The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (CSEAS) brought history into sharp focus with a visit from Devaki Murch, a Vietnam War adoptee whose life now shapes how that history is remembered.

As a baby, Murch was part of Operation Babylift, a U.S.-led effort to evacuate children from Vietnam at the end of the war. The first flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Saigon on April 4, 1975. Of the 314 people aboard, 150 survived. Murch was one of them.

At UH ����ԴDz�, students, alumni and community members gathered on March 3 in Moore Hall to hear her story. But the talk went beyond survival. It asked a deeper question, who gets to tell history, and how?

Tien Nguyen, a master’s student in , said the lecture connected personal memory with lived experience.

“The fact that Devaki Murch boarded the first babylift flight and survived the fateful plane crash makes her journey even more magical,” Nguyen said. “One thing prevails, as we are all humans who have survived thus far despite the odds, we should feel empowered to do the things we love, regardless of our backgrounds.”

Active participation in the historical record

Murch drew from her work building the . She urged students to see themselves as active participants in shaping the historical record. Today’s research and digital footprints, she said, will become tomorrow’s archives, often without context or consent.

“Traditional archives ask people to trust systems that have already failed them,” Murch said. “Sealed records, classified documentation, institutional protection over individual truth. We needed a different approach.”

Raised in �鶹��ý, Murch’s story resonated locally. Her lecture tied global conflict to familiar questions about memory, military presence and accountability.

A recent public talk at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� shed light on the decades-long fight for justice by Filipino veterans of World War II and the role of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye in advocating for their rights.

On February 27, Colin Moore, associate professor in the College of Social Sciences, presented “Soldiers of a Forgotten Empire: Filipino Veterans and the Politics of Denial,” exploring how more than 200,000 Filipino veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces were denied promised benefits under the Rescission Act of 1946.

His talk examined the plight of Filipino veterans within the broader context of U.S. imperialism and the Cold War, while tracing Inouye’s decades-long efforts to secure justice. Letters written by veterans to Inouye reveal their frustration, anger and disappointment.

Moore’s work draws from extensive archival research, including visits to the National Archives and Records Administration, the Clinton Presidential Library, and the Daniel K. Inouye Papers housed in Hamilton Library’s .

The presentation was followed by a discussion among in-person and Zoom attendees, many of whom had personal connections to Filipino veterans who struggled to access promised benefits.

Neil Abercrombie, UH Regent and former governor, shared his perspective on advocating for Inouye’s redress legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. are also available to researchers at Hamilton Library.

The hybrid event was organized by the and co-sponsored by UH ����ԴDz� and the Daniel K. Inouye Institute (DKI). Moore’s research is part of the , supported by the Inouye Institute.

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A globally respected historian from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� has earned one of the highest honors in her field, recognizing decades of scholarship that reshaped how the world understands Southeast Asia.

Professor emerita Barbara Watson Andaya received the from the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), a leading international organization dedicated to advancing research and teaching on Asia.

Andaya is widely known for her work on early modern Southeast Asia. Over the course of her career, her research has significantly influenced how historians interpret the region’s history and cultural development.

“Professor Barbara Andaya has been a true academic treasure to UH ����ԴDz� during her career, and we are absolutely delighted to see her hard work and devotion recognized by our international association,” said Miriam Stark, director of the UH ����ԴDz� .

Early Path

Known to many as “Barb,” Andaya grew up in Sydney, Australia. With parents involved in science and academia, she developed an early interest in education and research. She earned degrees in history and education from the University of Sydney and began her professional career as a high school teacher.

A shift in curriculum eventually brought her to UH ����ԴDz�, where she completed her master’s degree in Southeast Asian history as an East-West Center fellow. She later joined the faculty and was promoted to full professor in 1996.

Research Impact

Her scholarly expertise centers on the Malay-Indonesian world. Since 2014, she has published more than 30 works, including , which was recognized as an outstanding academic title. She also served as director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies from 2000 to 2006.

UH Press Honors

The recognition comes alongside additional accolades tied to UH. Two titles from the books, and , received 2026 Association for Asian Studies prizes.

Deep cultural ties between �鶹��ý and French Polynesia were highlighted during French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson’s visit to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s on February 25.

While in Honolulu for , hosted by the East-West Center, Brotherson made time to connect with UH ����ԴDz�, including a visit to the library’s internationally recognized collections.

