At the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, excellence in teaching, service and innovation were recognized during the 2026 End of the Year Awards Celebration on May 13.

The annual event honored faculty and staff members whose work has made a lasting impact on students, the campus and the broader community. Retirees and employees celebrating years of service were also recognized.

Award recipients

• Kekoa Harman, associate professor of Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language, UH System Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award and UH Hilo Pūlama ʻIke Award
• Elisabeth Gallant, assistant professor of geology, UH System Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
• Adriane Lewandowski, instructor of nursing, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Luzviminda Miguel, associate professor of nursing, UH Hilo Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation
• Hollind Paiva, UH Hilo Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance Award
• Kathleen Hughes, UH Hilo Excellence in Service Award

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� held its 2026 UH ����ԴDz� Awards ceremony on May 5, 2026.

UH President Wendy Hensel, UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos and Board of Regents Chair Gabe Lee recognized this year’s honorees for their outstanding accomplishments.

A recording of the event will be available on the at a later date. from the event.

Congratulations to all our winners!

2026 UH ����ԴDz� Awards winners

• Cheehyung Harrison Kim, associate professor, history
• Miyoko Teddy Pettit-Toledo, assistant professor, law
• Subhashni Raj, assistant professor, urban and regional planning
• Eirik J. Saethre, professor, anthropology
• Tamara Ticktin, professor, botany
• Kara Noelani Wong Ramsey, associate professor, pediatrics

• Nicolas Gaillard, associate researcher, �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute
• Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, professor, Native Hawaiian health
• Victor M. Lubecke, professor, electrical and computer engineering

• Lisa M. Vallin, instructor, women, gender, and sexuality studies
• Lolita Perez-Ayala, graduate assistant, communication and information sciences

• Yoshimi (Shimi) M. Rii, assistant specialist, �鶹��ý Institute for Marine Biology

• Ethan Caldwell, associate professor, ethnic studies
• Jane Chung-Do, professor, public health
• Jeffrey Drazen, professor, oceanography
• J. Lorenzo Perillo, associate professor, theatre and dance
• Cathi Ho Schar, associate professor, architecture
• N. Haʻalilio Solomon, assistant professor, Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language

• Michelle Myrie, deputy chief, Department of Public Safety
• Earl Matsushita, work coordination center manager, Campus Operations and Facilities
• Evelyn Mangadlao, janitor, Campus Operations and Facilities
• Dina Shek, director, Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in �鶹��ý

• Karen Harper, fiscal officer, �鶹��ý Institute of Marine Biology
• Paula MacCutcheon, operations coordinator, Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office
• Roy Suda, IT specialist, Enrollment Management

• Merle R. Kataoka-Yahiro, professor, nursing

• Lauren Prepose-Forsen, director, ����ԴDz� Transfer Coordination Center

• John G. Souza, assistant professor, family and consumer sciences
• Tianlu Wang, assistant professor, mechanical engineering

• Dhvanil Desai, PhD candidate, astronomy
• Sophia Rahnke, PhD candidate, marine biology
• Jannatun Noor Sameera, PhD candidate, electrical and computer engineering

• Kate Sapigao, lead student mentor, GEAR UP ����ԴDz�

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� football and basketball statistician Nelson Tokuhama has been named the recipient of the 2025 Charlie Ushijima Award for dedicated and unselfish service to UH Athletics.

Tokuhama received the award during intermission of the March 28 men’s volleyball match at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Tokuhama is the 29th recipient of the award, which was established in 1992.

For nearly 50 years, Tokuhama has served in numerous positions within the statistics crew and has rarely missed a home game. A 1975 University of �鶹��ý alumnus with a degree in architecture, Tokuhama joined the crew under longtime sports information director Ed Inouye. He began working with the men’s basketball crew during the 1976–77 season, and later joined the football stats crew in 1978.

Tokuhama served as chief statistician for many of those years. He has seen the evolution of the profession firsthand, transitioning from the manual era of jotting down numbers with a calculator to modern, computer-generated statistics programs.

“For almost half a century, Nelson has been a cornerstone of our statistics crew, rarely missing a home game,” said Director of Media Relations Derek Inouchi. “His commitment and loyalty to the university are unmatched. His professionalism has earned the UH stats crew immense respect among our peers across the country.”

The award is presented annually by ʻAhahui Koa Ānuenue, the fundraising organization for UH Athletics, to an outstanding volunteer. Originally titled the Rainbow Service Award, it was later renamed after its first recipient, the late Charlie Ushijima.

