The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Board of Regents approved awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Walter A. Dods Jr., recognizing his decades of leadership in Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s business community, his extensive philanthropic impact and his longstanding commitment to the university.
The regents voted at the board¡¯s March 19 monthly meeting, held at Leeward Community College. The honorary degree will be formally conferred during the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s spring 2026 commencement ceremony, where Dods will also serve as commencement speaker.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ and the regents for this recognition,” said Dods after the vote. “UH has played an important role in my life, and it has been a privilege to support the university and its students over the years. I share this honor with the many people who have inspired me and worked alongside me to strengthen our community.”
Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist
A 1967 graduate of UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s Shidler College of Business, Dods is widely regarded as one of Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s most influential business leaders. Over a 36-year career at First Hawaiian Bank, he rose from an entry-level role to chairman and CEO.
“Walter Dods represents the very best of what the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ hopes to inspire in its graduates: leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to community,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “His impact on Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s economic development is profound, but equally important is his lifelong dedication to giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has opened doors for generations of students and strengthened this university in lasting ways.”
Deep UH support
His ties to UH span nearly five decades. Dods has been a donor since 1975 and previously served as president of the UH Foundation Board of Trustees. He chaired the university¡¯s 1998 Campaign for Â鶹´«Ã½, which raised $116 million, and currently serves as campaign chair for the ongoing $1-billion “For UH, For Â鶹´«Ã½” fundraising effort.
His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.
Dods has previously been recognized with the UH Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.
The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship. Regents cited Dods¡¯ extraordinary career and enduring commitment to the university and the state as meeting and exceeding those standards.