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Engaged at the UH-Manoa Graduation

By Roger Mari

HONOLULU (KHNL) -- One student received more than just a diploma at Sunday's University of Hawaii at Manoa's historical graduation ceremony.

It was the University's Centennial class. More than 1,800 students received their Bachelor's degree, and another 1,200 earned their Masters degree, but only one student received a marriage proposal.

Among the class of 2008 are KHNL News 8's very own Alyssa Navares, Miss Hawaii USA 2008 Jonelle Layfield and Graduate Addressee and aspiring comedian Jordan Savusa, whose biggest challenge during school was getting up for class.

"But when I got up I wanted to get up and then I wanted to do new things," said UH Graduate Jordan Savusa.

Chad Geis wanted to do new things too. But instead of having to get up, he had to get down, on one knee and propose to his fiancé and UH Graduate Jaime Baldwin.

"I don't even think there's words that could express what I'm feeling there's no way I just don't know what to say or think or anything I'm just so excited," said UH Graduate Jamie Baldwin.

With a little planning, a lot of help from the University, and keeping his lips sealed Chad Geis was able to pull off one of the craziest stunts a man could ever do at a college graduation.

"I had it in my mind for a little while now, and wanted it to be something special, so it just popped into my head," said Fiancé Chad Geis.

While Jamie Baldwin received her Bachelor of Arts degree, her fiancé gets a P.H.D. in romance. So, for all you bachelors who don't have a degree. This will be a hard act to follow.

"I don't have to worry about myself, because I'm done so for all you other guys I'm sorry but I had to do it," said Chad Gees.

Best wishes to the newly engaged and the rest of the University of Hawaii graduating class of 2008.

The celebration will continue Monday at Andrews Amphitheater where about 100 Law students will receive their degrees.