University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Martha Carrell was drawn to ideas and to people who explored them. She enjoyed conversations that moved easily between subjects, from philosophy to everyday habits, and she made space for others to join in. In classrooms, living rooms or public media, she brought people together, asking questions and letting discussion unfold.

“She was fierce, complex, determined and smart,” said Diane Smith, a close friend and trustee of Carrell鈥檚 estate. “For many years we were members of a small discussion group that met monthly and picked a different topic every month, such as quantum physics, diets, solar energy, or the nature of faith. What a great ride that was.”

Smith met Carrell in retirement. Their group鈥檚 conversations could be lively and contentious, but they were always educational. This approach carried through Carrell鈥檚 work. Born and raised in Honolulu, she earned her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in speech at 糖心视频 Mānoa. Her career spanned public broadcasting, education and communications, and she worked for PBS stations and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Carrell produced in Hawaiʻi and, unsatisfied with the final scene, stepped in to perform a hula herself. She also taught speech and coached debate, bringing the same focus on clarity and exchange into the classroom. In later years, this instinct found a home at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at a university in Las Vegas. Her classes became some of the most popular in the program.

Supporting future students

Her lifelong connection to communication now continues through an estate gift establishing the at 糖心视频 Mānoa. The fund supports students in the in the School of Communication and Information, within the 糖心视频 Mānoa , with a preference for Hawaiʻi residents with financial need.

“In an era where digital noise often replaces meaningful connection, teaching human communication skills to our students is more essential than ever for individual success and a healthier society,” said Hye-ryeon Lee, former 糖心视频 Mānoa communicology department chair. “Martha鈥檚 life clearly illustrates this point, and we are tremendously grateful for her vision and generosity. This scholarship will provide our communicology students with financial support so that they can fully focus on their academic and professional growth.”

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Take a closer look at many of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rising leaders, and you鈥檒l find a common connection: the University of Hawaiʻi. This year鈥檚 Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 list is a striking example. Half of the honorees have ties to 糖心视频.

Two of them are current 糖心视频 employees serving Central and West Oʻahu communities: Darian Padilla, the 糖心视频 Foundation鈥檚 director of development for 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College, and Hailey Zhou, product development manager at Leeward CC鈥檚 Wahiaw膩 Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC).

Darian Padilla

Padilla builds philanthropic partnerships for both campuses, connecting people and resources with opportunities that strengthen education, support workforce development and serve Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities.

“Being named to PBN鈥檚 40 Under 40 is both humbling and meaningful,” Padilla said. “I don鈥檛 see it as an individual achievement. Instead, I accept it on behalf of the many people who have guided, supported and inspired me along the way.”

She added, “Working with 糖心视频 has shown me that meaningful impact is rarely the result of one individual. It comes from people coming together around a common purpose and investing in the success of others.”

Hailey Zhou

Zhou leads product development initiatives at the WVAPDC, where she has supported more than 150 Hawaiʻi food entrepreneurs to commercialize their products. She secured funding from the Ulupono Initiative for a dozen clients and assisted a Hawaiʻi baby food product in earning a 2026 NEXTY Award.

“Being named to PBN鈥檚 40 Under 40 is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes not just my individual accomplishments, but the work happening across Hawaiʻi food ecosystem,” Zhou said. “My work at Leeward Community College and the WVAPDC has given me the platform and freedom to be innovative in designing solutions that meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

20 out of 40

糖心视频鈥檚 connection to the 2026 40 Under 40 class extends across the 10-campus system. Eighteen additional honorees are 糖心视频 alumni:

• Davin Aoyagi (BA 鈥�13, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—senior manager of government relations, Turo
• Joseph Castaneda (BBA 鈥�11, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—principal broker, REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu
• Louie Gangcuangco (MS 鈥�20, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—medical doctor and HIV specialist, Waikiki Health
• Cosmo Hirai (BA 鈥�13, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—产颈蝉丑辞辫, Hawaiʻi T艒daiji Temple
• Chanel Josiah (AA 鈥�18, Leeward CC)—chief operating officer, Hawaiʻi Community Lending
• Katie Kaahanui (BA 鈥�21, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu)—director, Safe & Sound Westside, Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney
• Jai Keep-Barnes (BA 鈥�10; JD 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—partner, Lung Rose Voss Wagnild
• K. Sean Kekina (BS 鈥�12, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—deputy administrator and chief operating officer, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Kris Kokame (MBA 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—Hawaiʻi lead, external affairs, AES Hawaiʻi
• Richmond Luzar (BA 鈥�20, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—principal, Aura Strategies LLC
• Marc Malate (BA 鈥�12; MSW 鈥�17; MURP 鈥�18, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—licensed clinical social worker, Marc Joseph Malate
• Kelsey Nishi Darling (attended 糖心视频惭腻苍辞补)—founder and executive director, Make Lemonade Project; owner, calligrapher and graphic designer, Hawaiʻi Calligraphy
• Jordan Odo (MBA 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—first vice president and compliance associate, American Savings Bank
• Nahelani Parsons (JD 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—founder and president, Pacific Government Relations
• Keane Santos (BBA 鈥�10, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—vice president, product strategy department manager, Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
• Sara Strona (JD 鈥�14; MBA 鈥�15, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—director, Starn O鈥橳oole Marcus & Fisher, A Law Corporation
• Cody Winchester (MURP 鈥�18, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—community resilience planning manager, G70
• Jamie Yoshikane (JD 鈥�13, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—assistant general counsel, Hawaiʻi Gas

As these leaders continue to drive change across every sector of our islands, they serve as a powerful reminder of 糖心视频鈥檚 role in cultivating leaders who are building a bright future for Hawaiʻi.

—By Devon Bedoya

A vibrant new mural inside the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa Bookstore is welcoming students with a colorful tribute to the campus community and its rich botanical landscape.

Created by 糖心视频 M膩noa alumna and local artist Rachel Radona, the mural draws inspiration from the hundreds of plant species found across campus. More than a collection of flowers and trees, the artwork reflects the stories, cultures and experiences that make up the 糖心视频 M膩noa community.

“Art is about stories and moʻolelo,” Radona said. “Every student is different, comes from different backgrounds and comes from different cultures. Every plant and student has a different story to share.”

Inspired by campus

Before putting paint on the wall, Radona spent time exploring the university’s plant map and learning about the species that grow throughout campus. The mural features plants including the silk floss flower, k艒奴 and ʻulu trees,
each chosen for its connection to 糖心视频 M膩noa and the stories they represent.

One of Radona’s favorite elements is the 驶ulu, which she said symbolizes community resilience through its place in Hawaiian moʻolelo. She also incorporated the kōū flower, a plant traditionally associated with welcoming guests, to help create an inviting atmosphere for everyone who enters the bookstore.

Throughout the mural, bold colors and flowing shapes reflect Radona’s artistic style. She hopes the finished piece encourages students to pause, notice the plants around them and discover something new about the campus.

Art that brings people together

Although painting the mural was rewarding, Radona said the interactions with students, faculty, staff and families became the most memorable part of the project.

“That’s what art is all about,” Radona said. “Whether it’s music, whether dancing or it’s painting, you’re supposed to share with one another.”

A recent 糖心视频 M膩noa graduate, Radona said returning to campus to create the mural felt especially meaningful. She hopes the artwork reflects the welcoming spirit of the university while giving students another place where they can see themselves represented.

She also believes public art plays an important role on a college campus by giving people another way to express themselves and connect with others.

“It’s so important,” Radona said. “We are all trying to make our way, find our way in college. Art is mine. But I know so many wonderful people here who found their voice in so many other things.”

As students return for the fall semester, the mural will serve as a lasting reminder that every member of the 糖心视频 M膩noa community has a story to tell and that those stories help shape the campus experience.

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University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 men’s tennis alumnus Andre Ilagan was one of nine players to receive a wild-card entry to the qualifying tournament for the 2026 U.S. Open. Ilagan is the first former 糖心视频 men’s tennis player to compete at the major tournament at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Ilagan finished his Rainbow Warrior career as the most decorated player in 糖心视频 history. He competed in back-to-back NCAA Championships, and became 糖心视频‘s first-ever Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American in 2023. Ilagan was named Big West Player of the Year, earned 糖心视频‘s top honor (the Jack Bonham Award), and was a four-time All-Big West selection in both singles and doubles.

