The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ has launched an important workforce development initiative to highlight career-relevant credentials that students can earn alongside their UH degree—credentials that give graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

These Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) are highly sought after by employers and are nationally portable, certified by third-party agencies. They cover fast-growing fields such as healthcare, skilled trades and IT. IRCs can boost career readiness, help workers stay current with industry changes, and open doors to a wide range of jobs.

UH already offers some IRCs. Honolulu Community College’s associate in science degree in the Computing, Security, and Networking Technology program (CSNT) prepares students for a variety of entry-level IT positions. Certain CSNT courses also prepare them to take specific industry certification exams such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate, COMPTIA A+ and Security+.

UH System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “This exciting collaboration between UH, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Department of Education, the State and industry partners will help signal which credentials are most in demand for students and lead to good jobs.”

In addition to IRCs, UH is also recognizing Industry-Valued Credentials (IVCs)—badges, certifications or licenses that may not have national recognition but are highly valued by local employers. UH is inviting faculty and program administrators to identify programs where students already earn IRCs or IVCs, or where new ones could be integrated.

Proposals can be submitted starting this fall through a , with guidance available from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Planning and Policy (avpapp@hawaii.edu).

provides guidance to Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s current and future workforce on the industry-recognized or industry-valued credentials most often requested by potential employers. Workforce development is also a core pillar of the UH System’s strategic plan.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in Â鶹´«Ã½ foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the .

Â鶹´«Ã½ Community College student has been named the recipient of the 2025 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

Krueger’s dedication to research, community service and leadership set her apart. She recently participated in the Summer 2024 BIOMADE Kalo Research Internship, where she explored the fermentation process of kalo and its implications for nutrition and food security. Her commitment to sustainability extends beyond the lab—she actively supports local food distribution efforts and conservation projects on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island.

“Cathryn’s achievements exemplify the spirit of this award,” said Chancellor Susan Kazama. “She is always so positive, and it shows in her passion for sustainable agriculture, commitment to community service, and drive to make a difference through hands-on learning. She truly represents the values honored by the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.”

In addition to her agricultural and environmental work, Krueger has used social media to enhance outreach for the Â鶹´«Ã½ CC Agriculture Program and contributed to landscaping efforts for the Â鶹´«Ã½ CC Model Home Project. She also finds cultural connection through Kūkūʻena, a hula hālau that brings together UH Hilo and Â鶹´«Ã½ CC students and staff.

“I’m incredibly proud of Cathryn and all that she’s accomplished,” said Assistant Professor Lew Nakamura. “She’s not only an exceptional student but also a leader who uplifts those around her. This recognition is well deserved.”

Other nominees

Three other outstanding students were nominated for this year’s award:

Sean Belisle from Honolulu Community College has shown remarkable leadership and initiative in the Computing, Security & Networking Technology program, serving as president of the HATS club, leading national cybersecurity competitions, and inspiring his peers through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Lucas Stevens of Kapiʻolani Community College is a standout New Media Arts student whose leadership, creativity and innovation—particularly in directing a practicum short film and exploring AI in game development—have made a strong impact on career and technical education at his campus.

Janie-Maria Kikila of Leeward Community College is a driven and entrepreneurial student who returned to college to pursue a Business Management degree, founding a campus marketing club and leading impactful initiatives to boost student engagement and success.

For William Aana, wasn’t just a school—it was a turning point.

Once homeless and battling addiction and mental health struggles, Aana’s life today looks drastically different. He serves as a telecommunications technician (student aid) with the Honolulu Police Department and will pursue a bachelor’s degree in information assurance/cybersecurity at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½–West Oʻahu after graduating from Honolulu CC on May 16 with an associate in science from the .

Before enrolling at Honolulu CC, Aana’s life spiraled after a derailed sheet metal apprenticeship and burnout in Las Vegas. He eventually returned home to Â鶹´«Ã½, still facing instability—but with renewed determination.

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“Honolulu Community College has been a very important part of my life. Simply because it was the first college I ever attended and it would be like drawing a full circle to close it out none other than here. ‘From humble beginnings to glorious endings.’ This is why it’s important to me,” said Aana.

‘Grit and integrity’

At Honolulu CC, he found structure and support. He thrived in a rigorous academic environment and gained real-world experience through internships with the Â鶹´«Ã½ State Ethics Commission and Project Vision. He also found community in programs such as Poʻi Nā Nalu (a career and technical education program), TRIO-Student Support Service (TRIO–SSS), and Ola Niuhelewai (a program to raise Native Hawaiian students’ academic progress).

“Will has faced some tough challenges, but he’s never let them hold him back. He pushes through with grit and integrity, always keeping his eyes on the bigger picture,” said TRIO–SSS Academic Support Coordinator Jan Abo Vierra. “He led Phi Theta Kappa (an honor society) with quiet strength, earning respect through action rather than words. He keeps raising the bar for himself, never settling, always striving. I’m proud of him, and even prouder of the person he’s become.”

Aana now mentors younger students, serves as president of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Kappa Iota Chapter, and is a certified ordained minister. He also leads a Bible distribution ministry in the Philippines, helping underserved communities.

“I just wanted to thank God and everyone who has helped me along the way—faculty, staff and all of my amazing co-workers at HPD,” Aana said.

His message to others: “Always—no matter what hardships you may be going through—pick yourself up and continue to push on through.”

—By Iris Greges

With key support from two anonymous donors, matching gifts from Ritchie Mudd and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Regional Council of Carpenters (HRCC), and many dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the campus, raised $168,000 in a few months, surpassing its goal of $100,000 by December 31, in honor of the campus’s 100th year anniversary.

“We are so grateful that our 100-year milestone energized our community and resulted in significant new support for our students and faculty,” said Honolulu CC Interim Chancellor Karen C. Lee. “Together, we are building a lasting foundation for innovative projects that will enrich our students’ learning experience and allow them to thrive after graduation.”

$50K for computing, networking

An anonymous friend of the college donated $50,000 to support the , which is in high demand due to the constant changes in technology and cybersecurity. The program’s hands-on learning approach and dedicated faculty prepare students for careers in cyber defense, computing, security, telecommunications and networking. This gift will ensure that the program remains on the cutting-edge and graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

Founded in 1920, Honolulu CC is the oldest community college in Â鶹´«Ã½ with a strong liberal arts program enabling students to seamlessly transfer to a four-year university, plus more than 20 career and technical education programs in a wide-range of in-demand fields. The college also offers a number of non-credit programs, including the , and hosts the largest program in the state.

Construction industry support

Ritchie Mudd, a local construction industry veteran and long-time supporter of Honolulu CC, established a new Honolulu CC Building and Construction Trades Fund.

“I’m honored to support Honolulu CC faculty and staff with access to state-of-the-art equipment, innovative projects, scholarship and professional development opportunities in the building and construction trade programs,” said Mudd. “We need to support our local students so they can get educated here and stay in Â鶹´«Ã½.”

HRCC generously supported , which was created in honor of the campus’s centennial anniversary.

“The construction industry is one of the state’s top economic drivers, and the community college system is critical to providing the continuous pipeline of skilled craftsmen and women needed to meet the challenges of this essential and ever-changing industry. It is important for us to fully support Honolulu CC and the educators of the future construction workforce,” said Ronald Taketa, HRCC executive secretary-treasurer.

Over the past 100 years, Honolulu CC has transformed thousands of lives by awarding tens of thousands of degrees and certificates, and offering a vast array of non-credit and apprenticeship courses. Through it all, its mission to provide accessible and high-quality educational and training opportunities to current and future generations of Â鶹´«Ã½ is unwavering.