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This year’s  was moved to Zoom on Friday, April 10, 2026 after the �鶹��ýMānoa campus was closed due to extreme weather. The theme of the Open House was Human-Centered AI and featured Dr. Shyam Sundar, who is a recognized expert on socially responsible AI. Dr. Sundar proceeded with his keynote presentation on Zoom and the SCI Alumni of the Year awards were also presented. The LIS awardee this year was , retired Digital Initiatives Librarian from Kapiʻolani Community College, previous Hawaiʻi Library Association president, and community leader.

Rich Gazan has been working with faculty at the UHM English Department to establish our eighth Dual Master’s Degree. We anticipate approval in the next few months. Historically, English degrees are one of the most common undergraduate degrees of LIS students. This will help students to build on expertise related to publishing, literacy, and many other issues. 

The Library and Information Science Graduate Program in the School of Communication and Information has been named one of 20 degree programs to receive the 2026 Hōpoe Assessment Award, a new faculty-led honor recognizing exemplary commitment to strengthening curriculum and student learning.

Selected from more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, the 20 awardees emerged through a rigorous peer-review process led by the Assessment Report Review Committee (ARRC), a team of approximately 40 faculty members trained jointly by the Mānoa Faculty Senate’s Committee on Educational Effectiveness (CEE) and the �鶹��ýAssessment and Curriculum Support Center (ACSC).

The award was established in 2025 by the Mānoa Faculty Senate’s CEE to celebrate faculty-driven efforts to use assessment meaningfully and effectively. CEE Chair Justin Walguarnery described the initiative as “for faculty, by faculty,” honoring the thoughtful, sustained work of using assessment to make an appreciable difference in the academic experience.

“Hōpoe” evokes the ʻōhiʻa lehua in its fullest and most vibrant bloom—a powerful symbol of programs that have matured, flourished, and demonstrated a deep commitment to continuous improvement.

“We’ve always valued reflective practice,” said Rich Gazan, who as Program Director coordinated LIS assessment during the review period.  “For our students and for ourselves.  We thank the Assessment Report Review Committee for this honor.” 

Beginning in Fall 2026, all degree programs will have the opportunity to conduct a self-evaluation using the award’s criteria, which include clearly articulated student learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, evidence of student learning, fair and reliable evaluation practices, meaningful use of results, and culturally responsive assessment. Programs that demonstrate “full bloom” across these areas will be automatically nominated for subsequent Hōpoe awards.

For more information: /news/2026/02/13/hopoe-award-honors-manoa-programs/

Three LIS students graduating this spring—Devlin Abert, Kristen Lyda Rees, and Jon Snyder—have been named recipients of the Lillian Nicolich Memorial Award. This distinguished honor recognizes students who “make lives better for everyone around them.” Drawing on nominations from students, faculty, and members of the professional community, the selection committee identified individuals who lead through generosity, collaboration, and service. Whether in the classroom, through professional engagement, or in everyday interactions, each recipient exemplifies a spirit of gracious leadership.

Devlin Abert is recognized for her positive and thoughtful presence in the classroom. Her active engagement encourages others to contribute, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. In nominating Devlin, a faculty member noted that Devlin’s intellectual curiosity consistently propels her beyond course expectations. In a class assignment evaluating a digital archive, she independently reached out to project creators to gain deeper insight—an initiative not required, yet deeply appreciated. As her instructor observed, “In the midst of a busy semester and looming deadlines, this level of curiosity and commitment to going above and beyond was truly admirable.”

Lyda Rees is celebrated for her exceptional record of service within both the LIS program and the broader professional community. Peers nominating Lyda highlighted her empathy, attentiveness, and readiness to support others. Her leadership roles include serving as treasurer for Hui Dui, contributing to the SAA student chapter, participating in Nā Hawai‘i ‘Imi Loa, and presenting at Hawai‘i Library Association conferences. Across these efforts, Lyda demonstrates a collaborative, solution-oriented approach. As one student shared, “To say that Lyda is a lifelong learner is an understatement; she is simply amazing.”

Jon Snyder was nominated by a professional mentor who commended his dedication to service and leadership. As secretary of the SAA student chapter, Jon works to strengthen connections within the archival student community. He balances academic responsibilities with his role as Project Archivist at ‘Ulu‘ulu, all while remaining an engaged and supportive collaborator. A non-traditional student who transitioned from a career in graphics, Jon brings a valuable perspective to discussions of career pathways. His mentor noted that “Jon is a role model for lifelong learning and offers unique insight into the job market and professional growth.”

The Lillian Nicolich Memorial Award was established by LIS alumni to honor the legacy of Lillian Nicolich, a 2006 graduate who passed away in 2024. Remembered for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to others, Lillian embodied the very qualities this award seeks to recognize.

For more information about the award, visit:
/lis/introducing-the-lillian-nicolich-memorial-award/

To make a donation, please visit:

New students in the First Semester Seminar visited Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Friday, March 6th and toured the museum and library with current LIS student and PHAM librarian, Camille Dahmen. They then visited Moku o Lo’e on Saturday, March 7th, and toured the island and library with current LIS student and Moku o Lo’e employee, Kelsey Maloney. The field trips gave them the opportunity to not only see fellow students in their work environments and learn more about Hawaiʻi libraries and museums, but also to build community with each other.

22 faculty and students showed up for the program’s 7th Lunch & Learn on Sunday March 8th. Activities included seminars on writing reflective essays, web design, and feasting on Mandi’s homemade chili.

Future archivists in the UHM Society of American Archivists Student Chapter visited the UHM Center for Oral History on 24 February. The COH is one of the nation’s oldest oral history centers, and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary soon.  They were interested in how oral history pioneering activists developed collections and learned about their preservation challenges.