After concluding his collegiate career in 2023, Ilagan turned pro, starting on the ITF Futures tour and later moving up to the ATP Challenger tour. Ilagan jumped up 33 spots to enter this week ranked at No. 210鈥攖he highest ranking of his career鈥攁nd will soon rise into the Top 200 after advancing to the championship matches of his last two tournaments.

As a U.S. Open wild-card entry, Ilagan will need to win three matches to enter the main draw. Qualifying matches begin on August 23, with the main draw starting on August 30.

Read more at .

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa athletics has announced the 41st class of the 糖心视频 Sports Circle of Honor, which includes Monika Eggens (water polo), Rich Miano (football), Barbara (Mitchell) Anderson (swimming), Costas Theocharidis (men鈥檚 volleyball) and Ben Yee (contributor).

Eggens becomes the first water polo player to be enshrined in the program鈥檚 29-year history. Miano is the 38th football player to be inducted, while Theocharidis is the sixth honoree from the men鈥檚 volleyball program. Yee, entering in the “Contributor” category, is the 11th supporter to be honored. Anderson, who swam for 糖心视频 in the 1970s, is recognized as this year鈥檚 “Legend” category honoree.

Established in 1982, the Circle of Honor recognizes individuals and teams that have contributed to the growth, history and tradition of 糖心视频 Athletics. Including this year鈥檚 honorees, the Circle of Honor now boasts 138 individual and 13 team inductees. Plaques honoring these legends are displayed on the inner walls surrounding the main concourse of Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

The official enshrinement of the Class of 2026 will take place during the Green & White Celebration on Friday, October 16, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. For more information and table sales, visit .

Learn more at .

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa utility player Ben Zeigler-Namoa has been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, taken with the 292nd overall pick.

Zeigler-Namoa becomes the 113th Rainbow Warrior all-time to be drafted by a Major League organization. He is also the seventh Hawaiʻi player to be picked during the tenure of Head Coach Rich Hill, continuing the program’s strong pipeline to the professional ranks.

A versatile left-handed hitter who played outfield and first base, Zeigler-Namoa was a model of consistency and durability. He was the only Rainbow Warrior to start all 50 games in 2026, earning Honorable Mention All-Big West awards. He finished the year with a .294 batting average and a .433 slugging percentage, racking up 57 hits, 33 runs scored, 10 doubles, a triple, and five home runs.

Read more at .

Three Hawaiʻi educators, including University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (COE) alumni Kawika Gonzales and Leah Aiwohi, were named finalists in the Presidential AI Challenge for their work advancing responsible artificial intelligence (AI) education. As national finalists and winners of the regional competition, they received a monetary prize and access to web-based resources.

Empowering students through responsible AI

Along with colleague Chloe Sato, the educators were recognized in Washington, D.C., for Global Innovation Race Hawaiʻi, a statewide program that teaches high school students how to use AI responsibly while addressing real-world community challenges.

Gonzales, who earned a master of education in learning design and technology and a certificate in online learning and teaching from 糖心视频 Mānoa, said the program encourages students to think beyond simply using AI tools.

“Teaching our students how to use AI is no longer enough,” Gonzales said. “We also need to teach them when to use it, why to use it, and whether it should be used at all.”

Aiwohi, who earned a bachelor of education and professional diploma in elementary education from the College of Education, said her preparation at 糖心视频 continues to shape her teaching decades later.

“Although I graduated from the College of Education more than 36 years ago, the lessons that have stayed with me are not tied to specific textbooks or technologies; they are the enduring principles of effective teaching,” Aiwohi said.

The program connects students across Hawaiʻi to collaborate on community-based projects using design thinking and responsible AI, helping prepare the next generation of ethical technology leaders.

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For more on how Gonzales is inspiring his haumāna (students) on Molokaʻi, see this 糖心视频 News story.

Whether you recognize his voice from Spectrum Sports broadcasts, his face from local television newscasts, or his name from the award-winning production company RKT Media, Ryan Kalei Tsuji seems to be everywhere. But before he was an Emmy-winning CEO, a protocol officer for the governor, or the owner of a booming cocktail bar, Tsuji鈥檚 dynamic journey began at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa.