Read more at .

At the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, Marcy Martinez is helping haumāna (students) find their path long before graduation.

Martinez, director of , has been named the 2026 State Internship School-Based Coordinator of the Year by the �鶹��ý State Workforce Development Council (WDC). She received the award at the inaugural �鶹��ý Internship Summit on Oʻahu.

“Our mission is to help our students along their academic journey, connect that experience with their career goals and their career successes, but it has to be defined by them,” said Martinez. “We really want to take students through their journey, freshmen all the way to senior, and not just have it be a last-minute knee-jerk reaction in senior year.”

Martinez leads UH �ᾱ����’s , where the focus is simple, meet haumāna where they are.

“Marcy is enthusiastic. She’s entirely student-based,” said Christine Beaule, director of UH System Workforce Development, who nominated Martinez for the award. “She works incredibly hard, and every time I have asked her to partner with me on a variety of initiatives, she is the first one to say, ‘Yes!’”

Skills that last

Her team connects students with jobs, internships and hands-on learning. The goal is to build skills that last.

“Through practical experience and opportunities, students will gain knowledge and the ability to identify transferable skills,” Martinez said. “As career agility is becoming even more important in today’s world, it is required to have the ability to adapt quickly.”

That approach is making an impact statewide.

“What we’re really trying to achieve is to have our next generation live in �鶹��ý that they can enjoy, they can learn, they can work, they can thrive, and they can belong to,” said Bennette Misalucha, executive director of WDC for �鶹��ý Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Confidence, balance

Haumāna at UH Hilo see it firsthand.

Pohaku Roby, a senior majoring in , works at the center and expressed the experience has helped build both confidence and balance.

“I didn’t know that I was able to do public speaking and do class presentations with Marcy, but she helped me find that passion, and I enjoyed it,” said Roby.

For Martinez, the work continues one student, one step at a time.

For more go to .

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� baseball team celebrated legendary head coach following a 4–2 win over Wichita State on February 20.

A sold-out Les Murakami Stadium saw the man who built the program from nothing into a national powerhouse take his place among college baseball’s all-time greats.

The winningest coach in school history and the namesake for the home of Rainbow Warrior baseball, Les Murakami Stadium, he built the program up from nothing into a national powerhouse over his 30-year coaching career that he finished with a record of 1,079-570-4. He took the program to 10 NCAA Regionals and won six Western Athletic Conference titles. He led the ‘Bows to their only College World Series appearance in 1980, in which they came one win shy of a national title.

More than 50 of Murakami’s former players, assistant coaches and staff members attended his induction into the College Baseball Hall Of Fame. Derek Tatsuno, a 2007 Hall Of Fame inductee, and Gene Stephenson, former Wichita State coach and long-time rival and friend of Murakami, welcomed the coach into the Hall Of Fame at the end of the pregame program.

Visit the for a full video of the pregame ceremony honoring Murakami.

Read more at .

The (RCUH) recognized 18 employees in November for exemplary contributions to their research projects.

“RCUH is extremely proud of all of these outstanding employees who support cutting-edge and innovative research being done at the UH and throughout our state,” said RCUH Executive Director Leonard Gouveia. “The success of academic research depends on dedicated and hardworking professionals like these RCUH employees who elevate and impact the projects they support.”

Researcher/Project Manager category

1st place: Ceci Rodriguez Cruz—ORE SMART Cable Project, UH Mānoa (SOEST)

2nd place: Christian Tai Udovicic—Planetary Science, SOEST

Honorable mentions:

• Robert Kekaianiani Irwin—Laupaʻi Aʻe ka ʻIke Kuamoʻo,
• Johannes Achim Stoessl—General AntiParticle Spectrometer Project, UH Mānoa

Project Support Staff category

1st place: Casey TeBeest, UH , WRRC American Samoa Hydrology Network

2nd place: Dylan Boeman–Sabine Lab, SOEST

Team category

1st place: Hua Zhong and Shuai Liu, Cancer Epidemiology Program,

2nd place: Peter Oshiro, Ryan Chilson, Sally Lau and Derek Kubo—Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Honorable mentions:

• Helene Meehl, Andrew Kramer, Sydney Lewandowski and Nicolo Cohen—�鶹��ý Coral Restoration Nursery,
• Yumi Nagayoshi, Marybeth Young and Jan Stoos—Maunakea Shared Services, UH

The university service orders extramural contracts and grants to RCUH, which assists with hiring personnel and procuring goods/services to support research, development, and training throughout the state. These awards highlight the vital work RCUH employees perform daily to advance the university’s goal of diversifying �鶹��ý’s economy through innovation and research.

