From left, Rep. Jerry Chang and Hawaiʻi County Councilmen Dennis “Fresh” Onishi and J Yoshimoto
Throughout my career in higher education, no time has brought me more joy and fulfillment than the commencement season. It is a time to rejoice in important student and faculty success. It is the ceremonial representation of higher education’s ability to transforms people’s lives.
The 2011 exercises also means we are some 5,000 graduates closer to our goal of increasing the number of college-educated citizens in the state. At about 9,200 degrees and certificates awarded this academic year, we’re ahead of our goal.
Jerry Chang was at the UH Hilo ceremony May 13 at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium and sent the photo above.
I also attended the Hawaiʻi Community College, John A. Burns School of Medicine and UH Mānoa advanced degree ceremonies.