Growing up as a sports fan in Hilo, Tsuji wanted to be a TV reporter and always dreamed of attending 糖心视频. Driven by this passion, he earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in communications and political science in 2007, followed by a master鈥檚 degree in public administration in 2009. During his time at 糖心视频 M膩noa, he also worked his way up from a manager to an assistant coach for the nationally ranked Rainbow Wahine volleyball team under legendary coach Dave Shoji.

“I was like Van Wilder, I was at 糖心视频 for eight years getting all these different degrees because 糖心视频 was paying for it,” said Tsuji. “It was an opportunity for me to just really be a part of the University of Hawaiʻi system and I just loved my experience and time there.”

Tsuji parlayed his education into a multi-faceted career. He launched the video production company RKT Media in 2016, co-hosts the interactive program Spotlight Now, and has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40. In 2022, he opened The Lei Stand, a bar and lounge, in Chinatown. Now located in Waik墨k墨, The Lei Stand will be expanding to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Celebrating alumni entrepreneurship

The Lei Stand is one of nearly 40 vendors confirmed for the 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market on Wednesday, July 29, at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event is dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-led businesses. .

“It鈥檚 a great way to reconnect with former alumni, but also an opportunity to just really be proud of where we came from and all the talent that stayed here in Hawaiʻi and is giving back to the community,” Tsuji said.

Presented by the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the 糖心视频 Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current 糖心视频 student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email .

Hawaiʻi is advancing its commitment to becoming the nation鈥檚 first trauma-informed state—a systemic shift that prioritizes government policies and services that recognize the pervasive impact of trauma. To support this effort, the State鈥檚 Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) worked with faculty from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 to develop a new certification program.

In May, Gov. Josh Green recognized the inaugural cohort of more than 100 individuals who completed this training. Created following Green鈥檚 2024 executive order, the OWR鈥檚 program equips professionals with strategies to recognize trauma, respond effectively to stress, and build trust within state systems, helping integrate trauma-informed practices into workplace culture, policymaking and public services.

A collaborative model for governance

The curriculum was developed under the leadership of OWR Director Tia Hartsock, a Thompson School alumna and adjunct faculty member of the (DSW). Hartsock collaborated with a statewide team of experts, including DSW faculty members Aimee Chung and Michael DeMattos.

This training increases effectiveness, reduces harm and fosters long-term resilience across the state.
—Aimee Chung

“Our collaboration with the Office on Wellness and Resilience creates a partnership that will lead to systemic shifts needed to equip a workforce that is empathic, sustainable and trustworthy,” said Chung. “This training increases effectiveness, reduces harm and fosters long-term resilience across the state.”

In recognition of his contributions to the program, DeMattos served as a keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. His remarks highlighted the essential role social workers play in community healing.

“Trauma-informed care offers a way of being that prioritizes care for those we love,” DeMattos said. “It teaches us not to ask, ‘What is wrong?’ but rather, ‘What happened?’ It helps us move beyond the belief that people are broken. Most importantly, it helps ensure that instead of suffering alone, we heal together.”

Windward Community College gave artist Shar Tuiʻasoa a foundation, offering the accessibility and community support, which helped her define her path as a world-class illustrator. For Tuiʻasoa, of Punky Aloha Studio, Windward CC was more than just a school—it felt like a second home or “warm blanket.”

The college was also a hub of creativity that proved pivotal in her artistic journey. Since earning her art certificate in 2024, she has created vibrant work for global giants including Apple, Disney, Pixar and more.

“Community college gave me a place to land. It was a chance for me to try a few different things without having to fully commit, and really learning to enjoy that part of academia,” Tuiʻasoa said. “Having college outreach and the professors on campus really being involved and encouraging us, that was something I just wasn鈥檛 used to.”

The foundation formed at Windward CC continues to fuel her professional work, as she practices with her paints, exploring color theory.

“All of that really stems from that deeper understanding that Professor Snowden Hodges gave to us that he really instilled in us,” she said. “You鈥檙e surrounded by other people who are creative, like-minded people, and we kind of just gathered together and made a family.”

5th annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market

In 2026 Tuiʻasoa is bringing that connection to the 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market—an event dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and -led businesses. Her design features the official colors of all 10 campuses and aims to capture a sense of place and of home.

“I鈥檓 so proud to have gone to Windward CC to be a part of the 糖心视频 system. Just being able to continue being a part of that family, being in community with fellow alum, it just feels like a very full circle moment,” Tuiʻasoa said.

