Just days after celebrating 589 graduates at its spring 2026 commencement—including 506 bachelor’s degrees, nearly 200 first-generation college students and a class spanning ages 19 to 79—the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Hilo has been selected as one of 17 rural-serving public universities nationwide to join the inaugural Rural Student Success Network. UH Hilo is the only institution from Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific region named to the cohort.

The new initiative, led by Ithaka S+R in partnership with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, is aimed at helping more students from rural communities reach that graduation milestone. Funded by a two-year grant from the ECMC (Educational Credit Management Corporation) Foundation’s Rural Impact Initiative, the network brings together bachelor’s-degree-granting, rural-serving institutions from 12 states committed to strengthening student success and economic mobility in the communities they serve.

“Every graduate who crossed our stage this month is proof that rural-serving institutions change lives,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “This network gives us a powerful new chance to learn alongside peer institutions and make sure more of our students get the milestone the Class of 2026 just had.”

Focus on transfer students and workforce needs

Over the next 18 months, participating institutions will engage in peer learning, data-informed self-assessment and targeted technical assistance across the network’s three priority areas: helping community college transfer students complete their bachelor’s degrees, re-engaging adult learners and aligning academic programs with regional workforce needs.

UH Hilo will focus on the transfer and workforce tracks—work that naturally encompasses the adult learners returning to finish a degree they once started.

Aligning degrees with Â鶹´«Ã½ Island careers

Each campus receives a $15,000 subgrant from Ithaka S+R, plus customized analyses comparing academic offerings against local labor market demand. The network’s tailored analysis will examine how UH Hilo’s degree offerings align with employer demand across the island’s healthcare, education, agriculture and sustainability sectors.

“This is about strengthening the bridge between a student starting at a UH Community College and one walking across the UH Hilo stage with a bachelor’s degree,” Irwin said. “It’s about the working parent who left UH Hilo three years ago and is wondering whether they can come back. It’s about making sure the degree we offer is the one our island’s employers are actually hiring for. The work doesn’t change who we are—it sharpens it.”

Volunteers make it possible for (FVH) to hold its monthly Food Drop at Campus Center, distributing about 8,000 pounds of food each second Wednesday of the academic year.Housed within the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (SILD) unit, FVH continues to play a key role in assisting UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students experiencing food insecurity.

Bonnyjean Manini, SILD director, said volunteers are critical to help receive, sort, and distribute food at monthly Food Drop events. The items are provided through partnerships with the Â鶹´«Ã½ Foodbank and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Health & Harm Reduction Center.

“They exemplify the qualities of empathy, responsiveness, commitment and are fearless of the physical labor involved with the work of helping provide food to those in need but often go unacknowledged,” she said. “Their unconditional assistance makes these events possible.”

Finding joy in helping others

Richard Bradshaw, one of FVH’s longest-serving volunteers and a former religion instructor, said he returns each month for a simple reason: helping others brings joy.

“I think helping others with an open heart and non-judgmentally enables me to doubly enjoy giving,” he said. “Making people happy is the best way to make yourself happy.”

His own experiences as a college student gives him perspective on the challenges many students face today. He recalled comforting a student he knew who felt embarrassed to see him at the Food Drop, an interaction that underscored how food insecurity can affect a student’s sense of dignity.

“I deeply understood how she felt and did everything I could to ease her feelings,” he said.

Connecting through food and knowledge

Lara Hackney is an instructor in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program in the .

She began volunteering with FVH in 2019 through her involvement with The Coalition to Stop Campus Hunger. After the pandemic, she returned and has volunteered consistently since.

“I hope they [students/UH community] feel that FVH is a safe place where they can find something that helps when times are challenging,” she said.

A new volunteer inspired to give back

For third-year physics major Stephen Wagner, volunteering began as part of his Mortar Board service project but quickly took on deeper meaning. With past experience at food banks on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island, he recognized how essential FVH is—especially after learning that 84% of the 268 participants at a recent Food Drop identified as UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students.

“Seeing the pallets of food empty as people came through made the impact very tangible,” he said. “I hope students feel secure and welcome when they come to the Food Drop.”

He encourages others to volunteer as well. “Community is especially important in these uncertain times, and lifting each other up makes for a strong community.”

