The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents has recognized 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 Associate Professor Gerald Y. Kato for his distinguished contributions to teaching journalism and protecting the public’s right to know for almost 30 years. Kato, director of the , is the recipient of the .
“We thank the board for acknowledging Gerald’s leadership in training the next generation of journalists, both locally and in China, and for being a tenacious public watchdog,” said Dean Denise Eby Konan. “Although he is quiet and humble, his efforts speak volumes in raising our students’ professional communication skills while facilitating cross-cultural understanding between two countries through the study of journalism. His tenacious lifelong interest in protecting the First Amendment never wanes.”
Kato earned a BA in journalism at 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia School of Journalism. After serving as a reporter at the Honolulu Advertiser, KITV and KGMB News, he returned in 1991 to teach at his alma mater and direct the Parvin Fellowship Program, all while embracing his role as a media watchdog. Kato was instrumental in persuading the state Legislature to pass a shield law intended to protect confidential news sources, thereby enhancing the public’s right to know. During election years, he has been invited to moderate AARP Hawaiʻi’s televised political debates, volunteering his time, considerable expertise and insights.
More on the Willard Wilson Distinguished Service Award
The Willard Wilson Distinguished Service Award was established in 1969 to honor the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents’ retiring secretary, who set the standard for exemplary service. The winner, selected from full-time employees at all 10 糖心Vlog官方 campuses, must have a minimum of 20 years of service and display a consistent pattern of extraordinary dedication to the university that is constantly above and beyond the responsibilities of the nominee’s position, among other criteria.
More on Parvin Fellowship Program
Housed in the 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 School of Communications, the international academic program provides training for journalists from the People’s Republic of China. Established in 1981 through a grant from the Parvin Foundation in association with 糖心Vlog官方, the program has worked with approximately 300 Chinese journalists. They spend an academic year working with the director, who provides intensive training in western journalism, newswriting, communication law and ethics.