University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� athletics has announced the 41st class of the UH Sports Circle of Honor, which includes Monika Eggens (water polo), Rich Miano (football), Barbara (Mitchell) Anderson (swimming), Costas Theocharidis (men’s volleyball) and Ben Yee (contributor).

Eggens becomes the first water polo player to be enshrined in the program’s 29-year history. Miano is the 38th football player to be inducted, while Theocharidis is the sixth honoree from the men’s volleyball program. Yee, entering in the “Contributor” category, is the 11th supporter to be honored. Anderson, who swam for UH in the 1970s, is recognized as this year’s “Legend” category honoree.

Established in 1982, the Circle of Honor recognizes individuals and teams that have contributed to the growth, history and tradition of UH Athletics. Including this year’s honorees, the Circle of Honor now boasts 138 individual and 13 team inductees. Plaques honoring these legends are displayed on the inner walls surrounding the main concourse of Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

The official enshrinement of the Class of 2026 will take place during the Green & White Celebration on Friday, October 16, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. For more information and table sales, visit .

Learn more at .

Darsh Davé, Darren Lerner and the �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office have been selected as the University of �鶹��ý‘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. UH President Wendy Hensel made the announcement during the (BOR) meeting on July 16 at UH Mānoa.

“We never give enough appreciation for the hardworking faculty and staff around the university, and so it really is a pleasure for me to identify a few employees and a few groups whose dedication and achievements have earned well deserved recognition,” Hensel said at the BOR meeting.

Employee of the Year: Darsh Davé

Darsh Davé, human resources manager at , was named UH‘s 2026 Employee of the Year. He was recognized as a trusted resource who helps the campus navigate complex personnel matters while supporting effective operations. Davé has improved service delivery by addressing long-standing process challenges, streamlining faculty payment workflows and strengthening coordination across departments.

He was also recognized for his leadership during a high-risk campus incident, helping de-escalate the situation so a major campus event could continue safely. Through mentoring colleagues, supporting workforce initiatives and promoting professional development, Davé has made lasting contributions to the college community.

Manager of the Year: Darren Lerner

Darren Lerner, director of , consortium director of the and interim associate dean for research in UH Mānoa‘s , was named the university’s 2026 Manager of the Year. He was recognized for transformational leadership that has strengthened �鶹��ý Sea Grant and expanded its impact across the university and the state.

Lerner has overseen more than $100 million in extramurally funded projects focused on improving the resilience of �鶹��ý‘s and the Pacific’s coastal ecosystems and communities. His leadership through periods of uncertainty has allowed the program to continue growing while supporting research, education and community partnerships that address critical environmental challenges.

Team of the Year: �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office

The �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office Team was recognized as UH‘s 2026 Team of the Year. The team was honored for advancing the university’s goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning through strategic planning and the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation framework. By building strong relationships across campuses and breaking down institutional silos, the team has helped strengthen Indigenous-centered practices throughout the university.

Its efforts have contributed to major accomplishments, including securing a $68.5-million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award and advancing the “Aloha Begins with Us” movement, helping foster a more connected, resilient and culturally grounded university community.

A cohort from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (CTAHR) was recognized out of 16 schools by the Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) and agInnovation-West for leadership in education, research, and Cooperative extension.

“At CTAHR, we are building a movement rooted in collaborative innovation,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “These honors reflect our commitment to bringing out the best in our students and faculty as they lead the way in creating solutions that support families and communities, food producers, and the natural environment.”

WEDA presented its Award of Excellence in Programming for a Team to the Organic Sweetpotato Integrated Pest Management and Soil Health Management Team. Led by Koon-Hui Wang of the Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences, the �鶹��ý team includes Amjad Ahmad, Thao Le and Brent Sipes, along with collaborators from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.

The combined team has secured more than $1 million in competitive funding and developed tools for pest management and soil health, on-farm research trials, and educational resources that strengthen organic farming systems.

The 2026 Excellence in Agricultural Research Innovation Award – Lifetime was presented to Professor Rachel Novotny of CTAHR’s Department of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Science.

Novotny has dedicated her career to building scientific evidence and policies to improve the nutrition of underserved communities throughout �鶹��ý and the Pacific. Her signature achievement is establishing the college’s in 2011. This initiative has played a major role in helping thousands of children and families lead healthier, more active lives.

