UH Hilo Fall 2021 Commencement Celebration Congratulatory Messages to Graduates

Message From U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono

In honor of the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Fall Commencement

December 18, 2021

Aloha and congratulations to the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Class of 2021. I join your family and friends in recognizing you on your well-deserved success.

I know the path to this commencement has not been an easy one, which makes your achievement today even more remarkable, especially because it is the first in-person commencement since the start of the pandemic. Though I am sure this is not what you imagined the end of your time at UH Hilo would look like, I applaud your dedication that has brought you all here to this moment.

Today marks a crucial milestone in your journey, but even more important is your path forward. As you consider your future, I hope that you continue to follow your passions and pursue your dreams with purpose and conviction. I also encourage you to find the unique ways that you can take action and bring about change in your communities. No matter what path you take, I know the future will be brighter with your generation leading the way.

Mahalo to the administrators, faculty, and staff of UH Hilo for all that you have done to help these students succeed. I wish the graduating class the very best, and look forward to hearing about your many accomplishments.

Aloha,

Mazie K. Hirono
United States Senator

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo 2021 Fall Semester Graduation

December 18, 2021

Aloha to everyone celebrating the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s 2021 Fall Graduation. I join the teachers, mentors, and UH Hilo Community in commending these students on this significant achievement.

To the graduates – Congratulations. While the past two years have been characterized by the many unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, you all have persevered. Your experience as a student was unconventional, but you adapted and grew as problem solvers and critical thinkers. During your time at UH Hilo, you have also developed your own unique skills and abilities and built meaningful relationships. I hope that you will use the many resources you have gained to make a positive impact on the people and things about which you are passionate. You will make a real difference in our future.

Today is not only a celebration for you but is also an opportunity to thank your family, friends, and the rest of your support system who helped you get here. You all deserve to be proud of this moment, and I wish you the best for a memorable celebration.

Mahalo,

Brian Schatz

United States Senator

December 2021

Aloha University of Hawai‘i Hilo Fall Graduating Class of 2021:

I am honored to be able to take part in commending our UH Hilo graduates.

Congratulations on your well-deserved success in accomplishing a major milestone in your life. No matter what profession you will be entering, represent your grassroots and do well, but most importantly, enter the world and strive for the greater good in supporting your communities.

I leave you with a quote from Michelle Obama – “It is absolutely still possible to make a difference.”

Congratulations again and mahalo for all of what you have accomplished. Best,

Senator Lorraine R. Inouye

Hawaii Senate District 4: Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, Kona

Message from Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi

It is with great honor and privilege that I extend my warmest Aloha and congratulations to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s graduating class of Fall 2021.

Although digital learning and social distancing brought on by the pandemic may have negatively impacted your expected collegiate experience, you have displayed an ability to adapt, exercised great patience, and demonstrated considerable tenacity to attain your degree.

As a college graduate, you stand on the precipice of endless opportunities and adventures. As you embark on your life’s journey, it is my hope that you vigorously and resolutely pursue your dreams and aspirations, since you have clearly exhibited the necessary strength of character to achieve your goals.

Congratulations on your accomplishments and best wishes in your future endeavors. With Warmest Aloha,

Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Hawaii State Senate

8th Senatorial District – Kauai and Niihau

Aloha Class of 2021,

Hoʻomaikaʻi on this momentous occasion! All of your hard work and tenacity has brought you to this moment in your life.

In addition to all the usual challenges of school, you had the added burden of earning your degree during a global pandemic. You were faced with the unexpected and you faced it head-on. Your accomplishments are all the more remarkable in light of the obstacles you’ve had to navigate to reach your graduation day, and you are all the more prepared for your future because you have learned to successfully adapt and to overcome the unexpected. I know I’m not alone when I say how proud of you I am, and you should be extremely proud of yourself as well.

May the lessons you learned on this journey carry you through the next chapter of your life. I wish you great success in pursuing your goals and dreams, and feel great hope knowing that the future for all of us is now in your hands.

Warmest congratulations on your graduation,

Representative Nicole Lowen
State of Hawaiʻi, House District 6

Aloha to the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences; Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language; College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management; College of Natural and Health Sciences; College of Pharmacy and College of Business and Economics.

On behalf of the members and leadership of the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations on your achievements and well-earned commendations. You were educated in a community whose foundation was based on its diversity, on people and businesses supporting and strengthening one another, and its resilience in the face of adversity. Hold on to these attributes as you step into your careers and help make our community stronger.

How can you help? Volunteer and share a little time for the sake of someone else. Anyone can serve. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

Think of some professionals, or maybe mentors you admire from our community. They likely not only excel in their jobs or professions, but probably find free time to volunteer and give of themselves. It may be with a local non-profit organization such as the Food Basket or Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, a professional business group like a chamber of commerce or a building contractors association, or by joining service organizations like Rotary or Kiwanis. The list is never-ending.

Volunteer work not only plays a key role in the day-to-day functioning of social services within our community, but it also importantly promotes social interaction and helps develop better understanding and collaboration between volunteers. Volunteering is an exceptional way of building your network with like-minded individuals and professionals as you build your careers.

Take this challenge to make a difference for others, help us cultivate opportunities for our upcoming generations and make our island a better place to live and raise our families.

Sincerely,

Miles Yoshioka,
Executive Officer