The end of the academic year is a time of celebration and my special time to express deep appreciation to the UH Hilo ‘ohana. Thanks to each of you for always striving to achieve the best teaching and learning environment for our students.

At this time of year, we honor campus colleagues and local community members for exemplary service and dedication to our university. Please join me in congratulating the following people for their commendable achievements.

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June 2005

• Four UH Hilo students receive the prestigious UH Presidential Scholarship. Marla Garcia, biology major; Heather Kaluna, astronomy major; Branden Lohrey, natural science major; and Faye Plescia, psychology major. The four, along with six others from throughout the 10-campus UH system, are selected by the UH Board of Regents. Each has a grade point average of 3.7 or better, a record of sustained academic progress, and has attained superior academic achievement or creative endeavor. The students receive a full tuition waiver for two years of undergraduate study, $4,000 a year, and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

July 2005

• William Steiner is appointed dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. Previously, Steiner served as director of the Pacific Islands Ecosystems Research Center in Honolulu. Born in Hawai‘i, Steiner was adjunct associate professor at the University of Missouri from 1986-1995 and adjunct professor at UH M?noa from 1995. He is an associate in research with the Bishop Museum and serves on the State of Hawai‘i Endangered Species Review Committee.

• Marcia Sakai, UH Hilo professor of tourism and economics, is appointed dean of the recently established College of Business and Economics. Previously, she served as director of the college, director of the School of Business Administration, and chair of the Division of Business and Economics at UH Hilo. Under her leadership, the new college receives accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the worldwide hallmark of excellence. Out of the 482 business schools with accreditation, only 34 prior to UH Hilo are undergraduate-only programs. UH Hilo is one of two Hawai‘i institutions earning this distinction.

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