More than 4,000 haumāna (students), faculty and staff filled the campus on August 25, for the annual .

The afternoon event featured a resource fair spanning Legacy Path, Kuykendall Lawn and the Campus Center Courtyard. More than 50 campus departments and programs participated, sharing information on student resources, activities and giveaways. Haumāna explored opportunities ranging from academics to activities and employment, all while enjoying food, games and entertainment.

“Here at Mānoa it is all about the student experience,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos said. “This first day, Welina Mānoa brings all our students together here at Campus Center and on Legacy Path. We are excited to have our students back on campus. They’re gonna have an unbelievable experience.”

“It’s definitely valuable to know the resources the campus provides—all the different departments and all the important offices like financial aid,” said James Taylor, a UH Mānoa senior majoring in travel industry management. “There are so many different majors to potentially decide on. It will definitely help any new student or even returning students figure out what they want to do in the future.”

The event also included prize drawings and interactive activities designed to help students connect with campus resources and build community. Both new and returning Rainbow Warriors and Wahine took part in the festivities, marking the start of the fall 2025 semester.

Welina Mānoa served as the semester’s first major student engagement event. Next up is the free Welcome Back Bash on Friday, August 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Campus Center Courtyard. Visit the for more details.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� recently opened a new space in the Campus Center. The Place for Encouraging Awareness, Calmness, and Enlightenment Room was soft-launched in May and is located in the Campus Center cafeteria room 203 B/C.

The two rooms, which were formerly conference rooms, include chairs, yoga mats and empty areas for activities to promote mental, emotional and spiritual health.

“Before this, I had to use library Zoom rooms just to find a quiet and secure place to pray,” said Queenie Abarcar, a double major in biology and psychology. “The PEACE Room gives a safe space to reconnect and stay spiritually grounded throughout the day.”

The project was first proposed by Raiyan Rafid, a member of the . He said the campus lacked spaces that could be used for reflection, prayer and meditation. The PEACE Room will hopefully fill that gap.

“We’ve learned since COVID how essential mental health is to student success,” Rafid said. “This room is a small but meaningful step toward giving students the space to breathe, reset and care for themselves.”

Currently, the PEACE Room is open only to UH ����ԴDz� students, faculty and staff. To access the room, students and faculty have to go to the at Campus Center room 209, where they will activate their ����ԴDz� One Card for the semester.

In 2024, the space underwent renovations to transform it into a quiet, flexible environment designed for wellness and reflection.

“Our facilities team did an amazing job bringing this vision to life,” Rafid said. “They really transformed the space to create a peaceful, welcoming space that feels intentional.”

A moment to pause and reflect

Rafid said its location at the heart of Campus Center works to the room’s advantage.

“A lot of students and faculty pass through after lunch, and having a quiet space nearby gives them a chance to pause, reflect or simply reset before heading back to class or work,” Rafid said.

“Providing a dedicated space for reflection and prayer honors the diverse spiritual needs of our students, staff and faculty,” said Arif Rahman, an affiliate graduate faculty in the Department of Electrical Engineering. “It’s encouraging to see our campus becoming more inclusive and welcoming for all.”

During the three-year pilot phase, Rafid and campus stakeholders will be able to collect usage data, assess patterns of engagement, and evaluate the room’s effectiveness. These insights will help determine the long-term viability of the space upon completion of the pilot phase.

Learn more about the UH ����ԴDz� .

—By Grant Nakasone

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno was awarded the 2024 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region VI President’s Award, recognizing his leadership and commitment to advancing the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and initiatives. Bruno received the award at the Western Regional Conference in San Diego in November.

Bruno has served as UH ����ԴDz�’s Provost since 2019 and previously as vice chancellor for research. He has earned praise for his dedication to students, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires. Colleagues have commended his transformative impact on the university and the broader community.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed—not just academically, but in all aspects of their development,” said Bruno.“This award is actually a reflection of and a testament to the dedication and hard work of my colleagues at UH ����ԴDz�. Together, we’ve created a supportive environment that empowers all students to reach their full potential. It’s about fostering a campus culture where students can thrive and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Student-centered leadership

Lori Ideta, vice provost for student success (retired in 2023), highlighted Bruno’s prioritization of student well-being, even during crises. Reflecting on his leadership during the pandemic, she said, “Provost Bruno was acutely aware of the essential staff’s unwavering commitment to student success, even when their own healths were at risk. He was, and remains, their biggest cheerleader.”

Colleagues also noted Bruno’s commitment to equity and student support services, including mental health resources, disability access, and advocacy for military-connected students. Ideta underscored his determination to preserve vital student and academic affairs programs during financially challenging times, even as many campuses faced budget cuts—an approach she described as a defining example of his student-centered leadership.

