Now in its sixth decade, the Merrie Monarch Festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond, celebrating Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and artistry. The influx of visitors also supports independent marketplaces throughout Hilo, where local businesses can showcase their work.

Two University of �鶹��ý alumni—Summer Shiigi of Ten Tomorrow and Lana Gronwald of Jules and Gem Hawaii—are vendors at the Mākeke Naniloa marketplace at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, returning to �鶹��ý Island after participating together last year.

Shiigi, a former UH Mānoa psychology student, runs and designs the resort women’s clothing brand Ten Tomorrow.

“My family is from Hilo, so being able to go and visit for work is really special to me,” said Shiigi. “It’s an exciting time. It feels very meaningful and deep and cultural.”

Gronwald, the owner and founder of Jules and Gem Hawaii, a luxury fragrance brand, graduated from UH Mānoa in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“Merrie Monarch is a special time. It’s beautiful to see all the different artists that come out and all those small businesses that are truly local who come from here and have roots in �鶹��ý,” said Gronwald.

Supporting local businesses

Both businesses make their products in �鶹��ý. With customers and businesses converging in Hilo, both women are appreciative of the opportunities it presents.

“The dollars being spent all with local companies is something really beautiful,” said Shiigi. “Being able to have that hard earned dollar spent in a local community and turning it back into someone who’s based here, who has local employees, who might even make things here, I think that’s really important.”

If you are visiting a Disney park and spot a cast member wearing a blue name tag, you have found someone special. That distinctive marker signifies the , the highest honor bestowed upon Disney employees. Kapiʻolani Community College Hospitality and Tourism [HOST] alumnus Robert “Robbie” Pearson recently joined these elite ranks, a distinction achieved by only about 1% of cast members across the company.

Pearson, who graduated from Kealakehe High School before earning two associate degrees from Kapiʻolani CC in 2016, began his Disney journey making Dole Whips in Disney World’s Adventureland during a college internship. Today, he serves as a Magic Kingdom’s west-side coordinator of sales for merchandise.

Foundation at Kapiʻolani CC

Pearson credits the personalized attention he received from the HOST faculty at Kapiʻolani CC for his professional growth.

“Having a staff that has worked in the industry was something that I really respected and admired,” Pearson said. “They also were always willing to support my education and invest in my future. Their foundation and guidance was something that has stuck with me throughout my career in hospitality.”

While Pearson is now recognized for his strategic mindset at the Magic Kingdom, his former professors remember a student who was simply happy to help—even if it meant wearing a purple velvet suit.

“He was the first to volunteer for any project,” said Professor Dave Evans, who chairs the HOST Department. During a 1960s-themed department fundraiser, Evans asked Pearson to appear as the character Austin Powers.

“Always the good sport, he agreed and even bought his own wig. All night long he was in character giving our guests a good chuckle.”

‘Insanely proud’

The Legacy Award recognizes individuals who embody the company’s core values: to dream, create and inspire. Colleagues describe Pearson as a “big-picture thinking cast member” with a “strategic mindset.” One peer noted, “Robbie is the hardest working cast member I’ve ever met,” citing his commitment to excellence.

While the Walt Disney Legacy Award included a framed plaque and a recognition ceremony, Pearson said getting to wear the signature blue name tag “almost feels like a magical secret society” for those who understand its significance in the park.
Evans added, “The recognition of earning the Walt Disney Legacy Award is so well deserved, and all of us faculty members in the Hospitality and Tourism Department are insanely proud of him!”

University of �鶹��ý alumni and friends braved the winter weather to gather in New York City to meet UH President Wendy Hensel and celebrate �鶹��ý ties in January at the first (UHFAR) Pau Hana of 2026.

The gathering of about 50 was part of UHFAR’s ongoing effort to strengthen bonds between UH alumni and the university. Hensel spoke about the challenges facing the UH system, achievements across campuses, and the powerful role alumni play in supporting students.

“The accomplishments of our alumni demonstrate the power of a UH education,” Hensel said. “When alumni share their stories, support our students, and champion the value of higher education, they amplify our mission in ways no one else can.”

