A sophomore has returned from Antarctica after serving as the only participant from Â鶹´«Ã½ and the United States on a global expedition focused on protecting the continent beyond 2041.

“It’s one of those places that genuinely shows that we don’t need to go in, and we don’t need to find and exploit things for everything that they have.” — Eric Gee

Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, an and major in the , with a minor in in the , was one of two Villars Institute Fellows selected for the , a two-week mission that took place in December 2025. The expedition brought young leaders, educators and scientists to Union Glacier Camp, a research and logistics hub deep within Antarctica.

“Antarctica serves as a symbol of hope,” Gee said. “That’s the way I’ve started to see it because in Antarctica, no one has any claim over any territory there. Everyone on Earth owns it. It’s one of those places that genuinely shows that we don’t need to go in, and we don’t need to find and exploit things for everything that they have.”

Led by polar explorer Robert Swan, the expedition centered on strengthening global awareness of Antarctica’s importance to Earth’s climate system. According to the Villars Institute, the continent holds roughly 70% of the world’s freshwater in its ice sheets and plays a critical role in regulating global temperatures, ocean circulation and sea levels.

For Gee, one of the most striking observations came from the temperatures. The team prepared for conditions near -10°F. Instead, temperatures climbed to around 30°F on some days, underscoring the effects of a changing climate. Gee also noted that a thinning ozone layer over Antarctica resulted in higher levels of ultraviolet radiation, requiring additional precautions by the team, as well as adapting to 24 hours of straight sunlight during this time of year.

“You have to wear a specific amount of layers,” Gee said. “If you wear too many layers, you overheat and when you overheat you start to sweat. The moment you sweat, you’re not in a good spot because that sweat will very quickly drop your body temperature and I witnessed that the hard way on some of our excursions.”

Antarctica research, education

Throughout the mission, Gee—a Waikōloa native and graduate of Kealakehe High School—and the international team connected live with classrooms around the world, marking the first real-time educational broadcast from Antarctica. Participants collaborated on scientific activities, including environmental DNA sampling, and tested renewable energy and storage systems designed to function in extreme polar conditions. The work highlighted that research in Antarctica can be powered by renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.

Gee’s inspiration

“I’ve always been passionate about learning how things within our world react and how renewable energy and environmental sustainability play a factor into our day-to-day lives,” Gee said. “My inspiration for that came from being on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island, and just seeing [how] the valleys of Waimea and Kawaihae used to be green when I was growing up, and serious drought turned them dark brown.”

A key focus of the expedition was the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the continent as a natural reserve devoted to scientific research, peace, and prohibits mining and commercial exploitation. Its environmental protections are at risk beginning in 2041, when the treaty is up for review, making international conversations and public awareness about preserving one of Earth’s last untouched areas all the more urgent.

Sharing your story

Gee launched @theantarcticdiary on Instagram and encourages young people to get involved.

After returning to Â鶹´«Ã½, Gee will begin sharing lessons from the expedition through school visits, community presentations and public outreach, extending UH Mānoa’s role in global climate education, youth leadership and environmental stewardship. He recently founded a platform called “The Antarctic Diary,” to share his reflections from Antarctica, and to encourage other young people to share their story and establish mutual connections from around the globe.

“I feel like as a young person and as young people, it is sometimes hard to feel like you really have an impact and that your voice can really hold meaning. It can feel like you’re listened to but not heard, and I feel like that’s what I experienced my entire life,” Gee said. “That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of my program called The Antarctic Diary.”

UH impact

Gee, who studied abroad in Florence, Italy for his freshman spring semester through the UH Mānoa Study Abroad Center, called UH “an extraordinary university.”

“We have many incredible programs and educators who care deeply about their students and our state. I’m thankful for my classes, and the professors and our administration have worked with me to help me make the most of my opportunities, both in and outside of UH,” Gee said. “The access to different study abroad programs is something I encourage every single student to utilize and take advantage of. I have a lot of interests and commitments, and it means a lot to have the support of the university as I pursue them.”

