The Hogan Entrepreneurs program on April 26, celebrated its 15th annual graduation and induction ceremonies. Thirty-four new graduates were honored bringing the total to more than 400 students who have graduated from the certificate program. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced Hawaii business leaders and entrepreneurs about business. Graduates will have learned the tools, skills, exposures, and motivation to succeed in entrepreneurial undertakings and to make entrepreneurial contributions to their communities.
At this year’s event, the Hogan Entrepreneurs program expressed its gratitude to Ed and Lynn Hogan by presenting them with a pahi kaua, made from the bill of a flat bill swordfish. The Hogan program continues to be funded through generous contributions from the Hogan Family Foundation, located in California.
The program also honored Bro. Bernard Ploeger, SM, who has been a staunch supporter of the Hogan program throughout its 15 years. He will conclude his Chaminade presidency this summer. Bro. Ploeger received a ko`oko`o (wooden staff) made from the native kamani tree.
The Hogan program recognized 13 students for their outstanding work in various areas and at different class levels. Judy Ng, a senior majoring in Business Administration, took top honors as the Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of 2017. The Hogan program recognized Ng as the student who achieved the most significant results while consistently embracing the spirit of the program though her earnestness and enthusiasm for the underlying values of the program.
The program also recognized a faculty member for the first time with its new Exceptional Teaching Award. The students applauded loudly as Business professor Denny McDonough received the honor.
HOGAN ENTREPRENEURS 2017 AWARDS
Outstanding Hogan Entrepreneur of the Year
Judy Ng
Outstanding Graduate Student
Gabriel Torno
Outstanding Seniors
Mario Armendariz
Sheehan Chase
Outstanding Junior
Matthew Southard
Aloha Spirit Award
Desiree DePondicchello
Hannah Sablan
Tyler Taydus
Community Service Award
Monique Gomes
Karanna Soulvongs
Gailene Wong
“In the Arena” Award
Ana Acuna Cesped and Carlos Gutierrez Ayala
Exceptional Teaching Award
Mr. Denny McDonough
2017 Hogan Entrepreneurs Graduates
Ana Acuña Césped
Chantelle Aguilar
Mario Armendariz
Sheehan Chase
Claire Colon-Gonzalez
Desireé DePondicchello
Kalei Ehlers
Nicolas Ferro
Lee Fujino
Brianna Georgia
James Gochenouer
Monique Gomes
Calee Goya
Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala
Kristle Henry
Brittain Komoda
Ferleen Mallarme
Daniel Mangum
Jacqueline McGreal
Judy Ng
Krys Romanczak
Hannah Sablan
Alexa Shah
Karanna Soulvongs
Matthew Southard
Haelee Tallett
Tyler Taydus
Gabriel Torno
Clarke Velasco
Gailene Wong
