University of the Ryukyus awards honorary degrees to UH Mānoa officials

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and Center for Japanese Studies’ Director Robert Huey have received honorary doctorates from the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa for “outstanding academic and educational contributions in the advancement of international exchange.”  The honorary degrees were awarded last Friday at the University of the Ryukyus’ 60th anniversary celebration of its founding.

 

Asked to address the gathering, Chancellor Hinshaw noted that the Center for Okinawan Studies, established two years ago on the UH Mānoa campus, is the only one of its kind outside of Japan. “The Center emphasizes the global role of the Okinawan people—not only in Hawai‘i and as part of Japan, but also in Asia and internationally,” she said.

 

Among the special events attended by Chancellor Hinshaw was a special dinner for UH Mānoa and East-West Center alumni now living in Okinawa. Chancellor Hinshaw also discussed Okinawa-Hawai‘i relations with Okinawa Prefecture Governor Hirokazu Nakaima. They exchanged gifts: a Hawaiian koa wood paddle and an Okinawan lacquer plate.