After more than two decades of leadership at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa, Vance Roley plans to step down as dean of the . A national search for his successor will begin this fall.

Roley, who also holds the title of First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Management, has served as dean since 2005. Under his leadership, the college experienced significant growth in academic reputation, philanthropic support and international recognition.

“Serving as dean of the Shidler College of Business has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Roley said. “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside dedicated business leaders, alumni, donors, faculty, and staff whose support and guidance have strengthened our ability to educate and empower the next generation of business leaders. Transformative partnerships, catalyzed by Jay Shidler’s visionary gift, have elevated our programs, facilities, and global reputation in ways that will benefit students for generations to come. As I transition from the deanship, I’m excited to return to the classroom—reconnecting with the heart of our mission by teaching and mentoring students.”

One of the defining achievements of Roley’s tenure was his partnership with alumnus Jay H. Shidler, whose transformational gifts to the college now total approximately $238 million. These donations, made in cash and real estate ground leases, represent the largest individual contribution in UH’s history and the second-largest known gift to any U.S. public university business school. The funding has helped expand faculty endowments—starting with six to now 43, increase scholarships, enhance student services and support strategic programs at the college.

Other milestones during Roley’s deanship include:

• The 2019 reintegration of the (TIM School),which brought more than $1.5 million in new scholarships and six faculty endowments. The TIM School is now ranked No. 14 in the U.S. and No. 32 globally by the 2024 Shanghai Ranking. It also placed among the top 15 U.S. hospitality and tourism programs and No. 46 in the world in the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds rankings.
• The 2023 opening of the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, a first-of-its-kind, award-winning live-learn-work innovation hub available to students across all 10 campuses of the UH System. Managed by Shidler’s , the center houses 374 students and features co-working spaces, meeting rooms, prototyping labs, and entrepreneurial programming.
• Significant capital improvements across campus, including the renovation of the Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard and the transformation of the Sunset Reference Center at the TIM School into a modern, collaborative student space. Through the Visionary Initiative, the college has also upgraded numerous offices, classrooms, and common areas to enhance the student experience and honor the legacy of alumni and supporters.
• Establishment of several major academic initiatives, including the Direct Admit Program, which attracts more than 100 high-achieving first-year students directly into Shidler as freshmen; an undergraduate entrepreneurship major; new graduate programs such as the Distance Learning Executive MBA, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Marketing, and Master of Science in Information Systems; and a doctoral program at the TIM School.
• Since its launch in 2001, the Vietnam Executive MBA Program (VEMBA) has flourished under Dean Roley’s leadership—growing beyond its founding location in Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and, in 2024, expanding to a hybrid format that reaches professionals across Vietnam. Today, VEMBA boasts nearly 1,000 graduates, including 100 expatriates representing 20 countries.
• More than $1 million in scholarships awarded annually, along with substantial financial support for study abroad experiences that empower students to gain international perspective and cultural understanding.
• A robust career services program that facilitates approximately 500 internships each year, providing students with real-world experience and valuable industry connections. On average, 40% of students secure full-time job offers before graduation, and three months after graduation, approximately 91% of Shidler students are fully employed, with 89% working in fields directly related to their major.

“Vance Roley has been an exceptional, forward-thinking leader with an astute relationship building skillset that has transformed the Shidler College of Business into an academic and philanthropic powerhouse that is now globally recognized for its innovative entrepreneurial programs and its well-prepared graduates,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Vance for most of his time here at UH Mānoa and he has certainly set a new standard of excellence at Shidler and his departure will leave us with large shoes to fill. I wish him well on his future endeavors.”

Before arriving at UH, Roley served 21 years at the University of Washington, where he was acting dean and held the Hughes M. Blake Professorship of Finance. He previously worked as an economist and assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and served as a senior economist on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Roley holds a PhD and MA in economics from Harvard University and a BA in economics and statistics from the University of California, Berkeley.

