As we look forward to a wonderful new year, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate our many accomplishments, which were only possible because of the support of our CSS ʻohana.
Putting science into action for the benefit of our community can be challenging. Through their scholarship and work in areas such as climate change and the environment, disaster management and resiliency for coastal communities, affordable housing and environment, CSS faculty and staff continue to make an impactful and effect positive change in the world.
CSS brought world experts from a variety of fields to the College such as: Colin Farrelly, Queen’s National Scholar, Queen’s University in Canada; Jota Ishikawa, professor of International Economics in the Graduate School of Economics and faculty of Economics at Hitotsubashi University; Hyung-hwan Joo, former Korea Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy; and Kozo Kiyota, professor of Economics at Keio University in Japan. These individuals provided students with high-impact educational experiences and fresh, global perspectives on a variety of topics.
The College opened the doors to OnTrack Hawaii’s new clinic in the Ala Moana Building. The state’s first coordinated specialty care treatment clinic for youth experiencing a first episode of psychosis, offers a full range of therapeutic and assessment services by a multi-disciplinary specialty team.
CSS led teams of volunteers to plant a record-setting 1,000 trees in one day at the Ala Mahamoe Cultural Garden and Forrest. The goal was to demonstrate the state’s ability to scale up ecosystem restoration efforts.
The College also remained dedicated to providing Hawaiʻi high school youth with global opportunities that opened their horizons and positioned them to thrive as future global leaders. Mānoa Academy: Beijing, which included a two-week study abroad component, was a key part of this effort. We congratulate this year’s cohort and wish them continued success.
CSS also continues to serve as a model for global leadership within the University. It recently signed a 2+2+1 agreement with Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). The arrangement offers BFSU students a pathway to transfer to CSS and earn a baccalaureate degree, as well as an expedited master’s degree. The addition of BFSU students to our ʻohana will greatly enrich the College’s cosmopolitan culture.
We have accomplished much in 2018, and we are thankful to our CSS ʻohana who support us in countless ways. You make it possible for our graduates to do great things throughout the world.
Wishing you much success in the New Year.
Denise Eby Konan
Dean, College of Social Sciences, UH Mānoa
