October 8, 2012

UHWO Faculty, Staff and Students:

Tonight on the 6:00 p.m. news, Keoki Kerr of Hawaii New Now will be reporting on my intention to retire at the end of the current academic year. Because of that, I wanted you to hear it from me first.

After 30 years in academia and since returning to Hawaii, my goal was always to get the new UHWO campus built and opened and to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees. All of this is consistent with the vision that state leaders had for UHWO nearly four decades ago when they first envisioned a regional campus for this part of Oahu. As you all know, on August 20th of this year, that goal was achieved and I feel the timing is now right to move on to the next phase of my life.

The 36-year journey for UHWO has never been an easy one even before the construction of the Kapolei campus began. But what I have probably admired most about the UHWO community is the willingness of faculty and staff to persevere, to think outside of the box to serve our students and to focus not on the criticism from others but on the charge we are tasked with: providing a quality higher education to residents of leeward and north shore Oahu.

It has been a tremendous honor to work with such a dedicated and committed group of individuals and to meet so many fascinating students whose goals and aspirations assure that the future of Hawaii is in good hands. I know that when I step down next year, this campus and its students will be in good hands.

Warm regards,

Gene I. Awakuni
Chancellor