A search committee to find Roley’s replacement has been formed and campus leaders anticipate the job will be posted in September. College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka will chair the search and Isaacson, Miller has been selected as the search firm.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s three 4-year universities earned high marks in the rankings released on September 24, including three top 5 rankings for , a top 10 national ranking for and , and a top 20 national ranking for the UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Shidler College of Business’ international business program.

All of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu ranked among the top 1,500 4-year institutions by U.S. News and World Report out of based on up to 17 measures (depending on ranking category) of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, financial resources and student excellence.

“These rankings underscore our success in continuing to elevate our program quality and outcomes as we improve financial sustainability while containing costs and improving value to our students,” said UH President David Lassner. “As the state’s sole provider of public higher education, we take great pride in our mission to serve communities across the islands as we prepare the next generation of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s leaders through our commitment to continuous improvement in student access and success for all.”

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ tied for No. 7 among , a ranking that identifies colleges where students are most likely to encounter undergraduates from racial or ethnic groups different from their own. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s diversity index score was 0.75. The ethnic categories used in the calculations are non-Hispanic African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, Asian, non-Hispanic white and multiracial (two or more races).

The flagship campus of the UH System also ranked No. 92 as a top U.S. public university; No. 171 overall in the country; No. 187 as a best value school; No. 218 in social mobility, which measures how well schools graduated students who were federal Pell Grant recipients; and No. 120 for best colleges for veterans.

The came in at No. 20 for international business programs and No. 127 among the best undergraduate business programs out of 532 ranked undergraduate business programs.

The is the No. 96 best undergraduate nursing program among 686 ranked undergraduate nursing programs.

The placed No. 139 among the best undergraduate engineering programs that offer doctoral degrees in the U.S., and the ranked as the No. 145 best undergraduate computer science program out of 584 ranked programs.

The ranked No. 161 for best undergraduate economics programs in the nation, and the placed No. 229 out of the nation’s top 681 undergraduate psychology programs. Both departments are housed in the .

UH Hilo

UH Hilo stands out in several key areas. It ranks among the in the country, earning a diversity index score of 0.76, just behind top schools like Stanford and Johns Hopkins (0.77).

In addition, UH Hilo ranked No. 111 for social mobility out of the top 433 national universities, a classification based on offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, emphasizing research, as explained in the rankings categories below. UH Hilo also placed No. 188 as a top U.S. public university and No. 352 overall among national universities.

UH ±á¾±±ô´Ç’s is the No. 182 best undergraduate nursing program in the country, the placed No. 281 among the 532 best undergraduate business programs, and the ranked No. 293 of the best 681 undergraduate psychology programs.

UH West Oʻahu

UH West Oʻahu placed No. 2 among , ranked No. 3 for best public colleges in the West, No. 4 for best colleges for veterans among regional colleges in the West, No. 6 for , No. 10 overall among regional colleges in the West (five spots higher than last year) and No. 13 for social mobility for regional colleges in the West (13 spots higher than last year).

Ranking categories

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and UH Hilo were included in the national universities category, which featured institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates. UH West Oʻahu is in the regional colleges in the West category, which includes schools that focus on undergraduate education and grant fewer than 50% of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

—By Marc Arakaki

Founded in 1949 as the College of Business Administration, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ has grown to become one of the world’s premier business schools. The college prides itself on its multicultural learning environment that promotes real world experiences through research projects, internships and study abroad opportunities. Its goal is to prepare students to succeed in today’s competitive global business environment.

“I’m most proud of the success of our alumni—that’s number one. Number two, the success of our faculty,” Shidler College of Business Dean Vance Roley said. “Our alumni have had a great impact in the community here in Â鶹´«Ã½. And the single biggest event for the college in the last 75 years, I believe, has been Jay Shider’s transformative gifts. That has just changed the college forever.”

The college was named in 2006 after alumnus Jay H. Shidler, founder and managing partner of The Shidler Group. Since his initial gift of $25 million in 2006, Shidler has given approximately $238 million to the college in cash, land leases and in-kind donations. His contributions represent both the largest individual donation in the university’s 110-year history, and is the second-largest known gift to any U.S. business school at a public university.

