Dane Wicker’s passion for politics and community service began at Leeward Community College, where the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu offered courses close to home. He earned an associate degree in liberal arts in 2006, and continued to work on to UH West Oʻahu, which was located on the Leeward CC campus at that time.

“The smaller campus setting also made it easier to meet people, build meaningful relationships, and engage with instructors in a way that really shaped my academic experience,” said Wicker.

Wicker earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UH West Oʻahu in 2010. Soon after, he stepped into public service, working as a staffer for the Honolulu City Council, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the �鶹��ý State Senate.

“That progression—from local to federal to state—gave me an in-depth understanding of what each level of government is responsible for,” said Wicker. “I’ve been able to bring that perspective to help bridge local needs with state and federal resources.”

Statewide economic leader

Today, Wicker serves as deputy director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, leading statewide initiatives to diversify �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s economy.

“These efforts not only create jobs but help us increase exports, build up local manufacturing, and strengthen food and energy security. Critical to this is the State’s investment in infrastructure, workforce development and aligning our education pipeline—from K–12 through higher education—to meet evolving industry needs,” he said.

Wicker also brings insights from the private sector. His most recent venture is in farming, and he owned and operated a small retail business before that.

“These experiences taught me firsthand how government regulations, access to capital, and infrastructure challenges directly impact small businesses,” Wicker said. “It also drives the work I do in government—to reduce barriers and help more local businesses succeed.”

Reflecting on his journey, Wicker emphasized the importance of staying engaged.

He said, “Staying connected to the UH alumni ʻohana keeps you rooted in your community and opens doors for mentorship, collaboration and continued learning. It’s also a way to give back.”

This column by Chancellor Lui Hokoana was published by on August 28, 2025.

Derek Snyder is a very familiar face around our campus. He’s been teaching here for 20 years, most of those in the English Department. He’s taught a full gamut of courses ranging from Introductory Composition to Research Writing. And he is as skilled at all modalities of distance learning as he is at teaching “in person.” As a matter of fact, he is recognized as a thought leader in distance education.

Besides being a faculty member—most recently a full professor—Snyder has served our college as a Student Services Specialist, a short-term Program Coordinator for the Maui Language Institute, a non-credit instructor in the Office of Continuing Education and Training (OCET), and a lecturer for both UH Maui College and the University of �鶹��ý Center, Maui.

“This variety of work experience within our campus community provides me with a deep appreciation and understanding of the important work that our entire campus team performs every day to assist us in achieving our mission to our students and communities,” Snyder says.

Believe it or not, that’s not all. Go below the surface and you will find an academic leader—he has held many different leadership positions at UHMC and the wider UH community—and a community volunteer. “I coached youth sports for years, served on the Board of Directors of Hui Malama Learning Center, and now serve on the Board of Directors of Manaʻo Radio,” says Snyder.

Look deeper still and you will find a lifelong learner who credits his 97-year-old grandmother with teaching him two of life’s most important lessons. “She told me, 1. ‘Everyone knows something you do not.’ and 2. ‘True happiness in life comes through helping others,’” says Snyder.

All of the above made Snyder the perfect candidate to fill the position of our new Dean of Arts and Sciences. There’s also his passion for a field of study that is often maligned these days—Liberal Arts which include all the Arts & Sciences.

“The disciplines in the Arts & Sciences are wonderfully varied at UH Maui College, in the areas of Humanities, STEM, Language Arts, and Social Science,” says Snyder. “The true superpowers of Arts and Sciences programs are that they prepare students to enter the workforce while also preparing them to help positively transform the workforce in creative and innovative ways. Arts and Sciences graduates are equipped to become curious, thoughtful, reflective, empathic, and empirical leaders in their fields and, by extension, in their communities.”

“At the heart of the mission of higher education is to help students become change agents in their communities—high-level problem solvers and critical thinkers. At UH Maui College, it can be said that we are preparing students for jobs that may not even exist yet. In a rapidly and ever-changing world, graduates in the Arts and Sciences possess skills and strategies to process complex information that can allow them to best adapt to constantly changing work environments and technological innovations,” Snyder explains.

“What students learn in the Arts and Sciences builds a well-versed foundation for navigating any work environment and prepares students to be leaders in an incredible variety of careers. To name only a few career pathways, students in the Arts and Sciences become the doctors who care for us, the teachers who inspire us, the social workers and first responders who save us, and the scientists who help us best understand the world around us. In every possible way, the Arts and Sciences serves students powerfully in their career endeavors,” says Snyder.