Laura Lyons, interim vice provost for academic excellence, credited Bruno’s personal experience as a first-generation college student for shaping his holistic approach to leadership. “He and his twin were the first in his family to attend college, so he knows the generational challenges and opportunities his parents’ migration made possible and that experience resonates with many UH ����ԴDz� students, helping them see that they are not so different from this man who leads their campus.”

Bruno’s leadership was also evident during the recent Maui wildfires. Lyons said, “He understands that, while immediate needs are overwhelming and must be addressed, we, as a university, must demonstrate that our commitment will last as long as necessary.”

Impact on research, graduate student support

An ocean engineer by training, Bruno is passionate about research. He understands firsthand the impact that research opportunities can have on students and has championed programs that provide the resources necessary for students to succeed.

With his support, UH ����ԴDz� has allocated more than $4.5 million to fund the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) since its inception a few years ago, enabling transformative undergraduate research and capstone projects.

Mark Willingham, Jr., president of the , also commended Bruno’s transparent leadership and advocacy for graduate students, including increasing graduate assistant pay, improving grievance policies and implementing sick and bereavement leave.

“Every institution should have a Dr. Michael Bruno, but there is only one, and we’re so fortunate to have him. His impact is palpable and contagious in all the great ways leaders should be,” said Nikki Kāhealani Chun, vice provost for enrollment management, who credits Bruno for fostering her professional growth and leadership as a Native Hawaiian and first-generation college graduate.

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend on October 26, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa. The free event is for prospective students and their families along with the general public so they can see firsthand why UH Mānoa is considered one of the best universities in the country. Organizers say current students and employees are also welcome.

“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for prospective students and the community to learn more about UH Mānoa and find why we are consistently ranked among the best universities in the world,” said Provost Michael Bruno. “It is also a chance to speak and interact with current students, faculty and staff, the people who make this university great.”

Booths, displays and hands-on workshops featuring more than 100 academic departments will line iconic McCarty Mall, Legacy Path and the Campus Center courtyard. There will also be campus tours, including special tours of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene’s Translational Health Science Simulation Center, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource’s Certified Kitchen and the Esports Lab.

Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits and activities that cover a range of topics, from education to oceanography and medicine. The Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Success and Hamilton Library will also be open to visitors.

“UH Mānoa has so much to offer academically and there are so many services available to help our students on their journey,” said UH Mānoa Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun, who is responsible for Discover UH Mānoa. “We want everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our campus, even if you are not a prospective student, because UH Mānoa is something everyone can take pride in.”

Each attendee will receive a UH Mānoa tote bag, event/program map, bookstore coupon and a coupon for $2 off retail dining options, including Starbucks, Ding Tea, Food Trucks and Sodexo Concessions. Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes throughout the day.

Two shuttle routes will be available for attendees interested in visiting student housing, and the Music Building Complex.

Free parking will be available in Zone 20 until 1:30p.m. For more information, visit .

Pāʻina on the Path and homecoming football

Following the open house, UH Mānoa will host Pāʻina on the Path, a free homecoming celebration from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This Homecoming Edition on Legacy Pathway will feature a UH Alumni Maker’s Market, Hawaiʻs Finest DJ & Kickoff Concert Series featuringPeniDean, food vendors, a beer garden, keiki zone with inflatables and football-themed games, and more.

The Rainbow Warrior football team will then take on Nevada in this seasonʻs homecoming game. Kick off at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex is at 6 p.m.

More than 4,000 students, faculty and staff attended the postponed Welina Mānoa welcome back to campus event on September 4 at the .

“I can feel a lot of excitement from the students here just like looking at the different clubs and stuff. And especially as a freshman looking at the different clubs they have over here is really good,” freshman Presley Okimoto said.

More than 100 booths stretching from Campus Center through Legacy Path featured resources and information from a variety of service offices, schools and colleges, clubs and food.

“I think there’s a lot of information about the stuff that I didn’t know there was and then like, the research stuff. I wasn’t like, if I didn’t go here then I wouldn’t know about it at all,” freshman Noah Castro said.

“So this is a chance for not just for students to explore what we offer, but also for other offices and departments to promote and get themselves out there because we have amazing resources out there,” Welina Mānoa organizer Allyson Lagatuz said.

The UH Band, UH Cheerleaders and Rainbow Dancers performed and spent time helping the crowd learn the football fight song.

The event was originally scheduled for the first day of classes on August 26, but was rescheduled because of the threat of heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Hone.

The University of �鶹��ý is deeply committed to the right to free speech and the protections of the first amendment of the U.S. constitution. Peaceful protests and demonstrations are part of the rich history of UH and universities around the country. It is absolutely essential that all who wish to share their views can do so and conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to others.