“Since I graduated from here in 1968, I think the role it has played in the community, which is important, has grown,” Shidler said. “That’s a testament to the legislature’s valuing higher education, the impact that higher education has on its students and the impact students have on the economy of the state.”

More than 40,000 students have graduated from the Shidler College of Business, and many have gone into prominent roles in the business community here in Â鶹´«Ã½, across the country and around the world. Some of the prominent members of the community include: Shidler, Chamber Commerce of Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara, L&L Drive-Inn and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants founder and CEO Eddie Flores, Jr., aio Chairman and CEO Duane Kurisu, and UH regent and Hawaii Dental Service President and CEO Diane Paloma.

RISE opens to students marking milestone in entrepreneurship, innovation at UH, August 22, 2023

The Shidler College of Business is also home to the (PACE), which is running entrepreneurship and innovation programs at UH, including the newly opened Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

“The thing that I’m most proud of at the Shidler school is the fact that we continue to evolve as the changing needs of the students, our community and basically the needs of the world, change,” said Susan Yamada, current PACE board chair, Shidler College alumna and former PACE executive director. “What we’re trying to do is prepare students for the 21st century workforce so they’re able to address these new realities in a way that previously, 75 years ago, it wasn’t even viable.”

Among the college highlights celebrated today:

• U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the college among the nation’s top 25 undergraduate programs for international business.
• The college is a pioneer in offering country-specific MBA programs such as the Full-time Global MBA with China and Japan tracks, and Vietnam Executive MBA.
• In 2019, the Shidler College of Business joined forces with the School of Travel Industry Management, helping to strengthen and expand relationships with the tourism industry, community, alumni and students.
• Each year, approximately 500 graduate and undergraduate students are placed in internships throughout Â鶹´«Ã½, the continental U.S. and abroad.
• More than $1 million in merit-based scholarships are awarded annually.
• The college has the only graduate program in Â鶹´«Ã½ and Vietnam accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

“What I appreciate the most about the courses here at Shidler is how they dive into the industry here in Â鶹´«Ã½—preparing me to be not only a leader within the industry, but a leader within the industry at home,” Paʻana Hanaike, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ travel industry management senior and King Kekaulike High School alumna.

The Shidler College of Business will celebrate its 75th anniversary through its series of annual events, starting off with the (March 7), (April 10) and Business Night (May 2). For a complete list of events and more information on the 75th anniversary, .

To donate to the Shidler College Advancement Fund, . With every donation to the fund commemorating the college’s diamond anniversary, supporters contribute a component to the newly launched Legacy Lei campaign, symbolizing the resilience and unity of Shidler College’s alumni and friends network. Supporters leave their mark by adding their name and a special message to each commemorative piece, weaving a maile lei.

—By Marc Arakaki

Nearly 40 University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ programs have been recognized among the nation’s best, according to the , released on March 29. This is the highest number of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ grad programs on the list since at least 2013.

The 2023 edition evaluates graduate schools on a variety of factors, including research activity, expert assessment scores, doctoral degrees awarded, acceptance rates, placement success, standardized test scores and grade-point averages of incoming students.

“We are gratified that many of our graduate programs continue to receive national recognition for their excellence. Â鶹´«Ã½ residents should take pride in knowing that one of the top universities in the world is located right here, educating future innovators, educators and leaders,” UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Provost Michael Bruno said.

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  William S. Richardson School of Law  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Education  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

John A. Burns School of Medicine

The state’s only medical school, (JABSOM), ranked No. 24 in primary care and No. 74 in research out of 124 of the best medical schools in the nation. This is the third time in six years that JABSOM made the top 25 for primary care (No. 19 in 2016 and No. 24 in 2021). JABSOM also placed No. 31 for percentage of 2013–15 graduates practicing in primary care specialties. .