With his strong teaching expertise, deep understanding of pedagogy, proven leadership skills, and deep passion for higher education, I am confident that Dean Snyder will be a tremendous asset to our leadership team and will help us further strengthen the quality of education and support we provide to Maui Nui.

For complete information about UH Maui College, please visit

Dr. Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of �鶹��ý Maui College. Kaʻana Manaʻo, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Thursday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from UH Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County with information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers.

When Tanya Patricia Tanuvasa Pio walks across the stage as a student speaker at the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu’s 2025 commencement on May 10, she won’t be alone—she will be thinking of her loved ones who are no longer here.

“A majority of the people who raised me, who made me who I am today, they’re ‘upstairs,’” said Pio, 29, who is from Mulivai, Safata, Western Samoa. “So for me to be at that podium and (the reason) why I donʻt feel this sense of nervousness is because when I speak, it’s like I’ll get to deliver their message.”

She paused, wiping away tears. “The way that they impacted my life, the things that they’ve done for me, I get to say that I did it in honor of you. So it means the world.”

Pio transferred from Honolulu Community College to UH West Oʻahu in 2022. She didnʻt have enough credits at that time to earn a degree from Honolulu CC. However, now she does, and will receive her associate’s degree in liberal arts from Honolulu CC next week, a few days after receiving her bachelor’s degree.

Her journey to commencement has been anything but easy. From family responsibilities, such as caring for siblings, and cultural obligations to recovering from a torn knee and twice fractured ankle and maintaining her mental health, she has carried heavy burdens.

Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

In addition to being a determined student, Pio was also a dedicated educator, working as a substitute teacher at Dole Middle School in Kalihi and as a senior residential advisor at �鶹��ý Job Corps in Waimānalo.

Learning leadership

At UH West Oʻahu she found meaning and community through the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“I learned even more in-depth what leadership looks like—that leadership has more to do with your service and the work that you put in, rather than you being the front of the line,” Pio said.

“She is inclusive, generous, reflective, and a leader,” said Rouel Velasco, director of student life. “She offered her wisdom from her life’s experiences with the utmost humility and generosity. With her wealth of life’s experiences and being seen as a seasoned leader among her peers, she has fostered an inclusive environment for them to grow in their leadership capacity.”

‘Source of aloha’

Manu Aluli Meyer, Kūlana o Kapolei, got to know Pio after she took one of revered kumu Aunty Lynette Paglinawan’s Hoʻoponopono classes that Meyer was part of.

“Tanya Pio is that kind of rare student who lifts up ʻike kupuna (ancestral experiences, insights, and knowledge) from a wider ocean understanding,” Meyer said. “She is a steady and beloved source of aloha for both her family and for the future of �鶹��ý.”

Pio’s post-graduation plans include earning certificates in project management and advanced degrees, all with a goal to advocate for quality education in the South Pacific.

“All the things that I struggled with, all the challenges that I faced, they were worth it because I get to deliver a message that could impact the life of someone, who then could impact another,” Pio said. “We get to make this ripple effect of change.”

For more visit .
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

It was 2020 when Brenda DeCambra enrolled at Leeward Community College’s —a year marked by significant personal and global challenges. While the world was shutting down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, DeCambra was undergoing drug treatment and filing for divorce after a 30-year abusive relationship. She also moved in with her sister and brother-in-law in Waiʻanae—both of whom were attending at the time.

DeCambra said that seeing her family’s commitment to their education served as powerful inspiration. That, plus her desire to make a better life for herself, her six children and her five grandchildren, fueled her desire to pursue higher education.

“I wanted to prove to my children that anything is possible, no matter your age or your past, as long as you are determined and motivated,” DeCambra said.

DeCambra said adjusting to college life was tough, especially with technology-heavy coursework, but she found strength in the support from tutors, mentors and professors.

“Waiʻanae Moku has made me feel at home, and the environment is safe for learning and growing,” said DeCambra. “I was able to be myself and not be judged by anyone, which means a lot when you come from a background of addiction and family struggles like mine.”

Waiʻanae Moku has made me feel at home.
—Brenda DeCambra

DeCambra will graduate on May 9 with an associate’s degree in liberal arts before transferring to in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Eventually, DeCambra plans to take her journey full circle by getting a master’s degree in social work and using her experience to help others facing similar struggles.

• Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

“The courses I took at Waiʻanae Moku helped me to better understand core values like service, social justice, dignity and the worth of an individual,” said DeCambra. “Now I have more insight into the problems we face in our communities and how we can try to solve them.”

—By Devon Bedoya

For Drew Camacho, the journey from addiction to academic success has been transformative. A former heroin user, the �鶹��ý Island native spent more than a decade in a destructive cycle of substance abuse, felony charges and incarceration.

“Looking back, I think I’ve always kind of had issues with substance abuse. No outlets, no real support,” Camacho said. “And as a local boy, like our culture—we don’t talk about these kinds of things. We don’t tell anybody, ‘Hey, I need help.’”

After serving 16 months in prison for multiple violations, Camacho was given an unexpected opportunity that changed his life—a chance to enroll in a treatment program at Bridge House in Kailua-Kona. During his time at Bridge House, Camacho worked on his recovery in a 7-acre lychee farm and in the garden. However, when it was time to transition out of treatment, Camacho was unsure of his next step. That’s when a counselor introduced him to .

Pālamanui gives ‘peace’

Camacho enrolled there in 2021, initially pursuing a certificate in substance abuse counseling, while working at Bridge House. However, after experiencing burnout, he pivoted to liberal arts and found his true passion in caring for the land, with the help of mentors such as lecturer Richard Stevens and academic advisor Kalei Haleamau-Kam, who is now the director of �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui.

After taking a history class from Stevens that emphasized love of and service to the land, Camacho started working in the campus’ botanical garden.

“I started learning about my (Hawaiian) culture, and doors just started opening,” Camacho said. “And I love that place. It gives me peace.”

He teared up, describing Stevens as a father figure and a friend, whom he joins with in the lava fields and the trees of the Pālamanui Forest Preserve for conservation work almost every week.

Camacho said, “He’s lived an amazing life, and he’s passed on some of his morals and his values and his mindset to me to just keep going and take care of the land, and how important our land is.”

Stevens described Camacho as someone “solid” who impressed him from their first meeting.

“Whether in the classroom, or in the field preserving and restoring the endangered Hawaiian lowland dry forest and ancient Hawaiian trail system, Drew is there, not only backing up all that we do, but leading the way,” said Stevens. “He is a dynamic, humble and natural leader with a personal quest for excellence combined with an immense love and devotion to the ʻaina, the culture and his ‘team’ of classmates, teachers and community members.”

Haleamau-Kam added, “I am proud of Drew’s educational success. Watching him grow, push through challenges, and stay true to his goals has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Captain of the ‘Dream Team’

Camacho’s determination and resilience have inspired many around him. It is no surprise that he was selected to be the student speaker at Pālamanui’s commencement ceremony on May 17.

Stevens said, “I have been keeping in mind a ‘Dream Team’ of the top students I’ve had in almost 40 years of teaching—absolutely the most brilliant in the classroom and the most valuable in the field. Drew is the captain of that team.“

In the future, Camacho plans to take more classes in and pursue a bachelor’s degree online at UH Hilo through the UH education center at Pālamanui. His dream is to have a community-based substance abuse treatment center that focuses on reconnecting people to the land through growing food, agroforestry and farming.

Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

He has a message for his fellow graduates that resonates from his life experiences and from his heart.

“For those who are graduating, that’s a testament to the courage to keep going and the willingness to trudge through adversity,” Camacho said. “That’s pretty much my message—to continue, and don’t stop. This is not the end. This is just one chapter in the beginning of a new journey.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

Ryllah Rodrigues’ journey from high school student to a fully licensed special education teacher—and Milken Teacher of Promise awardee—is a testament to the power of early educational opportunities. The Lānaʻi native credits the University of �鶹��ý Maui College’s and Early College—which allows high school students to earn college credits—for giving her the tools to achieve her academic and professional goals at a young age.

“UH Maui College really set me up for success,” said Rodrigues, who graduated from high school in 2021 while also completing her associate’s degree in liberal arts through the Lānaʻi Education Center. “Having the chance to take college classes while in high school helped me get ahead and develop a strong academic foundation that I could build on.”