Pacific Collection librarians Eleanor Kleiber and Stu Dawrs, along with Hawaiian Collection Librarian and department chair Jodie Mattos, showcased rare and historic materials related to French Polynesia. Items included: 18th-century works from Captain Cook’s voyages, 1844 correspondence from the Queen of Tahiti to King Kamehameha III, signed editions of �鶹��ý’s Story by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and two editions of Brotherson’s own novel, Le Roi absent (The Missing King).

“It was an honor to welcome President Brotherson, and a joy for us to share items from our collections that highlight the historical and cultural connections between �鶹��ý and French Polynesia,” said Kleiber. “He seemed to appreciate seeing these items our library has curated to represent the strong connections between our islands.”

University Librarian Clem Guthro added, “Our collections are vast, global and contain a multitude of treasures that support research, scholarship and teaching. Welcoming visitors from abroad to our collections extends their global reach. Visitors like President Brotherson become our ambassadors; sharing their experiences with our library when they return home, and knowing we are a resource to them.”

Brotherson has served as president since 2023 and is known for promoting sustainable development, cultural preservation and regional cooperation across the Pacific.

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The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� celebrated the legacy of renowned alumna Alice Augusta Ball at the annual recognition ceremony on February 26. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as her discovery dubbed the “Ball Method” treatment for Hansen’s disease has been designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Spearheaded by the UH Office of the President and the UH ����ԴDz� Office of the Provost with support from various campus and community partners, the ceremony invited the campus community to the chaulmoogra tree on the ma uka side of Bachman Hall, where a plaque honors Ball’s legacy.

The event began with an oli led by the �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience’s Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Coordinator.

Emcee LaJoya Shelly, a lecturer in ethnic studies and educational administration, led the event. UH President Wendy Hensel was among several distinguished speakers who commemorated Ball.

“She’s a true role model for all of us,” said Hensel, “Every year is exciting because she’s such an incredible trailblazer, and to be able to recognize her repeatedly for those contributions is always really special.”

Hensel also read Gov. Josh Green’s official proclamation declaring February 28, 2026, as Alice Augusta Ball Day.

Long-awaited official recognition

Katrina-Ann Kapā Oliveira, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success, presented the National Historic Chemical Landmark Designation on behalf of ACS President Rigoberto Hernandez.

“This landmark dedication reflects ACS‘s commitment to honoring chemists like Ball whose discoveries have improved countless lives,” read Oliveira. “The National Historic Chemical Landmarks program preserves and promotes these histories so that present and future generations can understand the transformative power of chemistry.”

In 2024, the American Chemical Society approved the nomination—submitted by David Lassner, UH president emeritus, and Paul Wermager, retired department head of science and technology at Hamilton Library—to award the National Historic Chemical Landmark designation to Ball for her technique of isolating ethyl esterification from the fatty acids of chaulmoogra oil so it could be effectively administered to Hansen’s disease patients by injection.

• Related �鶹��ýNews story: Sculpture honors pioneering scientist Alice Ball

This isolation technique, later called the “Ball Method,” was the first successful treatment for Hansen’s disease that was used on thousands of patients around the world until the introduction of sulfone drugs in the mid-1940s.

The Ball Method was used to treat patients in Kalaupapa, permitting them to return to their families after being banished to isolation facilities on the remote Molokaʻi peninsula. This treatment was the difference between a life of discomfort and isolation, and a life of fulfillment and connection with family and community.

Inspiring future generations of scientists

Ball was the first woman and first African-American to graduate from the College of �鶹��ý—now known as the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�—with a master’s degree in chemistry. Ball had also become the first African American female chemistry instructor and department head.

“What inspires me really, especially during Black History Month, is her being a black woman in STEM,” said Raven Kelley, the student speaker for the Black Student Association, “When we look at U.S. history, women in STEM, in general, rarely ever get the recognition that they truly deserve.”

Ball died on December 31, 1916, at the age of 24, before publishing her groundbreaking work. More than a century later, the university remains committed to honoring her legacy.

“As a black woman in STEM myself, it gives me a sense of pride and honor to see her truly recognized for her work,” said Kelley.

Other program speakers included Phillip Williams, interim dean and professor of chemistry at the UH ����ԴDz� College of Natural Sciences; Diana Felton, chief of the Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division at the �鶹��ý State Department of Health; and DeGray Vanderbilt of Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa.

The ceremony was followed by the annual Alice Augusta Ball Remembrance Walk, led by Sister Circle at ����ԴDz� and Native Hawaiian Student Services, which included a trip to Hamilton Library to see the life-sized bronze bust of Alice Ball. The walk ended at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services for a screening of The Ball Method film.

