The CSS Dean’s Outstanding Graduating Senior Award is presented to an individual who has exemplified the college’s core values of scholarship, leadership and service. This year, we honor Justin Menina, a senior double majoring in Political Science and Economics.
Menina, a first-generation college student, achieved extraordinarily high and consistent marks in his academic studies while also working two part-time jobs. His studies, which included studying abroad in Denmark, culminated in the development of his honors project. It analyzed the sociocultural gentrification in Kakaʻako, as well as developed pathways for sustainable futures in pursuit of urban innovation.
Menina helped found the Political Science Club and hosted collaborative colloquiums. He was actively involved with several student organizations, including serving as treasurer for Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society; secretary of the Hui Poʻokela chapter of Mortar Board, a national honor society; and coordinator for IKE Green, a transdisciplinary R&D think tank that promotes Hawaii’s progression to sustainability. He also served as a CSS College Ambassador and worked tirelessly on developing Students for Sustainable Saunders, an interactive forum for innovative projects to promote sustainability and community resilience. Menina also interned in the Office of Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine, as well as the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency.
