Matthew Therrien was an aspiring English major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, with a dream of becoming an English professor. He also was a gifted poet, greatly loved son, and treasured friend at the time of his tragic
Matthew Therrien was an aspiring English major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, with a dream of becoming an English professor. He also was a gifted poet, greatly loved son, and treasured friend at the time of his tragic death in a car accident April 6, 2014.
Dr. Stephen and Gloria Gainsley, good friends of the Therrien family, decided to build on Matthew’s remarkable legacy by starting the Matthew Somchai Therrien Award with a $5,000 gift. This annual writing award honors outstanding students majoring in English at UH-Hilo.
“Our fondness and admiration for the Therrien family began in our college days in the ’70s at UH-Manoa,” the Gainsleys said. “Their annual family newsletter, full of photos and hilarious, sometimes serious, articles, written by each member of the family, kept us in touch over the years.
“This family activity may have been the genesis for Matt’s creative writing enthusiasm. By initiating the Matthew Somchai Therrien Award we wish to honor both Matt’s talent and love of writing, as well as the loving family who inspired him.”
Matthew grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin before following his heart and serving in AmeriCorps in Seattle where he worked with students facing multiple challenges. His passion for mentoring youth and helping them overcome personal and cultural barriers grew.
When he joined his family and moved to Hawaii Island, he continued his community work by serving on the regional board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawaii Island, and worked at the Boys &Girls Club of the Big Island.
While at UH Hilo, Matthew’s talent as a writer was well-recognized. In 2012 he received the Droste Award for outstanding writing from UH Hilo, for a portfolio of original poems.
“Matthew Therrien was an extraordinarily gifted, multifaceted, delightful student, who inspired not only his fellow students, but also his teachers to continue to think, write, and learn,” said UH-Hilo English department chairwoman Kirsten Mollegaard. “The UH-Hilo English department is grateful to the Gainsleys for their generous gift, which will be used to commemorate Matthew Therrien’s legacy by promoting excellence in writing among our English majors.”
Matthew’s father, Mark Therrien, said, “Matthew loved English. He loved to read and he loved to write — poetry and prose. And he loved to analyze everything he read.
“Writing was a way for him to express his passion for social justice. Matthew believed that dialogue was the only way to end racism — to acknowledge its existence, to not be afraid to talk about it or write about it. Matthew was not afraid.”
To make a gift to the Matthew Somchai Therrien Award, visit www.uhfoundation.org/givetouhh, or contact the UH-Hilo Development Office at 933-1945.
