Grad Univ of Pacific 1977

University President Stan McCaffrey presented my diploma and YMCA Youth Service Award in 1977. My B.A. degree was in Recreation, Youth Agency Administration and my first job was at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, WA. I had changed majors from the Conservatory of Music after attending a lecture about American Humanics, an organization that prepares students for careers at youth agencies.

I kept my music going by entertaining at the college coffee house in a roommate act with my Jewish roommate who taught me to sing in Yiddish and I taught her to sing hapa haole songs so I could dance hula. I also performed in a group of 4 doing Polynesian shows at a local Castaways Restaurant.

(Photo taken at the University of Pacific campus in Stockton, CA, 1977.)

by Mele Fong

Mele Fong is a professional singer, song arranger, and master of multiple strumming styles for the 'ukulele. She is an experienced educator with over 50+ years experience playing the 'ukulele and entertaining worldwide. Mele performs with her husband in the duo "The Hawaiian Serenaders" and leads student groups. In 1996, the duo represented the State of Hawai'i in concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Mele and her husband Richard Tom were both born and raised on Oahu and now reside in Maui.