Brian Schatz is the senior United States senator from Hawaii, a seat he has held since 2012. Born and raised in Honolulu, Schatz attended Pomona College seeking both intellectual challenge and a close-knit academic community. “I was looking for a high-quality academic experience, but I didn’t want to be overwhelmed in crowds,” he recalls, “and of course I was looking for someplace warm.” At Pomona, he explored philosophy and developed habits of inquiry that would later support his work in public life. “My goal going into Pomona was to learn how to think through issues,” he explains, reflecting on an education that encouraged careful thought and engagement with complex ideas.

After graduating, Schatz returned to Hawaii, where he became deeply involved in community-based initiatives. He served as CEO of Helping Hands Hawaii and directed both the Makiki Community Library and the Center for a Sustainable Future. His public service career accelerated in 2010 when he was elected lieutenant governor, and just two years later, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate. He has focused on areas such as privacy rights, cybersecurity, and gun safety. His career serves as a testament to the transformative power of a liberal arts education in preparing individuals for lives of purpose and public impact.