Artist and educator Fred Soriano honored for contributions to UH Hilo, Hawai‘i CC, and Hawai‘i Island communities

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At a gathering of family, longtime friends, and former colleagues, Fred Soriano was presented with a proclamation describing the life of an accomplished artist and sociologist who gave much to his island community.

Honoree in lei, family member holds plaque.
Fred Soriano was honored for his accomplishments at an event held at UH Hilo on April 30. (Left to right) Marcia Sakai (UH Hilo Interim Chancellor), Jose Soriano (Fredʻs brother), Rachel Solemsaas (Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor), Bella Soriano (Fredʻs wife), Fred Soriano, and Natasha Soriano (Fredʻs daughter). Photos by Kevianna Adams.

Photos by Keviana Adams for UH Hilo Stories.

A former assistant professor of sociology was recently honored for his contributions to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, and the Hawaiʻi Island community at large.

Fred Soriano, who retired from Hawaiʻi CC in 2012, was presented with a proclamation from UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai and Hawaiʻi CC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas during a gathering on April 30. Soriano was presented with a framed proclamation.

Photos from the event, click for full size:

 

PROCLAMATION

By the Chancellors

WHEREAS, it is an honor to recognize Dr. Fred Soriano for his years of service to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Soriano is a former Lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Hawaiʻi Community College, and former Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Soriano dedicated over thirty years of outstanding classroom and community work in the fields of higher education and social services in the state of Hawaiʻi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Soriano has meaningfully contributed to research on Hawaiʻi’s social issues, notably migration, immigration, the end of the sugar era on Hawaiʻi Island, and educational needs of exceptional children; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Soriano has been an influential leader in the Filipino community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Soriano has contributed greatly to local and university landscapes as a remarkable artist and sculptor honoring Hawaiʻi’s people, culture, and history; and

WHEREAS, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College communities recognize the extraordinary service of Dr. Soriano in providing strong leadership in education, economics, agriculture, Hawaiian culture revitalization, sociology and social progress of Hawaiʻi Island; and

WHEREAS, the university communities extend to Dr. Soriano sincere thanks and gratitude for his years of teaching, research, and community outreach distinguished by his commitment to excellence in education, perpetuating Hawaiʻi’s history and the Hawaiian culture, and protecting Hawaiʻi Island’s ʻohana;

NOW, THEREFORE WE, MARCIA SAKAI, INTERIM CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI AT HILO, AND RACHEL SOLEMSAAS, CHANCELLOR OF HAWAIʻI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, do herby proclaim April 30, 2019, as a day of honor of

DR. FRED SORIANO

Marcia Sakai, Interim Chancellor, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Rachel Solemsaas, Chancellor, Hawaiʻi Community College

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