The 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market is set for Wednesday, July 29 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waik墨k墨. , and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Presented by the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the 糖心视频 Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current 糖心视频 student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email contact@uhalumni.org.

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa public health and nursing alumna Aime Le has been crowned the 74th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 longest-running ethnic festivals hosted annually by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. Her fellow contestants also voted her Miss Congeniality in recognition of her compassion, professionalism and interpersonal leadership.

“As queen, I serve as a cultural ambassador representing Hawaiʻi through community service, educational outreach and cultural exchange programs locally and internationally,” said Le.

Le earned dual bachelor鈥檚 degrees in and in 2020 and a bachelor of science in nursing in 2022. She was also inducted into the Japanese National Honor Society–College Chapter for academic excellence in Japanese language studies.

During her time at 糖心视频 M膩noa, Le participated in student leadership and service organizations including Mortar Board National Honor Society, Hui Ola Pono Public Health Club, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and Atherton YMCA community programs. She also took part in medical mission and service-learning trips to the Philippines and Kauaʻi and completed a rural clinical rotation in Yap, Micronesia.

“My time in Yap further strengthened my appreciation for community-centered healthcare and cross-cultural connection,” Le said.

Supporting k奴puna through community care

Now a nurse practitioner, Le earned her degree in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track from the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at 糖心视频 M膩noa in spring 2025. In fall 2025 and spring 2026, Le volunteered with the Memory Caf茅 at the 糖心视频 M膩noa Center on Aging, a free monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners.

“At the Memory Caf茅, I can help support dementia-friendly spaces for k奴puna and caregivers through nature-based activities, social connection and community engagement,” she said.

Le hopes to continue bridging healthcare, culture and community service throughout her career while advocating for compassionate, inclusive care across generations.

“We are so privileged to have someone like Aime be a part of the Memory Caf茅,” said Christy Nishita, a gerontologist with the Center on Aging. “The combination of her personal qualities and professional training has made her the ideal volunteer. She has helped to nurture not only our garden but also the growth of human relationships among students, staff and community participants. I know she will make a superb Cherry Blossom Festival Queen.”

Three members of the 2026 Cherry Blossom Court also have 糖心视频 ties: Princess Lauren Sayuri Katayama and First Princess Jacqueline Kiemi Osumi are 糖心视频 M膩noa alumnae, while Princess Kiʻilaweau Kakie Aweau is a current public health PhD student.

驶

Recent University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa graduates Chloe Lavigne and Rachel Wong earned multiple honors at the 2026 Pele Awards, one of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 top advertising and design competitions.

Lavigne鈥檚 “Deconstruct Exhibition Campaign” received Best of Show鈥揅ollege and a Gold Pele in the integrated advertising campaign category. Her “Deconstruct App” also earned a Gold Pele. Lavigne and Wong additionally received a Bronze Pele for their “Synergy BFA Showcase Invitation.”

“My time in the BFA program taught me to think and produce like a designer through design history, concept development, and hands-on technical skills, pushing me to make research-driven, intentional decisions rather than choices based purely on aesthetics,” Lavigne said.

Visual storytelling

Lavigne grew up in Vermont, where she was surrounded by small local businesses and first became interested in visual storytelling through scrapbooking in middle school.

“I was instantly drawn to documenting lived experiences and experimenting with how different photos, materials, colors and compositions could shape a story,” Lavigne said.

Her award-winning “Deconstruct” project imagined a fictional exhibition for street artist Shepard Fairey at the Honolulu Museum of Art. The campaign included posters, invitations, exhibition materials, a mobile app and even a branded skateboard.

The project encouraged viewers to think critically about media, persuasion and power while creating a more interactive museum experience.

Industry success

Chae Ho Lee, a design professor in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , said the students鈥� commitment and openness to feedback helped make the projects successful.

“Both students worked tirelessly on several design drafts and were very open to constructive feedback,” Lee said.

Lee said 糖心视频 M膩noa students continue to perform strongly in the highly competitive Pele Awards.

“With an 86% career placement rate, the 糖心视频 M膩noa graphic design program prepares students for the competitive design industry,” Lee said. “The curriculum merges historical and theoretical foundations with hands-on, industry-aligned training.”

The Department of Art and Art History is housed in the .