Many in our UH ʻohana are personally touched by specific events. But as others have said, our hearts must be big enough to mourn the loss of lives and suffering in both Israel and Gaza. Minimizing the suffering of civilians and hostages, wherever and whoever they are, is not who we are at UH. Nor are we a place that can tolerate either anti-semitism or Islamophobia. And we cannot make our points heard by trying to silence the voices of others. These tactics tarnish the message of anyone who wants to express their views on world events. These tactics do not show aloha.

Diverse perspectives held on local and global conflicts and controversies have always flourished at UH. Higher education is where our students must learn to coexist with others who hold different views—as we must all do in life. Being able to share views and to listen with respect and appreciation of others is essential to a healthy and thriving campus and community. It is the only path to solutions. It is a way to show aloha.

Nonetheless, we know that some protected speech can be extremely hurtful to others. At the onset of the events of October 7, in Israel and the subsequent actions in Gaza, UH reached out directly to students with offers of assistance. We continue to extend that support to students who are impacted. We take great pride in the fact that our UH campuses are among the most diverse higher education institutions in the nation and UH stands strongly committed to non-discrimination and working together to overcome intolerance. We all benefit when our entire community feels safe and secure and heard.

—UH President David Lassner and UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno

is back at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�! On Friday, April 26, the iconic duo, , will headline the musical event at Andrews Amphitheatre. The event will offer concessions as well as a raffle for a chance to win 15,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles for three lucky winners.

Tickets can be purchased through . This event is open to the public, and exclusive discounted rates are offered for UH ����ԴDz� students.

Event details

Aloha Bash 2024 will be held on Friday, April 26, at Andrews Amphitheater. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the show to start at 6 p.m.

UH ����ԴDz� students must present a valid UH ����ԴDz� I.D. for entry. Rates for UH ����ԴDz� students are as follows:

• $5 for early bird, through April 16
• $10, April 17—26

General public can also purchase tickets:

• $20 for early bird, through April 16
• $30, April 17—26

Aloha Bash is sponsored by UH ����ԴDz�’s Campus Center Board Activities Council (CCBAC), and co-sponsored by Coke �鶹��ý, Raising Cane’s, The District and Hawaiian Airlines.

For any questions contact CCBAC at (808) 956-4491, or visit for additional information.

About the artist

Surfaces is an American duo group consisting of Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki, with a sound that’s a blend of surf music, jazz, pop rock and more. They are well-known for their Billboard Top 100 hit, “Sunday Best” and their collaboration with Elton John on song, “Learn to Fly.”

Music, videos and other information on Surfaces can be found , or on their .

The esports scene at the University of �鶹��ý took a major leap forward as students from seven UH campuses engaged in friendly competition at the 2024 Kawaii Kon.

Held at the �鶹��ý Convention Center, March 29–31, students from UH ����ԴDz�, UH West Oʻahu, UH Hilo, Leeward Community College, Kapiʻolani CC, Windward CC and Kauaʻi CC participated in a Super Smash Bros. tournament.

“The overall purpose of the Smash tournament is to not only offer students a highly competitive venue for esports, but to also have them experience the larger (and extremely popular) digital games, anime, and cosplay events locally,” said Nyle Sky Kauweloa, UH ����ԴDz� esports program director. “This is not just a tournament, but an entire cultural experience for the students.”

“This was my second time attending the UH collegiate tournament, and it was just as awesome to see all the campuses come together in spirited and friendly competition,” said UH Hilo student Logan Nobriga. “I really appreciated how supportive players were, not just of their own teams, but of the other teams as well. Hilo came and gave it our all, and I’m really grateful our new players had the chance to experience some competition and got to show their skill to the other campuses.”

With more than 20,000 attendees over the three-day event, the success of the UH esports programs were on full display for the Kawaii Kon fans.

“Kapiʻolani‘s debut at the Kawaii Kon tournament was a significant step for our club, having been established just two months prior,” said Adam Moura, Kapiʻolani CC instructor and esports advisor. “It was a great opportunity for growth and learning, and we came away from it inspired to continue developing our skill for future competitions.”

Keala Chock, Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs, added, “For Leeward Community College’s students to be part of systemwide esports events is not just about competition; it’s about fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and innovation among our students, shaping them into well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future.”

Continuing collaboration

While the tournament at Kawaii Kon is the one event each year where UH brings together students from several campuses together to compete, organizers hope to increase the collaboration throughout the year. The esports programs would like to acknowledge Southwest Airlines for flying in students from �鶹��ý Island and Kauaʻi, Bank of Hawaii for 3D-printing trophies, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union for providing scholarships and the Academy for Creative Media System (ACM System) for funding the program.

“Just as ACM System started at UH ����ԴDz� and now supports programs on all 10 UH campuses, my discussions about funding esports with President Lassner six years ago always had the goal of rolling this out to every UH campus that wants to participate,” said Chris Lee, founder and director of ACM System. “I am very grateful to President Lassner who brought on Sky Kauweloa and his team to grow UH Esports to the global powerhouse it is today and even more proud to see so many of our campuses and students engaging through esports.”