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 85 among 158 schools considered in U.S. News’s Best Nursing Schools. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Nursing is the only Â鶹´«Ã½ DNP program ranked by U.S. News since 2018. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Nursing also placed No. 80 out of 199 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

William S. Richardson School of Law

The was ranked in 15 categories by U.S. News. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s law school placed No. 91 out of 192 law schools considered in the full-time law category, and No. 21 out of 69 in the part-time law category for the school’s evening part-time law program.

Other rankings include:

• Environmental law: No. 26 out of 180
• Dispute resolution: No. 56 out of 109
• International law: No. 67 out of 185
• Legal writing: No. 74 out of 186
• Criminal law: No. 90 out of 187
• Constitutional law: No. 93 out of 187
• Tax law: No. 95 out of 186
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 97 out of 187
• Business/corporate law: No. 103 out of 187
• Health care law: No. 108 out of 184
• Clinical training: No. 132 out of 173
• Intellectual property law: No. 141 out of 187
• Trial advocacy: No. 174 out of 187

Read more on the .

Shidler College of Business

The ranked No. 89 out of 134 schools considered in the full-time master of business administration category. Shidler’s part-time master of business administration program (global MBA, 36-month plan) placed No. 114, up from No. 152 in the previous year, among 278 part-time MBA programs that qualified for this ranking. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA programs in Â鶹´«Ã½ and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Education

The (COE) ranked No. 67 of 274 schools considered, the 17th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. ranked No. 98; placed No. 99; is No. 122; and , a joint program in the College of Engineering and , ranked No. 135. The College of Engineering ranked in the No. 152–200 tier among top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

Graduate programs in the were ranked by U.S. News, including (No. 95), (No. 100), (No. 132), (No. 135) and (No. 140).

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ’s ranked in the top 17% nationally of social work graduate programs, No. 51 out of 298. The department offers a (BSW) and (MSW), with specializations in child and family, behavioral mental health, gerontology, and health. The MSW and BSW degrees are offered through campus-based and , serving students on the neighbor islands of Â鶹´«Ã½ and Guam. The department also offers a .

The (OPHS) ranked No. 89 out of 195 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. OPHS offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . OPHS is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The in the ranked No. 88, up nine spots from the previous year, out of 270 graduate programs considered. The ranking puts the program in the top third of all master’s of public administration programs in the country. The master’s of public administration program is the state’s only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration accredited program, offering an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

In addition, the ranked No. 120 in the nation and the is No. 122.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

The in the placed No. 46 out of 162 earth sciences doctoral programs considered. Students in the PhD program gain advanced knowledge, develop professional skills and learn cutting-edge methodologies through specialized coursework and by conducting research.

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

These rankings serve as examples of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

Teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired many faculty members to get even more creative. For one University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ instructor, overcoming challenges was paramount to provide marketing graduate students with a valuable global education and enhanced student learning experience.

Constancio Paranal III’s virtual international marketing management graduate course in spring 2021 via Zoom was highlighted with a six-week virtual exchange program with students at the Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle, Netherlands. Seven students from Shidler’s program worked collaboratively with 19 students from Windesheim on an international marketing project with an emphasis on building intercultural readiness and competency. In total, 26 students representing 18 countries and five continents participated.

They attended workshops on Pan-European marketing strategy, intercultural communication and case study analysis. Akin to managing global organizations, students learned how to manage cultural differences, how to work with global teams, lead multicultural organizations and manage time and other logistical barriers. The seminars and workshops were instructed and facilitated by professors and staff at Shidler and Windesheim.

“The program has provided insight to what the future of global education and global workforce would look like,” Paranal III said. “To my fellow teachers, don’t be afraid to try something new and different. Don’t worry about how you will do it; instead, focus on why you’re doing it. Allow your students to participate in the design and development of the program, it promotes collective ownership and success. Lastly, harness the power of your network; we are all trying to figure out how to navigate this new environment. Working together can make lasting results.”

