UH Hilo Spring 2022 Commencement Celebration Personal Messages

I would like to firstly thank Professor Grady Weyenberg who sacrificed an instructional day to have our Elementary Math Statistics class attend a teaching demo on data science during my undergraduate studies. It piqued my curiosity in the field and ultimately led me to re-enroll with UH Hilo to complete the data science certificate program. An additional "thank you" to Professor Mike Peterson and Professor Travis Mandel for your expertise, humor and excellent instruction. As a person who started out with no programming experience, doing the coursework and learning real world applications has been a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. May the future hold great things for all of us!
— Jade Makamae Farmer

THANK YOU to every professor that I've had the honor of knowing and working with, especially in the English, Communications, and Art Departments. Every class that I've completed has challenged me to be a better person, and I am so very grateful for the hard work that you all do.

Lastly, and most importantly, MAHALO NUI to my 'ohana and friends for everything that you've endured with me.

WE MADE IT!
— Kaʻiulani Leialoha Carvalho Matsumoto

I would like to thank the Professors that I've had an opportunity to study with here at UH Hilo. Through their compassionate and inclusive teaching styles, I have excelled both academically and personally.
— Natasha A. Lawrence

I am also thankful for my professors who instilled the knowledge in me and to UH Hilo of Nursing for making my dream possible.
— Jovelia A. Repullo

A big thank you to my professors & classmates! Thank you for the laughter, support & guidance.
— Lauren N. Miho

I am an exchange student from Japan. I'm nearing the conclusion of my two semesters of study abroad, which I spent with the support of everyone around me, earning my TESOL certification while having the fun of my life. I'd like to express my gratitude to my professors, the International Student Office, my friends, and everyone else who helped. My favorite ʻŌlelo Noʻeau is “ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi. (All knowledge is not learned in one school.)”. What I learned at the University of Hawaii will benefit me for the rest of my life. Mahalo nui loa.
— Tomoka Yarita

Biggest Mahalo to UH Hilo’s very own International Student Director: Jim Mellon. Thank you & your office for always coming through for the international students and going out of your ways to help us. Truly appreciated <3
— Griza S. Perez

SO MUCH GRATITUDE to the students I had the privilege to get to know while interning at UH Hilo's counseling center this past year.. I am going to miss you all so much, and probably see you around in the community!

SO MUCH LOVE & THANKS to my family on the mainland as well as my hānai family on island for their love and support these past two years as well as being my main pod squad during the pandemic. (Including my dogs, of course.)

MAHALO NUI LOA to all of the amazing professors in the Counseling Psychology department along with my talented, inspiring, quirky, and steadfast cohort; the past two years just wouldn't have been as enjoyable with anyone else! I look forward to our career (and lives) overlapping as we do good work in Hilo and beyond!
— Samantha Rae Bailo

I'd also like to thank all my professors and lecturers throughout my years in the marine science program for continuously growing my knowledge and interest in the ocean.
— McKenna Yanmiao Green

My three years spent in Hilo were an such influential time of change. I am forever grateful for the support of my community- the many early surf sessions, nightly fish fries, and sunset runs truly kept me going when times were hard. Receiving this Master's feels like so much more than a degree. It is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the knowledge that it is never too late to change your life. Mahalo nui loa to the many mentors and friends who took me in as family and lifted me up!
— Rebecca Jane Ward

I would like to thank my family, classmates, and all my professors for their support throughout my time spent at University of Hawaii at Hilo. With out their support, life would be very difficult during those times. Something I have learned is that everyone you come across on a daily basis will leave some sort of influence on you whether it is a negative or positive influence. Which makes UH Hilo a wonderful place to study because the small class settings allows for better relationships between your classmates. Some of my best memories are of the times we would study together in the lab testing our skills in identifying rocks but also having jokes and good talks.
— David Gilberto Quinones

Thank you to my friends and family- Mom, Dad, Lauryn, Alan, JoJo, and Grandma for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporting me throughout my undergraduate career. Mahalo to Coach Jaime, the cross country team, and athletic staff for giving me the opportunity to run and represent UH Hilo on the cross country course. A huge thank you to all my professors and mentors I've met along the way at UH Hilo for teaching and encouraging me to get where I am today. I could not have made it to graduation without you all! Mahalo!
— Olivia Maya Jarvis

This has been a journey where I've met wonderful friends, colleagues, and mentors. Mahalo to my professors for sharing their knowledge and experience. Mahalo to my friends for being companions on the adventure. Mahalo to my family for their support from home.

