Aloha,

From its earliest days, the University of Hawaiʻi has existed, first and foremost, for the people of Hawaiʻi. As we mark the centennial anniversary of public higher education in these islands, we take pride in those first 100 years. The University of Hawaiʻi has educated one million students, has grown from one very small house on O’ahu to ten campuses across the state, and is today a place where 1 in 12 Hawaiʻi citizens pursues their educational dreams. Student by student, family by family, through the past five generations the University of Hawaiʻi has provided the educational means to bring dreams to life.

Within Hawaiʻi, UH’s influence reaches beyond the classroom into the community. In 2006, nearly 700,000 people attended athletic events featuring UH Mānoa or UH Hilo teams. Nearly 130,000 people were entertained at a performing arts venue at Mānoa, Leeward, Windward, Hilo and Kauaʻi campuses. And about 35,000 people came to one of our campuses for a UH-sponsored workshop or lecture.

Our impact extends far beyond our shores. UH Mānoa’s Institute for Astronomy and its School of Ocean and Earth Sciences Technology are on the leading edge of discovery. The Shidler College of Business is a recognized leader in international business. Leaders from indigenous populations around the world look to UH Hilo’s example to learn how to save and perpetuate their native languages and cultures. And UH is also recognized for our work in environmental law, tropical agriculture and the understanding of Pacific and Asian cultures. Our identity remains grounded in the Native Hawaiian culture, characterized by long-held values of community and mutual respect, and the concept of ahupua’a, the sharing of resources from the mountain tops to the sea for the benefit of all.

The convergence of these strengths creates great opportunities. The Centennial Campaign enhances the University’s ability to realize those opportunities. The campaign’s goal is $250 million, and thanks to many of our alumni and friends, we have already surpassed $180 million. In these last two years of the campaign, the work of our faculty and students, the generosity of our alumni and friends, and the many opportunities to move this special University forward inspire us to achieve a successful conclusion.

If the past 100 years has taught us anything, it’s that investment in people -- students and faculty -- and their ideas creates a better world for all of us. We invite you to join us.

With aloha,

David McClain President

Barry Weinman Chair, Centennial Campaign