Overcoming challenges

The realization of the program took coordination between Paranal III and Roelijn Kok at Windesheim, primarily due to the 12-hour time difference between Â鶹´«Ã½ and Switzerland, and a need to coordinate the academic calendars of the two universities. More importantly, both parties needed to coordinate the design and development of the course curriculum to ensure that learning and skill development objectives were met for both Shidler and Windesheim students. After weeks of planning, the course was designed to harness Shidler’s strengths in marketing and Windesheim’s expertise in intercultural readiness and competency.

“This [project] should be part of their education, to prepare students for real-life expectations on bigger projects,” said Radoslav Parapunov, BBA ’20, a Shidler alumnus and member of the national champions Rainbow Warrior volleyball team. “Projects like these are a great reality check to see where our level is not only in theory but in real-life situations where we have to implement all the techniques that we discussed in class—research, communication, presentation, leadership and being open-minded to suggestions.”

Shidler alumna Carlee Hirano, BBA ’19, said the program helped her learn more about herself, including areas that she can work on. Hirano “learned how to better create a community with people of different cultures and backgrounds, and learned to observe how they work and how to better create relationships.”

Paranal III and Kok hope to continue this partnership, and create more innovative and creative opportunities and pathways for their students to be competent global citizens.

This effort is an example of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Less than an hour before Gov. David Ige announced on October 27 that Japan was added to Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s pre-travel testing program, a virtual series addressing the reopening of tourism to Â鶹´«Ã½ discussed restoring travel from Japan and spotlighted five community leaders.

Hosted by the Alumni Association and (TIM) International, the alumni association of the TIM School, “Restoring Travel from Japan” featured Kimiko Quan, sales and marketing manager, Hawaii Tourism Japan; Janice Yasunaga, Â鶹´«Ã½ region passenger sales director, Japan Airlines; Tsuneo Ishida, president and general manager, JTB Hawaii; Maki Kuroda, CEO and president, E Noa Corporation—Waikiki Trolley; and Steve Sombrero, chairman of the board of directors, Japan-America Society of Hawaii.

Quan said that Hawaii Tourism Japan is forecasting an 82% drop in visitor numbers from Japan in 2020 and a 60% drop in 2021, compared to 2019 numbers. While the Japan government is doing its best to ensure that its residents will not lose their jobs by providing employment funds and is encouraging travel through a new campaign, Quan said uncertainties remain such as the closure and merger of some travel retail outlets, airlines temporarily suspending operations and the pending reopening of tourism to Â鶹´«Ã½.

“It’s not going to be a dramatic recovery, but we are slowly opening, slowly welcoming back the Japanese visitor,” Quan said.

Japan Airlines has implemented COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of its passengers and employees. Yasunaga also outlined the airlines’ plan to resume routes as Â鶹´«Ã½ welcomes back visitors from Japan. Japan Airlines is also planning a non-contact hospitality experience for its guests, including a OneID boarding process, touchless check-in kiosks and avatar-type remote guidance service.

“In thinking of a new and better way of tourism, the so-called new normal, we’d like to continue to contribute to making tourism safe for Â鶹´«Ã½ residents and tourists alike,” Yasunaga said.

Ishida shared the current travel situation and future scenarios for JTB Hawaii, one of the leading Japan travel companies in Â鶹´«Ã½. He has also shared some of their marketing concepts, emphasizing the need to personalize packet tours to meet the needs of the consumer.

“Now is a chance to change the past. Now is the time for innovation,” Ishida said.

Kuroda explained the current situation for E Noa Corporation, which is currently operating at about 3%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, employees took a contact tracing course and cleaning protocols were enhanced for company vehicles. Kuroda also described that E Noa Corporation has 100 vehicles, 65 of which are trolleys, and most trolleys are open air making it easier for ventilation.

The Japan-America Society of Hawaii is helping to advocate for the reopening of tourism from Japan and giving its members a voice in government and community about the importance of staying connected to Japan, according to Sombrero.

.

