The Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce featured two University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo conservation researchers and a college dean at a “Business After Hours” event held on campus March 5th. The event, “Listening to Animals: Mauka to Makai,” celebrated community-based collaborative work made possible through educational partnerships between the university and local organizations.
“I was delighted that UH Hilo was able to host another Chamber after hours event,” says UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin who attended the event. “Our faculty do such important work in and with our community, and it is wonderful to have an opportunity to share it beyond those directly involved.”
Special guest presenters were Assistant Professor of Marine Science Steve Doo and Professor of Biology Patrick Hart, both based at the College of Natural and Health Sciences. The dean of the college, Simon Kattenhorn, also gave a presentation about the college.
Helping host the event was Julie Mowrer, acting director for UH Hilo’s Center for Community Engagement.
“Our UH Hilo faculty, staff and students are doing amazing work with community partners to build thriving communities and address problems,” says Mowrer. “But it’s not enough to do the work, it needs to be shared with others to build trust in and understanding of UH Hilo’s commitment to our community.”
“We aren’t just educating students, but working alongside our community members to address complex issues with research and teach students to become engaged citizens who have the skill set and mindset to create positive change,” she adds.
Last year, for the chamber’s ongoing “Business After Hours” series of events, the community-engaged work happening at UH Hilo’s College of Business and Economics was featured. The chamber plans to feature a different UH Hilo college each year.