Posts Tagged ‘Okinawa’

February 28, 2012

Early cherry blossoms in Okinawa

Early cherry blossoms in Okinawa

Photo by Kaori Kinjo

Aloha! I wanted to share with you a recent email from Kaori Kinjo from Japan, with great news about the cherry tree we planted at on the campus of University of the Ryukyus.

Kaori is a staff member of the International Division at the University of the Ryukyus and helped coordinate my visit to Okinawa last fall.

She writes:

“I am very pleased to let you know a sakura tree planted by President Greenwood recently bloomed 5-6 small flowers!!!

When it was planted, I was told it would take 3-4 years to grow and bloom flowers.

In Okinawa, we enjoy cherry blossom in January-February and we sometimes observed President Greenwood’s tree just in case. In mid-February, we were very surprised to find just one flower on her sakura tree!!  Then it had 5-6 flowers!!”

Early cherry blossoms in Okinawa

Photo by Kaori Kinjo

View photos from my trip to Okinawa.

October 20, 2011

More from the Ryukyus

Is was my high honor to accept an honorary degree from our sister university, the University of the Ryukyus, in Okinawa. It was bestowed by President Teruo Iwamasa, witnessed by and celebrated with Governor Neil Abercrombie!

Our paths intersected in Okinawa for both the Festival parade and the degree award. Okinawan goodwill ambassadors Bob Nakasone and Ed Kuba (a former UH regent) accompanied us on this visit and were invaluable sources of knowledge and information.

We also visited the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, where I met with officials to discuss potential collaborations.

Governor Abercrombie then traveled on to China to promote Hawaiʻi economic opportunities and tourism, but it was great to have him with us in Okinawa for a few days. Check out our playful posing with the two large shisa statues. President Iwamasa presented both of us with smaller versions of shisa as mementos of our visit.

 

Scientist and experienced administrator M.R.C. (it’s pronounced “Marci”) Greenwood is the 14th president of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi System.

This blog, maintained with staff assistance, shares her activities and insights. Use the contact form to offer feedback or email President Greenwood directly. We welcome comments posted in the tradition of academic freedom and spirit of aloha.