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By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin
While other new graduates leave the stage holding up
their green diploma covers, Richmond Chang
opts to pop the question.

UH student
gets serious after
graduation

Richmond Chang uses the day
to display a sign asking
Alicia Lee to marry him

---

By Treena Shapiro
Star-Bulletin

Blinking lights, alien antennae and a Hawaiian flag topped the caps of some graduates at commencement ceremonies yesterday in what has become a colorful tradition at University of Hawaii graduations.

But for Richmond Chang, it wasn't what was on top of his head that drew attention, it was what he hid beneath his gown.

While other students held up their green diploma covers as they left the stage, Chang, a 22-year-old finance major, pulled out a large white sign that read: Alicia, will you marry me?

Of about 730 people who received their baccalaureate degrees in the ceremony, only Chang let the audience know without a doubt what he hoped to do after graduation -- and with whom he planned to do it.

From the stands of the Stan Sheriff Center, Alicia Lee, 23, said yes.

By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin
Jessica Matsumoto hopes to pursue a doctorate
in ophthalmology.

"I was trying to do something special, really different," Chang said as he exited the arena after the ceremony.

He and Lee had discussed marriage, but the proposal and the diamond ring didn't come until graduation day. "She had no idea," Chang said.

His parents were equally surprised by the public display of affection. "I was in shock," said his mother, Gayle. "I didn't know he was going to do it."

She's very pleased with the results, however. "They've been together for three years."

Chang said he spent two days making the sign, which he carried in a bag as he and Lee drove to the ceremony together, then he hid it under his shirt.

By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin
Decorated mortar boards are part of the tradition.

Lee said as she watched Chang walking to get his diploma cover, she wondered why he was carrying a big white thing. "I was so surprised," she said, with tears still evident in her eyes. "I don't usually get surprised by anything."

While she said she has thought about being engaged to Chang, "I didn't know it was going to be today."

Chang said he hoped to find a banking job now that he has his degree, but he's not sure whether he will end up staying in Hawaii.

As for Lee's future: "I'm planning to spend the rest of my life with him."

By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin
Kua'ana student Services and center for Hawaiian
studies students perform a chant at the ceremonies.