The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) honored Chef Roy Yamaguchi, executive director of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP) of the University of Hawaiʻi, with the dedication of the Yamaguchi Family Lanai at its New York campus in October. The newly named gathering space, located outside the college’s student commons, recognizes Yamaguchi’s contributions to the culinary industry and his enduring connection to his alma mater.

Yamaguchi traveled to New York with his family for the dedication ceremony before returning home to Hawaiʻi to help kick off the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, a premier culinary event he co-founded.

A 1976 CIA graduate, Yamaguchi was inducted into the college’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2025 in recognition of his influence on the culinary industry. Drawing on the multicultural heritage of Hawaiʻi’s kitchens, his cooking has helped elevate local cuisine on the national and international stage, bringing greater recognition to the islands’ ingredients, flavors and culinary traditions.

Elevating Hawaiʻi’s culinary industry

Beyond his accomplishments as a chef and restaurateur, Yamaguchi has dedicated much of his career to culinary education and mentorship. As executive director of CIP, he is helping expand access to world-class culinary education and professional development opportunities in Hawaiʻi, including through a partnership with the CIA that brings advanced culinary training to working professionals.

“Chef Roy has spent his career elevating Hawaiʻi’s culinary industry while creating opportunities for the next generation of chefs,” said Grant Itomitsu, department chair of Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary Arts. “This dedication is a fitting recognition of all he has accomplished and the work he continues to do through his leadership at CIP, opening doors for our students and Hawaiʻi’s culinary community.”

The Yamaguchi Family Lanai will remain a permanent part of the CIA’s New York campus, providing a gathering place for students to share meals, connect and build community.

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s Sports Circle of Honor welcomed its 41st class of inductees and honored a longtime member of the training staff during the Green and White Celebration on October 16 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

The sold-out event presented by ʻAhahui Koa Anuenue returned to the ������Ƶ Mānoa campus as part of Homecoming festivities and was highlighted by the official enshrinement of the five-member 2026 Circle of Honor class.

• Monika Eggens, a three-time Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-American, Big West Player of the Year, Olympian and ������Ƶ‘s all-time leading goal scorer, became the ������Ƶ water polo program’s first Circle of Honor inductee.
• Rich Miano was honored for a multifaceted connection with the ������Ƶ football program, progressing from a walk-on defensive back to an All-American and 11-year NFL veteran. He later served as an assistant coach and television analyst.
• Barbara (Mitchell) Anderson was inducted in the Legends category as ������Ƶ‘s first swimming national champion and 1972 U.S. Olympian.
• Costas Theocharidis, a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Year and four-time first-team All-American, joined as one of the men’s volleyball program’s most decorated student-athletes.
• Ben Yee, who dedicated more than four decades of service to ������Ƶ football joined in the Contributor category as co-founder of the Nā Koa football booster club.

The ������Ƶ Mānoa Athletics Department also honored former trainer Eric Okasaki as the recipient of the Spirit of the Rainbow Award. The award recognizes staff members who demonstrated exceptional service over careers spanning at least 25 years.

The Circle of Honor inductees were recognized during the Homecoming football game versus New Mexico on October 17, at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Permanent plaques honoring the inductees are displayed along the main concourse of Bankoh Arena.

Read more at .

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Kaya Ishimine has been on a career fast track since she was a student. She began working at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi while completing her undergraduate studies in marketing and management.

After graduating, she was promoted to manager of marketing and the Young Professionals (YP) Program, later rising to associate executive director. In July, just two years after graduation, Ishimine stepped into the role of executive director of the program she was first drawn to for the opportunity to learn from high-achieving young adults.

Along the way, she has helped strengthen a growing network of young professionals across the state while finding her own voice as an emerging leader.

“No one knows young professionals better than young professionals,” she said.

Ishimine’s daily work aligns closely with her background in marketing and management. She works across programming, social media, email, website management, graphic design, meetings and event coverage for both YP and the broader Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi.

