The Hilo community came together to welcome University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel at a special reception on February 19, at the Hilo Yacht Club. More than 150 alumni, donors, UH faculty, family and friends gathered to connect with the new president and strengthen their UH ties.
Hosted by the UH Foundation, the event was a celebration of UH Hilo’s deep-rooted community connections and an opportunity for Hensel to engage directly with those who support and believe in the university’s mission.
“Tonight I invite you to work with me and play offense not defense, and to tell the powerful story of academic excellence that’s here,” Hensel said. “We are the most powerful engine for opportunity, for discovery, and for innovation in this state, and I’m incredibly proud to have our partners here today.”
The evening featured remarks from UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin, Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama, Board of Regents Chair Gabe Lee and Hawaiʻi County Regent Mike Miyahira. The event underscored the strong sense of partnership between UH leadership and the Hilo community.
“Our university is so lucky and fortunate to have Wendy as our president,” said Miyahira. “Our university and our communities are now faced with new challenges, and I am confident that Wendy will help us navigate these turbulent waters and help us take UH to the next level.”
As a sweet touch, attendees left with locally made treats from Big Island Delights, a family-owned business run by UH alumni.
