LIFETIME OF LOVE FOR LINGUISTICS

Left to right: UHF Kathy Nelson joins Dr. Harumi and Dr. Sachiko Tanaka, as they present UHF President Donna Vuchinich with their gift.

"This is a substantial addition to the endowed fund that enhances the ability of graduate students in the Department of Linguistics to carry out their basic research.

This gift will help more students each year in their research activity and in the reporting of their results through attendance at both national and international conferences."

Dr. Bender, Professor Emeritus of Linguitics

A surprise visit from two world recognized Doctors of Linguistics turned a regular Monday morning at Univerisy of Hawaiʻi Foundation, into a most memorable one.

Dr’s Sachiko and Harumi Tanaka calmly walked into the UH Foundation headquarters and hand-delivered a check for $30K to benefit the Department of Linguistics endowment.

While the Tanakas live in Japan, Hawaiʻi holds a very special place in their hearts. It is where Mrs Dr. Tanaka received her Phd in Linguistics, and where they were married.

Over the years, the Tanakas have returned to UH, in many different capacities. It was here that they worked together, editing, and researching a dictionary of linguistics, which today resides in Hamilton Library.

The Tanaka’s love of linguistics has served many; from the students they have educated, to the research they have done. This recent financial gift will build on their legacy and enhance the world-recognized department as they expand on their expertise in linguistics and language preservation.