Growth, collaboration

Since the YP Program first started in 2011, it has grown to more than 600 members. The program now includes 15 committees, giving members more opportunities to lead, serve and create programming that reflects their interests. For the past two years, Shidler College and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi have collaborated on joint networking opportunities that bring alumni and YP members together.

Over the past four years, Ishimine has built strong relationships with members, board leaders and colleagues. She said the people she works with energize her, along with the creative freedom to turn ideas into reality.

Early in her career, she has been recognized for her impact, including being named a Pacific Business News Inno Under 25 honoree in 2025. Ishimine said the recognition was unexpected but meaningful, and credits mentors and colleagues with helping her build confidence along the way.

Looking back, Ishimine said Shidler College helped prepare her to step into leadership early in her career. Group projects and presentations taught her how to collaborate, communicate and share ideas with confidence, while her marketing courses shaped the way she approaches campaigns and event promotions.

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

Chu Hong was named the 2027 Hawaiʻi state teacher of the year by the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE). An educator in HIDOE for 22 years, Hong was selected out of more than 13,000 educators, including 15 and the charter school teacher of the year.

Hong, who earned her (MEdT) degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , teaches at Kaimukī High School where she developed her school’s agriculture, food and natural resources pathway, and expanded their garden into a smart farm. Before becoming an agriculture teacher, she taught mathematics and language arts.

“Whether I was teaching English or mathematics, I always tried to help students understand the real-world applications of what they were learning,” Hong said. “I wanted students to be actively engaged in their learning, to have voice and choice in their work, and to see themselves as partners in the learning process.”

������Ƶ Mānoa education shapes teaching philosophy

Of her time in the MEdT program, Hong said it helped shape the educator she has become, giving her a foundation in relationships and the practice of teaching that she continues to draw on today.

The College of Education instilled in me a foundation that has guided my teaching throughout my career.
—Hong

“The College of Education instilled in me a foundation that has guided my teaching throughout my career,” Hong said. “I especially remember learning about inquiry-based and place-based curriculum and the importance of making learning authentic and relevant to students’ lives.”

It is these principles that she has incorporated into her work developing a career and technical education program in which her students engage in authentic, interdisciplinary projects that connect science, mathematics, entrepreneurship and sustainability to real-world challenges.

Influenced by numerous educators throughout her life—from ������Ƶ Mānoa communicology Professor and Interim Assistant Vice Provost Amy Hubbard, English Professor Candice Fujikane and philosophy Professor Thomas Jackman to her College of Education professors and coordinators—Hong said each of them inspired her through their leadership and encouragement to take risks.

“The lessons I received at ������Ƶ Mānoa remain relevant to my work today, and the people who have influenced me continue to remind me that good teaching requires both preparation and humility,” Hong said.

Read the entire story on the .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s hosted its 34th Hall of Honor Awards on October 8 at the Sheraton Waikiki. The event celebrated distinguished business professionals who exemplify excellence in their fields, while raising funds to support the college. This year’s celebration brought together more than 400 guests to recognize the 2026 cohort and raised more than $400,000 thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the community.

The four newest inductees into the Hall of Honor include:

• Brian Bowers, MBA ‘96—president, Bowers + Kubota
• David Morimoto, BBA ‘91—vice chairman and chief operation officer, Central Pacific Financial Corp. and Central Pacific Bank
• Julie Nakayama, BBA ‘94—vice president and chief financial officer, Kyo-ya Management Co. Ltd.
• Patrick Ogawa, BBA ‘82—global lead client service partner and senior consulting partner, Deloitte Consulting

“Our four honorees represent what is possible with a Shidler education,” Shidler College Acting Dean Jing Ai said. “Through their leadership, accomplishments and service, they have made a difference in their communities, while continuing to strengthen the connection between our college and the world around us. Their stories also give our students something powerful to aspire to.”

