Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education
Kunimoto Award Winner
Michael Paulding
2014
Michael Paulding, an information technology instructor at Kapi‘olani Community College, is a enthusiastic and dedicated educator who is willing to go the extra mile to give every student the opportunity to succeed. Committed to student learning, Paulding is known for his ability to explain complex concepts to students thus facilitating better understanding and greater interest in information technology topics. Outside of the classroom, Paulding leads mentor sessions, offers extended office hours and holds review sessions to prepare students to become Microsoft-certified professionals.
“He offers an extensive amount of his time outside of class to help students succeed and excel in their studies,” said a student of Paulding. “He is the only professor who challenged and pushed me to reach higher summits while at the same time making the semester enjoyable.”
Paulding’s teaching style is focused on utilizing his students’ strengths and talents. His lessons are a mix of theory and hands-on assignments, thus encouraging students to reinforce classroom activity with personal application.
Paulding’s enthusiasm continues to encourage students to put their best foot forward and achieve their goals.
The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education rewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student.
The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes’ role in development of the food industry in Hawai‘i.
Current Winners
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2002–2015 Honorees
