The University of Hawaii spent $2,320 in donated funds to send out a formal announcement of UH President M.R.C. Greenwood's appointment, a spokeswoman said.

The announcements were mailed Monday to 2,000 people in “;constituencies important to the university,”; said Carolyn Tanaka, UH vice president for external affairs. The recipients included UH Foundation donors, business community members, colleagues at other higher education institutions, members of the media and colleagues in other scientific and research organizations.

The printed announcement features art from the Jean Charlot mural at Bachman Hall and lists Greenwood's accomplishments and higher-education background, along with her contact information.

Tanaka said the announcements are “;common practice in higher-education circles.”;

She said the money to pay for the announcements and postage came from UH Foundation funds available to the UH president to allow her to conduct university business.

“;The announcements are part of university business,”; Tanaka said.

Former UH President David McClain did not send out announcements of his appointment, Tanaka said, but she noted that McClain had been serving as interim president for two years before his appointment.

Tanaka was not sure whether Evan Dobelle, the previous UH president, sent out announcements.

Greenwood began her term as UH president on Aug. 24.