12/20/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/20/2025 18:10
Contact:
(Link to video and sound): https://go.hawaii.edu/Dj5
Contact: [email protected], (808) 490-3268
WHAT: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa--the state public higher education system's flagship campus--celebrated more than 1,000 students at its 2025 Mid-Year Commencement Ceremony.
WHEN: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9-11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center, UH Mānoa
WHO: Speakers include Amy Hill (celebrated actress with strong Hawaiʻi ties and a personal connection to UH Mānoa), student speaker Cooper Salomon (Bachelor of Science candidate in Natural Resources and Environmental Management), UH President Wendy Hensel, Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos, faculty, staff and administrators
MORE INFORMATION:
Link to video and sound: https://go.hawaii.edu/Dj5
VIDEO (1 minute, 36 seconds):
(Assorted shots of the commencement ceremony)
SOUNDBITES:
Chloe Garcia - UH Mānoa graduate (5 seconds)
"It was surreal. It was amazing. It felt like all the hard work had finally paid off."
Wendy Hensel - UH President (12 seconds)
"There is no day that I enjoy more than graduation day, and the joy in that room, you can feel it, and people are excited, and they've reached their goals and their accomplishments, and we get the privilege of celebrating with them."
Kansei Matsuzawa - UH Mānoa graduate/Rainbow Warrior kicker (10 seconds)
"It's been amazing. Hawaiʻi and UH gives me everything, opportunity, joy, and I really enjoyed my time in Hawaiʻi."