Her message struck a chord with those in the room, inspiring attendees to reflect on how their UH experiences continue to impact their lives.

“Staying connected to the UH ʻohana in New York means carrying �鶹��ý with me—its values, its community and its spirit—no matter how far I roam,” said 2006 UH ����ԴDz� graduate Colonel Rance Lee. “President Hensel’s speech reminded me that our shared roots aren’t just memories; they’re a living bond that continues to guide and unite us.”

Staying connected

The event took place at Arader Galleries, a renowned art and rare book gallery on Madison Avenue. The evening was lively and warm, with alumni from a wide range of industries filling the gallery with conversation and photo-worthy moments.

“As a proud UH ����ԴDz� alumni, connecting with fellow alumni in New York always feels grounding. It brings us back to our time in �鶹��ý, reminds us to slow down, stay present and appreciate the people around us, while living in NYC,” said 2011 UH ����ԴDz� graduate Travonté Taylor.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and .

Central Pacific Bank (CPB) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dayna Matsumoto’s career foundation was laid at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�. The Shidler College of Business alumna graduated in 2003 with bachelor of business administration degrees in accounting and management. Matsumoto credits UH for equipping her with the valuable experiences needed to succeed in the business world.

“The biggest door that really opened for me during my time at UH was participating in some of the business clubs,” Matsumoto said. “I was in Beta Alpha Psi. I was also in accounting club. And that was a huge thing for opening doors for me. It really helped me build relationships and eventually led to me landing my first full-time job.”

Giving back

Now as a leader in the banking industry, Matsumoto places a high priority on giving back to her alma mater. She works with current students through professional interaction nights, mock interviews, and CPB’s regular internship program, creating a win-win for both the company and the next generation of business leaders. Her belief in the power of a UH education to launch a career remains strong:

“I think UH is really a community, so people view it as not just a place to get your degree, but it’s a community where you develop friendships and fellowship,” she said. “I was really fortunate to have a great education. I hope that the youth today can know it’s possible. Just by getting into UH, that opens up so many doors.”

Family lessons

Matsumoto’s professional success is also rooted in a family lesson about the pursuit of education and hard work, values instilled by her father. She recalled the dedication he showed while earning his degree.

“What my dad did, being able to work and have small children and also get his degree, that really taught me about hard work and the value of education,” Mastumoto said. “He sacrificed a lot, went through some very tough years in balancing all of those priorities and obligations. It really showed me that education is really important…and it’s really possible to achieve.”

University of �鶹��ý alumna Rebecca Knuth is set to release London Sojourn: Rewriting Life After Retirement, a memoir exploring her transition from academia to a new chapter of life.

Knuth earned her master’s degree in library and information science (LIS) from UH ����ԴDz� in 1990 and later taught in the LIS program for 18 years before retiring in 2014. Her career led her to work overseas, complete a dissertation on library history that involved Jamaica, and write case studies on library destruction in Cambodia, China, Kuwait and other nations. She credits UH for shaping her perspective.

“At UH, I developed global perspectives and an appreciation for culture and diversity that has greatly impacted my work and life,” said Knuth. “I was entranced with three UH LIS courses…UH allowed me the freedom to pursue these interests through research and writing books and in my teaching.”

After retiring, Knuth shifted from scholarly writing to storytelling for broader audiences, including her earlier work Emily Dickinson Had to Have Curls, which examines how women writers navigated societal expectations.

“The thread that connects all my writing is the notion of silencing. That is what book destruction and intellectual freedom is about. As I researched how writers were and are silenced, patterns emerged and I narrowed my scope to women writers and soon came to see how femininity has affected their ability to write and publish,” she said.

London Sojourn reflects reinvention, resilience and self–discovery. Knuth encourages fellow UH alumni to embrace new directions in their creative lives.

“I wrote London Sojourn to make sense of my life and to relive that period,” she said. “My advice would be to see life as a series of adventures. People evolve throughout their lives and retirement can be another beginning. If one takes risks and pursues one’s instincts and interests, life becomes infinitely richer.”

