UH Matters - with M.R.C. Greenwood - page 4

September 10, 2012

International Union for Conservation of Nature conference

Hawaiʻi Community College’s Unukupukupu performs at the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress in Korea.

I am in Jeju, South Korea for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. I’m here as part of the Hawaiʻi delegation which hopes to bring this huge conference to Hawaiʻi in 2016.

The IUCN addresses 21st century challenges such as biodiversity, climate change, energy and food security, sustainability and public health. Since these issues are also key concerns at the University of Hawaiʻi, we are interested in learning from IUCN and also sharing our own programs.

Bringing the World Conservation Congress to Hawaiʻi in a few years would not only give our tourism industry a big boost, but would offer our faculty and students an invaluable experience and opportunity to contribute to the discussion on a world stage.

<p>At the Hawai'i IUCN booth, from left, Rodrigo Velasquez Gonzales, UH Alumni; M.R.C. Greenwood, University of Hawai'i president; Joshua Atwood, Hawai'i Invasive Species Council coordinator and Leah Laramee, Native Ecosystem Protection and Management section liaison</p>

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress

At the Hawai'i IUCN booth, from left, Rodrigo Velasquez Gonzales, UH Alumni; M.R.C. Greenwood, University of Hawai'i president; Joshua Atwood, Hawai'i Invasive Species Council coordinator and Leah Laramee, Native Ecosystem Protection and Management section liaison

<p>Some of the Hawai'i delegation at IUCN's World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea.</p>

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress

Some of the Hawai'i delegation at IUCN's World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea.

<p>Members of Hawai'i Community College's Unukupukupu take the stage at a reception for IUCN's World Conservation Congress.</p>

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress

Members of Hawai'i Community College's Unukupukupu take the stage at a reception for IUCN's World Conservation Congress.

<p>From left, Christopher Dunn, Lyon Arboretum director, M.R.C. Greenwood, University of Hawai'i president and Suk Chang Lee, Jeju Cultural Heritage Committee president</p>

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress

From left, Christopher Dunn, Lyon Arboretum director, M.R.C. Greenwood, University of Hawai'i president and Suk Chang Lee, Jeju Cultural Heritage Committee president

<p>From left, Mark McGuffie, Enterprise Hawai'i managing director; Ashok Khosla, IUCN president; Brian Schatz, Hawai'i lieutenant governor; M.R.C. Greenwood, University of Hawai'i president; Chipper Wichman, CEO National Tropical Botanical Gardens and Collette Machado, Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair</p>

International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress

From left, Mark McGuffie, Enterprise Hawai'i managing director; Ashok Khosla, IUCN president; Brian Schatz, Hawai'i lieutenant governor; M.R.C. Greenwood, University of Hawai'i president; Chipper Wichman, CEO National Tropical Botanical Gardens and Collette Machado, Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair

Filed under: Behind the Scenes

August 31, 2012

Goodwill Goes Glam gala dinner

I visited with several beauty queens who participated in the kick-off Goodwill Goes Glam fashion show.

I attended the Goodwill Goes Glam gala dinner and fashion show. A highlight of the evening was the Goodwill Goes Green fashion show—2012 University of Hawaiʻi fashion graduates presented a collection of repurposed designs created from Goodwill materials. Other local stylists used Goodwill apparel and accessories to create some beautiful ensembles.

Governor Neil Abercrombie and First Lady Dr. Nancie Caraway attended the event, which kicked off a weekend of bargain shopping.

Goodwill says proceeds from the sales support its non-profit mission to assist people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

Filed under: Student News

August 14, 2012

NEDO visit

Representatives of several Japanese partners who support the NEDO project (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)

I hosted representatives from NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) at a gathering in my office on Monday, August 13.

NEDO is currently working on its U.S.–Japan island grid project on Maui. NEDO is interested in new smart grid technologies and finds the Valley Isle a particularly useful laboratory for deploying its pilot projects.

NEDO is collaborating with the Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute, UH Maui College and Maui Electric on the island grid project.

Filed under: Campus Happenings

August 2, 2012

Hawaii Conservation Conference

Pictured with me, from left, is Markus Staib, president of Milici Valenti Ng Pack; Sharon Ziegler-Chong, UH Hilo Office of Research; Michael Chang, deputy program manager of Hawai’i Energy and James Hardway, executive director of the Workforce Development Council, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

I was invited to speak at the 20th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Tuesday, July 31. The focus of the conference was growing green jobs in Hawaiʻi.

The Hawaiʻi Green Jobs initiative and the Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Initiative attract investments from companies around the world, which benefit local workers, companies and entrepreneurs across the state. Of course, this also provides a critical boost to Hawaiʻi’s economy.

In 2011, clean energy investments doubled to about $1.2 billion, and right now it looks like 2012 will be another year of growth. Currently, Hawaiʻi ranks third in the nation in clean energy job growth.

My speech focused on institutional preparation for a future economy consisting of green jobs and how we are preparing future generations to compete in a green job market.

