Board of Alumni

Melvia Choy Kawashima

Melvia Kawashima graduated from Lewis & Clark in 1965 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. Over a decade later she earned a masters of arts in Asian History from the University of Hawaii. She taught high school and college English for 6 years, joined the State Office of the Legislative Auditor as an analyst for 13 years, then the Judiciary as a court security planner for 5 years, and currently is the federal grants manager for Honolulu's Dept of Emergency Management for Homeland Security funds.

During her junior year, she traveled and studied in Greece in the college's inaugural study abroad program, and affirms its life changing experiences and life long friendships. Married to upperclassman James Kawashima (Class of 1964), she lived in Japan while Jim served in the navy during the Viet Nam war, then lived in Washington, D.C. where Jim earned his law degree. Their grown children, James, Steven, and Emily, are practicing lawyers in Honolulu. They are recent grandparents of 2 year old Emma and new born Kai Waters.

As an alumna, Melvia served as an Admission Program "ACE" for prospective and newly admitted students, enjoying the comradery of fellow Hawaii alums and energetic matriculating students. Jim continues to assist admission recruitment efforts. They live in downtown Honolulu, are active communicants at St. Andrew's Cathedral, and active tennis players.