MAJURO, MARSHALL ISLANDS — June 9, 2026 — Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine received a courtesy visit from Mr. Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu, Pro-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific (USP).
During the meeting, Mr. Utoikamanu formally conveyed the University’s decision to confer upon President Heine an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree. The honor will be bestowed during the USP Graduation Ceremony on June 10, 2026, in recognition of her distinguished leadership and significant contributions to education, public service, and regional development across the Pacific.
President Heine shares a longstanding relationship with USP, having previously served as both Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University Council. Her leadership and continued support for higher education have contributed to strengthening regional academic cooperation and expanding educational opportunities for Pacific Island communities.
Photo credit: Chewy Lin