—by Josslyn Rose

Nearly 90 years after it was first built, is undergoing renovations transforming the historic University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� campus landmark to update its aging infrastructure, while preserving its historical significance.

Current renovations include updating all bathrooms, the addition of lactation rooms and exterior courtyard repairs.

“It was always our priority to keep the building open,” said Eddie Robles, the director of Student Life Business Services at UH ����ԴDz�. “Especially since it’s made to be a place to support students, we didn’t want to completely close Hemenway for a year or more.”

Because it was a priority for the building to remain open during construction, renovations are being completed in phases to minimize disruptions. Portable restrooms have also been installed to allow contractors to renovate all restroom facilities simultaneously, a move intended to speed up overall completion.

The renovation also includes energy-efficient upgrades with the installation of LED lights and updated water fixtures. Nearly all windows are being replaced, though several historically significant windows will be restored.

Because Hemenway Hall is part of the , funding for the renovation comes entirely from student fees allocated through the Campus Center Board.

“This is a major reinvestment by the Campus Center Board to upgrade and improve student life here on campus,” Robles said.

The history behind the hall

Named after UH Board of Regents Chair Charles Reed Hemenway, who was known for being a strong student advocate, the building was designed as the campus’ student union building and intended to promote student voices and engagement.

Built in 1938, Hemenway Hall also played a role in national history. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the building was designated as an evacuation center. During World War II, it was also used by the U.S. Armed Forces Institute, highlighting its place in the wartime transformation of the campus.

Today, the hall continues to serve its original purpose as a hub of student life. It houses KTUH, the university’s student-led radio station; Ka Leo, the campus newspaper; UH Productions; �鶹��ý Review; the UH ����ԴDz� dental hygiene clinic; and the Graduate Student Organization.

“Even today, so many decades after Hemenway was opened, we try to honor its original purpose of serving students,” said Mandy Westfall-Senda, the director of the UH ����ԴDz� Office of Student Life and Development.

As renovations continue to update interior and exterior spaces, Hemenway Hall continues to uphold its original mission as a center for student life, amplifying student voices.

—By Grant Nakasone

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu visited the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s on January 23, for an official tour of the library’s , offering a close look at rare materials that illuminate centuries of Philippine history and global connections.

Led by Philippine Consul General Arman Talbo, who took office in March 2025, the delegation of 17 consulate staff members was guided by Philippine Studies Librarian Elena Clariza through selections from the Philippine Rare Collections. Highlights included rare maps of the Philippines dating from the 1500s to the 1700s, Philippine Revolutionary Papers from the Spanish colonial period in the 1800s, and a U.S. military photo album documenting Samar Island in the 1940s.

The Samar album is a joint acquisition of Hamilton Library’s Russian Collection and Philippine Collection. It documents daily life on the island and U.S. naval operations during World War II, while also reflecting Samar’s unexpected global ties. Following the Bolshevik Revolution, the island later became a refuge for an estimated 6,000 White Russians—the deposed czar’s supporters who opposed the Red Soviets and fled Russia after World War II.

Talbo described the visit as “calm, inspiring, and quietly powerful,” noting the personal resonance of the materials. He shared that he may have identified a long-lost ancestor while viewing photographs in the Samar album.

The visit highlighted the international significance of Hamilton Library’s Philippine Collection and its role in preserving and providing access to historical materials that deepen understanding of Philippine history and its global intersections.

Read more at .

After touring three University of �鶹��ý community colleges last fall, —interactive exhibits exploring sovereignty and life force—are expanding across UH libraries statewide this spring. Developed by , a network of Hawaiian language, culture and ʻ�徱�Բ�-based education organizations, the exhibits will rotate through , , , and from January through early April.

The exhibits center on Hawaiian history, while inviting communities to actively engage with ea (life, air, breath, sovereignty, rural, independence). This semester marks the first time the activations will rotate simultaneously across multiple islands, amplifying messages of ea and aloha ʻ�徱�Բ� (love of the land) while uplifting Hawaiian history, culture and language.

The initiative began during a Kūkalahale E Hoʻi Nā Wai culture-based professional development training, where Windward CC librarians explored ways to indigenize library spaces. The idea quickly spread across the UH system, evolving into a coordinated, multi-campus effort.

“I was so inspired by the campus libraries tour last semester that I wanted to make sure that every UH library had an opportunity to showcase the beautiful activations and educate our communities that the ea of this ʻ�徱�Բ� still exists through our history, culture and language,” said Kawena Komeiji, Hawaiian initiatives librarian at UH ����ԴDz�’s Hamilton Library.

The exhibit, which toured , and in the fall, is made possible through partnerships with and Kanaeokana.

