University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel delivered the keynote address at the UH Maui College spring commencement ceremony on May 15, encouraging more than 250 graduates to embrace change, find joy in their journey, and stay true to themselves.
“The need for authenticity has never been more pressing than at this moment, when simply being who you are can feel like an act of defiance in a world that is often polarized and—let’s face it—sometimes mean-spirited,” Hensel said. “Play the lead in your own story, in your own way, and chart your own path forward. People will feel that, and they will respond to you.”
The ceremony, held on the UH Maui campus in Kahului, was part of Hensel’s first commencement season as president of the 10-campus UH system, a role she officially began on January 1. In addition to UH Maui, Hensel also addressed graduates at UH West Oʻahu, Kapiʻolani Community College and UH Mānoa.
