First student convocation at UH Hilo a rousing success

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, (808) 974-7642
Director, Media Relations, University Relations
Posted: Aug 19, 2009

Over 400 new students and their families took part Tuesday in the first-ever Student Convocation at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center.

The event, part of Fall Orientation and the brainchild of the Task Force on New Student Programs, is designed to be a bookend to Commencement. The new students gathered as an entering class to meet their faculty and deans at the beginning of their collegiate experience, as they do upon graduation.

“The Student Convocation was successful beyond our expectations,” said Chancellor Rose Tseng, who welcomed the new students to UH Hilo. “It was an opportunity for the students to celebrate their entrance into the University, as well as to reflect upon their very real commitment to strive for academic excellence.”

Students were introduced, college by college, to their respective deans. The student body president then led students in a pledge of commitment. UH Hilo administrators then expressed their expectations to the new students and impressed upon them the importance of the educational journey they are about to take.

“I believe the ceremonial nature of the Convocation provides the new students with a preview of the excitement and the accomplishment they will feel upon achieving the goal of graduation,” Tseng said.