Members from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (SOEST) and (JABSOM) were featured in the new documentary , which premiered at the 45th �鶹��ý International Film Festival (HIFF) on October 23, 2025.

Contributing to the film were several leading oceanographers from SOEST including Jeff Drazen (professor), Jamison Gove (alumni and research affiliate), Nikolai Maximenko (senior researcher), Margaret McManus (chairwoman of the Department of Oceanography and director of the Uehiro Center for the Advancement of Oceanography), and Jonathan Whitney (alumni, former postdoctoral researcher, and research affiliate); and a scientist at JABSOM’s , Rodrigo Weingrill. The �鶹��ý����ԴDz� experts joined filmmakers, professional athletes, and community partners at the festival for the premiere of KULEANA.

Weingrill was selected for the film for his research on microplastics, including studies showing an accumulation of microplastics in human placentas in �鶹��ý. The film highlights that plastic pollution has become a human health concern.

A central scene follows professional surfer Kai Lenny as Weingrill’s team tests his blood, finding 33 microplastic particles in just 2 milliliters. With an average adult having about five liters of blood, Weingrill estimated that Lenny would have “around 80,000 particles in all his blood.”

Related UH News story: Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of �鶹��ý mothers

“I think the message is to educate our communities to prevent this exposure,” Weingrill said. He suggested making small lifestyle changes such as using glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic, to reduce how much plastic we take in every day.

Reflecting on his experience being featured in the film, he added, “I never expected that, I never wished that, to tell you the truth. I always wanted to do good science to help people.” He credited collaborators Johann Urschitz, Men-Jean Lee, Steve Ward and the Department of OB-GYN & Women’s Health for supporting the research.

“We’re trying to do something good for everybody and that’s the everyday goal—to help our communities, to help our people, to have a healthier life, live longer and have a really happy everyday routine,” he said.

KULEANA was directed and produced by Georgia Scott and narrated by Woody Harrelson. HIFF will also screen the documentary on November 1, at and on November 9 and 15, on Maui.

“KULEANA powerfully captures how plastic pollution is infiltrating the lives of ocean animals, with �鶹��ý standing at an epicenter of this global crisis,” said Whitney, marine ecologist at NOAA, who co-led a study with Gove and McManus showing that prey-sized plastics are invading larval fish nurseries. “Our research revealed an invisible threat at the foundation of ocean food webs, and it’s an honor to collaborate with talented filmmakers who can bring these scientific stories to life for the world to see.”

Read more at and .

A University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� academic advisor earned international recognition for outstanding contributions to student success. Jordan Abanto was one of three recipients of the , a professional organization that supports academic advisors and promotes effective advising in higher education.

Abanto, who is an undergraduate academic advisor in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s , was recognized for providing personalized guidance to students, supporting their academic planning and promoting their overall success through College of Natural Sciences advising programs. The honor places Abanto among a select group of advisors acknowledged for excellence in the profession.

“Receiving this award is both humbling and motivating,” Abanto said. “Academic advising is about more than helping students pick classes—it’s about listening, understanding their goals and guiding them to opportunities that help them thrive. I’m grateful to be part of a community that prioritizes student success and development.”

The award honors early-career advisors who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in guiding students through their academic journeys. NACADA’s Global Awards Program, established in 1983, highlights individuals and institutions that make significant contributions to the field of academic advising.

“Jordan’s dedication, empathy and expertise make a real difference in the lives of our students,” said Stephanie Kraft-Terry, College of Natural Sciences interim director of advising. “This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the individual contributions that contribute to the strength of our Student Academic Success Center in the UH Mānoa College of Natural Sciences.”

NACADA’s awards program also honored experienced advisors, faculty advisors and administrators, as well as exemplary advising programs.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel updated the UH Board of Regents (BOR) about major changes in federal funding and increased student enrollment across the 10-campus system at the September 18 meeting at UH ����ԴDz�.

Hensel also provided an update on an expanded partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College to train aviation maintenance technicians. She also congratulated UH ����ԴDz�’s �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ���Գܾ����� School of Hawaiian Knowledge and its role in hosting a series of events for Hawaiian History Month throughout Kepakemapa (September).

