UH grads to wear
new green robes

Graduates at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. May 15 will be marching to a different beat in new outfits at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Green robes will replace the black that had been the standard in previous years.

Chancellor Peter Englert will also have new academic regalia featuring a new robe with embroidered lapel designs depicting the kukui nut and leaves, and polished kukui nuts affixed to the robe near each shoulder.

The kukui tree and nut have traditionally symbolized "the light of knowledge," as native Hawaiians used the burning oil from the nut for light, the university said in a news release.

The UH Marching Band will also play new processional music for the entering graduates. The music, "Above All Nations," was composed by UH-Manoa professor Donald Womack at Englert's request.

The title is taken from the university's motto, "Above all nations is humanity."

Englert wanted music that would be unique to Manoa, Womack said. The composition incorporates elements distinct to Hawaii, the university and Manoa, he said.

"If you're not paying attention, you probably wouldn't catch them, but if you listen carefully, in a few spots you may notice quotes from 'Hawai'i Pono'i' and from the Manoa alma mater, 'In Green Manoa Valley,'" Womack said.

"My aim for the music was to capture both the joy and the solemnity of the occasion, and I hope I've been successful," he said.