MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999

Hawaiian culture enjoyed by all

By Greg Hanson

On-Line Forty-Niner

Cal State Long Beach faculty and students attended the Hawaiian Luau at the Japanese Garden Tuesday evening.

It's not often that students hang out with their professors outside of the classroom. With summer just around the corner, students and faculty ditched their normal attire and donned flower leis and hula skirts for the event sponsored by the Hawaii Club and the Colleges of Liberal Arts, Health and Human Services, and Education.

"It's for the purpose of students and faculty to have some interaction in an informal way," said Cindy Hale, director of Student Life and Development. "It was supposed to be warmer, but other than that it has turned out pretty good."

Hale said that faculty members generally attend these types of events more than students. Tuesday's event, however, showed an increase in student turnout with a total of about 200 visitors.

"It's a great chance for the student organizations to get together one last time [before school is done]," said Justin Ramirez, president of the student council of the College of Liberal Arts. The event provided a relaxing environment for mingling. Students from the Hawaii Club performed hula dances and made leis while Hawaiian music played throughout the garden.

"It's nice to see all the students and faculty get together," said Dexter Cuison a business major.

Cuison, and Ned Realiza, a senior health care administration major, both enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. They especially enjoyed the free food, which included huli huli chicken, kalua pork, Hawaiian paradise cake and Hawaiian iced tea.