How to support FVH

FVH will hold its next Food Drop on December 10, at the Campus Center Courtyard, beginning at noon while supplies last. Its Holiday Drive to help stock its pantry in Hemenway Hall runs through January 2, and the UH community is encouraged to donate non-perishable food items and toiletries at the SLD office in Campus Center Room 208, Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. (except holidays and weekends).

Monetary donations to support Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ can be made through the . For updates, pantry information and volunteer opportunities, follow FVH on or email fvh@hawaii.edu.

UH Basic Needs Fund

If you’re a UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ student facing an unexpected hardship, the UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Student Basic Needs fund offers one-time emergency grants to help you stay on track. Apply or give your support here.

What does the future hold for some of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa’s most iconic spaces? Students recently had the chance to provide possible answers to that question, offering their creative ideas to help reimagine Legacy Path and Andrews Amphitheater.

The (CDL) hosted interactive design workshops on September 24 and October 2, inviting students to engage in discussions and creative activities. The goal was to gather direct feedback on how these key campus areas can better support student life, from daily commutes and study sessions to social gatherings and moments of relaxation.

“I wish this area could be improved to have more space for eating, studying, and hanging out. I’m always looking for a spot because there isn’t enough space to eat,” said Jayden Uowolo, a first year doctorate student at the .

These hands-on sessions are a cornerstone of the university’s approach to campus development, ensuring that the people who use the spaces every day are central to their evolution.

“Hearing directly from students is the most critical part of our design process,” said Brian Strawn, UH director of campus planning and spatial experience. “They are the experts on their own experience, and their ideas are what transform a simple path or an old amphitheater into a vibrant heart of campus life.”

Proven model for campus improvement

Engaging students in the design process has already proven successful across the UH Mānoa campus. Insights from previous workshops have been instrumental in shaping several major projects, including the ongoing McCarthy Mall renovation, the recently completed Aloha Towers student housing renovation, and the upcoming furniture improvement project for student housing.

During an activity, students selected from more than 50 cards—each representing a potential campus feature or amenity—and placed them on a large campus model to show where they’d like to see those ideas take shape in the future.

“I really enjoyed the workshop–the card exercise was a great way to visualize and see opportunities for this area,” said Jonathan Calvillo, a fourth year undergraduate student studying environmental design.

The feedback collected from the recent workshops on Legacy Path and Andrews Amphitheater will directly guide future design plans. These efforts are part of UH Mānoa’s broader master planning initiatives, which are aimed at creating more welcoming, functional and inspiring environments that enhance the overall student experience.

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 Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ .

—By Grant Nakasone

Leaving her home in India to attend the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa was a leap into the unknown for Ritu Krishna Raju. Having never traveled alone, the move came with excitement, but also the weight of being thousands of miles from her family.

Raju recounted her initial excitement mixed with the challenges of living far from her loved ones.

“When I first arrived in Â鶹´«Ã½, I was overwhelmed—excited, but also carrying the weight of being so far from home,” she shares in her commencement speech to be delivered at the fall 2024 ceremony.

Raju quickly discovered that the warmth of aloha extended beyond a word. She found a community and formed lifelong friendships with people who shared her values and passion. These friendships became her anchor, providing encouragement and laughter through the challenges of her journey. Surrounded by good friends, she learned the true meaning of ʻohana—family that extends beyond blood—and it deepened her connection to the islands and their people.

Marine biology attracts Raju to Â鶹´«Ã½

Drawn to UH Mānoa for its world-renowned marine biology program, Raju’s passion for the environment deepened during her studies. She interned with the at the , analyzing the vocal repertoire of endangered Hawaiian monk seals, gaining invaluable experience in marine mammal conservation. Raju also volunteered at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, where she educated visitors about marine life and the importance of protecting coral reefs, sharing her love for the ocean with countless tourists.

Her time at Mānoa was enriched by more than academics. She stretched her creative wings through dance performances and involvement at Kennedy Theatre, while also creating cherished memories with friends—whether hanging out in the courtyard near the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building or engaging with her peers as a Natural Sciences Ambassador.

Growing up, breaking through

More than three years later, she can look back and reflect on how much her experience at her journey at UH Mānoa has shaped her as a person.

“Growth often comes when you least expect it, and I’ve found that stepping out of my comfort zone has revealed more about who I am than I ever imagined. I’ve grown beyond the shy, unsure person I once was into someone who can navigate challenges with purpose and a deep respect for the world around me,” Raju said. “I am thankful for my family giving me their unwavering support that got me to where I am.”

