Governor Honors University of Hawai`i Distinguished Alumni
Highlighting the important contributions of institutions of higher learning in our state, Governor Lingle joined the University of Hawai`i (UH) and the University of Hawai`i Alumni Association (UHAA) in honoring the 2009 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, including Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the Department of Health.
Governor Lingle congratulates Dr. James Horton, 2009 UH Distinguished Alumni award recipient. Dr. Horton and his wife Lois are visiting professors in the UH Mānoa American Studies Department.
Nine of Governor Lingle's 17 Cabinet members are graduates of UH system.
"The University of Hawai`i is an epicenter for innovation needed to solve today's challenges," said Governor Lingle, adding that the 2009 honorees turned their education into powerful tool of change for their lives and in their respective fields and serve as outstanding role models for students today.
"Education more powerful when students have role models to look up to," the Governor said. "We need people to inspire us to initiate positive and meaningful change in our community. As pioneering alumni, each of you has emboldened Hawai`i's students to make their mark."
Established in 1987, the UHAA Distinguished Alumni Awards honor alumni of UH who have excelled professionally and provided service to the community.
This year's honorees include:
- Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the State Department of Health. Dr. Fukino is a 1979 graduate of the John A. Burns School of Medicine.
Dr. Chiyome Fukino accepts the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award.
- James and Lois Horton, visiting professors in the UH Mānoa American Studies Department. The Hortons received their master’s degrees in 1969 from the University of Hawai‘i and their Ph.D.s from Brandeis University.
- Dee Jay Mailer, CEO, Kamehameha Schools. Mailer received her MBA from the Shidler College of Business in 1985 and a B.S. from the School of Professional Nursing at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa in 1975.
- Circuit Court Judge Sabrina McKenna. Judge McKenna is a 1982 graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law and received her B.A. in Japanese at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa in 1978.
The University of Hawai`i also honored Daniel B.T. Lau with the UH Founders Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Lau is a 1941 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, where he studied business economics, and serves as a member of the board of directors for UHAA.
In addition, UH System President David McClain and his wife Wendie were awarded the UHAA President's Award. The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the University of Hawai`i, its alumni and students, Hawai`i and the world. Dr. McClain has served as chief executive officer of the University of Hawai`i's 10-campus system since June 2004.
