program, PhD, Ethnomusicology, 1993-97), whose painting...
06/09/2026

A special tribute from EWC alum, Dr. Verne de la Peña (Education Program, PhD, Ethnomusicology, 1993-97), whose painting “Stone Lion with a Glimpse of Hale Mānoa,” beautifully captures one of the East-West Center campus’s most recognizable landmarks. The piece is dedicated to all EWC alumni serving and making a difference in their corner of the world, especially in these troubled times.

The two lion statues standing in front of Imin Conference Center (Jefferson Hall) were gifts from Taiwan on October 31, 1971, at the request of Chinese students at the Center. For decades, they have stood as quiet symbols of cross-cultural connection and the enduring ties that define the EWC community across the Asia-Pacific.

Dr. de la Peña is a Professorial Lecturer at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He was the first recipient of the Trimillos Visiting Distinguished Professorship in Ethnomusicology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he was in residence for the Spring 2026 semester. Mahalo Dr. de la Peña for sharing your talent and for reminding us that creativity, service, and connection remain at the heart of the East-West Center experience.

Welcome to the East-West Center Alumni Community, graduates! This marks the beginning of a new chapter that connects you...
05/18/2026

Welcome to the East-West Center Alumni Community, graduates! This marks the beginning of a new chapter that connects you to a lifelong global network of leaders, changemakers, and fellow alumni across the world. We can't wait to see where the journey takes you next! 🌎✨🎓

Update your contact information with us to stay connected 👉 https://forms.office.com/r/MrHN3NZFiX

Happy East-West Center Day! For today's , take a look at photos from the very first official EWC Day celebration in 198...
05/14/2026

Happy East-West Center Day! For today's , take a look at photos from the very first official EWC Day celebration in 1985.

Did you know? Although the East-West Center was founded in 1960, May 14 was not officially proclaimed as "East-West Center Day" until the Center's 25th Anniversary in 1985, when the late Hawaiʻi Governor George R. Ariyoshi issued the proclamation honoring the Center's impact and legacy.

The celebration included a special anniversary cake shared with EWC staff, participants, and their families.

On hand for the signing are (front row, left to right) Marion Saunders, Chairperson, International Association East-West Center Alumni; Victor Hao Li, President, East-West Center; George Chaplin, Chairman, Board of Governors; (back row, left to right) Vicki Shambaugh, representing Hawaiʻi Chapter Alumni; Bryant Robey, Director of Public Affairs; Arun Kashyap, President of the EWCPA; Marvin Anderson, Counselor to the President; Kenneth Chong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the EWC; and Seiji Naya, Director of Resource Systems Institute.

The April 2026 issue of the EWC Alumni Newsletter is here! In this issue, watch EWC’s new video, "The Pacific Way," read...
04/30/2026

The April 2026 issue of the EWC Alumni Newsletter is here! In this issue, watch EWC’s new video, "The Pacific Way," read inspiring alumni stories, and take a look back at East-West Fest — past and present. Have your own East-West Fest memories or photos to share? Drop them in the comments below! 👇

Read the full newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7455722653559971841

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04/21/2026

The East-West Center mourns the passing of former Hawaii Governor George Ariyoshi, a visionary leader whose legacy is deeply woven into the Center's history and mission.

Governor Ariyoshi played a pivotal role in strengthening the East-West Center's institutional foundation and global engagement. In 1975, he worked with the Hawai'i State Legislature to establish the Center as an independent educational nonprofit corporation separate from the University of Hawaii, reinforcing its ability to serve as a bridge between the United States and the Indo-Pacific.

Learn more about his commitment to regional cooperation: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/news/announcement/ewc-mourns-passing-former-board-chair-and-hi-gov-george-ariyoshi

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