More stories on UH’s esports program.

The (NASPA), the nationʻs largest student affairs professional in higher education organization awarded the Pillars of the Profession to University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s Christine Quemuel, the interim assistant vice provost for student diversity and inclusion.

[This award] represents generations of my family and my community who never even imagined that college was possible.
—Christine Quemuel

“I am overwhelmed by this honor, because the award isn’t just about me. It represents generations of my family and my community who never even imagined that college was possible,” said Quemuel, a first-generation college student with military connections and both of Yonsei (fourth generation Japanese immigrant) heritage and the daughter of an immigrant parent from the Philippines. “They are always with me in the work I do to provide access, opportunities and support for student success.”

Commitment to enhancing access and success

Quemuel has dedicated 27 years of service at UH ����ԴDz�. As part of the (SEED), she is committed to enhancing access and success for traditionally excluded student groups. She manages scholarships, facilitates lifelong learning for seniors, and implements policies for campus diversity and inclusion. She oversees various programs promoting educational equity, providing support services for a diverse student body and actively contributes to initiatives like the ����ԴDz� Commission on Inclusion and Diversity, aligning with the university’s equity and diversity goals.

“I am eternally grateful to the entire SEED family, past and present—a truly amazing team of students and professionals who are deeply committed to communities that have been historically excluded and marginalized in education. I am able to do what I do because of their dedication to the success of our students, their families and communities,” she said.

“I can think of no one more deserving to be honored as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession than Christine Quemuel,” said nominator Romando Nash, associate vice president of student life services at the University at Nevada at Reno, who worked closely with Quemuel through their involvement with NASPA. “She is a consummate professional in all that she does and has made a difference in countless studentsʻ lives. Her congenial presence, keen insights and genuine care for students and the profession is not only impressive but a model for many professionals across the nation. Her being named a Pillar of the Profession is an honor that is long overdue.”

Quemuel is an alumna of UH ����ԴDz� where she earned her MA in American Studies and her PhD in Educational Administration. She earned her BA from Fairhaven College-Western Washington University.

Quemuel will be officially recognized as a Pillar of the Profession during NASPA Annual Conference in Seattle, WA, on March 12.

Students who are the first in their families to go to college were well-represented at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� First-Generation Student Celebration on November 8. The event connected nearly 200 students with invaluable campus resources and contacts, and also treated them to free boba, tote bags and giveaways.

The event also provided an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to share their experiences and their journey as first-generation students to inspire others in the community.

Being a positive role model

Kikilia Lani is a first-generation student of Kanaka ʻOīwi, Boricua, Ilocano and Chinese descent. She graduated and earned degrees from (AS in early childhood education and teaching) and at UH ����ԴDz� (BA and ME). She is currently a PhD student in education and an instructional and support specialist with the . She said poverty and kuleana is what led her to college.

“I didnʻt want to be poor anymore, and I recognized education as a means to socioeconomic mobility,” Lani said. “I felt that excelling in school was one way I could show appreciation to my mom and honor the struggles she went through while raising me, while serving as a positive role model for my younger siblings.”

While it can feel lonely and difficult at times, Lani said she feels privileged to be a first-generation student. “I recognize that each accomplishment contributes to the realization of the dreams of those who came before me. Knowing that those who come after me can focus less on the struggle and more on their dreams…gives me pride and makes me want to keep going…”

She reminds other first-generation students to not be afraid to ask for help, which can lead to meaningful connections, new insights and exciting experiences.

Pathway for better opportunities

Theresa Crichfield is UH ����ԴDz�’s associate vice provost for and dean of students. For her, college was the pathway for opportunities to better herself and her family.

“My grandparents fled a dictatorship in Cuba and came to the USA for the American Dream. I can tell you, our family was fortunate enough to make it here,” she shared. “I was able to blaze my own trail with the support of my family and made my grandparents and parents proud that I was able to be college-educated and attain more than they did.”

In her role overseeing various student services, she emphasizes that the campus is packed with resources and people who want to support first-generation students on their journey to graduation. “Building a network of friends and mentors is crucial!” she said.

New experiences

Micah Mizukami is the associate director for the and a first-generation Japanese and Okinawan student. He earned his MA in linguistics and is currently pursuing his PhD in second language studies at UH ����ԴDz�. He earned his BA in Japanese Studies at Willamette University in Oregon.

Growing up in the small town of ʻEleʻele, Kauaʻi led him to venture somewhere new and different for his undergraduate college experience. “I always loved traveling and seeing new places and meeting new people, and I wanted the same for my college experience,” said Mizukami.

His advice for other first-generation students? He said meeting regularly with college advisors and finding first-generation groups on campus will help them find a sense of community with other students from similar backgrounds. “These are things I wish I knew more about when I was an undergrad!”