Rodrigues, now a special education teacher at Pearl Harbor Elementary School, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general education and special education dual licensure from UH Mānoa in 2023. She is grateful for the early guidance of Lānaʻi Education Center mentors Natalie Ropa (student support) and Pamela Alconcel (director), both of whom she refers to as “Aunty.”

“They really helped me map out my academic journey and connected me with scholarships that made my education affordable,” she said. “Their support gave me the opportunity to focus on my studies without worrying about student debt.”

Alconcel said, “She is a ‘can do’ person. She had a plan to get her degree and kept on track.”

Helping special-needs students to thrive

Now in the early stages of her career, Rodrigues has already made a profound impact, earning the highly regarded Milken Teacher of Promise Award. Her work in a fully self-contained classroom for students with moderate to severe needs has been described as inspiring. Despite challenges, including staffing shortages, Rodrigues has built an environment where non-verbal students and those with severe behaviors thrive.

A parent of one of her students shared, “Ms. Rodrigues is a great example of the very definition of what teachers are. She has taught my daughter lifelong lessons that have carried her inside the classroom but also outside the classroom. With Ms. Rodrigues’ kindness and love for the kids, she has helped my daughter gain independence, confidence, and love for school. This kind of growth cannot be just taught and or showed but it happens when the teacher believes in her students.”

An opportunity to achieve dreams

As an advocate for the Lānaʻi Education Center, Rodrigues encourages high school students, especially those in rural communities, to take advantage of the program.

“It’s not out of reach,” she said. “This program can be the first step toward a successful higher education journey, and I hope others see it as an opportunity to achieve their dreams.”

Rodrigues’ dreams today include pursuing a Juris Doctor degree in educational law. Her story is inspiring the younger generation in her community, proving that with the right support from institutions such as UH Maui College and the Lānaʻi Education Center, there are no limits to what students can achieve.

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

Two members of the Dagdag family will participate in ’s commencement ceremonies on May 9. Seanna-Victoria and her father Frederick have earned associate in arts degrees in liberal arts. In addition, Seanna-Victoria’s sister and Frederick’s daughter Landyn-Angelie, an early college student and Maui High School (MHS) class of 2024 graduating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

The learning legacy at UH Maui College spans two generations in a family of nurses, two degrees and multiple program certificates.

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS graduate, crossed my path during our high school outreach for fall registration when she was a senior. She expressed her ambition to become a pharmacist, and her dedication was evident in her academic achievements,” said Eri Nomura, UH Maui College academic counselor. “Following graduation, she seized the opportunity to obtain the pharmacy tech certification during the summer. This experience, I believe, led her to reconsider her career path, ultimately deciding to pursue nursing.”

Since earning her certified pharmacy technician national certification in spring 2022, Seanna-Victoria has been working at a CVS Pharmacy at Target. After graduating with her associate’s degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the UH Maui College nursing program in January 2025.

“Walking across the stage with my father beside me fills me with profound gratitude for his guidance, unwavering support, and countless lessons. His pursuit of education showcases his commitment to continuous learning. Graduating together is more than receiving diplomas; it’s about celebrating our shared journey and the endless possibilities ahead,” said Seanna-Victoria. “The University of �鶹��ý Maui College has been pivotal in my academic growth, expanding my horizons and nurturing my personal development. Faculty dedication guided me, instilling purpose and pride, emphasizing that learning never ceases. I’m immensely grateful for the university’s role in shaping who I am today, laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.”

Frederick Dagdag, father

Frederick completed his associate’s degree in liberal arts in fall 2023. He accepted an automatic admission offer, and is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree through UH West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he graduated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs �鶹��ý.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I graduate from Maui College with an associate degree in liberal arts and a CO in information security. Returning to school to continue my education alongside my daughter, I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. This milestone is not only about academic achievement, but also about resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning,“ Frederick said.

“Maui College has given me the opportunity to earn an education while being close to home. In addition, UH Maui has provided me with numerous resources and a supportive community that have helped me, and countless others, to move forward in our educational accomplishments.”

Check out more stories of our UH spring graduates

Frederick added, “Sharing this moment with my daughter, who is also earning her associate degree in liberal arts, adds an extra sense of pride and joy. As we both step onto the stage together, we represent the spirit of determination and the belief that learning is a journey with no age limits.”

—By Valerie Matsunaga

student, Erlinda Cabrera Naputi an Indigenous Chamorro from Saipan, is achieving her goal to earn an associate’s degree in liberal arts before the age of 50 through the campus’ . The program provided her with the flexibility to balance her personal and professional responsibilities.

