‘Make the future yours’: UH-Hilo grads encouraged to be brave, do something great

Graduates boldly took the first step into their futures upon receiving their degrees, certificates and post-graduate credentials Saturday during the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo spring 2024 commencement ceremony at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.

UH-Hilo finance professor and keynote speaker Terrance Jalbert could relate to the 500 graduates as they stood on the precipice of the next chapter of their lives.

With several degrees of his own, Jalbert talked to the students about how he pondered his past, his accomplishments and his future, which led him to discover several truths and realize some misconceptions.

One was thinking he could just put his life on cruise control after graduation, but the truth is anything but. Jalbert told the students that they have to work hard, be motivated and make a difference. There is no substitution.

“Earning your degree is an amazing and powerful first step,” he said. “But it is that — a first step.”

The 2-hour commencement ceremony had all the pomp and circumstance expected, including music, speeches, honors and more. Students were decked out in their caps, gowns and other graduation attire, with shorts, sunglasses, slippers and tennis shoes not unusual.

Many mortarboards atop caps were decorated with photos, phrases such as “ON TO THE NEXT CHAPTER!” and other adornments.

Graduates represented the university’s College of Arts and Sciences; Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikolani College of Hawaiian Language; College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management; College of Natural and Health Sciences; College of Business and Economics; and Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

They were surrounded and cheered on by ‘ohana, friends, UH-Hilo faculty members and professors, dignitaries and others who filled the stadium. Some students sneaked chances to wave or gesture to supporters — and vice versa — during the ceremony.

There were more opportunities for interaction while the students walked to and from the stage to get their degrees and other credentials from UH-Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin.

“That’s my sister!” exclaimed a supporter from the bleachers as a graduating family member walked back to her seat. “Good job!” another supporter cheered from the bleachers.

Reunited with family and friends outside the stadium following the ceremony, graduates were covered in lei and other gifts. Congratulatory words, hugs and photos were also abundant as the sun still shined on the stadium’s grounds in the early afternoon.

“From where you are today, you can get anywhere you want to be,” Jalbert told the graduating students during his keynote address.

He encouraged them to imagine great things and do them. They have the ability and opportunity, but no one is going to give it to them. What they do from this point is up to them.

“Take some measured risks. Choose to do something great,” Jalbert said.

He told them they have what they need to know right now, but to keep learning. Continuous education has many benefits, including keeping you current, improving credentials, qualifying you for new jobs, expanding your network, and, most importantly, “it keeps you young.”

Jalbert has taught at UH-Hilo since 1996. Before his time in academics, he worked in the agriculture and oil industries. He instructs courses in personal finance, corporate finance, investment management, options and futures.

“UH-Hilo is a small but a mighty little school,” he said, adding that the university regularly ranks among the top in the nation and the education and degrees the students received there will allow them to compete with anybody anytime and excel doing it.

David Mayser’s college experience wasn’t typical. That’s likely true for all of his classmates, especially with the COVID pandemic and many other challenges they faced throughout the past 4 years.

But the UH-Hilo student-athlete originally from Munich, Germany, who graduated Saturday with a bachelor of arts degree in communication, said their college experience was different because of the unique culture, connection with the community and diversity of the campus at UH-Hilo.

That opened up many opportunities and provided a host of different perspectives for the graduates, which allowed them to discover who they are and who they want to be in the future.

A former Division II soccer player, he likes to remind himself about its philosophy: “Make It Yours.”

“I believe this is something we should all have in our minds because we always have a chance to make an impact, to make a change and to make it ours,” said Mayser in his student address during Saturday’s ceremony.

They might not have taken all the chances or opportunities they could during their college years, but they took many of them. The same will be true in the future.

He hopes they all move forward without being scared of the unknown and embracing the opportunity ahead.

“I hope we can all be brave by taking chances and keep on challenging our own perspectives to grow and learn,” Mayser told his classmates. “I hope you always remember to make the future yours.”

Keemo Kanai was one of seven students from Palau to receive degrees Saturday. Consul General Uchel Raley Naito of the Consulate General of the Republic of Palau attended the ceremony to show his support.

Kanai felt proud and accomplished receiving his bachelor of arts degree in kinesiology and exercise science.

He plans to become a physical therapist and has a summer internship lined up at home in Palau to get some experience. He then hopes to get into a graduate program in San Diego.

“This is one of the big steps I need to take in my life and I’m super proud,” said the 23-year-old said about finishing his degree. “I’m thankful for all my family for helping me succeed in this moment. I wouldn’t be here without them.”