Academic programs currently in place at UH include the agriculture programs at UH Mānoa, Hilo and the community colleges that are examining biofuels and food sustainability and Mānoa’s architecture program with its emphasis in green design.

We had an excellent discussion. The opportunity is here and we are educating and researching around this vision.

Filed under: Speeches

July 30, 2012

Windward Community College Chancellor’s Gala Dinner

With Windward Community College Chancellor Doug Dykstra, left, and UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton, right.

I had the pleasure of attending the first Chancellor’s Gala Dinner in 40 years at Windward Community College on Saturday night. The highlight of the evening was the chance to see the campus’ brand new Library Learning Commons.

I remember my very first Board of Regents meeting years ago at the Windward campus. The focus of that meeting was the need to create a new facility to house a library and learning commons. It was a proud moment for everyone to be standing in the beautiful building, which is set to receive an environmental Silver LEED designation.

I commend the faculty and staff who worked so hard and so diligently, for many years, to bring this vision to life.

Greeting Bonnie Beatson, Windward Community College’s director of marketing and public relations. Windward Community College Chancellor Doug Dykstra looks on.

Filed under: Campus Happenings

July 17, 2012

4-H livestock show

I attended the 50th Hawaiʻi State Farm Fair’s 4-H Livestock Show at Kualoa Ranch on Saturday, July 7 with Maria Gallo, dean of UH Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, which includes the 4-H program.

There were more than 60 competitors from Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi and Kauaʻi. This year, there were also 10 young participants from New Zealand who were judged alongside Hawaiʻi’s 4-H members.

The competition animals included beef steers, lambs, market pigs, fancy poultry, dairy goats, rabbits and pygmy goats. I even made a purchase and donated the proceedings to the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center.

Filed under: Campus Happenings

June 25, 2012

Celebrating 150th anniversary of public land grant universities

With UCLA’s Gene Block and Iowa State’s Sally Mason

I attended a ceremony today at the Lincoln Memorial to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862 which democratized education and made higher education possible for working class citizens.

I joined about 60 other presidents from public land grant universities across the country for this ceremony. Here I am with UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and Iowa State President Sally Mason.

Many of us are also here for the start of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall. Eighty University of Hawaiʻi students, faculty, staff and community members are here, preparing for the opening day on Wednesday, June 27.

I will be there for the opening ceremonies and other events surrounding this festival, which features the University of Hawaiʻi and 19 other public land grant universities.

We are honored to be here to showcase our many projects and people, including our taro farmers, aquaponics and non-instrumental navigation experts and much, much more. You can see some of our stories at our UH news site.

Look for more from UH as we share our campus and community with more than a million visitors from around the world!

<p>University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25. Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25. Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

<p>University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood, right, and UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, left, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25. Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood, right, and UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, left, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25. Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

<p>Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

<p>Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

<p>Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

<p>Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

<p>Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.</p>

Honoring Abraham Lincoln

Approximately 75 presidents of public land-grant colleges and universities gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 25 to honor Abraham Lincoln and his role in the passage of the Morrill Act of 1862.

Filed under: Campus Happenings

June 6, 2012

Mountain West Conference meeting

MWC President Tony Frank (Colorado State), me, NCAA President Mark Emmert and MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson

I’m in La Jolla, California, where I attended a Mountain West Conference board meeting Tuesday, June 5th, that included NCAA President Mark Emmert. We discussed many issues of importance to MWC teams. The discussion was focused on preserving the integrity of inter-collegiate athletics, preserving traditional rivalries and ensuring universities put academics before athletics. The discussion was was animated, thoughtful and useful.

Filed under: Behind the Scenes

June 5, 2012

West Coast visit

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium

I attended the Monterey Bay Aquarium board meeting on Friday, June 1, where we had a very interesting gathering. The aquarium is one of the country’s best and it is an honor to be a board member. It was foggy and cold. Miss the warmth and sun of Hawaiʻi.

I am now in warmer San Diego for a Mountain West Conference meeting. I also have a series of meetings about the University of Hawaiʻi’s Innovation Initiative, to lead the development of a $1 billion research industry for our state. The Innovation Initiative will act as an economic fuel cell, with increased research funding leading to more jobs and the development of new businesses.

Here’s a beautiful view of the Monterey, California coast, where the water was very cold!

Filed under: Lucky we live Hawaii

May 25, 2012

Status of Women luncheon

With our guests at the UH Commission on the Status of Women luncheon, May 21

The UH Commission on the Status of Women held its final meeting of the academic year at College Hill on May 21. About 20 guests joined me as we wrapped up the year. It was the commission’s 25th anniversary as a system commission. In fact, we received certificates from both houses of the state legislature this year.

The commission was formed in 1972 at UH Mānoa and in 1986, it expanded to include representatives from all campuses. The commission has worked to address a variety of issues that are of relevance to the personal and professional well-being of women who are students, faculty or staff here at the UH. Some of the issues that are part of the commission’s history and part of its ongoing agenda include: childcare, gender equality in athletics, campus safety and security, equitable practices in hiring, pay, promotion and tenure.

Status of Women luncheon

Status of Women luncheon

Filed under: Behind the Scenes