As Raju wraps up this chapter of her educational journey she is considering graduate school to specialize in marine mammal biology with hopes to raise awareness about marine conservation back home in India. She will go knowing she has found and created a second home on the other side of the world with a community Raju can call her own.

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend on October 26, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ 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.

In an effort to reduce waste from single-use containers, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa’s dining halls—Gateway Café and Hale Aloha Café—are introducing a sustainable Reusable Take-Out Container Program, with Sodexo Â鶹´«Ã½. For an annual fee of $5, students can purchase a durable, microwavable three-compartment container at one of the dining halls.

Students can buy these reusable containers using meal points, dining dollars, cash or card at the dining halls. Currently, more than 1,400 boxes have already been purchased. Given that single-use containers cost 50 cents each time, the reusable option is a more cost-effective solution for students who frequently opt for take-out.

“Anyone who plans on doing any kind of take out more than once should go for the green one [reusable container]”, said Amelie Kitakis, an exploratory student living in student housing.

Once purchased, students are able to fill their reusable containers with as much food as they want, as long as the attached lid can be securely closed. The program operates on a swap system so they do not have to always wash the container themselves. When a student returns for another take-out meal, they will return their used container and receive a clean container in exchange. If students opt to dine-in, they can exchange their used container for a clean one for future take-out, or receive a token that can be redeemed for a cleaner container on their next take-out visit.

“These containers are so much more practical than the disposable ones. The students love that there’s three compartments so their food doesn’t touch, said Sodexo ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s Marketing Specialist Marcie Moribe, “Students can pop it in the microwave and our dining halls will clean it for them.”

“Overall our students have really understood the rationale behind it, looking at sustainability, being environmentally conscious,” said Kenny Lopez, associate director of residence life. “I think our students have really appreciated this model and have embraced it and have been taking advantage of it.”

If students lose a container, they will have to pay another $5 to replace it. Cutlery and cups are available upon request.

—By McKenzie Kurosu

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.

Haley Taylor is a shining example of a student who found her passion at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. And for the past few years, the spring 2024 graduate and student has been paying it forward to the community through her service in Alohathon, a UH Manoa-based non-profit organization, and to future Rainbow Warriors as a tour guide with the .

Discovering academic interests

Taylor began her academic journey at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ in the midst of the pandemic, unsure of what the university would have to offer and what major to pursue. After enrolling in a few courses in the ’ , she found that these classes resonated with her interests.

“I’ve met some really amazing faculty who really wanted me to thrive,” Taylor said. “They taught me things about new emerging social media and media connections and how vital communications is in the world we live in now.”

Inspiring future ‘Bows

Taylor was born in Tennessee and went to high school in Las Vegas, but in between spent four years residing in Â鶹´«Ã½ Kai, so she wasn’t new to living on Oʻahu. While Taylor lived on campus during her freshman year, most of her classes were online due to the pandemic. She recalled that when her parents visited, she couldn’t tell them what most of the buildings were. This is what inspired her to apply to be a campus tour guide during her sophomore year.

“By luck they hired me and I’ve loved it ever since I started—just being able to talk to prospective students and tell them what I’ve learned, what I’ve gained from it and hopefully allow them to see what kind of amazing opportunities they might not be thinking about, and how it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get your education in a place like this,” Taylor said. “It really is unlike any other.”

She continued working as a tour guide through her senior year and also became a leader to welcome and connect new students and their families with the campus.

“At orientation, they’d come up to me like, ‘Hey, you’re my tour guide. I heard you talk about this. I knew I wanted to be a part of it when I came to the school.’ And that’s just a feeling you can’t really describe,” Taylor said. “It’s just like, ‘Wow, I made an impact on someone’s major life decision.’ It’s not solely because of me. It’s because of how amazing the university is.”

Giving back

Becoming a part of the UH Manoa ʻohana inspired Taylor to look for ways to give back to her campus community. In her sophomore year, she called it her “proudest moment” when she led an organization called Alohathon at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. They helped raise more than $27,000 for Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children.

Stepping toward the future

Taylor is headed to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to pursue a master’s degree in communications, with a focus on artificial intelligence. While she’ll be leaving the islands, at least for now, a piece of her legacy will remain at the place it all started—the admissions office. Inspired by the impact UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ had on their daughter’s academic career, Taylor’s parents made a generous contribution to revamp the welcome center in the Office of Admissions—the place many prospective students see when they first step foot on campus and where Taylor spent many memorable hours.

