The , in partnership with the , is launching the ’Bows Athletics Club, a new fundraising and membership program designed to strengthen support for UH student-athletes while giving fans more flexibility in how they invest in the future of �鶹��ý Athletics.

Beginning July 1, 2027, the ’Bows Athletics Club will replace the H-Club Athletic Fund and serve as the primary annual giving program for UH Athletics. While the new program officially launches in 2027–28, contributions and pledges made between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027 will count toward ’Bows Athletics Club membership status and benefits, allowing supporters to begin earning membership status and benefits now.

Supporters can begin participating and earning membership status today

The new model allows supporters to direct their gifts to the teams, programs and student-athlete initiatives they care about most while earning benefits and recognition through a single, streamlined system.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for college athletics. As programs across the country navigate rapid changes in recruiting, student-athlete support and competition, private philanthropy is playing an increasingly important role in helping universities provide opportunities and resources for student-athletes to succeed.

At UH, support through the ’Bows Athletics Club will help fund resources that directly impact nearly 500 Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes, including academic support services, nutrition programs, equipment, travel, training resources and other initiatives that contribute to success in competition, the classroom and the community.

For generations, Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine teams have united �鶹��ý. The ’Bows Athletics Club creates a new opportunity for fans, alumni and supporters statewide to invest in the success of UH student-athletes and help ensure a strong future for �鶹��ý Athletics.

“The ’Bows Athletics Club is about making it easier for people to support UH Athletics in the ways that matter most to them,” UH ����ԴDz� Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “Whether you’ve been a supporter for years or you’re making your very first gift, every contribution helps create opportunities for our student-athletes. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported UH Athletics over the years, and we hope even more people will join us as we continue building Our Team, �鶹��ý‘s Team.”

The program aligns UH Athletics with best practice fundraising models used by Division I athletics programs across the country while providing greater flexibility and transparency for donors.

’Bows Athletics Club membership benefits

Membership levels begin at $100 and are based on total annual giving. Supporters who contribute at least $100 to an individual sport also become members of that team’s booster club.

Depending on their giving level, members may receive benefits such as priority access to postseason tickets, invitations to exclusive events (including unique merchandise opportunities), hospitality experiences, eligibility to purchase reserved parking and other gameday opportunities. UH Athletics will be introducing additional member benefits over time, including exclusive merchandise opportunities available only to club members.

Annual Giving Membership levels include:

Booster $100

All-Conference: $500

All-American: $2,000

Champion: $5,000+

Donors who contribute $10,000 or more annually will receive additional recognition and status, with details to be announced in the days to come.

Loyalty points system rewards long-term support

A new loyalty points system that will complement the ’Bows Athletics Club recognizes both longtime supporters and new members. Points are earned through charitable giving, season ticket purchases and years of loyalty to UH Athletics.

The system will help determine priority access to postseason tickets, future ticket and seat relocation opportunities, and future seat selection opportunities at the new Aloha Stadium. While ’Bows Athletics Club annual membership levels are based on giving during the previous academic year, loyalty points recognize long-term support by incorporating eligible contributions and season ticket history dating back to 2001.

Early participation benefits

2026–27 H-Club members will automatically receive All-Conference status during the ’Bows Athletics Club inaugural 2027–28 academic year, ensuring a smooth transition as supporters become familiar with the new program.

Fans, alumni and supporters are encouraged to become part of the ’Bows Athletics Club and help support the next generation of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes.

Additional information about membership levels, benefits and giving opportunities is available through .

For more, .

This announcement comes as UH Athletics is celebrating a historic 2025–26 season heading into the 2026–27 season. Milestones from last year include:

• Men’s volleyball captured its third national championship in six years, cementing the Rainbow Warriors’ place among the nation’s elite programs.
• Men’s basketball won its first Big West Championship in a decade and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
• Football capped a 9-4 season with a �鶹��ý Bowl championship, giving the Rainbow Warriors their third consecutive bowl victory.
• UH teams combined for five Big West championships, including titles in men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s basketball and women’s water polo.
• Kansei Matsuzawa became the first consensus All-American in the 109-year history of UH football, adding another milestone to a season filled with historic accomplishments.
• UH Athletics enters a new era with continuity and new leadership, with contract extensions for football coach Timmy Chang, baseball coach Rich Hill and men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot, as well as the addition of Laura Beeman to the senior leadership team as associate athletics director for student-athlete success.

UH ����ԴDz�’s Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) has received a transformative $3 million gift from the estate of philanthropist Ina Goodwin Tateuchi.

“Ina always wanted to build bridges between Japan and America,” said James Hurdelbrink, president of the Tateuchi Foundation. “She’d be glad to know that the work will continue and is in good hands.”

The gift will ensure the Center for Japanese Studies continues to foster the study of Japan across academic disciplines. “We are profoundly grateful to the estate of Ina Goodwin Tateuchi for providing this vital contribution, which will allow the Center to remain a vibrant hub for academic programming concerning Japan,” said Peter Arnade, dean of the UH ����ԴDz� College of Arts, Languages & Letters.

Supporting the next generation of scholars and �鶹��ý’s Japan-ready workforce

The gift establishes the Tateuchi Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund that will provide essential support to select undergraduate students at UH ����ԴDz� who are pursuing Japanese language majors or Asian studies with a focus on Japan. Additionally, the scholarship is open to students in other disciplines who demonstrate a strong interest in Japanese studies within their major.

“Our Center for Japanese Studies is the coordinating center for everything relating to Japanese studies at UH ����ԴDz�,” said Mark Levin, CJS director and professor at UH William S. Richardson School of Law. “Undergraduates represent the foundation for everything we do. This scholarship award will provide to multiple recipients coverage for full-tuition and related expenses, fostering workforce development for the state and populating the academic community across disciplinary boundaries into the future.”

“This extraordinary endowment enables our undergraduate students to focus on their education as they develop advanced Japanese language skills and the multi-cultural fluency that UH ����ԴDz� is known for in Japanese studies,” said Joan Pan, CJS associate director. “We are excited for this opportunity to build upon our existing foundation of over 100 years of Japanese studies in the university’s history since Dr. Tasuku Harada arrived in Honolulu from Japan in 1920.”

A century of Japanese studies

UH ����ԴDz� has been engaged with Japanese studies for more than a century. In 1920, the university appointed Tasuku Harada, the former president of Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, as its first professor of Japanese studies, helping pioneer the academic study of Japan in American higher education. Today, UH ����ԴDz� offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive Japanese studies programs, with courses spanning language, history, politics, law, religion, literature, and the arts.

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A new $500,000 endowed professorship at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s will strengthen the university’s role as a global leader in Asia-Pacific finance research. The transformational gift comes from distinguished finance scholars and Shidler faculty members S. Ghon Rhee and Rosita P. Chang.

The Dr. S. Ghon Rhee and Dr. Rosita P. Chang Distinguished Professorship of Finance will support faculty excellence in research, strengthen the college’s leadership in Asia-Pacific finance scholarship and help recruit and retain world-class finance faculty.

Rhee, the K.J. Luke Distinguished Professor of International Banking and Finance, and Chang, professor emerita of finance and co-director of the Asia-Pacific Financial Markets Research Center, have devoted their careers to advancing the field of finance through research, teaching and academic leadership. During their tenure at Shidler College, they co-founded the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal in 1993, establishing one of the world’s premier scholarly journals focused on Asia-Pacific finance.

International scholarship, leadership

Beyond their contributions to Shidler College, both have earned international recognition for their scholarship and leadership. Rhee served as the founding chair of the Asian Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee, while Chang’s research and professional accomplishments have helped shape understanding of global financial markets and strengthen the college’s research enterprise.

“We sincerely hope that this endowed professorship plays a key role in promoting academic research on Asia-Pacific financial markets,” Rhee said. “Our goal is for academic researchers globally to look to UH as a leader and bridge in this important field.”

Forefront of finance

Their gift reflects a shared vision of ensuring that Shidler College remains at the forefront of finance research by attracting exceptional scholars and fostering innovative research focused on the dynamic economies and financial markets of the Asia-Pacific.

“Professors Ghon and Rosita have made an extraordinary impact on Shidler College through their many years of teaching, scholarly contributions and longstanding commitment to academic excellence,” Dean Vance Roley said. “This gift is a reflection of their remarkable legacy and vision; it will help attract and retain outstanding faculty, foster innovative ideas and strengthen the college’s position as a global leader in Asia-Pacific finance.”

For more information on how to support the Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at Jennifer.Lieu@uhfoundation.org or (808) 956-3597.

A new endowed scholarship at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�ʻs John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) honors the legacy of Caroline Chang, a devoted pediatrician and mentor who was dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physicians. Chang, 43, died in May after an 18-month battle with stage four breast cancer.

Established by her family, the will support JABSOM medical students pursuing pediatrics, reflecting the mentorship and commitment that defined Chang’s career as chief of pediatrics for Kaiser Permanente �鶹��ý.

“She just really loved mentoring medical students,” said Jennifer Loh, Chang’s sister-in-law and longtime colleague who serves as chief of endocrinology at Kaiser Permanente �鶹��ý. “She wanted to help grow people who might be interested in pediatrics.”

Supporting the next generation of pediatricians

The scholarship aims to ease financial barriers for students considering the specialty.

“Pediatrics is often one of the lower-paid medical specialties, which can create financial barriers for students,” Loh said. “This scholarship offers support to those passionate about the field, while honoring the qualities Caroline embodied.”

At her core, Loh said Changʻs qualities were brilliance and steadiness.

“She was incredibly bright and hardworking,” she said. “But what made her stand out was that calm, can-do attitude. No drama. You could bring her a problem, and she’d say, ‘We’ll figure it out. Weʻll get it done.’”

For Loh and her brother, Jeff, who was Changʻs husband, the endowment preserves Chang’s memory for her three children.

“I wanted her to be remembered,” Loh said. “I want her kids to know her as a physician as well as their mom.”

Support the and .

Join our University of �鶹��ý ʻohana to shop local and celebrate UH alumni small businesses at the 5th annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī on July 29, 6–9 p.m.

The signature event showcases food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and led small businesses.

and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations, in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, a portion of proceeds will go toward benefiting student needs across the 10-campus UH system.

More information can be found at the .

Participating food and beverage vendors include:

• BeerLab Hawaii
• Bite Logic
• KCCAKESS
• Kai Vodka
• Kapa Hale
• Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary/Jason Peel
• Little Plum/Uncle Paul’s Corner Store
• Makanai
• PILI Group
• Pono Potions
• Pop Culture Artisan Pops
• Rainbow Drive-In
• Summer Club
• The Lei Stand
• The Pau Hana Co.

Participating marketplace vendors include:

• Arii Jewelry
• Art by Sachiko
• Aunty Kendra’s
• Choco Leʻa
• Churro’s Fish Market
• David Shepard �鶹��ý
• Hawaii Confectionery
• Hawaiian Pie Co.
• Huff n Puff
• Kailua Honey
• Kaululani Florals
• Mari’s Garden
• Okonokai
• Old Queen Street Stadium
• Ports + Paws
• Premier Barbershop
• Red Thread Artistry
• Sweet Enemy Clothing
• Ten Tomorrow
• Touch A Heart
• Urban Cowboy
• Wailana �鶹��ý Art
• Welo Creations

For decades, Professor Emerita Mary Tiles shaped the minds of students at University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa. Today, her philanthropic commitment to the university continues to impact the campus community. In recognition of her generosity and lifelong dedication to cross-disciplinary education, the (CSS) recently named its sustainability teaching honor the Mary Tiles Sustainability Teaching Award.

This year’s recipient is Felix Mantz, an assistant professor with the . His work closely aligns with Tiles’s vision of bridging the humanities and social sciences to solve modern global issues.

“This recognition means a great deal to me,” Mantz said. “My teaching and research are based on a commitment to challenge unjust systems of power. By looking at the myriad ways in which the global political economy, planetary environmental crises and colonial structures of power are entangled, I hope to inspire students to help recover, rebuild and defend a world in which many worlds fit.”

In her nomination of Mantz for the award, CSS senior sustainability advisor Aya H. Kimura said students have given positive reviews of his teaching and praised the impact he has had on them.

“Even outside of the classroom, Felix has been a huge support in mentoring me for my own research regarding food security,” said student India Buchanan. “Through teaching and mentoring, he has become my main resource for environmental justice related issues.”

More on Mary Tiles

A former chair of the UH Mānoa until her retirement in 2009, Tiles’s leadership in this role contributed to strengthening the department’s focus on interdisciplinary approaches, building on her own expertise in epistemology (the study and theory of knowledge) and the philosophy of science. Her academic work heavily explored the history and philosophy of science and technology. Tiles joined the department in 1989 after teaching at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and at Swarthmore College.

CSS Dean Denise Konan noted her close personal relationship with the professor emerita and her impact as a benefactor and scholar.

“I have had the distinct privilege of calling Mary a dear friend and colleague for many years,” Konan said. “Her brilliant mind and unwavering commitment to cross-disciplinary education have left an indelible mark on UH Mānoa. It is incredibly moving to see her legacy honored through an award that celebrates the very kind of innovative teaching she has always championed.”

Read the entire story by Simplicio Paragas on the .

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Assistant Professor Shiwen “Sherlock” Li of the was appointed the next recipient of the , effective September 1, 2026. He succeeds Tetine Sentell, professor of public health and interim assistant vice provost for research and scholarship, who served as the inaugural chair.

An environmental epidemiologist in the , Li investigates the impact of environmental contaminants on human health. His research centers on chemical pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Li’s research on PFAS has garnered international attention and widespread media coverage. Currently, he is applying advanced data analysis, including geographic information systems to advance precision environmental health and exposome research.

“I plan on working with our faculty and students to build stronger interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance environmental health research and education,” said Li. “I also plan on hosting seminar series to bring internationally renowned environmental health experts to strengthen collaborations with other universities and inspire new research directions.”

Related UH News story: ‘Forever chemicals’ may triple risk of fatty liver disease in adolescents

The selection committee cited Li’s leadership in his field and his dedication to student mentorship as key reasons for his appointment.

“Environmental health is one of the Thompson School’s strategic areas of growth and investment,” said Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson School. “We are proud to have a scholar of Li’s caliber on our faculty helping to advance this important work. His leadership and scholarship strengthen our mission to improve health and well-being in �鶹��ý, the Pacific and beyond.”

More about the endowed chair

The endowed chair was established through the generosity of Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung to support the recruitment and retention of outstanding public health faculty, with an emphasis on environmental health research. The position provides resources that enable innovative research, student mentorship, program development and collaboration across disciplines.

Forty years ago, Tim Lee was just a self-described “surfer boy” taking classes at and walking the length of Waikīkī begging for a foot in the hospitality door. Today, he is a world-renowned hotelier managing a legendary Michelin Three-Key resort. Yet, his deepest wish is simply to bring his global success back home to give back to the islands.

“I bring my aloha spirit wherever I go,” Lee said. “It’s always a part of the equation.”

Lee’s journey is one of the emotional heartbeats of the 2026 issue of .

Other stories in the issue show UH’s impact in �鶹��ý and beyond:

• A bold new vision for the future: Get an exclusive look at President Wendy Hensel’s first year at the helm. From launching the Direct2�鶹��ýadmission initiative to driving increases in applications from first-time freshmen for fall 2026, UH is breaking down barriers to ensure academic excellence remains accessible and affordable.
• Keeping kamaʻāina home: The mission is clear: keep our kamaʻāina in the islands by building seamless, reliable pathways directly from the classroom to fulfilling careers. This issue highlights UH’s aggressive “generational workforce commitment.”
• Groundbreaking, world-class science: UH continues to lead the globe in environmental and earth sciences. Learn about a revolutionary UH study that discovered how Kīlauea Volcano signals magma shifts through the seismic energy of ocean waves—not just earthquakes—allowing for vastly improved eruption predictions.



• Culturally rooted AI: UH �ᾱ����’s LOHE Lab (Listening Observatory for Hawaiian Ecosystems) has partnered with Google’s Perch AI to process massive amounts of acoustic data in near real-time, creating a life-saving early warning system for �鶹��ý‘s endangered native birds.
• Celebrating alumni creativity and voice: Be inspired by the incredible achievements of our alumni who are dominating the literary world. Celebrate Lee Tonouchi, the acclaimed “Pidgin Guerrilla,” as he takes on the role of �鶹��ý’s new poet laureate, dedicating his term to empowering marginalized communities to embrace their unique voices.
• Magical realism and history: Dive into the world of Hilo-born author Jasmin ʻIolani Hakes’ new novel, The Pōhaku, which weaves 300 years of �鶹��ý-California history and climate themes into a beautiful story of generational healing.

Whether you are passionate about new technology, environmental conservation, local economics or the vibrant arts, this issue of University of �鶹��ý Magazine proves that the legacy you are a part of is stronger—and more impactful—than ever.

University of �鶹��ý Magazine is published by PacificBasin Communications in partnership with the , and annually highlights alumni accomplishments and news from UH’s 10 campuses.

Four years after launching an effort to address �鶹��ý’s rural healthcare needs, the first Kauaʻi Medical Training Track (KMTT) cohort has officially graduated from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM).

The graduation marks a historic milestone for Kauaʻi and the state. Funded by a $10 million commitment from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the multi-pronged program was established in 2022 to combat neighbor island physician shortages and improve the health and wellness of Kauaʻi’s families.

KMTT graduates will complete their residency programs before returning to Kauaʻi to practice medicine.

The trailblazing class of 2026

The 2026 graduating cohort includes five newly minted doctors who have deep ties to the neighbor islands and a dedicated focus on community health: Kirra Borrello (internal medicine, UCLA), (pediatrics, UC Irvine), Erin Evangelista (OBGYN, Loma Linda University), Brent Fujimoto (orthopedic surgery, UH) and Ivana Yoon (primary care, UH).

Through Chan and Zuckerberg’s gift, the program fully covered the cohort’s tuition, fees, transportation and lodging for all four years of medical school in exchange for a commitment to return to Kauaʻi after residency and serve the community as physicians for at least four years. This comprehensive support allowed the students to focus entirely on their rigorous training and hands-on clinical rotations at Kauaʻi’s local healthcare centers.

“When we started this journey in 2022, I was incredibly excited to learn medicine from the very people who inspired me—including my childhood pediatrician, who became my preceptor,” said Emoto, who was raised on Kauaʻi. “Today, that excitement has evolved into a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude. We have built strong relationships with our community clinics and patients, and we are ready to give back to the communities that shaped us.”

Related �鶹��ýNews story: Medical training track have prolonged, impactful presence on Garden Isle

A focus on rural medicine

The program was designed to immerse these new doctors in the nuances of rural medicine. Over the past four years, the students worked alongside Kauaʻi‘s medical community, transforming from eager first-year students into confident, community-focused physicians.

Travis Hong, director of rural training at JABSOM, oversaw the cohort’s progression from their welcome reception at Gaylords in 2022 to their graduation stage today.

“It was wonderful to see our cohort start off as brand-new medical students, grow throughout the years, gain clinical skills. and integrate into the community,” said Hong. “To see them really get to know their preceptors, work alongside them and finally graduate as physicians has been an incredible thing to witness. This is exactly how we build a sustainable, compassionate healthcare workforce for �鶹��ý.”

“The success of the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track serves as a powerful proof-of-concept for the rest of the state,” said Sam Shomaker, dean of JABSOM. “As �鶹��ý‘s only medical school, JABSOM plays a vital and unique role in solving our statewide physician shortage. By proving we can successfully train and retain doctors directly within a rural setting, we now have a replicable model that we hope to expand to Maui, �鶹��ý Island and Molokaʻi. This is how we ensure that all communities across our state have access to exceptional, locally rooted care.”

With subsequent cohorts already training behind them, the pipeline of locally tied, rural-focused doctors is officially flowing, promising a healthier future for Kauaʻi and all of �鶹��ý.

The has received a $630,000 estate gift—the largest in the history of the —to establish the center’s first permanent endowment, ensuring long-term support for student writing services. The gift was directed by historian Lisa Olsen Tait in honor of her late aunt, LaRene Despain, an English professor who co-founded the Writing Center in the 1970s.

The endowment provides stable, ongoing funding to expand tutoring, outreach and support services, particularly for first-generation and international students. Writing centers are often among the most heavily used academic resources on campus, offering one-on-one guidance that helps students succeed across disciplines.

“This historic gift ensures the Writing Center will continue to be a vital resource, helping students from all backgrounds find their voices and strengthen their writing,” said Peter Arnade, dean of the .

A legacy of teaching and mentorship

Despain joined UH Mānoa in 1972 while completing her PhD at the University of Connecticut and became an early leader in the emerging field of composition studies. She advocated for a collaborative, student-centered approach to writing, emphasizing drafting, peer feedback and mentorship over rigid instruction.

“The ’70s and ’80s were a formative time in English studies, and LaRene was on the cutting edge of that movement,” Tait said. “Her work shaped how writing was taught, including her textbook Writing: A Workshop Approach, which I used in my own teaching.”

Beyond the classroom, Despain was known for her commitment to students and colleagues, particularly through her work at the Writing Center.

“The Writing Center became a really important place for LaRene,” Tait said. “She valued the opportunity to work one-on-one with students and to mentor both writers and tutors.”

Expanding impact for future students

Leaders say the new endowment will allow the Writing Center to grow its reach and deepen its impact across campus.

“This gift gives us the ability to build partnerships, expand outreach and create resources we’ve long envisioned,” said assistant professor of English Isaac Wang, who also serves as the director of the Writing Center. “It allows us to turn ideas into reality.”

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Five prominent �鶹��ý donors and organizations are making a transformative $5-million commitment to the via the to support name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes and help ensure the long-term success and national relevance of UH Mānoa Athletics.

The commitment will provide $1 million annually over the next five years for NIL support, helping UH Mānoa retain homegrown talent, recruit high-level student-athletes and provide equitable, Title IX-compliant opportunities across sports in an increasingly competitive Division I athletics environment. It will also strengthen a program that generates statewide pride, visibility and meaningful economic impact for �鶹��ý.

The five contributors, each committing $200,000 annually for five years, are Bank of �鶹��ý, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, and longtime UH supporters and community leaders Jack Tsui and Walter Dods.

“This extraordinary commitment reflects something that has always made �鶹��ý special: people who deeply believe in UH and understand the important role athletics plays in bringing our community together,” said UH Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott. “College athletics has changed, and our objective is to adapt in a way that reflects the values of this university and our state. Our goal is to build a stable, student-centered foundation that supports academic success, competitive excellence and responsible NIL opportunities while ensuring UH Mānoa remains ‘Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team.’”

Changing college athletics landscape

As NIL compensation has become a standard component of Division I athletics nationwide, universities across the country—including every member of the Mountain West Conference, which UH Mānoa will officially join as a full member on July 1—have committed significant resources to support student-athletes. University leaders estimate UH Mānoa needs approximately $5 million annually in NIL support to remain competitive in the Mountain West and on the national stage.

UH Athletics has united �鶹��ý communities during moments of triumph in just the last year—from the men’s volleyball national championship and men’s basketball’s return to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big West title, to football’s thrilling �鶹��ý Bowl victory over Cal before a sold-out crowd at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex and a national television audience that peaked at 3 million viewers.

University leaders say those moments of shared pride underscore the broader value athletics brings to �鶹��ý: creating connection, visibility and economic impact beyond campus. A 2015 study by the UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business, based on a $35 million athletics budget at the time, found UH Athletics generated $66 million in direct spending, produced $128 million in statewide business sales, generated approximately $7 million in tax revenue and supported more than 860 jobs across �鶹��ý. An updated economic impact study evaluating the department’s current contribution to the state economy is nearing completion and expected by the end of August.

Beyond its statewide impact, athletics creates meaningful educational opportunities, with nearly 500 student-athletes participating in UH Mānoa programs and more than 170 degrees earned by student-athletes last year.

�鶹��ý leaders unite behind UH Athletics

The donors said they recognize college athletics has fundamentally changed and believe �鶹��ý must adapt to ensure local student-athletes can continue representing their home state at the highest levels. Several said broader support—from the private sector, community and eventually the state—will be needed to ensure UH remains competitive nationally.

Longtime UH Athletics partner Jim Polk, president and chief executive officer of Bank of �鶹��ý, said the new commitment builds on the bank’s longstanding support for UH student-athletes and the broader university community.

“Bank of �鶹��ý has proudly supported UH Athletics for many years because we believe in the important role it plays in developing student leaders and bringing our communities together,” Polk said. “This commitment builds on that longstanding partnership and helps ensure UH student-athletes have the resources to succeed in a changing collegiate athletics environment. UH student-athletes represent the best of �鶹��ý, and supporting them strengthens opportunities for young people while fostering pride across our state.”

Bob Harrison, chairman, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank, said the university’s athletics program represents �鶹��ý in ways that extend far beyond wins and losses.

“First Hawaiian Bank has long supported the University of �鶹��ý because of the important role it plays in developing future leaders and strengthening our communities,” Harrison said. “Athletics is an important part of the university experience, creating opportunities for student-athletes while helping foster pride, engagement and visibility for the university. We are proud to support UH and invest in the success of its student-athletes, helping create opportunities for them to grow as leaders while representing our university and our state.”

Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson, said creating a competitive NIL program at UH is needed to help keep local student athletes in �鶹��ý.

“University of �鶹��ý is a pillar of our community, and it’s critical that it remains competitive at the highest levels,” Cox said. “Today, that requires establishing a strong NIL foundation that will help UH attract and retain top local talent, and we need to start now.”

Jack Tsui, longtime UH supporter and chair of the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation and former First Hawaiian Bank president said that the private sector has an important role to play in assisting the UH athletics department to continue to be competitive.

“My wife Frances and I are honored to participate in the fundraising project for NIL,” said Tsui. “We hope that our commitment will encourage other donors, large and small, UH supporters, business and community leaders to stand up and be counted so that UH can continue to be competitive and thrive.”

Walter Dods, former chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank and one of the university’s most prolific philanthropic supporters, said the changing landscape of college athletics requires �鶹��ý to act.

“People can certainly have different opinions about whether college athletes should be compensated, but the reality is already here,” Dods said. “Every school we compete against is investing in NIL, and if we want �鶹��ý teams to remain competitive and our student-athletes to stay home, then we—the state, the private sector and the broader community—need to step up in some way. We understand the pressures on the Legislature and that everyone is asking for support. That is part of why the five of us decided to act now and help create a foundation others can build on.”

Building a foundation for the future

Without a stable NIL foundation, UH leaders say the university risks losing local talent, widening recruiting gaps and falling behind in a rapidly evolving Division I athletics landscape.

UH President Wendy Hensel said the $5-million commitment provides an important foundation for UH Mānoa Athletics, while emphasizing that broader support will ultimately be needed to sustain long-term success.

“We are deeply grateful to Bank of �鶹��ý, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack Tsui and Walter Dods for stepping forward with this extraordinary commitment to our student-athletes and the future of UH Mānoa Athletics,” Hensel said. “College athletics has fundamentally changed, and this investment helps ensure UH can continue to retain �鶹��ý student-athletes and remain competitive while creating benefits that extend well beyond campus—from student success and statewide pride to the significant economic impact for our state.”

Elliott said the commitment represents a strong start, but emphasized continued investment will be critical to building long-term success.

“I genuinely believe we are only scratching the surface of what UH Athletics can become,” Elliott said. “If we build this foundation the right way—with support from philanthropy, corporate partners and ultimately the state—we can retain local student-athletes, compete at a high level and continue creating opportunities for student-athletes who want to stay home, earn their degrees and represent �鶹��ý the right way.”

Elliott added that UH Mānoa Athletics plans to launch a new giving society later this year to honor the individuals and organizations helping strengthen opportunities for student-athletes and support the department’s long-term future.

“The five leadership commitments announced today serve as an inspiring foundation for the giving society and underscore the momentum building for Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team.”

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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.”

Watching his grandson Marco shag balls at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex football field, Mark Robison looks beyond the game to envision a future. During a recent walk around the ����ԴDz� campus he asked Marco where he might want to go to college. The sixth grader quickly replied, “probably UH.”

That simple answer reframed something for Robison. Inspired by Marco—and by granddaughter Bianca, a dedicated ʻIolani volleyball player—he began supporting UH women’s volleyball and athletics more broadly.

“This is my way of showing up for Bianca and acknowledging the sport that she is so dedicated to,” he said.

Even as he looks toward the future, Robison’s heart remains tethered to a gritty, golden era of UH football that began with an unexpected phone call decades ago.

From West Point to Waiʻanae

Growing up in a low-income household in Washington state, Robison had his life mapped out for him by his father: attend West Point, serve four years and land a job on Wall Street.

UH defensive coordinator Larry Price had a different plan.

To this day, Robison has “no idea how he found him,” but Price’s recruitment pitch worked. Robison turned down West Point to play for the then UH ‘Bows, a decision that upset his father so much he refused to speak to him for a year.

“He was one of those working-class guys who always wanted better for his kids,” Robison said. “He was firm and stubborn in what he thought was best for me.”

Robison arrived in the islands as an outsider in 1973, but he didn’t stay one for long—especially since his mother was born on a plantation in Lahaina. The weekend before classes even began, some local teammates invited him to a three-day wedding party in Waiʻanae. Robison recalls the reception vividly, specifically the “aunties” who didn’t hold back.

“You’re a football player?” Robison recalled. “You must be the punter because you look like one skinny kid.”

Hard Lessons, Lasting Loyalty

Robison credits much of his later success to his time under coaches Larry Price and Rick Blangiardi. Practices were intense, and Blangiardi was known to deliver high-decibel commands on the line of scrimmage. While the practices were grueling, Robison remains grateful for that level of pressure.

“They taught me about loyalty, commitment, hard work, perseverance and discipline,” he said.

Today, Robison is a “true believer” that UH football can compete at the top level. However, he acknowledges the landscape has shifted from the olden days. He points to the challenges of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era, noting that it takes strategy to keep key players—such as a quarterback or wide receiver—from transferring to schools raising millions in NIL funds. To support UH‘s NIL program, Robison recently contributed $270K.

“It’s an honor to be a ‘Bow,” Robison said, “and my continued support is give from the heart.”

Read more at the .

—By Simplicio Paragas

Before launching her local clothing and accessory brand, , Hilo native Tania Takashiba made the decision to continue her education at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�. She spent several years studying on the U.S. continent before attending the Shidler College of Business, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2002.

A member of the business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, Takshiba said her time at Shidler played a pivotal role in shaping her professional network and lasting friendships.

“I think graduating from ”UH ����ԴDz� was the perfect transition into adulthood,” said Takashiba. “[I] did internships, I was able to get a job pretty easily, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I met.”

Those connections continue to play a role in her life today. Takashiba stays in touch with several friends from her Shidler years, including one who serves as her financial advisor.

Building a local business

Takashiba started MaruMaru Hawaii with her sister in 2015. She said it was hard to find local brands that offered clothes for kids, so they decided to create their own. The brand has taken off, and Takashiba has run into people at the airport and on vacation wearing her clothes.

“Our designs are super simple, but I think because they’re based on real things, it resonates with a lot of people,” said Takashiba.

Popular designs such as “Hilo Das Why” and “Hilo Love” reflect the brand’s commitment to represent Hilo and its people.

Rooted in Hilo

Despite the brand’s popularity, Takashiba has intentionally chosen to keep MaruMaru Hawaii rooted on the Big Island. She said she does not plan to expand through pop-ups on Oʻahu or other islands, even when opportunities arise.

“I think there’s something to be said about being able to give Hilo people something first,” said Takashiba. “There’s nothing like Hilo; it’s very special. The community here is amazing, you’re connected to everybody, and it’s just Hilo das why.”

Students are finding support, community and success at ’s new John Morton Welcome Center. Located in the ʻIliahi Building, the center is a dedicated hub bringing together resources and gathering space to foster connection. The opening ceremony in March drew almost 100 attendees, including students, faculty, alumni, donors and community partners.

‘The Welcome Center supports my overall well-being by offering a variety of spaces and resources for students,’ said student Kiera Kanoa-Faalafua. ‘Whether it’s finding community, connecting with others, studying or just taking time for myself, it’s all in one place. It really feels like a community where I can be supported mentally, physically and academically.’

Student Kevin Likiak added, ‘It’s a place for students before they go to their classes. It’s a good space to get introduced to the different programs that we have to support students, like the First-Year Experience and the Kapoʻoloku (Native Hawaiian student success) programs.’

Highlighting the Lunalilo Scholars

Named in honor of the late University of �鶹��ý Vice President John Morton, the center recognizes his legacy and contributions to the UH Community Colleges and Kapiʻolani CC.

The opening also highlighted donors Lester and Marian Kaneta’s ongoing support of the , which helps non-college bound students to transform their lives through education.

Lunalilo Scholars Program Director LaVaché Scanlan said the center represents a promise to students that they belong at the college and is guided by the college’s namesake Queen Kapiʻolani and the spirit of Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu (strive for the highest).

‘We want every person who walks onto this campus to feel supported, connected and part of our ʻohana as they work toward their goals,’ Scanlan said. ‘This center also represents our kuleana (responsibility) to those who came before us and to those who continue to assist our students, like the Kanetas, in not only accessing college but being successful here.’

To support the program, visit the Lunalilo Scholarship or contact Aja Grande at Aja.Grande@uhfoundation.org.

The typical stress of a college semester paled in comparison to the sudden and frightening circumstances Nina Kapuni faced when she had to quickly leave her �鶹��ý Island home in 2024 with her young son, to protect them from circumstances that placed their safety at risk.

“It was a really difficult and overwhelming experience,” said Kapuni, a single mother currently pursuing her master’s in counseling psychology at UH Hilo. “I realized we needed to leave right away to be safe.”

With no savings, Kapuni did not have the financial resources to secure stable housing. At the encouragement of a faculty member, she reached out to , which provides student support services, including access to emergency funding.

She applied for support and spoke with Sherri Akau, UH �ᾱ����’s acting senior director of student care and conduct. Within days, Kapuni learned her request had been approved.

‘Beyond being an advocate’

“Sherri started by taking the time to talk with me,” Kapuni said. “She really heard me and saw me when I couldn’t see myself. She went above and beyond being an advocate for me.”

Akau and Kaleb Matthews, interim coordinator for , are central to advancing student support services at UH Hilo. They see firsthand how access to resources—such as (which provides food, supplies, clothes and hygiene items) and emergency financial assistance—can help students to persist and succeed.

“Many students carry a deep sense of hesitation or discomfort when it comes to seeking support for basic needs,” said Akau. “An important part of our role is to help shift that perspective and remind students that reaching out for support is not a weakness, it is a courageous and necessary step toward continuing their education and overall well-being.”

Helping thousands of students

Demand has skyrocketed from 2,000 students who used the pantry in 2024 to 5,000 projected by the end of 2026. This led to a network of strategically placed “food hubs” across campus.

“Creating this food pantry network helps reduce that barrier by making food readily available in the spaces where students already gather, ensuring they have consistent access to something to eat throughout the day,” said Matthews.

Your gift to the helps ensure that unforeseen circumstances, such as Kapuni’s, do not disrupt a student’s ability to persist and succeed.

Read more about UH �ᾱ����’s .

At the University of �鶹��ý, Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising event to support our UH students and embrace the rich diversity and expansive reach of our university system.

At the (JABSOM), where more than 90% of students are awarded some form of scholarship, donors make a great impact in their journeys in medicine. For first-year medical student Emma Pinnow, that journey started with the ʻImi Hoʻōla Post Baccalaureate Program.

Read more UH Giving Day stories

Ahead of a Giving Day appearance on �鶹��ý News Now, JABSOM sat down with Pinnow.

Q: How did ʻImi Hoʻōla put you on a path to medicine?

I come from a family deeply rooted in �鶹��ý’s public school system, so while education was always the priority, medicine was a brand-new endeavor for me. My dream was always to stay home, to be near family and learn to provide care specifically tailored to our people here in �鶹��ý. ʻImi Hoʻōla, which means “those who seek to heal” in ʻŌ������� �鶹��ý, was the bridge to that dream. It’s a rigorous 12-month journey, and completing it provided me with automatic admission to JABSOM. But more than just a seat in the class, it gave me the foundational competence and the unshakeable support system I needed.

I didn’t just gain knowledge, I gained a cohort, mentors and a community that believed in my potential when I was just starting out. What truly changed the trajectory for me was the generosity of our donors. I was fully prepared to take on a massive financial burden to pursue this path, but because of their support, my experience was tuition-free. This didn’t just save money, it gave me the gift of time and focus. Instead of juggling my studies with a job, I can dedicate 100% of my energy to the rigors of medical school. It only takes one group of people to believe in you to open a door. For me, that door was ʻImi Hoʻōla. It allowed me to show my potential and has put me on a path to serve the community that raised me.

Q: What are your goals in medicine?

I’m currently a little more than halfway through my first year, and honestly, it’s been very exciting. Every week I’m exposed to a new specialty or a different organ system, and I’m making it my goal to learn as much as I can and to lean into every opportunity to the fullest extent. While I haven’t settled on a specific specialty yet, I have settled on the where and the who. No matter what field I choose, I am committed to serving the people of �鶹��ý. This is my home, and I truly can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Being Native Hawaiian, I am especially aware of the health disparities our community faces, particularly with cardiometabolic disease. One of my primary goals in medicine is to directly address these inequities. I want to take the education we receive here at JABSOM, which emphasizes culturally-competent care, and apply it in a way that resonates with our local population. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between high-level medical science and the unique cultural needs of our islands. Giving back to the community that raised me is my way of honoring where I come from.

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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.”

After raising a family and building a decades-long career in the restaurant industry, Jerilyn “Jerry” Kanakanui decided it was finally time to pursue a lifelong dream: go to college. Getting to the classroom, though, was a daunting process.

As a mother of six who had never attended college, she remembered previous attempts where she tried to navigate the complex web of registration and financial aid, only to back out thinking, “Oh, no, it’s not for me.”

Read more UH Giving Day stories

She enrolled in �鶹��ý Community College in 2024, and credits programs such as the and the for helping her find her footing. Today, she gives back to the campus community by serving as a TRIO peer mentor to help other students navigate their own educational journeys, while also occasionally working next door at Kahuaʻola.

Struggling with the basics

“Many kids tell me they are grateful to have a resource like Kahuaʻola,” Kanakanui said. “Some of these students struggle with the basics, so when they can pick up a free bag of rice or a journal they need for classes, it really helps them a lot.”

Chancellor Susan Kazama said that learning cannot thrive when a student is worried about food, housing or other essential needs.

“As a kauhale (community), we are committed to supporting the whole person so our students can focus on their education, their families and their futures,” Kazama said.

Restoring hope

Kahuaʻola Coordinator Randiann Tokeshi assists roughly 48 students daily with essentials. Some grab a quick meal, while others need help applying for SNAP benefits, or finding healthcare, childcare and housing.

“Basic needs are more than just providing resources to our students. It’s really about restoring hope, dignity and the opportunity for students who may be facing some of the hardest moments in their lives,” Tokeshi said. ”Every meal that is shared, every referral that is made, every conversation where a student feels seen and supported can really change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

This , gifts to the help ensure students have the backing they need to stay enrolled and continue building their futures. Your support goes even further this year: Kazama is matching up to $1,000 in total donations to �鶹��ý CC.

Read more about the and more Giving Day opportunities.