As the creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumnus Darin Scruggs brings immersive experiences to life including the World of Color water show in Anaheim, California. The iconic attraction is filled with animation, fireworks, pyrotechnics and synchronized lights.
“It was really the first time we brought storytelling into the 21st century. It’s really an amazing show and really shows the potential of what you can do with just water,” he said.
Scruggs earned a degree in sociology from UH Mānoa in 1994. He had come to Hawaiʻi from Boise, Idaho, seeking something beyond the familiar.
“I think UH‘s golden spot is just the culture,” said Scruggs. “It’s from all over the world, but mainly the Hawaiian culture, the food, the experiences. Just the way that we live in Hawaiʻi is amazing.”
As a student, Scruggs built lifelong memories in the marching band. He has fond memories of practicing on then named Cooke Field, traveling to Aloha Stadium for football games, and sharing meals with friends.
“I can go catch a game knowing I’m going to sit with the band and I’m gonna see old friends. You just come back and you’re a family again,” he said. “The band is such a special organization.”
This year, the UH Mānoa band program celebrated its centennial by exceeding its fundraising and performance goals. The program raised more than $100,000 and performed more than 110 times throughout the year. Scruggs said he is looking forward to the band’s goals for the next 100 years.
He said, “You work hard, you play hard, but you accomplish your goals.”
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