“To revamp this and to get this to be a fresh new happening place for prospective students to come in and see, it’s a good first look for the university,” Taylor said. “In however many years when I have a family, I can come back and show them not only the place that I love, the island that I love, but the place I spent so much of my undergraduate time in.”

Check out more stories of our UH spring graduates

When asked about what UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ has meant to her, Taylor concluded, “UH has meant everything. This has been the best four years that I could have ever imagined. I can’t imagine going to a different undergraduate program.”

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Provost Michael Bruno

is back at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹! 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students must present a valid UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ I.D. for entry. Rates for UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s Campus Center Board Activities Council (CCBAC), and co-sponsored by Coke Â鶹´«Ã½, 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ took a major leap forward as students from seven UH campuses engaged in friendly competition at the 2024 Kawaii Kon.

Held at the Â鶹´«Ã½ Convention Center, March 29–31, students from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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.

Showing off their ongoing support for the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, local boutique released its newest “Eden x UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ collection,” available exclusively at the . The new merchandise items include tote bags, crossbody bags and stadium cups featuring motifs inspired by the “beautifully diverse campus offerings and student body.”

The partnership with Eden in Love—known for their collaborative pieces with local schools, businesses and organizations—began in August 2022. The Office of the Provost, Office of Admissions and the UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Bookstore approached owners and UH alumni Tanna and Bryson Dang, to come up with new custom-designed UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ merchandise to promote student, alumni and community pride, and enhance the university’s marketing and branding efforts.

“This collaboration with Eden in Love has been a great way to showcase our support for our UHM-azing alumni and the partnerships with inter-departments. This spirit of collaboration has produced an exciting and unique design, exclusive to Eden in Love and our campus bookstore that we hope everyone will enjoy,” said Jennel Sesoko, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ director of branding and marketing. “We value the relationships cultivated both on and off campus with our students, faculty, staff and greater community to be a part of, engaged in the celebration of school spirit and Warrior pride.”

Related story: Super fan celebrates birthday with gift to UH marching band, September 2019

In April 2023, the collection initially launched with a limited release of the medium tote bag that was available for purchase at the ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Experience: University Preview Day. The item was so popular that all the bags sold out within a few days. The bags are currently back in stock at the bookstore.

“It’s always a delight to be able to partner on projects at the bookstore from our very own talented UH alumni,” said Staci Yoshihara, assistant bookstore director. “After a year of collaboration, we are pleased with the products that weÊ»re able to offer our UH supporters.”

Strong UH alumni supporters

Celebrating their 13th year in business this year, the majority of the Eden in Love team who have worked or are now employed at the popular boutique are proud UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ alumni.

We hope that inspiring the community to support higher education in our state will come from these cheerful collaborations
—Alyssa Han, Eden in Love Creative Director/UH alumna

“It’s been a thrill to nod back to our old stomping grounds,” said Tanna Dang. “So much of who we are today is because of the foundation UH has laid for us.”

Eden in Love’s support for their hometown university began with “Bentos for the Band,” a project in 2019 led by Bryson Dang, who was a former marching band member. That turned into their recent “Aloha For Da Band” collaboration in 2022 in which exclusive UH band tote bags were created with a portion of sales benefiting the band.

In this newest Eden and UH collaboration, Creative Director Alyssa Han, also a UH alumna, spearheaded the design process.

“We were honored to create this design and once again support UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. Not only does it encompass the school spirit and cheer but also features unique aspects of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ including landmark Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall, its Hawaiian name, ‘Ke Kulanui o Â鶹´«Ã½ ma ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹’ and a hidden unicorn showing off the land, sea, sun and space grant designation,” Han said.

She added, “Beyond panels and mentorship, we hope that inspiring the community to support higher education in our state will come from these cheerful collaborations.”

The exclusive bookstore items are available in-store and while supplies last. Eden in Love has also released additional items from the collection available for a limited time at .

—By Arlene Abiang

The energy and volume were pumped up to the max at the annual music event, Aloha Bash, held April 21, at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. Hosted by the (CCBAC), hundreds gathered at the Andrews Amphitheatre to hear an exclusive live performance by pop singer, MAX.

