This message was shared with the students of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on August 26, 2022.
Aloha UH students,
Whether this is your first semester or your last year with us, welcome to the start of a new academic year. It is a bittersweet time for me, as I prepare to retire in December after 47 years working at UH.
Let us all give an especially warm welcome to the more than 130 students joining us from the Lahainaluna High School class of 2024. We couldn’t be prouder that they are taking the next important step toward their futures with us at a UH campus.
I have to acknowledge that Commencement is my favorite time of year. But the start of a new school year is a close second—full of excitement, energy and endless possibilities. Please know that no matter which campus you are attending, you are joining a community ready to educate, support and nurture you. And your active participation is what makes our campus communities thrive.
Look for opportunities to get involved, attend campus events and be engaged. A UH campus is the perfect place to expand your horizons, make new friends and step out of your comfort zone. Your campus is not just a place for learning, it’s a place for personal growth and new experiences. Please take advantage of all that UH has to offer you. And should you find yourself facing academic or personal difficulties, please do not hesitate to reach out to an advisor, counselor, or student support staff for assistance.
I feel especially honored and privileged to have led our ten UH campuses for these past eleven years. I am incredibly proud of the work of our remarkable faculty and staff to provide nurturing environments that support student learning, inquiry and your development as Hawaiʻi’s future citizens and leader. But it is you, our students, who have made my lifelong career in higher education so rewarding. Your passion, perseverance and success have been the driving force behind our collective achievements.
Have a great semester!
E mālama pono,
David Lassner
UH President
