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Message from the Chancellor: Mahalo for your warm welcome

I look forward to the follow up conversations and actions we will share.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Bonnie Irwin
Bonnie D. Irwin

As I finish my first week as chancellor here at UH Hilo, I have been energized by the warm welcome I have received, and the dedication of our staff and faculty to the success of our students and our institution. I am grateful that so many of you were able to attend the kīpaepae for Marcia and me. It certainly was an experience I will never forget. My mother watched it on live stream, too!

I have been spending my first few days in meetings, as this is what chancellors seem to do more than anything else, but I have also been doing a lot of reading—budgets, reports, evaluations, policies, etc. Perhaps the most important document I have been reading is the Pre-planning Evidence Report for a Future UH Hilo Strategic Plan. Mahalo to everyone who participated in the monthly questions, focus groups and other communications with Kathleen over the last few months. The document is a great portrait of our values, our concerns, and our collective hopes and dreams for the future. I encourage you to read all or part of it as you have time in the coming weeks. I look forward to the follow up conversations and actions we will share.

In fall, we will continue building the future of this great university together.

Best wishes,

Bonnie

 

Header photo: University Classroom Building, July 4, 2019, via @bonnieirwin on Twitter.

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