UH Hilo will move forward with Spring Commencement May 12

Henk B. Rogers

Matthew Ruiz Jr.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will be awarding over 860 degrees and certificates to students at the University’s Spring Commencement Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. at the Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for registered ADA guests, and 8 a.m. for the general public.

To better accommodate graduates’ families and friends, additional seating that was not previously available at past ceremonies will be open for general seating. Commencement will also be streamed live in the air conditioned Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu`au Hale on 799 Pi`ilani Street. The University encourages everyone to plan appropriately for what is expected to be a large crowd. In the event of an emergency, the evacuation plan for the stadium will be followed. This will require that all walkways, stairways, and exits remain clear during the ceremony. Please show aloha to all of the volunteers and employees working the event.

Henk B. Rogers, a Dutch-born video game entrepreneur and leading clean energy advocate in Hawaiʻi, will deliver the keynote address, and Matthew Ruiz Jr., a Sociology major from Wailuku, Maui, will represent the graduating class as student speaker. 

The ongoing Kilauea activity remains a serious concern for many of our 'ohana members, and we continue to care for the safety and well-being of all those affected. There is no increased health hazard on the Hilo campus due to the eruption. However, due to increased gas emissions, there is a possibility for sporadically heavier vog concentrations at times. University officials are monitoring the situation closely and participate in regular Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense briefings.