University of �鶹��ý students helped reimagine an iconic local company by pitching bold new ideas for Meadow Gold Dairies �鶹��ý at a fast-paced innovation event. Hosted by UH Mānoa’s (PACE), the spring 2026 competition took place on March 28 and April 4, at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

Community connections take top prize

The team of Danielle Grace Banggo (dietetics, UH Mānoa) and Leticia Rodriguez Gutierrez (liberal arts, Honolulu Community College) won the $2,000 grand prize. Their strategy focused on a grassroots “Community Growth Campaign” designed to be both budget-friendly and ready for immediate rollout.

The plan involves deploying Meadow Gold trucks and vans to high-traffic local venues such as the Honolulu Zoo and community marketplaces. By utilizing brand ambassadors to engage directly with families, the team aims to strengthen the bond between the iconic brand and the local community.

“Innovate 808 taught me that your background doesn’t define your ability to make an impact,” Banggo said. “It encourages you to step outside your comfort zone, share your ideas and collaborate with others to create meaningful solutions. This experience empowered me to think creatively, communicate confidently and realize that even small ideas can make a big difference in the community.”

Three other teams won $1,000 runner up prizes, and another team won the $500 innovation award. Beyond the competition, Innovate 808 is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Students worked in interdisciplinary teams to tackle an active business challenge, building career-ready skills in communication, critical thinking and creative problem-solving while engaging directly with industry professionals.

Creative solutions for a new era

Concepts pitched during the competition included:

• Lani Moo Milk Candy: A sweet extension of the company’s famous mascot
• NIL Deals: Partnering with UH athletes to reach younger demographics
• POG 2.0: New bottle designs and updated formulations for the passion-orange-guava juice

Kimia Sadeghi, sales and marketing manager for Meadow Gold, said, “I wanted to hear from the next generation and how they think of executing solutions, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Meadow Gold Dairies �鶹��ý sponsored the project and prizes.

A “sprint” across all disciplines

Facilitated by Jeff Hui, entrepreneur-in-residence at PACE, the competition is designed to put real-world problems in front of students and see how they meet the challenge through research and innovation.

“The most exciting part for us is seeing students from all disciplines—business, engineering, computer science, art, education, anthropology and food science—coming together to come up with real solutions,” Hui said.

Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

UH Mānoa’s (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and UH �ᾱ����’s ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked UH Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“UH Mānoa’s strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and �鶹��ý can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the �鶹��ýlaw school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation’s best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master’s and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in �鶹��ý to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation’s top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences 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 . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation’s best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation’s best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation’s best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

UH Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa ’ (TIM School) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM School student scholarships, the event raised more than $361,000 through the generous support of �鶹��ý’s hospitality and business community.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape �鶹��ý’s visitor industry and the global travel economy.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, this event reflects the strong partnership between our students and the industry they will soon lead,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “The continued support from our community ensures that future graduates are equipped to advance a visitor industry that is innovative, responsible and grounded in �鶹��ý’s culture and values.”

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to �鶹��ý’s visitor industry.

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA ’93), CEO and managing partner of �鶹��ý Hospitality Group. Mills was honored for his leadership and long-standing commitment to operational excellence, workforce development and strengthening �鶹��ý’s hospitality sector.

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS ’01), managing director of Kahuku Farms, was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. A proud TIM alumna, Matsuda-Lum has helped transform her family’s agricultural enterprise into a successful agritourism destination that connects visitors with local agriculture, sustainability and community.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to ClimbHI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce. Through industry partnerships and career readiness programs, ClimbHI plays a vital role in strengthening �鶹��ý’s future workforce.

The 2026 presenting sponsors were Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools and Marriott International served as contributing sponsors, and Daniel K. Hilton was a platinum sponsor. �鶹��ý Business Magazine again returned as the media partner.

Support from sponsors, donors and community partners helps provide critical scholarship funding for students preparing for careers in hospitality, tourism and transportation. Since reunification with Shidler College in 2019, the school has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Rising global and national rankings
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program

To support the TIM School or Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org. .

Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa alumna, is the executive director of the Oʻahu Visitors Bureau (OVB), a department of the �鶹��ý Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB). Her responsibilities include developing strategies and tactics, with specific attention to the marketing and promotion of Oʻahu, and aligning those strategies and processes with community voices and government directives. Prior to her current position, she served as a director of sales and marketing at OVB, where she has worked for 28 years. She earned bachelor’s degrees in travel industry management and marketing from the Shidler College of Business in 1991.

Tell us about a day at the office

“Working at OVB is dynamic, and no two days are the same. I typically begin the day by reviewing in-progress projects, upcoming programs that require planning and any issues that need immediate attention. Once priorities are set, I move into focused work and meetings, connecting with industry partners, clients and internal teams to move initiatives forward and identify opportunities to strengthen our programs. A key part of my day is also supporting my team, checking in to ensure they have the tools, guidance and support needed to succeed and grow.”

How did your experiences at Shidler prepare you for what was to come?

“Shidler provided a strong academic foundation through both the marketing and travel industry management programs, supported by professors who invested in my growth. My experience there helped me with my decision to work in tourism marketing, and my interest in representing destinations respectfully and with purpose.”

What are some of your favorite memories of Shidler?

“My favorite memories are centered around student activities, such as participating in different clubs and TIM Night productions, and engaging with and building meaningful relationships with TIM School professors and our former dean, Chuck Gee, who had the best advice for each and every student.”

What’s your advice for current students?

“Never get too comfortable with what you think you know—learning should be constant. We live in a rapidly changing world, so stay curious, engaged and ahead of change. Remember that organizations function like living systems, and everything is connected. If you need to pivot yourself in your career or life, view it as an opportunity for growth, not a setback. Seek out mentors, ask questions, listen to diverse perspectives and take responsibility for your work. Always look for ways to enhance, elevate and expand programs, careers and personal paths. Most importantly, be pono in all that you do.”

For the entire story and more stories like this, see the .

The University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents approved awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Walter A. Dods Jr., recognizing his decades of leadership in �鶹��ý’s business community, his extensive philanthropic impact and his longstanding commitment to the university.

The regents voted at the board’s March 19 monthly meeting, held at Leeward Community College. The honorary degree will be formally conferred during the UH Mānoa’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony, where Dods will also serve as commencement speaker.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to the University of �鶹��ý and the regents for this recognition,” said Dods after the vote. “UH has played an important role in my life, and it has been a privilege to support the university and its students over the years. I share this honor with the many people who have inspired me and worked alongside me to strengthen our community.”

Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist

A 1967 graduate of UH Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business, Dods is widely regarded as one of �鶹��ý’s most influential business leaders. Over a 36-year career at First Hawaiian Bank, he rose from an entry-level role to chairman and CEO.

“Walter Dods represents the very best of what the University of �鶹��ý hopes to inspire in its graduates: leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to community,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “His impact on �鶹��ý’s economic development is profound, but equally important is his lifelong dedication to giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has opened doors for generations of students and strengthened this university in lasting ways.”

Deep UH support

His ties to UH span nearly five decades. Dods has been a donor since 1975 and previously served as president of the UH Foundation Board of Trustees. He chaired the university’s 1998 Campaign for �鶹��ý, which raised $116 million, and currently serves as campaign chair for the ongoing $1-billion “For UH, For �鶹��ý” fundraising effort.

His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at UH Mānoa, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.

Dods has previously been recognized with the UH Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship. Regents cited Dods’ extraordinary career and enduring commitment to the university and the state as meeting and exceeding those standards.

For University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa finance and risk management professor Hua Chen, �鶹��ý’s unique geographic position as a bridge between Asia and the continental U.S. provides an ideal stage for his work. Here he can connect rigorous research with global, practice-focused teaching.