And mahalo especially to my wife, Paris, without whom none of this would be possible.
— Abel Nicolas Alvarez

Thank you to Mom, Dad, Aunty Beth-Ann, and my family for supporting me on this journey. I appreciate you all more than you'll ever know. To my coaches, thank you for helping me grow as a baseball player, a teammate, and an individual. I would like to shoutout the Miyake and Yamauchi families for showing me what it is truly like to live in Hilo. To my teammates, thank you for taking me in and treating me like a brother, I have so many memories that will last forever. I am eternally grateful to the great professors I've had here at UH Hilo. Especially to Dr. Shuey, Dr. Perroy, and Dr. Platz for writing an ungodly amount of recommendations. Lastly, thank you to my roommates for being my Dads.
— Aaron Clifton Kellner Wehrman

To my Hilo 'Ohana, thank you for your kindness and unwavering support. Thanks for creating a home away from home these past four years. It will have a lasting impact on the rest of my life.
To my family, thank you for all the sacrifices and guidance because I wouldn't be where I am today without you. No amount of "thank yous" will suffice, but I appreciate the varieties of support that gave me the strength to preserve. I love you!
To the friends I have met, thank you for all the laughs, memories, and adventures. I will cherish you forever.
And to myself, high-five for booking that one way ticket a few years back. Best decision ever!
— Alexandria Shaylynn Parisian

Mahalo to family and friends for supporting me throughout my educational journey at UH Hilo. I would like to extend my gratitude to the professors at COBE for guiding me during my undergraduate degree.
— Gage Nohea Matsumoto

Mahalo to all my ohana, fellow peers, friends and UH Hilo staff that helped make this possible. Also, mahalo to myself for putting in the work and time. Anything with a little hard work and dedication will be paid off in the future. Can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
— Julia Rose McGann

I would like to thank my family especially my Mom and Dad for always supporting me and putting up with my crying through every final. My sister and cousin for always being there when I needed somebody to talk to. My grandparents for always grounding me and making me remember why I was working so hard. I would also like to thank my friends for going on this crazy ride with me. Being away from family is always hard but they became my family and the people I could rely on. I would like to thank all my professors for sharing their amazing knowledge. I would especially like to thank Dr. Platz for giving me a chance and helping me find my passion. I will leave you with a quote from Aristotle. "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."
— Alyssa-Jade M Riglos

College was not easy, and I am thankful that I have a supportive family that provided me with encouragements and reasons to keep persevering. To my family, I could have not done this without you! Thank you for your unending love and support! This one is for you!

To my professors, clinical instructors, and clinical preceptors, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise! I will utilize everything that I have learned from you to become a safe and amazing nurse!

As I look back on my time spent at UH Hilo, I realize how fortunate I am to share this wonderful journey with an amazing group of nursing students who understood and supported each other! Thank you to my fellow nursing students for making this journey as fun and memorable as possible! Now, let’s go save lives!
— Rod Neil A. Burbano

I want to give my special thank you to my mother "Lita" who helped & pushed me throughout my nursing school. Mom, I finally earned my BSN degree!
Also, Thank you to aunty Rose, my cousin Alma and Leah, who have supported me since day one. I did it!
Of course, my classmates, friends, and coworkers. You guys made it so much easier than I thought. Thank you for your endless understanding.
Lastly, Thank you to my professors, especially Dr. Centeio, Dr. Akau, Prof. Elisala, and Prof. Moran for making this learning memorable.
Congratulations my fellow graduates!!! We made it!
— Ruel G. Ganitano

I am so grateful for all the people who have supported me throughout these past four years. Without you, my family, I would not have succeeded on my journey of enlightenment.
— Danika Denise Hi'ilani Viluan

I would like to thank UH Hilo for giving me the opportunity to be able to continue my education and play the sport that I love. Thank you to my family for being my number one supporters and for all the love I have received throughout this journey. I am thankful for my parents for all their sacrifices and there is no better way to show my appreciation by graduating for them.
— Skylar Kamaleikipola Kaulu Thomas

I would like to thank my family especially my mom and dad for always pushing me to achieve the best I can be and never letting me give up and to my friends for always supporting me through this journey of mine, also to my sociology professors who worked extra hard to help me and the other students with our classes and get to this point of graduation! And to my girlfriend for always being by my side supporting me, and last but never least I would like to thank my grandma who recently passed, for always believing in me and supporting me through all life has thrown at me, this one is for you grandma!
— Kaylyn June Cassidy Perry

Mahalo nui to everyone who I have cross paths with on my college journey. I owe my achievement to everyone from my community who have always supported me in all my endeavors. I want to mahalo my family for being patient with me and giving me the confidence to take on this chapter in my life. I am so grateful to Professor Shuey for teaching me the art of asking questions and encouraging me to take risks. I also want to mahalo Noa Lincoln for giving me the opportunity to take part in meaningful research and meet passionate individuals. Lastly, I would like to honor our kūpuna for all their sacrifices so we can thrive.
— Caitlin Kawaiaea

*Mahalo Ke Akua for your Love and Guidance . . . I couldn’t have done it without you by my side!! These past six years have truly been an experience I will treasure – I’ve made new friends and new memories, and they will forever be with me through life’s journey – so very grateful for them, yes you know who you are and I love every one of you!!

