May 18th Marks Milestone for Family of UH Hilo Graduates

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Haunani Bernardino, (808) 974-7705
UH Hilo Commencement Chair
Posted: May 10, 2002

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's Spring Commencement on May 18, 2002, Celeste Perry will be the fourth sibling in her family to graduate with a degree from UH Hilo. She follows in the footsteps of her three brothers, Normand, Carl and Mike Dionne.

Perry is a candidate for a bachelor of arts in communication with a minor in business. After graduation, she plans to get a job in human resources on the Big Island.

Normand graduated in 1991 with a bachelor of science degree in computer science and in 1993 received his bachelor of arts in physics. Carl graduated in 1994 with a bachelor of science in computer science. Currently, Normand and Carl work as information technology specialists at UH Hilo.

"It makes me feel good to know this dream is repeated so many times for other students and their families," said Normand. "It's a privilege for Carl and me to be a part of making dreams come true for others here at UH Hilo."

Mike graduated in 1995 with a bachelor of arts in biology. He went on to receive his masters in microbiology as well as public health at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. He worked for the US Department of Agriculture until he lost his job due to cutbacks caused by the September 11th tragedy.

"I speak for my family when I express our gratitude to all of the UH Hilo faculty and staff who gave so much to make our dreams come true," said Normand.

The UH Hilo spring commencement begins at 9 a.m. in the UH Hilo New Gym. UH President Evan Dobelle will deliver the keynote address.