Celebrating Over 2,500 Graduates: Highlights from the University of Hawaii Commencement Ceremony | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Over 2,500 graduates celebrated at the University of Hawaii’s Spring Commencement ceremonies today. This event took place at the Stan Sheriff Center, where 2,538 students received their degrees—2,319 undergraduates and 538 graduate students. Friends and family joined in the festivities, filling the venue with joy.

Carissa Moore, an Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion surfer, inspired the graduates with her speech. This ceremony was also special for UH President Wendy Hensel, who just started her role on January 1. She expressed her excitement, saying, "Seeing the joy on the faces of our graduates is unmatched."

On a bittersweet note, it was the last ceremony for Provost Michael Bruno, who will return to teaching after his term.

This year marked a significant milestone for UH Manoa. The enrollment has surpassed 20,000 for the first time since 2013, with a record 3,123 freshmen joining. The university is recognized globally, ranking among the top 2% and holding the designation as one of the 146 R1 (Research 1: Doctoral Universities) institutions in the U.S. It also boasts unique sun-, land-, sea-, and space-grant designations.

Founded in 1907, UH Manoa is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system, consisting of ten campuses. Its Spring commencement ceremonies began on May 10 and wrapped up today.

Additional Insights

A recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that graduation rates continue to increase, with 62% of first-time students earning a degree within six years. This positive trend reflects the hard work of students and the supportive environment at institutions like UH Manoa.

User reactions on social media highlighted the excitement of graduates and their families. Many shared photos using hashtags like #UHM2025 and #GradDay, showcasing moments of pride and achievement.

As we reflect on these ceremonies, it’s important to recognize the hard work these graduates put in and the bright futures ahead of them. For more insights into education trends, you can visit NCES.

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