• U.S. Department of Education announcement ()
• Fall 2025 enrollment update ()
• UH News highlights ()
• UH President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance awardee Ivan Hartison ()
• UH nominees for governor’s awards ()

The University of �鶹��ý named Ivan Hartison as the 2025 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance.

Hartison was honored for his vital work at the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building at UH ����ԴDz�. He plays an important role in high-level research spaces, including BSL-2 labs and endangered species insectaries, where he helps ensure safety, sanitation and the protection of �鶹��ý’s natural resources.

Beyond his daily duties, Hartison is known for going above and beyond, whether helping students recover endangered Hawaiian flies, lending a hand with heavy lifting or stepping in to support colleagues.

Through his commitment to his job at UH ����ԴDz�, Hartison earned the respect from both peers and students, embodying the spirit of teamwork and service at the University of �鶹��ý.

Established in 1986, the President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance recognizes a UH system employee who exemplifies dedication and excellence in supporting campus facilities.

The University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Roy Suda, Carol Oshiro and Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program have been selected as the university’s nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service. The award honors the state’s executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of �鶹��ý.

Manager of the Year: Roy Suda

Roy Suda demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment through 31 years as an IT manager in enrollment management. Those who nominated him noted that he fosters accountability and timely project completion through excellent management, while empowering his team to high engagement. He is dedicated to ensuring data security and fostering community involvement in cybersecurity.

From ensuring the seamless operation of critical enrollment systems to spearheading innovative projects that directly benefit students and the institution, Suda’s exceptional management, drive for innovation and unwavering commitment to data security underscore his profound impact. His leadership has not only elevated the IT infrastructure but has also significantly contributed to the university’s overall effectiveness and the success of its students.

Suda is a leader who cultivates a culture of excellence by leading by example, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and fostering a supportive and innovative environment. He is a dedicated mentor who invests in his team’s professional growth and encourages self-advancement and career progression opportunities.

His ability to effectively balance critical priorities demonstrates management excellence. He ensures that vital systems supporting critical departments are up-to-date, and vulnerabilities are promptly addressed.

Employee of the Year: Carol Oshiro

Carol Oshiro is the strategic initiatives manager of the UH ����ԴDz� (CTAHR) and is instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the dean’s office. Oshiro has dedicated more than 20 years to CTAHR, beginning as a student assistant during her undergraduate studies. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous initiatives that significantly enriched the academic experience for students, fostering collaborative projects and mentorship programs.

Oshiro is the chief designer and implementer of CTAHR’s exemplary Shared Services unit, which has filled the gap created by the loss of more than 10 staff positions in various departments and county offices. The Shared Services unit addresses the urgent need for streamlined fiscal processes, ensuring no critical financial functions are neglected.

Oshiro implemented CTAHR’s new scholarship procedures to improve efficiency. She played a pivotal role in awarding more than $1.2 million in scholarships over the past five years; many of these scholarships were neglected prior to her arrival, enhancing accessibility to education for countless students.

She also redesigned recruitment materials to increase awareness of CTAHR’s academic programs and boost student enrollment—helping to increase undergraduate enrollment by 2.5% and graduate enrollment by 6%.

Team of the Year: CTAHR’s Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program

The (SOAP) at UH ����ԴDz� has achieved remarkable success in advancing sustainable agriculture. They secured more $4.5 million in grants, enabling innovative projects that improve soil health and crop quality. The team is comprised of Theodore Radovich, Amjad Ahmad, Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite, Emilie R. Kirk, Eric Collier, Jari Sugano, Jennifer Hawkins, Jensen Uyeda, Joshua Silva, Kylie Wong, Lara Kalilimoku and Sharon Motomura-Wages.

Through partnerships with local organizations, SOAP trains more than 200 farmers annually, enhancing local food systems. Their hands-on workshops and educational resources support both novice and experienced growers. The program’s efforts have led to economic growth, reduced agricultural input costs and improved environmental resilience. By integrating research and community engagement, SOAP exemplifies a commitment to sustainability in �鶹��ý.

SOAP’s applied research includes pioneering work on replacing imported fertilizers, improving soil health and selecting varieties for dozens of high-value and culturally significant crops, such as sweet potato, taro and turmeric. Research-based, place-specific resources on cover cropping, organic pest control, composting and soil health management have also been developed.