Ai also shared several highlights reflecting the college’s continued momentum, including a 13% year-over-year increase in undergraduate enrollment at the . Shidler College was also ranked No. 23 in the nation for international business and No. 129 (tied) among 535 undergraduate business programs in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings.

“We are deeply grateful to our alumni, donors, business partners and friends for their continued belief in our students and our mission,” Ai said. “Their support enables us to attract exceptional faculty, expand meaningful opportunities for our students and continue strengthening Shidler’s impact and reputation here in Hawaiʻi and around the world.”

Premier fundraising event

The Hall of Honor Awards serve as the premier fundraising event in collaboration with the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association. Proceeds from the evening benefit the college, extending to student programs, scholarship opportunities, faculty research, alumni engagement and special initiatives.

Shidler alumna and 2014 Hall of Honor recipient Gina Mangieri emceed the event. Bowers + Kubota, Deloitte, Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank and Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts served as presenting sponsors, while Jay H. Shidler served as contributing sponsor and The Queen’s Health System as platinum sponsor. Pacific Business News was the media sponsor. If you would like to support Shidler College, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at Jennifer.Lieu@uhfoundation.org or (808) 956-3597. For a full list of past honorees, visit the .

Human rights lawyer and climate justice advocate Julian Aguon, an alumnus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , has been named to the , TIME’s annual list recognizing 100 rising leaders shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership.

Aguon was selected in the Innovators category for his groundbreaking work advancing climate justice and the rights of Pacific Island nations and communities. TIME100 Next recognizes individuals across five categories: Artists, Phenoms, Leaders, Advocates and Innovators.

In his TIME100 Next profile, Aguon is recognized for serving as lead counsel to the Republic of Vanuatu in the landmark climate proceedings before the International Court of Justice, which resulted in a unanimous 2025 advisory opinion on countries’ legal obligations to address climate change.

“It’s an honor to be included. And a little wild, if I’m gonna be honest,” said Aguon. “But it’s also heartening to see how wide their conception of influence is at TIME. I’m not the first from the climate justice movement to make the list, and I hope not to be the last. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and so we need every single light shone on it, with a view toward widening our collective vision and our sense of what is possible.”

More on Aguon

A 2009 graduate of the ������Ƶ law school, Aguon is an internationally recognized human rights lawyer and founder of Blue Ocean Law, a law firm based in Guam that works across the Pacific on issues of self-determination, environmental justice and Indigenous rights.

The TIME100 Next recognition follows several major honors for Aguon and his work. In 2025, Aguon and the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change received the Right Livelihood Award for their efforts to bring the call for climate justice before the world’s highest court.

“Julian Aguon’s recognition as a TIME100 Next 2026 honoree celebrates an international leader whose courageous advocacy has expanded our sense of what can be achieved by presciently harnessing the power of human rights, environmental justice and Indigenous wisdom,” said ������Ƶ law school Dean Camille Nelson. “For our students and community, he is an inspiring example of what is possible when excellence is fortified by conviction, compassion and a profound sense of responsibility to others and the planet.”

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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’s 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’s conversations could be lively and contentious, but they were always educational. This approach carried through Carrell’s work. Born and raised in Honolulu, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech at ������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa. The fund supports students in the in the School of Communication and Information, within the ������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa communicology department chair. “Martha’s 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’s rising leaders, and you’ll find a common connection: the University of Hawaiʻi. This year’s Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 list is a striking example. Half of the honorees have ties to ������Ƶ.

Two of them are current ������Ƶ employees serving Central and West Oʻahu communities: Darian Padilla, the ������Ƶ Foundation’s director of development for ������Ƶ West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College, and Hailey Zhou, product development manager at Leeward CC’s Wahiawā 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’s communities.

