The Class of 2030 is adding one more coat to their wardrobe.
On August 18, 2026, first-year students gathered in the Dr. Ken, Gemie and Dr. Rachel Arakawa Auditorium to receive custom Patagonia jackets from the Arakawa family.
The Patagonia jackets, embroidered with the JABSOM logo, were gifted to the students to commemorate their hard work and dedication leading up to their medical school journey.
“These jackets represent belonging,” said Dean Sam Shomaker. “When these students wear them, I hope they feel proud to be part of our medical school and the responsibility that comes with that privilege. Wherever they wear these jackets…on campus, in the clinics, or out in the community—they represent JABSOM and the values that define us.”
In the spirit of giving back, the Arakawas received a small gift of gratitude from the students.
“We understand that these gifts represent encouragement, belief, and championing as we continue to journey toward becoming physicians,” said first-year student Erica Cheung-Weascott. “We hope to work tremendously hard to honor their investment and, each in our own way, find opportunities to represent JABSOM well and pay it forward.”
Dr. Ken Arakawa and his wife, Gemie, are proud graduates of JABSOM. Ken is a graduate of the Class of 1982 and continues to serve our state as an internal medicine physician.
Gemie is a 1979 graduate of our Medical Technology program. Their daughter, Rachel, is also a 2014 JABSOM graduate who is committed to providing quality care as an endocrinologist.
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