New book by Kormondy published

kormondyAccomplished author Dr. Edward J. Kormondy ’50 has a new book in publication, a history chronicling the first 40 years of the University of Hawaii – West O’ahu.

“University of Hawaii – West O’ahu: The First Forty Years, 1996-2006,” is a 130-page book that provides a history of the first 40 years of the university, from the time of its conception by legislature action in 1966 to the failure of the legislature to provide funding to begin Phase I of the Kapolei campus in 2006.  The book also includes a short postscript highlighting the subsequent period up to the groundbreaking and ground blessing that took place in January 2009.

The history conveys the personal dimension of the institution as a living entity through interviews, records what happened and when and the impact of those events and also provides researchers whose interests lie in the development of higher education institutions with a well-documented story. Thus, Kormondy has created a history that is episodic, idiosyncratic and highly personalized while also conveying the spirit, élan and dynamism of a still emerging institution of higher learning.

Dr. Kormondy was chancellor of the University of Hawaii – West O’ahu from 1986 to 1993 and simultaneously served in the same position as the University of Hawaii- Hilo.  In addition to his work with the University of Hawaii system, he has served in administrative and/or academic roles at the University of Michigan, Oberlin College, the University of Pittsburgh, Evergreen State College, the University of Southern Maine and California State University-Los Angeles.

The book is the latest work for Dr. Kormondy who has written and edited textbooks in biology. He was co-author of a similar history of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Dr. Kormondy has also authored, “Nine University Presidents Who Saved Their Institutions: The Difference in Effective Administration.” The book includes information about former Tusculum President Dr. Robert Knott.

Dr. Kormondy continues to provide leadership for his Alma Mater. He is currently vice chair of the Tusculum Board of Trustees. He also served as a temporary acting president of the College in the summer of 2007.