“The turnout for Aloha Bash was awesome!” said CCBAC chairwoman Sophia Lopez. “We had a national pop artist join us this year, a first in CCBAC history, as well as amazing openers that people were looking forward to, so we were really excited to see so many people come together to enjoy such great music. I’m so glad people came out.”

The show opened with the artist JOBY! and his four-piece band The Currents, as well as the band Ragamuffs, whose lead singer Hailey Fines is a graduate from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s .

Supporting act Ryan Siegel of Party Pupils, a duo which consists of producer Siegel and MAX, played future funk remixes of popular hits and original music, getting the crowd excited for headliner, MAX. The pop star sang a selection of his viral hits, such as “Blueberry Eyes featuring SUGA of BTS” and “Lights Down Low,” and gave attendees a chance to hear one of his unreleased songs, “Strings.” MAX will release his next full studio album in fall 2023.

Although the opportunity to see MAX live was huge for many UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students, student media organizations Ka Leo O Â鶹´«Ã½ and ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Now got up close and personal with the pop singer in a personal interview and chance to capture close-up footage of his performance.

“I really enjoyed interviewing MAX,” said Lili Hurd, a student in Ka Leo. “He was really down to earth and cared a lot about his craft and his fans. He was passionate about supporting the students at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and just wanted to create a magical performance.”

Lopez extends her thanks to BAMP Project; KTUH; 102.7 Da Bomb; Micah Banks from Power; Sodexo; student media organizations Ka Leo and ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Now; the numerous volunteers; and everyone at Campus Center and Student Life & Development for the successful event.

Additional supporters include the Campus Center Board and CCBAC advisors Joshua Ramos, Ashley Nguyen and Sarah Yap. The event was sponsored by Coca-Cola Â鶹´«Ã½ and Raising Cane’s.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who helped put this together because it was such a team effort,” said Lopez. “This wouldn’t have been possible without them, and I hope we can have more events like these and invite more artists like MAX in the future.”

Toiletry donations to support University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students in need are being collected through May 12. In fall 2018, the , , and collaborated to create , a food pantry dedicated to assisting students facing food insecurity, starting with non-perishable food and toiletries.

Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Office of Student Life and Development are continuing the initiative for UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students through their Spring Toiletry Drive.

“We are grateful for any and all donations to Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½,” said Raiyan Rafid, Student Life associate at the Office of Student Life and Development. “These donations ultimately support UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students and help them succeed in school. For students who are experiencing food insecurity or need toiletries, we highly encourage you to utilize our services.”

Items needed

Students, faculty, staff and the community may drop off donations of the following items to the Student Life and Development Office, located at Campus Center Room 208.

• Dental care products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash)
• Shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
• Shaving products (razor, shaving cream)
• Period products (pads, tampons)
• Deodorant
• Individually wrapped toilet paper

The community may also donate items at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. A collection location has been set up in their chapel.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Foodbank partnership

The Spring 2023 Toiletry Drive will coincide with the Â鶹´«Ã½ Foodbank drive that began on April 3. Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ encourages the campus community to donate food and monetary donations to support the Â鶹´«Ã½ Foodbank’s efforts and any toiletry donations to them during the ongoing drives.

“So far this semester we have received over 16,000 pounds of food (22 pallets) from the Â鶹´«Ã½ Foodbank for our monthly event, Food Drop @ the Campus Center Courtyard, that is open to all,” said Bonnyjean Manini, faculty director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development and interim director of Office of Student Life and Development. “We provided food to close to 300 participants at each Drop, with 95% of the participants identifying as our UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students.”

Prospective and admitted students and their families were welcomed to the campus on April 1 for the , an annual preview day that showcases life and higher education at one of the world’s greatest universities.

More than 2,000 people attended the event that featured UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students, faculty and staff who interacted with the guests through hands-on activities, student performances, giveaways and a Rainbow Warrior photo booth.

Lined up in booths along McCarthy Mall and Legacy Path, more than 130 academic programs and exciting campus activities shared what the university has to offer.

“I came here to see the different majors that they give here at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and just to get a feel of what I want to do when I come to college,” said Aiysis-Jade Mariano, a prospective UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ student and Farrington High School junior. “Everybody was very kind and whenever I asked questions they gave me great answers.”

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun said, “I think the best part is that energy. It’s being able to show off and showcase what we have to offer to students through the undergraduate experience as well as the graduate experience.”