London Sojourn: Rewriting Life After Retirement is set to be published on January 27, 2026.

Read more at .

Aislynn Mandaloniz just reached a milestone every pilot works toward: 1,500 flight hours. The achievement now qualifies the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo alumna to fly commercial jets and marks a major step forward in her aviation career.

For Mandaloniz, it marks another first. She was the first woman from UH Hilo’s aeronautics program to complete flight training and earn her pilot’s license.

“I’m thankful for my time at UH Hilo, providing me with the ground knowledge of aviation and preparing me for the rigorous schooling I had up ahead to later land my first job as a commercial pilot, and now being able to move on to fly jets!” she said.

Pushing higher

Mandaloniz was born and raised in Hilo and graduated from Waiākea High School in 2020. She interned at Hilo International Airport with the Air Traffic Control team before enrolling in the program. She finished her bachelor’s degree in just three years.

After graduation, she trained at Lift Academy on the U.S. continent. There, she spent long days in the air and long nights studying. That discipline pushed her to the 1,500-hour mark, a level that opens doors to larger aircraft and major airlines.

“If you are seeking a career, make sure this is something you truly want to do for the rest of your life,” she said. “Aviation is hard, but it is far worth it. It requires enormous amounts of self-discipline, but the end result is immeasurable.”

Mandaloniz hopes her path shows other students what’s possible. She knows the road is demanding. She also knows the payoff is worth it. And she’s just getting started.

For more on Mandaloniz’s journey go to .

—By Susan Enright

Inspired by family and supported by the University of �鶹��ý community, Zach and Courtney Villanueva, UH ����ԴDz� alumni and owners of , have built a thriving business specializing in ice cream crafted with organic dairy and local ingredients.

In 2020, the duo started selling ice cream on Instagram, making home deliveries during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This initial success allowed the business to grow from home deliveries to local farmers’ markets, eventually debuting a mobile ice cream truck, and now operating a brick-and-mortar store in the Hoʻopili development of Kapolei. The entrepreneurs are appreciative of the consistent support from the UH community throughout their expansion.

Zach, who earned a bachelor’s degree in in 2016, said, “Some of our first customers were people from our time [at UH]. Once they heard we were starting a business, they came out to support which was nice.”

• Related story: Sage Creamery a sweet success for 2 UH alums

Alumni network

“Majoring in accounting, it was really the network. Being in clubs, meeting people that I still keep in contact with today that are not only friends, but they’re customers,” said Courtney, who earned a bachelor’s degree in in 2012. “We get a lot of support from our classmates, even our professors. They all come by, tell their friends about it.”

The creamery is also a three-time participant in the UH Alumni Makers’ Market. This annual event, organized by the UH Foundation Office of Alumni Relations, brings together alumni-owned and led businesses to showcase their products and connect.

“Even though we didn’t necessarily go to school with all of the UH alumni, a majority of those alumni are local people who have similar stories as us who are on similar journeys,” Courtney said. “It’s nice to be a part of this network, just to be in good company.”

Personal inspiration

The dedication behind Sage Creamery is deeply personal, rooted in the legacy of Zach’s late brother, Daniel, an aspiring entrepreneur who passed away from cancer in 2018. His journals provided the inspiration for the pair to start their business.

“After he had passed, a lot of really amazing things came to light, you could almost say otherworldly. Like he was talking to us even after he passed,” Zach shared. “It was almost as if he knew he was going to pass and almost as if he was passing his legacy onto us.”

Scores of University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� alumni and fans traveled from near and far to fill the air with school spirit at a Rainbow Warrior Football Pre-Game Rally in San Jose on November 1. Held before the UH football game against San Jose State in the Gold Room of Citizens Equity First Credit Union Stadium, the event was the latest in a series organized by the UH Foundation Office of Alumni Relations (UHFAR) to strengthen the lifelong bonds between alumni and the UH community.

A special guest at the rally with more than 50 attendees was UH ����ԴDz� Athletics Director Matt Elliott, who spoke about the future of the department.