Honolulu Community College鈥檚 Ganesan Srinivasan was recognized with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (CTAHR) annual awards banquet held in May.

Srinivasan, who serves as dean of communication and services programs, holds a PhD in agronomy and soil science from 糖心视频 M膩noa. He was honored for his 40 years of leadership in agriculture, education and international research.

Over the course of his career, Srinivasan has contributed to global agricultural research and training, working with maize production systems across Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. He has mentored more than 1,000 researchers from more than 40 countries and authored more than 180 publications. He is a fellow of both the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.

“This recognition means a great deal to me because CTAHR is where my journey in Hawaiʻi truly began鈥攁s an East-West Center grantee and 糖心视频 graduate student, as a researcher, and as someone learning what it means to serve this community with humility and purpose,” Srinivasan said.

Foundation built at CTAHR

He currently oversees Honolulu CC鈥檚 career technical education programs. Srinivasan has also held senior academic leadership roles at institutions in California and served as principal scientist and associate director at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico.

Srinivasan credited his experience at CTAHR as the foundation for his knowledge of agriculture beyond the classroom.

“CTAHR shaped my understanding of agriculture not just as a discipline, but as a responsibility鈥攖o our ʻāina (land), to our local industries, and to the students and families who depend on strong educational pathways,” he said.

He also shared advice with current CTAHR students.

“You are receiving a world-class education in tropical agriculture from some of the best faculty in this field. Apply this knowledge to real-world conditions to develop diversified, resilient and sustainable agriculture systems for Hawaiʻi and beyond,” Srinivasan said.The post CTAHR honors Honolulu CC dean with Outstanding Alumnus Award first appeared on University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 System News.]]> 234871 /news/2026/05/21/first-public-relations-certificate/ Thu, 21 May 2026 22:46:07 +0000 /news/?p=234794 The certificate demonstrates a fundamental competency and knowledge for college graduates entering the public relations profession.

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McKenzie Kurosu is the first University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa / graduate to earn a . It is issued by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is operated by the Public Relations Society of American (PRSA). The certificate demonstrates a fundamental competency and knowledge for college graduates entering the public relations profession.

Kurosu is a May 2025 graduate who double majored in communication and journalism from the . She received the certificate in December 2025 after taking required courses and passing an exam.

“This certificate really helps bridge the gap between what you learn in a classroom and real-world applications,” said Kurosu. “Having this on a résumé helps you stand out to recruiters, and serves as a great first step to pursue an APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) designation later in your career.”

Public relations or related majors may apply for the certificate, but must be members of PRSA or student chapters of UAB participating organizations. At 糖心视频 Mānoa, Kurosu completed the public relations coursework while serving as a vice president and director of communications of the David A. Ward chapter of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). Kurosu said belonging to PRSSA was a career-defining experience.

“Beyond the leadership roles, I had the chance to travel to California for the ICON conference, and network with professionals and peers who share my passion for the industry,” she said.

For more information about the certificate and to check eligibility, or contact PRSSA faculty advisor Ji Young Kim at jkim22@hawaii.edu.

The post Alumna earns first 糖心视频 M膩noa Certificate in Principles of Public Relations first appeared on University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 System News.]]>

A University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu-produced documentary about Hawaiʻi labor leader and social activist Ah Quon McElrath will air on public television stations across the country. Ah Quon McElrath: The Struggle Never Ends! was initially released in 2024, and .

Produced by the (CLEAR) at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu, the documentary will air on stations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Oregon. Other PBS stations across the continent will broadcast the program later this year. Exact program schedules are determined by each station.

“We are excited that the AQ documentary will be run six times by WGBH Boston, and six times by Oregon Public Broadcasting,” said producer Chris Conybeare (professor emeritus). “It鈥檚 also been picked up by KQED San Francisco and by the WNET Group, which includes Channel 13 NYC, New Jersey Public Television, and Long Island Public TV.”

A force in Hawaiʻi labor

McElrath, a 糖心视频 Mānoa alumna, earned her degree in sociology, helped found the at 糖心视频 Mānoa, and served on the 糖心视频 Board of Regents. In 2004, she was given the 糖心视频 Founders Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership in advocating social change in education and improving social conditions throughout Hawaiʻi.