“What keeps me inspired as an educator and a researcher is the constant evolution of finance and the opportunity to continue learning while helping students make sense of it,” he said. “The field is never static—new risks arise, technologies reshape markets and global events challenge our understanding of uncertainty. This dynamism drives me to develop research projects and bring fresh insights into the classroom.”

Chen’s research focuses on financial stability and systemic risk, enterprise and corporate risk management, longevity and mortality risk and insurance economics. His work appears in widely cited publications in leading journals and drives the curriculum of his courses, shaping both the content and the approach of his instruction.

Reaching students, extending borders

Since joining the college in 2018, his impact has reached hundreds of students and extends across borders. Chen’s been recognized for his research contributions with numerous accolades, including the Junior Scholar Award from the Asia-Pacific Risk and Insurance Association, Temple University’s Award for High Achievement in Sponsored Research, an Excellence in Reviewing Award from the Journal of Risk and Insurance and “Professor of the Semester” in Shidler’s .

Chen, who is also the faculty director of the MSF program and the chair holder of the First Insurance Company Distinguished Professorship, said that being a part of the college has allowed him to make meaningful contributions to higher education and scholarly research, which he’s found to be profoundly rewarding. He also sits on editorial boards, participates in regular speaking engagements and is planning an international conference for July. For Chen, the ever-changing nature of finance is what keeps him energized.

For more on how Chen prepares students for careers in finance and other Shidler stories, see the .

When Lyra Pascual—a 2017 graduate of the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and senior accountant at Nakupuna Companies—volunteered at the Ironman World Championship in 2024, an idea took root. Watching athletes cross the finish line, she wondered if she could do the same. There was a small problem—she didn’t know how to swim.

“Maybe some day,” she told herself.

Fast forward to a few months later when Pascual was talking with a friend and telling him that she wanted to learn to swim. He mentioned they should sign up for the Ironman together and she said, “if you do, I will.” And with that encouragement, they both signed up for their first race.

Pascual enlisted the help of Shidler college’s Director of Internship and Career Development Rick Varley and joined his TripleFit triathlon group. Varley has been an endurance coach for more than 25 years, his experience shaped by his own background as a collegiate sprinter. He was the first person to encourage her to get in the water.

“We didn’t work on strokes at first,” Varley said. “We just worked on breathing.”

Read about how Pascual overcame multiple challenges to cross her first finish line on pages 24–25 of the .

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Shidler College of Business Alumni Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, hosted its 26th Annual Executive Vineyards fundraiser on March 5, 2026, at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. The signature event raised more than $70,000 in support of the association’s mission to strengthen alumni engagement, advance student programming, provide scholarships and elevate the Shidler College of Business locally and globally.

This year’s gathering was especially meaningful, as it marked Dean Vance Roley’s final Executive Vineyards event in his role as dean, concluding more than two decades of leadership at the helm of the college.

Executive Vineyards remains the association’s premier fundraising event, bringing together alumni, �鶹��ý businesses, faculty, students and friends of the college for an evening of philanthropy and connection.

“As I reflect on more than two decades of service as dean, what resonates most deeply is the extraordinary commitment of our alumni and business community,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “Executive Vineyards embodies the spirit of generosity and shared purpose. Year after year, the community’s support strengthens Shidler’s impact across �鶹��ý and around the world.”

The gathering attracted approximately 600 guests, who enjoyed an array of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, sampled a curated selection of wines and spirits, and networked against the backdrop of Diamond Head and Waikīkī Beach. Local newscaster Kelly Simek emceed the event. Guests also participated in a popular lucky draw and placed bids through an extensive online auction.

“We are proud to carry forward a tradition that not only raises critical support for students, but also strengthens the bonds within our Shidler ʻohana,” said Director of Strategic Growth, Maui Economic Development Board and event co-chair Yosef Onodera.

“Executive Vineyards continues to bring together generations of Shidler alumni and supporters who are united to invest in the college’s future,” added Adina Wakayama, accounting manager, Par Hawaii Inc. and event co-chair.

