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Psychology Student, Diana Fries

Diana Fries

Psychology major, Diana Fries (BA 2007), is currently in the Forensic Psychology doctoral program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.  Diana is from Germany, a President’s Host, and graduated a semester ahead of schedule with approximately a 3.9 GPA (and 4.0 in her PSY courses).  Diana was a regular and visible participant in functions sponsored by the Psychology Program and Psychology Club.  A member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society for Psychology, she was also an officer in HPU’s German Student Association.   

In 2007, Ms. Fries began accumulating valuable clinical and community experiences.  While spending the summer in Germany, she interned with a clinician, working with children, helping to implement the WISC-III and therapeutic treatments with a population with math, reading, and writing problems, as well as children with anxiety disorders including phobias.  In fall 2007, she was enrolled in our senior capstone Counseling and Community Practicum, volunteering many hours at the Community Assistance Center here in Honolulu.


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HPU’s Own Miss Hawai'i Finishes in Miss America Top 10

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photo courtesy Rick Bernico

Making it to the top 10 finalists in the Jan. 29 Miss America pageant held in Las Vegas, few students are busier than HPU business management junior Pilialoha Gaison.

Crowned Miss Hawai‘i in June 2006, 23-year old Gaison has danced in the “Creation–A Polynesian Journey” show at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel for the past seven years. But for the last few months, she had also been preparing for the Miss America competition, where she represented the 50th state.

In a typical day, Gaison says, “I get up in the morning, check my schedule on-line, make a few phone calls to my directors, do some promotional work like photo shoots or greetings, then I dance in the show and call it a day.”

While many of her days are spent working out with a personal trainer, meeting with a speech and delivery coach, and keeping up to date on current events happening throughout the country, Gaison says, first and foremost, she is the Official Honorary Hostess for the State of Hawai‘i.

“It is my duty to be the ambassador of Aloha not only for our visitors but for our residents as well,” she says. “Miss Hawai‘i is a role model for young women, an advocate for higher education, and a citizen with a commitment to community service.”

Throughout the year, Gaison has spent much of her time working with programs such as Muscular Dystrophy, Prevent Child Abuse, and Special Olympics, as well as promoting her platform, Youth Leadership Education.

“My platform is based on the idea that we, as a society, need to create a solid foundation for leadership education in our nation’s youth,” says Gaison. “This foundation will give them a better understanding in what qualities and characteristics they should be looking for those they choose to pattern themselves after.

With all the responsibilities that come with representing the Aloha State, Gaison has decided to continue her education after her reign is over.

“After being crowned Miss Hawai‘i, I realized that I would not be able to give 100% of my concentrated efforts to both tasks set before me,” she adds. “In order to be the best representative or the best student I can be, I needed to deal with one thing at a time. This year I chose to focus on being a role model and representative for the state of Hawai‘i.”

Throughout the long days and busy evenings, Gaison is enjoying this unique chance to better herself.

“Thus far, it has been fabulous,” she admits. “It’s a great opportunity to meet people, build relationships, and market yourself and Hawai‘i.”
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