The program supports Student Organic Farm Training (SOFT), GoFarm and Master Gardener programs, as well as the �鶹��ý Farm Bureau and the �鶹��ý Farmers Union. SOFT also holds hands-on training programs and facilitates strategic partnership-building with local non-profits, schools and government agencies.

University of UH (PCATT) Director Dan Doerger has been named a 2025 Workforce Development Hero by the �鶹��ý State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR). The annual awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their leadership in advancing workforce opportunities across the islands.

As director of PCATT, Doerger oversees workforce development in technology sectors across UH’s seven community colleges. He collaborates with industry leaders, faculty and staff in both credit and non-credit programs to assess workforce needs, design training and upskilling opportunities, and create statewide pathways—from K–12 to post-secondary to apprenticeships to career—for student and worker success.

A lifelong educator with more than three decades of teaching experience in secondary schools and at the university level, Doerger previously served as director of workforce innovation in the UH Community Colleges system.

“Each of this year’s Workforce Development Heroes has gone above and beyond in creating pathways to opportunity,” said Workforce Development Council Executive Director Bennette Misalucha. “Their efforts have empowered individuals, strengthened communities and contributed to the overall resilience and competitiveness of �鶹��ý’s workforce.”

Doerger was one of two recipients from Oʻahu, along with Julie Morikawa, founder and president of ClimbHI. Other 2025 Workforce Development Heroes are: Katie Taladay, director of workforce development at the Maui Economic Development Board (Maui); Jackie Kaina, executive director of the Kauaʻi Economic Development Board (Kauaʻi); Clinton Mercado, executive director of the �鶹��ý Workforce Development Board (�鶹��ý Island); and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Daniel Iaela of the Hawaiian Council (formerly Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement).

The honorees will be recognized at the Future of Work 2025 Conference on September 24, at the Japanese Cultural Center of �鶹��ý.

Homecoming at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� was a night of celebration. Fans cheered as the Rainbow Warriors defeated the Portland State Vikings on September 13, and the university honored its 2025 awardees with a special on-field recognition for their outstanding contributions.

Related UH News story: 2025 ����ԴDz� Awards spotlight campus excellence

The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex buzzed with energy as UH President Wendy Hensel and UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos joined the honorees on the field at halftime. Their achievements were highlighted on the video board for the UH ʻohana and community to celebrate.

“What a great event this was to celebrate our faculty and staff excellence at UH ����ԴDz�—from teaching to research to service,” Syrmos said.

For honorees, the recognition was unforgettable. “It was a thrilling experience being on the field and feeling the energy of the crowd,” said Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan, assistant faculty specialist in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences and recipient of the Pakela Award for Most Outstanding Academic Advisor. “I want to send my gratitude to the University of �鶹��ý for recognizing us in such a special way.”

Melissa Price, associate professor of natural resources and environmental management and recipient of the Presidential Citation for Meritorious Teaching, shared her excitement: “Receiving this teaching award alongside my own teacher, Dr. Chris Park, was such a unique and special experience. I’m grateful to have celebrated with friends, family, and former students—and to top it off with a Warriors victory!”

Other UH ����ԴDz� 2025 awardees joining Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan and Price on the field were Sladjana Prišić, Michele Inouchi, Mapuana Antonio, Matthew Cain, Sloan Coats, Chad Miller, Chris Park, Kaori Tamura, Michael Liu and members of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience Academic Advising team: Maile Sing, Kayden Iwasaki and Irene Morrow.

The halftime spotlight has become a Homecoming tradition, celebrating the university’s dedicated faculty, staff and students. The honorees were recognized at a formal ceremony in April at Kennedy Theatre, and full biographies of all 2025 award recipients are available on the .

The post Homecoming halftime honors UH ����ԴDz�’s 2025 awardees first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]> 222016 /news/2025/09/12/celebrating-wahine-awards/ Sat, 13 Sep 2025 01:00:35 +0000 /news/?p=221892 UH leaders and alumni were honored in Honolulu Magazine’s first Celebrating Wāhine Awards

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More than a dozen leaders with University of �鶹��ý ties were named to Honolulu Magazine’s inaugural , which recognize women across the state for their impactful contributions in fields ranging from education and health care to sports, business and the arts.

Chancellor Maenette Benham and Head Coach Laura Beeman were among the honorees at an event at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus on September 10.

A Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) scholar and educator, Benham became UH West Oʻahu’s chancellor in 2017 after serving as the first dean of . She began her teaching career in 1978 and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in leadership, education and community building. Benham has authored several books, served on major community boards, and continues to advance Native Hawaiian knowledge and collective leadership initiatives. Benham will step down from her role at the end of 2025. .

“E ola ka ʻāina, e ola ka naʻauao, e ola ke aloha. To be part of this inaugural cohort of Celebrating Wāhine honorees is both humbling and inspiring,” Benham said. “This is an extraordinary circle of women who are shaping �鶹��ý with brilliance, compassion and courage. This recognition reminds me that leadership is always shared—rooted in aloha, guided by kuleana and lived through service to community.”

Entering her 14th season at the helm of the program, Beeman is a four-time Big West Coach of the Year who has led the Rainbow Wāhine to three Big West Championship titles, four regular-season crowns, and nine postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. Under her leadership, UH women’s basketball has reached historic milestones, including back-to-back NCAA berths and consecutive regular-season titles. Beeman is the second-winningest coach in program history and a driving force behind the sustained success of the ‘Bows.

“It is an honor to be recognized among so many remarkable leaders in our state,” Beeman said. “Thank you to AIO group, Pacific Business News and Honolulu Magazine for supporting women throughout the state and cultivating a continued environment of growth and positive leadership.”

More UH alumni honorees:

• Kimberly Agas—general manager, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Dani Aiu—executive vice president of consumer banking, American Savings Bank
• Tracy Camuso—principal, G70
• Erin Isa Donle—vice president and general manager, Neiman Marcus Honolulu
• Sherry Menor—president and chief executive officer, Chamber of Commerce �鶹��ý
• Lisa Ontai—interim president and CEO, vice president of marketing and mission advancement, YMCA of Honolulu
• Teri Orton—general manager, �鶹��ý Convention Center
• Stefanie Park—vice president and chief medical officer, HMSA
• Monica Salter—vice president, global communications and social responsibility, Outrigger Hospitality Group
• Sydney Shibuya—associate program manager, risk factor control, American Heart Association
• Susan Soken—vice president of advertising, First Hawaiian Bank
• Claire Tong—vice president, marketing and communications, �鶹��ý Pacific Health
• Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu—Native Hawaiian community leader

The post Celebrating Wāhine: UH leaders among Honolulu Magazine’s inaugural honorees first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>

The University of �鶹��ý Maui College Campus Health Center’s medical director has been recognized for her leadership in promoting vaccines and protecting community health.

Hannah Litt has been named the 2025 Immunization Champion for the State of �鶹��ý by the Association of Immunization Managers. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the award honors individuals who go above and beyond to promote immunizations for children and adults in their communities.

Litt was nominated by Heather Winfield-Smith, the �鶹��ý Department of Health vaccine supply and distribution section coordinator, who praised her passion and commitment.

“Hannah Litt is passionate about making a difference for her community and has actively pursued opportunities and partnerships with the �鶹��ý Department of Health and community providers to increase access to lifesaving preventative services, including immunizations,” said Winfield-Smith. “Her great work as a COVID-19 vaccine provider during the pandemic and willingness to provide care to the Maui community after the wildfires speak to her commitment to immunizations as a vital component of preventative health care services.”

Reflecting on the recognition, Litt emphasized that the award represents a team effort.

“This award reflects not only my commitment to promoting vaccine education and access, but also the tireless efforts of UH Maui College Health Center staff, including Leslie Watson (clinical medical assistant), and the tireless support of Chancellor Lui Hokoana and many others, who led the island’s COVID-19 mass vaccination efforts prior to my arrival,” Litt said. “I remain dedicated to building on that foundation to strengthen immunization awareness and protect the health of our students and communities across Maui.”

Hokoana said the honor shines a spotlight on the entire health center team.

“We’re so proud of Hannah and thrilled that she has been recognized in this way,” he said. “The announcement is a good way to remind all of Maui Nui that this is National Immunization Awareness Month and also to celebrate Hannah and the staff of our Campus Health Center. They are true public health leaders on our campus and in our community.”

Litt is currently enrolled in UH ����ԴDz�’s School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene’s post-master’s in organizational leadership .

More than a dozen of the state’s emerging leaders selected to the in 2025 have ties to the University of �鶹��ý.