“AQ was a pivotal force in 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 labor movement and a champion for social justice,” said documentary director Joy Chong-Stannard. “Although she died in 2008, her legacy lives on in her contributions to healthcare, education, fair housing and civil and human rights, as well as to the labor movement.”

CLEAR was established by Act 202 in 1976, enabling 糖心视频 to provide labor education to workers, unions, teachers and the public.

“As the clearinghouse for labor education matters in the State, we are thrilled and excited by the far-reaching interest in Hawaiʻi‘s labor history,” said Dion Dizon, CLEAR director. “CLEAR has enjoyed decades of producing meaningful labor media and journalism with Chris and Joy leading multiple projects. I am happy that this documentary preserves not only AQ‘s impact, but also CLEAR‘s legacy.”

Funding for the documentary came from private donations, including major support from at the .

“We are proud to co-sponsor this program about AQ鈥檚 life,” said Kathryn L. Braun, Barbara Cox Anthony Endowed Chair of Aging. “This important female leader not only helped democratize the state of Hawaiʻi, but also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education.”

• Related story: PBS Hawaiʻi documentary features social activist 糖心视频鈥檚 McElrath

Before launching her local clothing and accessory brand, , Hilo native Tania Takashiba made the decision to continue her education at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa. She spent several years studying on the U.S. continent before attending the Shidler College of Business, where she earned a bachelor鈥檚 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 ”糖心视频 M膩noa was the perfect transition into adulthood,” said Takashiba. “[I] did internships, I was able to get a job pretty easily, and I couldn鈥檛 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鈥檙e 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鈥檚 commitment to represent Hilo and its people.

Rooted in Hilo

Despite the brand鈥檚 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鈥檚 something to be said about being able to give Hilo people something first,” said Takashiba. “There鈥檚 nothing like Hilo; it鈥檚 very special. The community here is amazing, you鈥檙e connected to everybody, and it鈥檚 just Hilo das why.”

For Janie-Maria Kikila, graduating from Leeward Community College this May is more than earning a degree—it鈥檚 a deeply personal milestone shaped by resilience, growth and determination. As a nontraditional student, mother and the first in her family to graduate from college, Kikila sees this moment as proof of perseverance.

“This shows me that if you keep going, you can finish what you started,” she said.

Raised in Whitmore Village, Kikila attended Leilehua High School before transferring to Waiʻanae High School. Her journey hasn鈥檛 been easy, but she鈥檚 remained focused on a bigger goal.

“I鈥檝e gone through a lot—from not always feeling safe as a child to postpartum depression as an adult—but I made a decision not to let those things define me,” she said. “I want to break generational cycles, and I want to be someone my keiki can look up to.”

Finding support at Leeward CC

Kikila first enrolled at Leeward CC in 2013 but stepped away to build a career in management. That was disrupted when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

“It was hard going from being financially independent to needing help,” she said. “I knew if I was going to start over, I needed a clear direction.”

She returned to Leeward CC in 2023 to pursue a degree in business management. Back on campus, Kikila found support that helped her stay on track鈥攏ot just academically, but personally. Through Leeward鈥檚 counseling services, she began working with mental health therapist Lori Lum.

“I鈥檝e been seeing Lori for a little over a year, and she鈥檚 been amazing,” Kikila said.

• Meet more amazing 糖心视频 graduates

Turning challenges into motivation

She also credits flexible student employment and mentors, such as business division faculty Tina Lee and Dag Faustino.

“Janie leads with intention and heart,” Lee said. “She鈥檚 someone who turns challenges into motivation.”

Kikila founded , Leeward鈥檚 first marketing club, open to students of all majors across the 糖心视频 System. It brings students together to connect, collaborate and gain real-world experience.

“She saw a need and built something that brings students together in a meaningful way,” Faustino added. “That kind of initiative is what sets her apart.”

Kikila plans to transfer to 糖心视频 West Oʻahu to continue her studies in business and marketing, with the goal of one day serving in a leadership role within the State of Hawaiʻi.

By Tad Saiki

At the Merrie Monarch Festival, hula’s most celebrated stage, one hālau‘s story of change and renewal rose to the top in 2026.

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua earned top honors at the 63rd annual competition in Hilo, sweeping major categories. The group earned first-place finishes in kāne (men) overall, kāne ʻauana (modern hula), and both wāhine (women’s) kahiko (ancient hula) and kāne kahiko.

