Aloha mai kākou,
We certainly feel the changing of the seasons here in Hawaiʻi. The wind is blowing more, the air is cooler, and the waves are growing on the north shore! We saw Makali‘i rise a few weeks ago which marked the beginning of Makahiki season, a time of peace, relaxation, celebration, and renewal.
Some of you may have also celebrated Dia de los Muertos, The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, Eid Milad Un Nabi, Bodhi Day, and Lā Kū‘oko‘a. In the upcoming weeks many of you will also celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. While this list is not exhaustive, it is a reminder that this time of year is indeed a time of celebration and thanksgiving.
As families big and small are making plans to visit each other, often counting their blessings together, we too as the UH Mānoa ‘ohana are pausing to give thanks. We are especially grateful to all of our students who continue to strive for excellence and make Hawaiʻi and the world a better place, to our entire team of employees who are committed to making UH Mānoa the best flagship campus ever, and to our alumni and community supporters who continue to make us proud and lift us up.
As we close this year and reflect, it is difficult to forget the amazing Worldwide Voyage of Hōkūle‘a and her safe return home in the summer. Her message, “Mālama Honua” reminds all of us of our kuleana to help take care of each other so that we can collectively care for island earth. As we move forward into the new year, let us carry that spirit with us into all we do.
Happy holidays. Be safe as you connect with loved ones, and we look forward to our amazing work in 2018!
Aloha,
David Lassner