Future ʻBows were able to experience the beautiful campus with student-led and self-guided tours. Attendees viewed the Warrior Recreation Center, the engineering research and archaeology labs, the insect museum, digital studios, student housing and more.

The preview day also gave future students a chance to purchase UH gear from the UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Bookstore, and students accepted to attend the UH flagship campus in fall 2023 received an UHM-azing gift.

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ is consistently ranked among the top 2% nationally out of nearly 2,600 four-year schools in the U.S. by major ranking services, and in 2022, the institution’s quality was acknowledged with a reaffirmation for a full 10 years of accreditation.

The campus is currently on the up with graduation rates steadily increasing and freshmen enrollment rates rising. In fall 2022, 3,106 freshmen enrolled, surpassing 3,000 for the first time.

“We love this campus, we love what we do here and we want to share it with the community here in Â鶹´«Ã½,” UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Director of Admissions Ryan Yamaguchi said. “I think it’s working because there is more interest. The interest level in ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ is growing—more people want to be here at the institution.”

Thousands of pounds of fresh produce and bread have been distributed to hungry students at the , because of the commitment of one very passionate student.

Raiyan Rafid, who will graduate from UH Mānoa in December 2022 with a master’s degree in finance, has given up almost all of his Saturdays since October 2021 to collect fresh produce and bread from farmer’s markets to supplement pantry in conjunction with Aloha Harvest.

“I know firsthand how students on a budget often don’t get to buy fresh produce and bread because of the high price,” said Rafid. “I was motivated to help because I knew that I could help create a bridge between those who want to donate and those in need.”

Check out photos from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹’s commencement ceremony

During the past year, Rafid’s efforts have provided more than 5,000 pounds of fresh produce and bread for UH Mānoa students.

“There are generous vendors at and Kakaʻako Farmer’s Market who are willing to donate leftover bread and produce for our students in need,” said Rafid. “It was easy for me to give up my Saturdays to pick up donations because it meant on Mondays that students would have fresh produce and bread.”

Rafid has been working with the since October 2021. He originally came to Â鶹´«Ã½ as an international student from Bangladesh in 2015. Since then, Rafid has earned an associate degree from Kapiʻolani CC (2018) and a bachelor of arts in psychology from UH Mānoa (2020).

Serving students, center of Rafid’s college life

Serving in student organizations has been the center of Rafid’s college life. This has included his role as president of the UH Mānoa Campus Center Board, treasurer of the UH Student Caucus, and vice president of the (ASUH), which included initiating the ʻŌlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ Initiative, a free Hawaiian language curriculum open to the public at UH Mānoa in 2020.

• Related UH News story: ASUH offers free ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ classes at UH Mānoa, January 10, 2020

Being in ASUH, Rafid knew about Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ and volunteered at a food drop in 2019. Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ is a free service available for students without reliable access to affordable food. All registered UH Mānoa students with a valid student ID can access the food vault. Aloha Harvest is a food recovery non-profit and Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ is one of their receiving agencies.

“When I started graduate school, I learned that Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ needed help,” Rafid said. “Knowing the impact Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ makes towards students in need, I immediately accepted the opportunity to help.”

For the first seven months, Rafid used his own car to collect fresh bread and produce around Honolulu. Eventually Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ moved to using a UH van to collect donations.

Multiple students have joined Rafid to help keep Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ operating. However, produce and bread are two of the most popular items in the pantry. Every Monday, 20–30 students wait for up to an hour before Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½ opens to get access to the produce and bread.

“We celebrate Raiyan’s graduation but we will miss him,” said Bonnyjean Manini, director of Student Life and Development at UH Mānoa who also runs Food Vault Â鶹´«Ã½. “His shoes will not be easy to fill.”

After graduation, Rafid plans to find a job that relates to his finance degree and possibly work as a financial analyst.

• Read more about other UH Mānoa graduates:
  PhD grad goes from directing commencement to walking in same ceremony, December 20, 2022
  Student speaker encourages graduates to embrace challenges, December 13, 2022
  Fall 2022 graduate personalized degree, discovered passion at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, December 13, 2022
  Public health grads discover passions, strengthen local workforce, December 12, 2022

’s esports program has quickly emerged as one of the top in the nation, and its facility is now a popular destination on campus. This semester, the lab opened free of charge to all members of the UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ community.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The facility near Kuykendall Hall and the Art Building draws approximately 40–80 people daily and regularly has a line before it opens in the morning. The program announced the change at the beginning of fall 2022 through its esports team members, through a registered independent organization called ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Academy of Gamers, and on Discord, one of the main methods of communication among gamers across campus.