Exhibit dates and locations

Ka Lā Kealaiwikuamoʻo Ea and Ka Lā ��ūʻ�ǰ��ʻ�� – A journey centered on Kamehameha III and his vision of an independent lāhui (group):

• January 12 – February 6: UH ����ԴDz� Hamilton Library, UH West Oʻahu Campbell Library
• February 9 – March 6: Kauaʻi CC Library, UH Maui College, UH Hilo Moʻokini Library

Ka Malu ʻUlu o Lele – Explores Lahaina’s sacred history and cultural resilience:

• February 9 – March 6: UH ����ԴDz� Hamilton Library, UH West Oʻahu Campbell Library
• March 9 – April 3: Kauaʻi CC Library, UH Maui College

Ruth ����ʻ�������ō�����Ծ� – Honors Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa ����ʻ�������ō�����Ծ� and her commitment to ʻō������� �鶹��ý (the Hawaiian language), tradition and her people:

• January 12 – February 6: Kauaʻi CC Library, UH Maui College
• February 6 – March 6: UH Hilo Moʻokini Library
• March 9 – April 3: UH ����ԴDz� Hamilton Library, UH West Oʻahu Campbell Library

Seven University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (ROTC) cadets from World War II were posthumously commissioned as second lieutenants on January 26, honoring their leadership, courage and sacrifice during a ceremony at Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial State Park. The event, led by the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and supported by the �鶹��ý Congressional Delegation, formally recognized the cadets contributions more than 80 years after their service.

The cadets honored were Staff Sgt. Grover Nagiji; Sgt. Howard Urabe; Sgt. Robert Murata; Sgt. Jenhatsu Chinen; Sgt. Daniel Betsui; Pfc. Hiroichi Tomita; and Pvt. Akio Nishikawa. Lt. Col. Jerrod Melander, who formerly led UHʻ�� ROTC program, began the long-awaited commissioning effort in 2023, with the cadets promotions finalized in 2025.

The cadets paths to commissioning were delayed following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Determined to serve, they volunteered for service in the U.S. Army 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), one of the most decorated units in U.S. Army history. All seven were killed in action in Europe.

“Today at this ceremony, we honor legacy,” said Gen. Ronald P. Clark, commanding general of USARPAC. “These soldiers upheld Army values under extraordinary circumstances, and todays commissioning honors their service and preserves their legacy for future generations.”

A lasting legacy at UH

Laura Lyons, UH ����ԴDz� interim vice provost for academic excellence, attended the ceremony on behalf of the university.

Related �鶹��ýNews story: Fallen warriors awarded posthumous degrees

“The posthumous commissioning of these ROTC cadets is the last piece in fully acknowledging and honoring their service and ultimately the sacrifice of life that they each made on the European battlefield during World War II. It is humbling at this moment to consider how their beliefs in the ideal of freedom proved greater than their experience of institutional discrimination,” she said.

Family members and community representatives also attended. “Here it is over 80 years later, and to see my uncle get recognized, I am very proud of him,” said Clifford Urabe, nephew of Lt. Howard Urabe.

In 2012, UH ����ԴDz� awarded the cadets posthumous bachelors degrees, and their commissioning now formally honors their legacy.

Read more from the website.

More than 12,000 people attended The Wall That Heals traveling exhibit during its display at the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu Great Lawn in January. The three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., along with a mobile education center, served as a powerful gathering space for the community to learn, remember and share.

The Wall That Heals, a program of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), honors the more than three million Americans who served in the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ken Inouye, assistant to the vice chancellor for administration at UH West Oʻahu, was part of the team that helped bring the exhibit to campus and found the experience deeply moving. He noted that unlike the quiet, often solitary nature of the D.C. memorial, the atmosphere at UH West Oʻahu fostered spontaneous connection and sharing.

Place of healing

“Seeing the effect it has had within our community has been humbling, and the way people just spontaneously shared their stories with me and others was clearly healing,” Inouye said. “People who came to visit The Wall That Heals immediately sensed that everyone there was of the same community.”

Inouye is the son of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who served in the U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated military units in U.S. history.

“A woman and her husband approached me to ask for directions and then started talking to me about the Wall,” he said. “After about five minutes of us talking about family members who had served in the military, she realized that her uncle and my father had served together in World War II.”

Nearly 400 volunteers and more than 20 community partners contributed to the event. The display at UH West Oʻahu was the first stop of the VVMF’s 2026 The Wall That Heals . The exhibit will visit a total of 31 communities in 2026.

For more visit .
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman