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instructor Ian Kekaimalu Isami Lee has sailed far and wide aboard the vessel Hōkūleʻa. Now, the and alumnus uses the experiences gained on open waters in his class on the basic principles and theories of modern non-instrument navigation, the same navigation used on the Hōkūleʻa.

“It brings a lot of context for my students because when we talk about things or when I try to explain things to them,” Lee said. “I tell them stories of things that I have personally experienced. That brings it to life for them, and it makes it easier for them to understand the concepts.”

After graduating from Leeward CC with an associate’s degree in liberal arts in 2011, Lee enrolled at UH ����ԴDz�. In 2014 Lee sailed from Samoa to Aotearoa and in 2017 from Tahiti to �鶹��ý aboard Hōkūleʻa.

His master’s thesis revolved around voyaging and canoe culture. The journeys were instrumental in his growth as a person and navigator, allowing him to share experiences with his ancestors who crossed the sea thousands of years prior. Lee earned bachelor’s (2014) and masterʻs (2017) degrees in Hawaiian studies.

Community on campus

It was not always smooth sailing. After spending his first semester skipping classes, Lee says he found community at Leeward CC. This inspired him to engage more in his studies and take advantage of free tutoring and other support.

“I just found myself having a blast and learning along the way,” said Lee. “It was the community that I surrounded myself with. We had the program Hālau ʻIke O Puʻuloa, which is now known as Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Student Services. There were so many people who created a very comfortable environment. That made me not want to leave.”

Lee remembers being greeted with a smile and treated with aloha on campus, which felt like a home away from home. Now, he tries to encourage his students to build community.

“My students do their course in groups, they do everything as a group,” Lee said. “I try to shift their thinking to a broader, global thinking that all of our actions are interconnected and affect each other. If we all thought that way, I think this world would be a much better place.”

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.”

Seven University of �鶹��ý alumni joined more than 50 acclaimed artists from �鶹��ý and around the globe to transform Farrington High School into an open-air gallery during the 13th annual World Wide Walls �鶹��ý festival, held September 15–21. The artists added their creative touch to the Kalihi campus, underscoring the impact of UH talent in shaping �鶹��ý’s contemporary art scene.

The festival was organized by Jasper and Amy Wong of World Wide Walls. Amy, who earned an associate in arts in liberal arts from Kapiʻolani Community College in 2005, led logistics and operations.

“We do our best to beautify communities and help to inspire children, students, faculty, and anyone who actually walks the path of where our art is,” she said. “We hope to inspire them to do something great in the world.”

Accessible art

With the addition of 50 new permanent murals this year, Farrington High School now boasts 67 total works, making it one of the largest collections of contemporary public art in the state.

Among the artists was Kelsie Dayna, a 2011 graduate of the Shidler College of Business at UH ����ԴDz�, who earned a bachelor of business administration in marketing.

“This has been a career goal for me. Jasper and Amy have done so much to make art accessible, and one of the things the vice principal of Farrington mentioned was that art is sometimes intimidating or scary,” Dayna said. “Life is super short, so you want to spend it doing something that you love. Whether it’s art, photography, film or animation, just go for it because you really have nothing to lose.”

Meaningful connections

Also painting was Kaelyn Okuhata, a 2021 Shidler College of Business graduate from UH ����ԴDz�, who earned an MBA. Known artistically as “Art by Sachiko,” Okuhata encourages current UH students to embrace the support and networks available to them.

“Make sure that you network with as many people as you can throughout your journey in school and then onto your career as well, because—everyone here in the islands—I just know they’re here to support you and they are rooting for people within our community,” Okuhata said.

From bold murals to meaningful advice, UH alumni are leaving their mark on �鶹��ý’s walls—and its future.

Dane Wicker’s passion for politics and community service began at Leeward Community College, where the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu offered courses close to home. He earned an associate degree in liberal arts in 2006, and continued to work on to UH West Oʻahu, which was located on the Leeward CC campus at that time.

“The smaller campus setting also made it easier to meet people, build meaningful relationships, and engage with instructors in a way that really shaped my academic experience,” said Wicker.

Wicker earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UH West Oʻahu in 2010. Soon after, he stepped into public service, working as a staffer for the Honolulu City Council, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the �鶹��ý State Senate.

“That progression—from local to federal to state—gave me an in-depth understanding of what each level of government is responsible for,” said Wicker. “I’ve been able to bring that perspective to help bridge local needs with state and federal resources.”

Statewide economic leader

Today, Wicker serves as deputy director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, leading statewide initiatives to diversify �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s economy.

“These efforts not only create jobs but help us increase exports, build up local manufacturing, and strengthen food and energy security. Critical to this is the State’s investment in infrastructure, workforce development and aligning our education pipeline—from K–12 through higher education—to meet evolving industry needs,” he said.

Wicker also brings insights from the private sector. His most recent venture is in farming, and he owned and operated a small retail business before that.

“These experiences taught me firsthand how government regulations, access to capital, and infrastructure challenges directly impact small businesses,” Wicker said. “It also drives the work I do in government—to reduce barriers and help more local businesses succeed.”

Reflecting on his journey, Wicker emphasized the importance of staying engaged.

He said, “Staying connected to the UH alumni ʻohana keeps you rooted in your community and opens doors for mentorship, collaboration and continued learning. It’s also a way to give back.”

After graduating from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� with his master’s in finance, Andy Archer’s life kind of went bananas—in a good way. A 6-foot-5 former Rainbow Warrior pitcher, Archer was invited to try out for the Savannah Bananas, a viral independent team captivating the nation with “Banana Ball”—a bold mash-up of baseball, outrageous rules, playful stunts and, yes, the occasional conga line along the basepath.

A snub, a new direction, a chance encounter

“I’ve always wanted to be a professional baseball player, but I never imagined this,” laughed Archer, who last season spiked arrows on the mound to keep track of his strikeouts. “I was supposed to be drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 17th round, but it never happened.”

Stung by the Rays’ decision to snub him, Archer decided to focus his attention on earning his graduate degree. He narrowed his choice to three universities with University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa coming out on top.

“I really liked the team’s culture and the leadership of Coach (Rich) Hill,” Archer explained. “He was tough, but he truly fostered a team mentality that pushed everyone to be their best while reminding us we were in it together.”

Invited to join the team, Archer boarded a plane to Oʻahu with no home to go to. By chance, he sat next to Ma Ry Kim and her daughter, who were returning from a mainland trip. Though complete strangers, Kim mentioned she had a spare bedroom and opened her home to him.

“It’s a crazy story,” Archer said. “I lived with them for three years and they became my hānai family. They were the ones who attended my games and were on the field when I graduated.”

Although temporarily living in Savannah during the Bananas season, Archer’s heart remains in �鶹��ý and with the ‘Bows baseball team, which he continues to support on and off the diamond. He still reveres Hill who Archer admits inspired him to be a player and better person.

“He cared about discipline and respect,” said the 27-year-old native Georgian. “That’s something I carry with me every day.”

Archer remains energized by the direction of UH baseball under Hill’s leadership and the special connection between the team and its fans.

“The fan-and-player interaction at UH is like nowhere else,” Archer said. “When you put on that jersey, you’re not just representing a school, you’re representing an entire community. That’s why it matters so much to me.”

Giving back

He now rallies behind the ‘Bows by auctioning off his yellow Savannah Bananas jerseys with proceeds benefitting the UH baseball program. He is also especially passionate about helping �鶹��ý’s local athletes, running youth baseball clinics with his former teammates.

“There’s so much talent there,” Archer said. “The challenge is making sure these kids have the support to stay home and play for UH. That’s where I want to help—removing those barriers and giving back to a community that fully embraced me.”

Reflecting on his journey, Archer sees a clear throughline: resilience, gratitude and responsibility.

“Sports taught me how to deal with failure, how to work as part of a team, and how to persevere when things don’t go your way,” he said. “Now, I feel like it’s my turn to give back to the program, to the community and to the next generation.”

• Related UH News story: Viral baseball team Savannah Bananas finds star in UH alum Archer, June 5, 2024

—By Simplicio Paragas

When Gabby Jamain transferred back home to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� after starting college out of state, she wasn’t sure if veterinary medicine was still the right path for her. She decided to give the field one last chance through an internship course at the (HKVC)—where she quickly found the encouragement she needed.

“Everyone was incredibly welcoming and committed to teaching me about what they do, why they do it, and how they do it,” Jamain said. “Their faith in me when I was feeling such uncertainty about my future motivated me to grow and reignited my desire to work in a veterinary setting.”

She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from UH ����ԴDz� in 2020 and enrolled in Windward Community College’s veterinary technician program. Choosing the hybrid track allowed her to balance coursework with hands-on clinic experience.

Hands-on learning

“The hybrid program was the perfect option for me to get my certification while also getting to work in the field. I am very much a hands-on learner, so being at work was a great opportunity for me to understand the coursework more deeply and master the skills I’m actively learning about,” she said.

Jamain earned a certificate of achievement in veterinary assisting in 2022. That preparation proved invaluable in 2023 when she flew to Maui to volunteer at a pop-up clinic in the wake of the Lahaina fires. The makeshift site served as a triage center for animals rescued from the burn zone and provided urgent care for pets in need.

She earned her associate’s degree in veterinary technology in 2024. Today, Jamain has come full circle. She is now the head technician at HKVC, mentoring the next generation of animal care professionals.

“The mentorship I received from UH alumni during my UH ����ԴDz� internship was invaluable for me staying in this field, while my Windward CC grad coworkers not only shared their old textbooks, but amazing advice on what to expect at Windward,” Jamain said. “Now that I’m a UH alumni I hope to be that person for aspiring vet professionals.”

Editor’s note: An update on an item President Hensel discussed in her report to the Board: She noted that the U.S. Supreme Court was considering a case on the Trump administration’s cancellation of more than 1,000 National Institutes of Health research grants tied to race and gender issues. Shortly after her report, the Court allowed the administration to block $783 million in NIH grants. The impact on �鶹��ýremains unclear.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel updated the Board of Regents (BOR) on recent Trump administration executive orders and other federal actions impacting higher education at the August 21 meeting on UH Maui College. Hensel also provided updates on the Aloha Stadium project, shared fall 2025 enrollment projections and congratulated the UH Foundation on its record year.

She finished the report by highlighting several positive developments since the July BOR meeting including record extramural funding for fiscal year 2025, the grand opening of Honolulu CC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program Facility and the 4th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market.

• Latest federal developments ()
• Aloha Stadium project momentum ()
• Fall 2025 enrollment update ()
• UH athletics ()
• UH Foundation kudos ()
• UH News highlights ()

In high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, aspiring filmmaker Kainoa Kaeha wasnʻt sure where to start when it came to choosing a college. His high school advisors pointed him toward mainland universities, but Kaeha felt that Leeward Community College was the right fit.

“I chose Leeward because it’s more affordable, as well as their digital media program was right up my alley,” Kaeha said. “I regret nothing.”

At Leeward CC, Kaeha thrived in smaller classes and the close-knit environment. He gained valuable skills by getting involved on campus. Kaeha joined the student-produced campus publication to develop his photo, video and graphic design skills. Eventually, he got involved with student government, serving as president for a year and a half.

“I was making connections with my friends and coworkers, especially when it comes to leadership. I was starting to learn how to communicate effectively,” said Kaeha.

Scholarship support opens doors

After earning an associate’s degree in liberal arts and multiple digital media certificates from Leeward CC in 2024, Kaeha turned his sights to UH ����ԴDz�. One concern was the cost of tuition. His plan was simple: apply for as many scholarships as possible.

The hard work paid off as he was awarded the UH ����ԴDz� Presidential Scholarship, granting him full tuition for the school year and a total of $4,000 in stipend and travel grants.

“I’m more comfortable, I’m not stressing out as much so I can do better in class and make more connections,” Kaeha said. “The easiest word is thank you, and appreciation and gratitude. To give others that power of financial stability or comfort in order to do better in school, it’s really amazing.”

Kaeha plans to graduate from the School of Cinematic Arts in spring 2026.

Gabriella Wilson-Rytting, founder and creative director of , was chasing college credits before some of her Kapaʻa High School classmates were even thinking about higher education. While still in high school, she jumped at the opportunity to take dual credit courses, and earned her associate degree in liberal arts from Kauaʻi Community College by 2018.

“I remember how supported I felt by my professors and how much freedom I had to explore different areas of interest. The photography and illustration classes in particular lit something up in me—they made it clear that design was what I wanted to pursue,” Wilson-Rytting said. “I also appreciated the business class that opened my eyes to entrepreneurship, and the Hawaiian Studies program, which helped me reclaim and better understand the cultural context I grew up in. All of that shaped who I am today—not just as a designer, but as a business owner and storyteller.”

Her next educational chapter took her across the ocean to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, a leap she felt ready for thanks to the foundation she built at Kauaʻi CC.

Community college = solid base

“My advice: trust your foundation. Community college gives you such a solid base,” Wilson-Rytting said. “Your experiences from a smaller campus are still incredibly valuable, and they give you an edge when navigating a bigger university setting.”

That solid base propelled her to earn two degrees from UH ����ԴDz�—a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design and a bachelor of arts in cultural studies. Today, she channels her creativity and cultural perspective into Essence Marketing & Design. The Oʻahu-based company specializes in branding, website design, content creation and digital strategies tailored to small businesses.

“Everything is custom and intentional—there’s no cookie-cutter work here,” she said. “As a Native Hawaiian woman and small business owner myself, I understand the importance of culture, depth and representation.”

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the UH Alumni Makers’ Market.

More than 40 alumni-owned businesses shared their products, food, drinks and services with a sold-out crowd of more than 500 on August 6 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

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Guests enjoyed a wide variety of culinary creations, refreshing beverages, and locally made goods—from handcrafted charcuterie and fashion to popsicles and craft cocktails—all from alumni entrepreneurs at the 4th annual University of �鶹��ý Alumni Makers’ Market. More than 40 UH alumni-owned businesses shared their products, food and drinks with a sold-out crowd of more than 500 on August 6 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

“How fun is this?” said UH President Wendy Hensel, in the midst of enjoying her first Makers’ Market. “First of all, I love shopping, and I love our students, so the chance to bring them both together is just a joy. I’m going to walk out of here with a lot less cash in my wallet, but a lot of happiness!”

Tasty treats

Local favorite Rainbow Drive-In was serving up a spicy street corn bruschetta. Chris Iwamura, the third-generation owner, earned his MBA from UH ����ԴDz� in 2018.

“Growing up as a kid, we went to UH games, football, basketball, volleyball my whole life,” Iwamura said. “Being able to go to UH and get my MBA from UH was big for me, and it’s big for the company, too. I learned a lot at school and could apply it to everything we do today.”

Another alumni vendor was Hapa Hawaiian Sea Salts. Owner Lisa Strand played volleyball at UH ����ԴDz� and was a two-time national champion, before earning a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1986.

“I think, just my history with the University of �鶹��ý—I came from the mainland, attended school here at the university, and just fell in love with it—It was a life changer, a game changer for me,” Strand said. “Anytime I can give back or help celebrate the alumni, I try to get involved.”

Celebrating innovation, impact

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, the event celebrates the innovation and economic impact of UH alumni across the state. A portion of the proceeds will help support current UH students statewide.

“We’re here to help make your dreams come true,” said Hensel. “Let us help elevate your work and get it some attention because we’re proud of you, and we’re proud of what you’re doing for �鶹��ý to advance business in the state.”

Organizers expect next year will be even bigger and better.