The hālau is led by Kumu Hula Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV, a graduate of Honolulu Community College.

“I’m still in shock,” Kaʻupu said. “I’m not surprised because they worked hard and they did exactly what they needed to do, but I’m in shock. This year more than ever it was the purpose of the journey, more than the destination. And so I am really appreciative for the recognition. There are no words to really describe what I feel.”

Turning point

The win followed a year of deep change.

Kaʻupu and Kumu Hula Lono Padilla founded the hālau together. In 2025, Padilla stepped away for personal reasons. The departure reshaped the Oʻahu hālau.

Kaʻupu described it as a time of upheaval. One that pushed both him and his haumāna (students) to reflect and rebuild.

“That’s part of the process,” he said. “Acknowledging the catastrophe, acknowledging the upheaval, acknowledging the overturn. Our lives were deconstructed and now let’s find the processes to reconstruct, rebuild, regenerate, re-energize.”

That idea guided their performances at this year’s festival.

Hulihia, overturning

Kaʻupu chose mele (songs) that mirrored both his experience and that of his hālau. Their performances centered on hulihia, a Hawaiian concept that speaks to overturning and transformation.

In the kahiko category, the wāhine performed hula kālaʻau (dancing stick) to Kau Kahaʻea Ke Ao Uahi I Luna. The mele is a creation story, where akua (deities) shape a submerged island still forming off Hawaiʻi Island.

Kaʻupu‘s kāne followed with Hulihia Ka ʻĀpapa Ka Unu Koʻakoʻa O Ka Moana. Their performance evoked the ocean floor shifting and fire rising from below, as life emerges through heat and pressure.

Together, the pieces reflected a simple truth that change can be destructive, but it also creates space for renewal.

糖心视频 roots

Kaʻupu, a Keaukaha native, attended 糖心视频 Hilo before moving to Oʻahu. He continued his studies at Honolulu CC, entering the cosmetology program and graduating in 2007.

“I thought I knew how to do hair until I went through the program,” he said. “They just expedited and transcended the technical skills for me. I am super, super grateful for that.”

For years, those skills helped shape his presence at Merrie Monarch, where he handled his dancers’ hair and makeup, an important part of the competition’s scoring. He also designs every costume, sketching ideas by hand before working with a seamstress to bring them to life. However, for each of his Miss Aloha Hula contestants, he sews each piece himself.

In many ways, that same cycle of creating, overturning and rebuilding reflects where Kaʻupu stands now, as he continues to grow into his role.

“Trust your gut, trust your kūpuna (elders),” he said. “Find the things that serve you and let go of the things that don’t. There’s always regeneration. You just have to trust the process.”

—by Moanikeʻala Nabarro

For nearly 20 years, Rachel Hualani Loo has graced the Merrie Monarch stage on 贬艒ʻ颈办别 night as an ʻ艒濒补辫补, or dancer, with H膩lau o Kekuhi. This year, she returned to the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in a profoundly different role: as the 2026 惭艒ʻ墨 Wahine (Queen) of the Merrie Monarch Royal Court.

A University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo alumna and the director of the , Loo has spent over a decade supporting Hawaiian students on their educational journeys. But when the Merrie Monarch Festival committee asked her to serve in this role, the weight of carrying this kuleana (responsibility) for her community felt different.

“Just to be included in all of this鈥攏ot just the honor on an individual and personal level, but the real honor is continuing to be part of this community in a different capacity,” Loo expressed.

One of the most special things about being in Hilo during Merrie Monarch week is the opportunity to witness the community鈥檚 hospitality and ability to hoʻokipa, to host. Whether welcoming family, friends, or h膩lau hula, Hilo鈥檚 community shows up year after year to graciously welcome everyone. Growing up in Hilo and being part of the Merrie Monarch in different capacities has shaped Loo鈥檚 own commitment to this practice.

What the Merrie Monarch Festival and its stage represent isn鈥檛 lost on her. Loo recalled the words of her Kumu Hula N膩lani Kanakaʻole Zane, whose legacy continues to permeate the festival: “She would remind us that this is the biggest stage for hula: an opportunity to share our language, culture, and dance in excellence. It鈥檚 an example of Hawaiian excellence at its highest level.”

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