The Western region’s land-grant network awarded the 2026 Western Region New Teaching Award to Professor Andy Reilly.

Reilly is a professor in CTAHR‘s Fashion Design and Merchandising program whose academic research explores the historic and cultural aspects of the fashion industry in �鶹��ý. He has authored seven books and 40 academic papers, and is now writing a comprehensive book on fashion in �鶹��ý.

The awards were presented at the 2026 Western Region Joint Summer Meeting, hosted by CTAHR in Hilo, from June 22 to 25.

Former University of �鶹��ý leader Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, who recently headed the , received a rare honor when she introduced �鶹��ý-born former U.S. President Barack Obama at the grand opening of his presidential library in Chicago on June 18.

Drawing on her Native Hawaiian roots, Lipe opened with a message about connection.

“Where I come from, to introduce someone means we have pilina, a connection,” she said. “If this man walked into my home, my children would call him Uncle. Because we are both keiki o ka ʻāina, children of �鶹��ý.”

Lipe was selected for the honor after years of leadership in education, community engagement and Indigenous advocacy.

In 2019, Lipe was one of 200 emerging leaders selected for the Obama Foundation’s Asia-Pacific leadership program, where she participated in discussions with Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and other leaders on values-based leadership and social change.

She recently transitioned from UH to become poʻo kula (head of school) at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama where she will support and serve students and educators across the K–12 campus.

• Related UH News article: UH leader selected for role at KS Kapālama, April 2, 2026

Draped in lei, Lipe reflected on a shared kuleana, describing a sacred responsibility passed from one generation to the next in Obama’s one hānau (birth sands) to care for people “we will never meet.”

Lipe said Obama’s call to build ‘a space of new possibilities’ led her to reflect on ʻike kūpuna (ancestral wisdom) and the lessons of the ʻaʻaliʻi, an Indigenous plant in �鶹��ý known for surviving harsh conditions

“A native plant renowned for its versatility and tenacity,” Lipe said, later sharing an ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb), “He ʻaʻaliʻi kū makani mai au; ʻaʻohe makani nāna e kūlaʻi, I am a wind withstanding aʻaliʻi; no gale can topple me over.” She described the plant as deeply rooted, resilient through storms and drought, and responsive to change.

For Lipe, those qualities embody the spirit of Obama’s signature “Yes We Can” message, one rooted in hope, resilience and perseverance.

The ceremony also featured an emotional speech from Michelle Obama and musical performances by Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a museum, library and educational nearly 20-acre campus in Chicago that celebrates the life, legacy and presidency of Barack Obama.

After more than three decades leading the , Andy Johnson has retired following a career that helped establish UH as a national contender in collegiate sailing while impacting generations of students on and off the water.

Johnson concluded his 36-year tenure as head coach in May after guiding the Rainbow Wahine to the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association Women’s Fleet Race National Championship Western Semifinals. He was also recently honored with the Campbell Family Award for Lifetime Service, recognizing his dedication and volunteerism in college sailing.

A former UH student-athlete who transferred to UH ����ԴDz� in 1980, Johnson became head coach in 1990 after serving as a volunteer assistant. During his tenure, UH ����ԴDz� captured two national championships—the women’s title in 2001 and the coed championship in 2004—while winning 21 Pacific Coast Collegiate Sailing Conference championships.

Johnson also spent decades working in UH ����ԴDz� Student Recreation Services, where he helped shape the student experience beyond athletics. He oversaw programs that served nearly 1,000 students annually, managed recreational offerings including surfing and sailing lessons, and organized campus activities and events that encouraged student engagement.

“The job with the sailing team and with all the students that have worked for me these years has really been gratifying,” Johnson said. “It’s been a pretty cool ride.”

On the competitive side, Johnson guided UH ����ԴDz� to 23 appearances at the women’s national championships, 20 coed fleet championship appearances, 13 singlehanded appearances and 12 team race appearances. He coached 18 All-Americans, with four former student-athletes advancing to the Olympic Games.

Johnson also played a key role in developing UH’s Marine Education and Training Center at Sand Island, which opened in 1995 and has hosted multiple national championship events.

“He gave me a love for not just the sport of college sailing, but the environment that it provided for us,” said Jesse Andrews, a former UH ����ԴDz� All-American and now an assistant coach for the last 29 years. “I think that his biggest quality is just being able to get the team to grow together and support each other.”

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 .