“It’s inspiring to see the passion our alumni bring, no matter how far from �鶹��ý they are,” said Elliott. “Their support fuels our student athletes and reminds us that we’re part of something much bigger than just the game.”

This was Elliott’s second UHFAR pre-game rally. Earlier in September, he made the trip to the Grand Canyon State when the football team played Arizona.

Staying connected

The successful evening also celebrated the growing UH Alumni Association Northern California Bay Area Chapter. The chapter keeps the momentum going year-round by hosting multiple events, including pre-game rallies, watch parties and summer meetups.

“Our mission is to keep the aloha spirit alive and thriving,” said Gerry Somers, president of the UHAA Bay Area Chapter. “These gatherings are more than just events, they’re a way to stay connected to our roots and each other.”

As the UHFAR continues to expand its alumni engagement efforts beyond the islands, vibrant events such as the San Jose Pre-Game Rally strengthen the vital connection between the UH and its graduates.

University of �鶹��ý at Hilo graduate Pascale Pinner has been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to education. Now in her 38th year teaching science at Hilo Intermediate School, Pinner’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and community—one deeply influenced by UH Hilo’s supportive environment.

“I developed a good handful of friends, and we stuck together and supported each other through everything,” said Pinner. “I keep in touch with many of them to this day. That’s what makes UH Hilo so special . . . small class size, small university feel, rigorous curriculum, but culturally this integration of everybody together, supporting each other to be one big ʻohana (family).”

Her induction into the NTHF was a surprise orchestrated by her school community. Sixty students arrived with lei and honored her one by one, until the stack reached her eyes. It was a celebration of the appreciation and respect earned over the years.

Full circle mentorship

Pinner earned a bachelorʻs degree in from UH Hilo in 1987 and a professional diploma in education in 1991. She credits several UH Hilo faculty members as being influential in her development as an educator—naming Bob Fox, Marlene Hapai, Nina Buchanan and Don Hemmes as mentors who encouraged her to consider teaching.

In addition to teaching at Hilo Intermediate, Pinner also taught in the UH Hilo for four years. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, and her community ties run deep. Her principal is a former student, and she has also taught four current colleagues.

Joy of teaching

Today, Pinner continues to teach because of the impact science education has on her students.

“The number one thing that makes my day, makes my week, makes my year is when students experience something during a science lesson and you can just see the awe and wonder pop out in their face,” said Pinner. “That kind of energy has allowed me to continue in this position for those 38 years.”

For Grace Nushida, a leap across the Pacific became the experience that inspired her future. While studying at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, she earned a scholarship to study abroad in Okinawa—the only �鶹��ý student selected to attend the newly opened Okinawan Prefecture Arts University in Shuri.

She describes her year abroad as a life-changing immersion into music, culture, cuisine and her Okinawan heritage.

Transformative experience abroad

“Studying in Okinawa was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to live in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language fluently, which pushed me far outside my comfort zone,” Nushida said. “Okinawa gave me the courage to fail, reflect and grow.”

Back home, Nushida completed a bachelor of arts in communications in 1996. She credits UH ����ԴDz� for giving her the foundation to succeed both personally and professionally.

UH isn’t just where I earned my degree, it’s where I learned how to lead, listen and grow.
—Grace Nushida

Formative years at UH ����ԴDz�

“My time at UH was incredibly formative. I had excellent professors in the College of Communications and one of my elective courses with Glen Grant left a lasting impression. He was legendary among students for his captivating storytelling, while dressing up and sharing �鶹��ý ghost stories that made learning unforgettable,” she said.

Leadership, connection and community

Today, Nushida is sales manager at UHA Health Insurance, where she works to make health coverage easier to understand and access. She stays closely connected to UH and its alumni ʻohana, carrying forward the lessons and values she learned on campus.

“As someone who works closely with businesses across �鶹��ý, I’m constantly presenting to, collaborating with or servicing UH alumni. That shared connection opens doors, builds trust and reminds me we’re all part of something bigger,” she said. “UH isn’t just where I earned my degree, it’s where I learned how to lead, listen and grow.”