The co-founder of Yahoo! Inc. told the graduating class at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo that they should face the future with optimism because great things will come out of times of adversity.
During this Saturday's spring commencement address at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium, Jerry Yang said today’s headlines about college grads facing a shrinking job market, increased deployments in the Middle East and taxpayer funded bailouts of financial institutions dominated the news when he graduated in 1990. But he said big dreams come true for those who see the possibilities.
“I can promise you that great things are being started right now in this downturn in our economy. Yahoo started in an economic downturn in the early 90’s,” Yang said. “Other great companies, great ideas, products, even social movements have come about as people are throwing away the status quo and doing
everything in new ways.”
Yang said success doesn’t come from a high I.Q. or talent, but a willingness to work hard coupled with relentless preparation. He urged the graduates to be open to taking chances, making a commitment and working hard when they find something that feels right, even if it doesn’t fit into their master plan. And he said there may be no better time to be a graduate.
“You are starting on your next phase of life with a great tool chest,” Yang said. “Information technology has flattened the world and your UH Hilo education has prepared you well. You need to appreciate how great your potential is, given the incredible tools you are already blessed with.”
A total of 487 students representing the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, College of Business and Economics, and Ka Haka `Ula O`Ke`elikolani College of Hawaiian Language were candidates for various degrees or certificates. Among them were 22 students who
received Masters degrees.