“I think it’s amazing,” said Alie Wolpo, a UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ esports member and iLab program assistant. “I really pride myself on the community, especially as a community and team leader. To see that we have so many students who are not a part of our program in any official capacity that love gaming and esports so much that they can come here and feel safe in our location to come, game and learn about esports, and to meet other people who are interested in esports, that’s awesome.”

How to use the iLab

The iLab is open to UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students, faculty and staff weekdays, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. All users must sign in and out with their UH email address by scanning a QR code at the entrance. Users are welcome to bring their own consoles and equipment can be rented out.

According to Wolpo, people that come in play a variety of games such as League of Legends, Valorant and Call of Duty, while others stream professional esports events or just hang out and eat lunch.

Recruiting for esports teams

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s esports teams have partnered with the ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Academy of Gamers to grow the gaming community on campus. The esports programs have also networked with those who have visited the facility as a recruiting tool for their competitive teams.

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ has been nominated for the best collegiate esports program of the year award for the second consecutive year, and its team leader, Nyle Sky Kauweloa, has been nominated for the collegiate esports ambassador of the year award. Vote for the team and Kauweloa on the Esports Awards website until November 30.

More stories on UH’s esports program

Kauweloa said that while he is trying to grow the community of gamers across campus, he is also pushing new curriculum initiatives on the academic side of esports—an industry which is , up from $1.08 billion in 2021. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ now offers an internship credit course for students who volunteered during the Overwatch League tournaments, and Kauweloa also helped launch a three-course esports series in the .

“Opening up the esports iLab for the fall to the students at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ has shown that our location is serving students to build community right in the middle of campus,” Kauweloa said. “Students are knocking on our door as early as 8 a.m., and are staying as late as 9 p.m. The UH esports program is now serving a broader set of students beyond our competitive teams at UH, and I am delighted to see the positive feedback.”

Visit the UH esports team’s and pages.

—By Marc Arakaki

In a heartwarming homecoming, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) postdoctoral scientist Yukiko Yarnall met with students and faculty at in June to share her research on interstellar and planetary ices and salts. Yarnall said she wanted to give back to the place that sparked her interest in science.

She first developed an interest in science while taking math and chemistry classes at Leeward CC, after enrolling in 2006.

“I was nervous when I returned to school because English is my second language and I was busy raising three small boys!” Yarnall recalled about her time at Leeward CC. “I struggled to understand school material but I enjoyed learning and meeting wonderful teachers and classmates. My best friend Coco, my study partner, and former math lab manager Jim Ogg, were life savers. Jim was a model math tutor and teacher—I use his techniques when I teach or tutor students. Michael Reese, my chemistry teacher, sparked my interest in chemistry, always welcomed my questions, and may have led me into my astrochemistry research at NASA.”

Yarnall reunited with Ogg and Reese during her recent visit and said returning to the campus made her feel at home.

“It was great to see Yuki again,” said Ogg. “She was an amazing math tutor when she worked at the Math Lab. Students really enjoyed working with her and so did I. Her energy was limitless. She was taking a full load of classes, raising three kids, and working as a peer tutor! She’s an amazing person and I am very happy I had the chance to work with her in the Math Lab.”

“Leeward is a wonderful school that gives all students an opportunity for the future, and I will never forget the time I spent there,” Yarnall said.

The next generation

As she continues her research that directly supports NASA space missions, Yarnall hopes to someday analyze ices and salts collected from a comet in a future sample-return mission, because it is possible that comets delivered the precursor of organic molecules, which could have triggered life on Earth. She is passionate about educating the next generation about the wonders of space science, and sharing her knowledge with those of all ages.

While on her recent trip to Â鶹´«Ã½, Yarnall also presented her current research to students at Waipahu High School.

“Dr. Yukiko’s story of graduating from a community college and following her dreams to become a NASA scientist is a great inspiration to our students exploring STEM,” said Waipahu’s Early College Coordinator Steven De Silva. “Moments like these give students an opportunity to learn about themselves, their career interests and help them become more college and career ready after high school.”

—By Tad Saiki