Upcoming webinar topics

The series continues every Tuesday through November 17. Each webinar will feature a different industry topic, such as tourism, health and safety, airlines, hotels, retail, restaurants and a focus on Japan. The goal of the free series is to stimulate ideas that can be implemented by Â鶹´«Ã½ businesses, tourism stakeholders, hospitality workers and the general public.

For more information and to register, visit the .

• November 3: Impacts and Forecast of the Retail & Shopping Center Industry
• November 10: Impacts and Forecast of the Restaurant & Food Industry
• November 17: Impacts and Forecast of the Activities, Events and Wedding Industry

—By Marc Arakaki

The‘s spring graduating class heard from two inspiring student speakers, Mart Joshua Lopez and Annie Nguyen, who shared their stories at the on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Stan Sheriff Center. An estimated 2,200 students participated in the ceremonies.

Mart Joshua Lopez

Mart Joshua Lopez was the morning ceremony speaker and earned his bachelor of arts in communications. Lopez talked about learning the hard truth during his college years that our journeys in life were never meant to be linear, but full of trials and tribulations, victories and excitement.

“It’s important to embrace all the setbacks and celebrate all the wins and to share that story to inspire others,” said Lopez. “I ask you all to speak up and to share your story because it has played a crucial role to who you are as a person here today.”

Annie Nguyen

Annie Nguyen, the afternoon ceremony speaker, graduated with a bachelor of business administration in marketing, human resource management and international business from the , and a certificate in French language. Nguyen said that UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ instilled in her the value of kuleana, inspired her to find purpose and challenged her to give back.

“We’ve been placed at this school and given so much by our Â鶹´«Ã½ ʻohana so now it is our kuleana, our responsibility, to dream big, live boldly and make positive impacts in this world,” she said.

Braving the Nor’easter weather, undergraduate students traveled to Boston to compete in the 9th Annual (Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education) International Business Case Competition held at October 25–27. The Shidler team placed second in a field of 16 teams from leading undergraduate international business programs from across the nation.

Team members Eryn Yuasa (’19), Dakota Kubacak (’18), Edwin Wong (’18) and Kelly Zheng (’20) took first place in their preliminary round against University of San Diego, Marist College and Temple University. The Shidler team placed second overall to first-place winner Olin School of Business, Washington University in St. Louis.

The challenge was to provide recommendations to the vice president of social responsibility of Hilton Hotel Worldwide on the growing epidemic of human trafficking.

“I personally would like to thank the team for their sacrifices, for their commitment and dedication, for challenging themselves and not giving up, and for trusting the process,” says Constancio Paranal III, Shidler faculty and team advisor. “Their presentation not only gained high praises from the judges, but also from their peers.”

The CUIBE case competition gives students an opportunity to showcase their knowledge in international business through a competitive environment. Each team is given a case study to analyze within 24 hours before the competition begins. The winners of each bracket move on to the final round. The teams are judged on their analysis, recommendations and overall presentation.

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—By Dolly Omiya

Donning their caps and gowns, 32 students from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (VEMBA) received their diplomas during two separate commencement ceremonies near their respective campuses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in July.

The graduates celebrated the culmination of two years of hard work with a ceremony and a formal banquet with family, friends and faculty. Speakers included Shidler Professor and Vietnam MBA Program Director , Shidler Dean , President of Prospect Company, Ltd. Curtis Freeze and a representative from the U.S. Consulate General’s office.

Bui said, “With the graduation of its 10th class in Ho Chi Minh City and 16th in Hanoi, the VEMBA program continues to address the needs of the national economy with courses focusing on continuous quality improvement of products and services, global branding and digital transformation.”

More about the VEMBA program

VEMBA is a rigorous and challenging two-year program for working professionals living and working in Vietnam. Since its establishment in 2001, VEMBA has played a major role in educating and preparing future business, community and government leaders.

Today, many of the program’s 650 alumni hold key positions in leading corporations and organizations throughout Vietnam.

The VEMBA program is taught by Shidler faculty and is the only MBA program in Vietnam that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.