The 19th class of fellows includes Kimberly Perez Hults, director of marketing and outreach relations at UH ����ԴDz�’s ; and Constancio Paranal III, instructor at in information and computer sciences, who is also director of grants, innovation, and technology in the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization.

Modeled after the White House Fellows program, the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) is the signature initiative of the nonprofit Fund for the Pacific Century. It brings together a diverse group of emerging leaders, enhances civic engagement and builds lasting networks while exploring the most pressing issues facing our community.

“Participating in the Pacific Century Fellows program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will allow me to sharpen my leadership skills and meet directly with senior community, government and business leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing �鶹��ý and our Asia Pacific communities, such as housing, education, infrastructure, climate change and more,” Perez Hults said. “I look forward to expanding my perspectives and connecting with like-minded peers, developing lasting and meaningful relationships for the decades to come.”

This year’s fellows were chosen through a competitive process. Representing the broad professional and individual diversity of �鶹��ý—from government and education to health care, business and the nonprofit sector—the new class reflects the energy, intelligence and leadership ability of �鶹��ý’s next generation, according to the Pacific Century Fellows program. Each fellow has also demonstrated the potential to make significant contributions to the future of our islands.

“As a Filipino American educator and public servant, being part of PCF allows me to continue my work in creating pathways for our students, workforce and communities,” Paranal said. “It’s especially meaningful to bring the perspective of our FilAm community to a group of leaders who value diversity, inclusivity and the unique strengths each of us contributes. I hope this experience will help amplify these voices and advance solutions that empower the next generation to build a thriving, equitable and inclusive �鶹��ý.”

The program this year will launch with a two-day retreat September 26–27, featuring seminars, discussions and opportunities for fellows to shape their agenda for the year ahead. Monthly sessions will then focus on critical issues such as crime, education, the environment, the economy and the role of the military in �鶹��ý.

Other fellows with UH ties

• Pōhai Campbell—partner, Cades Schutte, LLP
• Claudia Fernandez—executive vice president, Boys and Girls Club of �鶹��ý
• Lance Hirai—associate principal, G70
• Christie Izutsu—physician, Kidney Clinic of �鶹��ý
• Summer Kaiawe—partner, Watanabe Ing LLP
• Randi Lau—director of business development, Seal Masters of �鶹��ý
• Thomas Lee—director of government partnerships, �鶹��ý Data Collaborative
• Lauren Matsumoto—representative, �鶹��ý State House of Representatives
• Heather Miyasato—vice president health finance, �鶹��ý Medical Service Association
• Matt Sasai—senior director, The Queen’s Health Systems
• Ian Scheuring—deputy director of communications, Mayor’s Office, City and County of Honolulu
• Darin Tann—general manager, Keoki’s Paradise
• Liann Unebasami—vice president, �鶹��ý State Federal Credit Union

Two iconic members of the community are among the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Sharon Peterson and Joey Estrella will be inducted along with Max Unger and Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto.

The official induction ceremony will take place August 30 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The induction will last from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and will have a buffet, live music and a silent auction as part of the event.

For tickets and table sponsorship, information and donation of auction items, visit , call 286-0461 or stop by DeLuz Chevrolet.

This year’s ceremony will be dedicated in the memory of former hall’s directors Tony Misiazek and Wayne Subica.

Sharon Peterson

As the 1969 U.S. Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, current Parker School volleyball head coach Sharon Peterson was a two-time Olympian in 1964 and 1967. After her triumphs as a player, she became one of the best volleyball coaches in the state—leading the UH Hilo women’s program to six national championships from 1978–2002, including two national titles in the NAIA and AIAW in 1981. The other four titles came in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1988.

Joey Estrella

As the first-ever UH Hilo baseball head coach Joey Estrella coached 37 seasons, posting 11 consecutive winning seasons from 1980–1990. Estrella also led UH Hilo to three NAIA World Series appearances in 1986, 1987 and 1989 and five NAIA District II Championship wins. Estrella was named the NAIA Area ICoach of the Year in 1986 and 1988, along with the 1986 NAIA District 29 Coach of the Year. Rejoining UH Hilo in 2017 to be a softball assistant, Estrella holds the longest tenure of any Vulcan staff.

Prior to his decorated coaching career, Estrella played basketball as a student at UH Hilo, followed by three seasons of college baseball at UH ����ԴDz�. He received the inaugural Jack Bonham Award in 1974.

Read more at .

