HONOLULU (HI Now) - With Thanksgiving around the corner, UHPA Executive Director Christian Fern and Leeward Community College culinary instructor Matthew Egami join HI Now to remind Hawai‘i of what we’re grateful for — including the dedicated University of Hawai‘i faculty shaping our communities every day.
Christian shares how national shifts in higher education are creating uncertainty, and how UHPA, supported by the AFT, continues advocating for faculty across all 10 UH campuses. Their mission: highlight the essential teaching, research, and service UH faculty provide statewide.
Chef and faculty member Matt Egami, who has mentored west side students for 15 years, demonstrates an easy Thanksgiving leftover recipe — delicious turkey sliders — while sharing his own journey from Pearl City to Disney World to some of Hawai‘i’s top restaurants. With a 100% placement rate, LCC’s culinary program prepares students for real opportunities in kitchens across the state.
Matt also shares how community service is built into the program. This year marks Leeward Community College’s 29th annual Thanksgiving meal distribution, preparing 4,000 meals for West O‘ahu families at Ko Olina on November 22.
For more on UHPA, visit uhpa.org and on Facebook @UHProfessionalAssembly and Instagram @uhpafaculty. Learn more about LCC’s Culinary Program, at leeward.hawaii.edu/culn.
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