Naputi has faced significant challenges and adversity. At the age of 10, she and her six siblings were abandoned by their mother. This experience profoundly impacted her life. Fortunately, her grandparents took them in and provided for them.

Things weren’t easy, however, as they grew up on a farm, with very little income.

“I remember Nana (grandmother) and Tata (grandfather) working tirelessly to make ends meet,” Naputi said. “Weekends were filled with chores that taught us the value of hard work and responsibility.”

After high school, Naputi ended up working to care for her grandparents. She was employed at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, where she started off as a part-time clerk typist and worked her way up to becoming a director and state librarian—a career that spanned three decades.

During this time she met her husband and had three children, in addition to one child from a previous relationship. They are now grandparents with five grandchildren.

Pursuing a college degree

Check out more stories of our UH spring graduates

Despite having to raise a family, Naputi set her sights on pursuing a college degree with the Alakaʻina Scholarship that provided funding that she desperately needed.

The Online AA program allowed her to progress quickly to complete her associate degree. She could study at her own pace, work around family responsibilities and her demanding work schedule as the library director and the President of Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums.

Naputi said her educational journey will not end here. She will pursue a degree in library and information science from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa, fulfilling her passion to serve her community by providing them with resources to enrich their lives.

“Leeward CC has provided me with a solid foundation, bringing me one step closer to realizing this dream (of earning a four-year degree),” said Naputi. “With a heart filled with unwavering passion, I embark on the next chapter of my educational journey.”

Kristina Leialoha Kaleimamahu, a student, has faced challenges to earning a degree in higher education. However, her determination has helped to propel her in her journey, recently earning a place as a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar. Kaleimamahu will receive a $1,000 scholarship as part of her prize.

“As a single mother of five sons and the first to graduate from college in my family of 12, I have faced many challenges and overcame many obstacles. I have learned to be resilient,
resourceful, and determined in pursuing my goals and dreams,” said Kaleimamahu, “I plan to use my education and experience to help others who are struggling with addiction and other issues.”

Kaleimamahu earned her Associate of Arts degree in Liberal arts and will be transferring to University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa to earn her bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

“For the majority of my life I was in and out of prison. Domestic violence, crime and trauma had me on a total path of destruction. Four years ago I was sitting in a prison cell filled with feelings of guilt and shame. I couldn’t look at myself. I couldn’t care for my kids, and their cries would haunt me day in and day out,” said Sophia Kaawa-Aweau.

The 2023 spring commencement speaker was describing her life prior to contact with the college. Her speech at the ceremony in May was posted to , and by late June had been viewed more than 15,000 times, with more than 150 shares.

“I was failing as a mom and I failed my mother, who had to carry [my children] through my prison [sentence] and my addiction. Getting arrested was the best thing that happened to me. It gave me time to reflect and regain my self-esteem, through prison, and Windward Community College courses,” Kaawa-Aweau said. “I took a chance and studied hard and passed all the courses that were offered. I then received my psychosocial developmental studies certificate and this is where I felt inspired to go back to school and continue my education. As soon as I came out of prison I enrolled at WCC.”

According to Kaawa-Aweau, college was life changing. She said she gained personal knowledge and awareness from every course. At Windward CC, she also acquired the tools to help to grow into who she is today. She graduated summa cum laude with associate’s degrees in liberal arts and Hawaiian studies.

She said, “I can look at myself today. I can care for my kids. I’m not a failing mom and I’m making it up to my mother. I will be someone for my kids and my mom to depend on.”

“Sophia’s story is a true testament to the supportive aloha of a Windward CC education. Through services like our Puʻuhonua Program in incarcerated facilities and our TRiO Student Support Services program on campus, our faculty and staff serve students so they can achieve their dreams despite huge barriers,” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “Sophia never gave up; she is an inspiration to the entire community.”

Kaawa-Aweau’s story doesn’t end with turning things around at Windward CC.

“Today, I’m graduating with honors and I will continue to pursue my degree in social work because of my personal experiences and because of my growth in myself and in my education,” said Kaawa-Aweau, who was accepted into the social work program at UH Mānoa and plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree. “I want to help women who have been where I’ve been because I know that the struggle is real, and I believe that education helped me regain my life in ways that I cannot explain.”

—By Kelli Trifonovitch