For more than half a century, Patricia Polansky has been the heart of the Hamilton Library’s Russia Collection at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�. On August 13, the university honored its longest-serving librarian with the Nina D.P. Horio Excellence in Librarianship Award, a rare distinction presented only seven times in its 32-year history.

“I don’t feel quite worthy to have this award, but I’m pleased and happy,” Polansky said.

Widely regarded as the most well-known Russian bibliographer in North America, Polansky has shaped a world-renowned collection focusing on the Asian half of Russia and its connections to �鶹��ý. Her work has influenced generations of Russian studies scholars worldwide and earned her the Medal of Pushkin from the Russian Federation in 2011, followed by “Pat Polansky Day” proclaimed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in 2012.

“She has, without a doubt, influenced scores of students, faculty and scholars from around the world,” said University Librarian Clem Guthro. “It is certainly a fitting honor for Hamilton’s longest-serving librarian.”

A career shaped by history

Starting during the Cold War, Polansky faced significant challenges in acquiring Russian materials. In 1977, she became the first U.S. librarian to receive an International Relations Exchanges Board travel grant, identifying thousands of Russia-related items connected to �鶹��ý and the Pacific. After the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, she adapted her strategies to take advantage of new access to the Russian Far East and Siberia.

Together with historian Amir Khisamutdinov, who described Hamilton Library’s Russia Collection as “priceless,” Polansky co-published a four-volume catalog of the collection with the Russian National Library in Moscow.

Polansky, with no plans to retire, remains committed to expanding the Russia Collection, her life’s work and a priceless resource for scholars worldwide.

Alphie Garcia, information resources and collection management librarian at the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu, was selected as one of 25 archivists nationwide for the (ALI).

Held June 8–14 at the University of Virginia Library, the week-long institute brought together mid-career archivists to develop leadership skills and deepen their impact within the profession. Quarterly virtual sessions will continue throughout the year.

Garcia was chosen through a competitive process recognizing his professional commitment, leadership potential, and dedication to diversity and innovation in the archival field.

“Alphie is the sole professional responsible for archival work at the UH West Oʻahu Library, so this opportunity will enable him to bring back new and innovative ideas that will inform the library’s ongoing and future archival projects,” said Carina Chernisky, public services librarian at the .

‘Steward of cultural memories’

Garcia called the experience an honor and professional highlight, which gave him a rare opportunity to share a space and engage with a national group of archivists and information professionals.

“ALI created space to step back and reflect on the archival profession and my own role here at UH West Oʻahu as a steward of cultural memories,” Garcia said. “The experience has deepened my sense of purpose and commitment to the values we hold at UH West Oʻahu, and in the library and archival profession to uplift underrepresented voices and preserve local knowledge.”

Garcia is collaborating with fellow cohort members on a project that explores how recent federal actions have affected diversity initiatives in the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) fields. He said the sense of community and support at ALI was powerful.

“The week as a whole reminded me that archival leadership is not just about creating policies or the minutiae of preservation, but about staying true to the values that matter,” Garcia said.

For more visit .
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

Former head coach Les Murakami has been selected as a part of the , the announced on June 23.

The namesake for the home of Rainbow Warrior baseball, Les Murakami Stadium, will join pitcher Derek Tatsuno (2007) as those who have been a part of the �鶹��ý program in the College Baseball Hall of Fame. The 2025 class includes stars such as Stephen Strasburg and Mark McGwire.

As the winningest coach in school history, Murakami built the program into a national powerhouse over his 30-year coaching career. He took UH ����ԴDz� to 10 NCAA Regionals, won six Western Athletic Conference (WAC) titles and led the ‘Bows to their only College World Series appearance in 1980.

Already a member of the coaches-only American Baseball Coaches’ Hall of Fame, Murakami was a two-time WAC Coach of the Year and was named the 1986 NCAA District Coach of the Year and won the Lefty Gomez Award in 1981. Throughout his career he sent 74 players to play professional baseball with 10 of those eventually reaching the Major League level.

Perhaps one of Murakami’s biggest contributions to the program came when he spearheaded the effort to build what was then called Rainbow Stadium that opened in 1984. Now bearing his name, Les Murakami Stadium has consistently been called one of the best venues in all of college baseball.

Since coaching his final game on the field in 2000 and officially retiring in 2001, Murakami has remained an active supporter of the program for the past 25 years.

For more on Murakami’s induction, visit .