

University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of the Ryukyus (UR) in Okinawa, Japan, honoring his impactful contributions to international exchange and commitment to advancing education and research. Lassner was presented with the award during an international symposium on interisland sustainability at UR on November 5.
UR President Mutsumi Nishida praised Lassner’s accomplishments, stating, “We believe that your exceptional achievements exemplify the spirit of excellence and dedication that we strive to embody at our institution. We believe that your acceptance of this honorary degree will not only inspire our graduating students but also serve as a testament to the values of scholarship, innovation, and leadership that we hold dear.”
Following the award presentation, Lassner delivered a keynote address on inter-island sustainability. He shared examples of UH‘s efforts to protect Hawaiʻi’s natural environment, including using technology to manage mosquito populations to preserve pollinating bird species and habitats.
“The wisdom of the islands can also be used to address global issues,” he said, highlighting the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern science and technology.
Lassner also spoke about UH’s role in revitalizing the Hawaiian language, noting that language programs have helped grow the community of Hawaiian speakers to nearly 20,000.
“The revival of culture and tradition also leads to the revival of the pride of the Indigenous people,”he said.
During his visit to Okinawa, Lassner also met with the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, highlighting the long-standing and meaningful bond between UH and the region.
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Since establishing a sister relationship in 1988, UH and UR have built one of UH’s most active partnerships. UH helped guide the creation of UR’s law school in the early 2000s, leading to its opening in 2004. In 2006, UR sent 14 law students to UH for a two-week program, which has since grown to 50 students annually. The two universities also have active exchanges in ocean research, tourism studies, medical research and one-year student exchanges.