To ALL my Professors. Thank you for all your encouragement and wisdom. Without it, it wouldn’t have been possible!*
— Noreen Kehaulani Kaloi

I have grown tremendously as a leader and as a community contributor whilst serving in various campus functions and student organizations. From serving as chair for the Board of Media Broadcasting, president of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology UH Hilo Chapter, all the way to serving in the UH Hilo Committee for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I have gained the necessary experiences that will propel me further into my work in Hilo.

I want to thank all my mentors, advisors, and professors who believed in me. Your support is much appreciated.
— Kuʻuhiapo Kahilihiwa Villareal Jeong

The UH Hilo’s Psychology department professors are truly amazing. I can’t thank you enough. Heuer. B.Kim. Vladi. Higa-McMillan. S.Kim

Amazing community members, especially the wonderful staff at Waiakea HS. DeMello, Arasato, Bright-Poai.

My family who have been the greatest support. My mom who always praised my hard work, my dad always reminded me to relax. My sister for picking me up when I’m down. My brother for showing me that anything is possible with hard work. My fiancé for sacrificing so much to help put me through school. My children for helping me to want more in this life, not for me but for them and their future.

And so so many others.

This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without each one of you. I truly thank you and I can’t wait to see what’s nex
— Abcde Leimomi Kupa Matias

Aloha! I began my journey at UH Hilo in 2016 as a freshman pursuing a degree in Psychology. I graduated with my BA in 2019 and will now be graduating with my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My journey through Hilo has been filled with valuable life lessons, the formation of life-long relationships and countless of beautiful memories of this place and the people here. Mahalo nui UH Hilo for being such a major part of my life journey!
— Tatiana De La Cruz

I would like to express a heartfelt gratitude to my nursing classmates, professors, family, friends, co-workers, and my special one for being with me on this journey to earning my bachelor's degree in nursing. Their support has been instrumental into helping me to achieve one of my life goals. This accomplishment means the world to me and I am so happy to have been guided by the best support group ever. Because of all of you, I will strive to become the greatest nurse that I can be. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
— Arielle Tasha Magaoay Bagcal

I wish to thank UH Hilo, the State of Hawaii, and Dr Susan Jarvi for allowing me to work on rat lungworm disease. Its been an honor to come from a foreign land (India) and to serve the Hawaiian cummunity.
— John Jacob

ʻAuhea ʻoukou e nā hoa makamaka, e nā hunaahi a ka naʻauao e hoʻā ai ke ahi a ka naʻau e mālamalama mau ai i ke ala kūpuna no nā pua kaulana o kēia au hou, aloha pumehana kākou! To my ʻOhana, mahalo for the unconditional love and unwavering support as I continued on this college journey. To my friends, who helped me to enjoy life and motivated me through this journey to continue to strive to be the best version of myself for not only our families but our lāhui and our ʻāina. To my Marine Science professors, who helped me develop as a well-rounded scientist; and to my Kumu and mentors who guided and helped to reconnect back to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, my roots as a kānaka Hawaiʻi and instilled many life lessons, knowledge, and wisdom to help me to develop into a stronger kāna
— Sheldon Takeshi Keoni-Kawikaonalani Rosa

Thank you to my family, friends, and professors for helping me get to where I am today!
— Zyrill Dayne T. Dela Cruz

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” - Jimmy Dean

Much mahalo to ALL of my family, friends, Campus Center co-workers, and Professors for supporting me during my time as a student at UH Hilo. I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you!

Chelsea Dumo
— Chelsea Marie Dumo

I WANT TO THANK MY PROFESSORS, ADVISORS, MENTORS AND DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES FOR BEING PATIENT AND SHARING LESSONS WITH ME. I WOULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR GUIDANCE AND HELP. YOU NEVER GAVE UP TRYING TO TEACH ME WHAT I NEEDED, TO BE PREPARED FOR MY FUTURE CAREER, SO YEAY. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT JOURNEY! TO MY GOOD FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES, THANK YOU FOR THE DRAMAS AND FUN MEMORIES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE COLLEGE. IT WAS GREAT KNOWING ALL OF YOU AND YOUR KINDNESS. I ALSO WANT TO THANK A FEW GOOD PEOPLE THAT HELPED ME FIND MY WAY AROUND AND SHOWED KINDNESS IN HELPING ME WHEN I FIRST MOVED HERE UNTIL TODAY. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SOFTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL FOR MAKING SOME OF MY DAYS ONE LESS LONELY DAY.
— Crystal Marie Ezekias

Thank you to all my professors, advisors, family, friends, and especially my parents. Thank you for always believing in me. I DID IT!
— Josephine Lalita

Thank you to everyone who made this journey so memorable and fun! I am so grateful for all of the friends I've made and support I've received along the way. Mahalo nui
— Alina Rosa Alvarado

My English professor once told me, “Your future does not define where you came from”, which I still carry within me until today. Thank you Dr. Seri Luangphinith for your words of wisdom! - Micheal Angelo Sagun
— Micheal Angelo Sagun