Spirits and wine were generously donated by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Hawaii and Beverage Marketing & More. This year’s diamond sponsor was Par Hawaii; Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, and The Shidler Group served as platinum sponsors; Pacific Business News returned as media sponsor.

While they were freshmen in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa ’ Direct Admit Program, alumnae Amber Abara (BBA ’12, MS ’21) and Morgan “Birdy” Cobb (BBA ’12, MS ’21) crossed paths and quickly became best friends. What they didn’t know then was that their friendship would later spark a business—one inspired by a vivid dream Abara had during their master of science in marketing management program.

In the dream, she saw a soap bar shaped like a gua sha (smooth tool used to massage and stimulate the skin). When she shared it with Cobb, expecting a laugh, Cobb immediately responded, “Let’s do it.” That moment became the spark for a skincare company built around a farm-to-face philosophy.

Abara and Cobb source many of their ingredients from �鶹��ý farmers they know and trust, rooting their brand in community and sustainability. They also embrace the phrase “confidence from within,” which for them means feeling grounded in who you are the moment you wake up.

Their idea was deeply personal. Both struggled with acne for years and grew exhausted by the constant stream of advice, products and online trends promising perfect skin. They wanted something simpler—clean ingredients they understood, such as coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric, coffee and honey.

“The media details every trick, product and solution for your skin,” Cobb said. “What you eat, what pillowcases you sleep on, what oils, cleansers and tools you need to fix everything. I grew exhausted trying to sort through the advice of every influencer and article on the internet. I needed a product that made my life a little simpler, with ingredients I understood.”

Using sustainable, organic and local ingredients was equally important. Abara, raised in Kāneʻohe, grew up surrounded by lush landscapes and a strong culture of eating local, while Cobb—who moved from Colorado to Oʻahu at 17—quickly embraced �鶹��ý’s deep connection between land and community. Those values, particularly transparency and environmental care, now guide their brand called .

They took their idea further when a professor encouraged them to enter a (PACE) competition. Preparing for it pushed them to refine their branding, target market and overall vision. Although they didn’t advance, the experience confirmed that their dream had real potential. Later, they applied for and won a Kalo grant through PACE, giving them the seed funding needed to launch.

“I realized that my dream of a gua sha-shaped soap bar could actually become a real business when we won the Kalo grant,” Abara said.

With their entrepreneurial spark ignited—and support from Shidler’s programs—Abara and Cobb created the product they once needed.

For the entire story and more alumni stories, see the .

The (PACE) at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa is launching its inaugural sustainability series, a semester-long lineup of workshops, funding opportunities and industry events focused on climate, environmental and community-based innovation.

The series is presented in collaboration with the Student Sustainability Council at UH, Elemental Impact and the �鶹��ý Leadership Forum, and brings together students, founders and professionals working across sustainability-focused sectors.

The began in February with a hands-on kokedama workshop in partnership with Hoʻilina Arrangements, introducing students to plant-based design and environmental stewardship. On March 4, PACE will host “Profit With Purpose: Building Brands That Actually Matter,” a workshop examining how companies integrate sustainability into marketing, product development and brand strategy.

Direct access to career pathways

At the center of the series is a March 10 networking event at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center. The event will connect students with founders from Elemental Impact’s network. Structured networking rotations will allow students to meet each professional in small groups, followed by open networking. The format is designed to provide direct access to career pathways in climate technology, environmental innovation and mission-driven business. .

“Sustainability touches every industry,” said PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama. “By bringing industry professionals and students into the same room, we are helping students see how their academic backgrounds can translate into impact-driven careers.”

Later in March, PACE will open a sustainability-focused round of its Kalo Grant program. , with a live pitch event scheduled for April 16. The grant round will prioritize ventures addressing environmental and social challenges.

The series will conclude April 21, with an Entrepreneurship Live panel in collaboration with the �鶹��ý Leadership Forum, featuring professionals whose work centers on sustainability and community leadership.

PACE, housed in the , serves students across the UH System through experiential entrepreneurship programs, mentorship and applied learning opportunities.