In 2017, words like “remarkable,” “energized” and “unparalleled” come to mind when I think of you, our CSS ʻohana, and the College. Together we have worked to redefine our engagement with students and prepare them for success in a global environment. This year these efforts continue through outstanding faculty additions and innovative international partnerships.
Renowned economic sociology expert Gérard Duhaime joins the college as the first Fulbright Canada Visiting Research Chair. His presence greatly enhances discourse and supports regional cooperation efforts on issues including climate change, indigenous issues, and international strategy and policy.
Spring will also see the college partnering with the Daniel K. Inouye Institute to bring a live-stream of the Library of Congress Daniel K. Inouye Annual Lecture Series to the islands on May 18th. The third of a five-year series, the event honors the Senator’s lifelong commitment to bring a national dialogue to the young people of Hawaiʻi and to encourage them to think about a future beyond our shores. This year’s lecture will focus on the Peace Corps and features Elaine Chao, former Peace Corps Director under President George H. Bush, and Reed Hastings, former Peace Corps volunteer and Netflix co-founder. More information on this will be announced via our college website as the date nears.
CSS continues to establish agreements with educational institutions throughout the world. The result is a more dynamic learning environment where students experience diverse cultures and perspectives, while learning more about themselves and connecting with others. A few of our partners are West Valley College in California; Khon Kaen University in Thailand; Northwest A&F University in Shaanxi Province, China; Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan; and the University of Electronic Science and Technology in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
The College is also expanding its outreach to Hawaiʻi high school students through its Mānoa Academy for Social Sciences. This ongoing effort to improve college readiness allows this group to ease their way into college by offering early entry to the university and the opportunity earn dual credits at their high school and at UH Mānoa.
In 2017, I wish you happiness, joy and success. Here’s to another great year of unparalleled opportunities and creative collaboration!
Denise Eby Konan
Dean, College of Social Sciences, UH Mānoa
