Skip to main content
April 2, 2015

Outstanding Student Award In Memory of Matthew Somchai Therrien

Waves Against the Rocks – at Laupāhoehoe Point

By Matthew S. Therrien, 4th grade

When I go to the ocean and the waves crash against the rocks, it’s like I’m in a whole different world. The wind has the fragrance of the salt from the ocean. I stand on a rock and get sprayed with cool, moisturizing water. You can listen to the rhythmic lapping and great thunderous symphony of the ocean. When you stick out your tongue, in comes the bitter taste of saltiness. This is a place where you can lay without anything to do and think about troubles, happy times, and your future. Or you can rest your mind and fall into a deep slumber and be content with your life. But when you leave, that world disappears until you come again and open your mind to the ocean.

Matthew Therrien was an aspiring English major at UH Hilo, with a dream of becoming an English professor. He was also a gifted poet, greatly loved son, and treasured friend at the time of his tragic death in a car accident April 6, 2014. When he passed the community was shocked and his warmth, humor and generosity is still sorely missed.

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. This annual writing award recognizes outstanding students majoring in English at UH Hilo.

“Our fondness and admiration for the Therrien family began in our college days in the 70's at UH Mānoa. 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,”

– Gloria and Stephen Gainsley.

A mentor who followed his heart

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 Hawai‘i Island, he continued his community work by serving on the regional board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai‘i Island, and worked at the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island.

Phenomenal writer

“Matthew Therrien was an extraordinarily gifted, multi-faceted, 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 chair Kirsten Mollegaard.

Matthew’s writing talents were recognized throughout the English department and he was an inspiration to many. In 2012 he received the Droste Award for outstanding writing from UH Hilo for a portfolio of original poems.

Support outstanding students

During his full life as a student and community leader, mentor and friend, Matthew touched the lives of many people. Thank you for honoring this remarkable young man with a gift to support other outstanding students like him.

“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. Heartfelt thanks to the kind faculty and staff of UH Hilo who gave Matthew (and us) so much more than a diploma.”

– Mark Therrien, Matthew’s father

Questions? / More Information

If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.