Message from President Steven Knapp on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye


December 17, 2012

It was with great sadness that we learned this evening of the passing of our distinguished alumnus Daniel K. Inouye, the second longest-serving member of the United States Senate in the nation’s history. Senator Inouye gave full meaning to the phrase “the greatest generation,” having received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Second World War before embarking on his extraordinary career as a public servant. Both in the military and in the Senate, Daniel Inouye showed unwavering  patriotism, as well as compassion for those who had traditionally been without a voice in government.  

He was also remarkable in his service to this university, of which he was both a devoted alumnus and an emeritus trustee. In 2008, he inspired the graduates of our Law School with an eloquent commencement address; on that occasion, we were proud to present him with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his contributions to the nation and his able representation, over more than half a century, of the citizens of Hawaii. He was a true American hero, with whom the university that traces its origins to the patriotism of George Washington was honored to be associated. His example of dedicated and selfless leadership will be sorely missed.