“Being named to PBN’s 40 Under 40 is both humbling and meaningful,” Padilla said. “I don’t 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 ������Ƶ 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’s 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

������Ƶ’s connection to the 2026 40 Under 40 class extends across the 10-campus system. Eighteen additional honorees are ������Ƶ alumni:

• Davin Aoyagi (BA ‘13, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—senior manager of government relations, Turo
• Joseph Castaneda (BBA ‘11, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—principal broker, REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu
• Louie Gangcuangco (MS ‘20, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—medical doctor and HIV specialist, Waikiki Health
• Cosmo Hirai (BA ‘13, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—��������DZ�, Hawaiʻi Tōdaiji Temple
• Chanel Josiah (AA ‘18, Leeward CC)—chief operating officer, Hawaiʻi Community Lending
• Katie Kaahanui (BA ‘21, ������Ƶ West Oʻahu)—director, Safe & Sound Westside, Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney
• Jai Keep-Barnes (BA ‘10; JD ‘17, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—partner, Lung Rose Voss Wagnild
• K. Sean Kekina (BS ‘12, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—deputy administrator and chief operating officer, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Kris Kokame (MBA ‘17, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—Hawaiʻi lead, external affairs, AES Hawaiʻi
• Richmond Luzar (BA ‘20, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—principal, Aura Strategies LLC
• Marc Malate (BA ‘12; MSW ‘17; MURP ‘18, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—licensed clinical social worker, Marc Joseph Malate
• Kelsey Nishi Darling (attended ������Ƶ����ԴDz�)—founder and executive director, Make Lemonade Project; owner, calligrapher and graphic designer, Hawaiʻi Calligraphy
• Jordan Odo (MBA ‘17, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—first vice president and compliance associate, American Savings Bank
• Nahelani Parsons (JD ‘17, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—founder and president, Pacific Government Relations
• Keane Santos (BBA ‘10, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—vice president, product strategy department manager, Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
• Sara Strona (JD ‘14; MBA ‘15, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—director, Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher, A Law Corporation
• Cody Winchester (MURP ‘18, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—community resilience planning manager, G70
• Jamie Yoshikane (JD ‘13, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�)—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 ������Ƶ’s 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 Mānoa Bookstore is welcoming students with a colorful tribute to the campus community and its rich botanical landscape.

Created by ������Ƶ Mānoa 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa 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, kōū and ʻulu trees,
each chosen for its connection to ������Ƶ Mānoa and the stories they represent.

One of Radona’s favorite elements is the ʻulu, 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa community has a story to tell and that those stories help shape the campus experience.

— Emili Phomsouvanh

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University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s 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 ������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ history. He competed in back-to-back NCAA Championships, and became ������Ƶ‘s first-ever Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American in 2023. Ilagan was named Big West Player of the Year, earned ������Ƶ‘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—the highest ranking of his career—and 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 Mānoa athletics has announced the 41st class of the ������Ƶ Sports Circle of Honor, which includes Monika Eggens (water polo), Rich Miano (football), Barbara (Mitchell) Anderson (swimming), Costas Theocharidis (men’s volleyball) and Ben Yee (contributor).

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

Established in 1982, the Circle of Honor recognizes individuals and teams that have contributed to the growth, history and tradition of ������Ƶ Athletics. Including this year’s 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 Mānoa 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 ������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ 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’s dynamic journey began at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Growing up as a sports fan in Hilo, Tsuji wanted to be a TV reporter and always dreamed of attending ������Ƶ. Driven by this passion, he earned bachelor’s degrees in communications and political science in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in public administration in 2009. During his time at ������Ƶ Mānoa, 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 ������Ƶ for eight years getting all these different degrees because ������Ƶ 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 Waikīkī, 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 ������Ƶ Alumni Makers’ 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’s 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 ������Ƶ Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the ������Ƶ Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current ������Ƶ student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email .

Hawaiʻi is advancing its commitment to becoming the nation’s 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’s Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) worked with faculty from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s 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’s 2024 executive order, the OWR’s 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’t 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’re surrounded by other people who are creative, like-minded people, and we kind of just gathered together and made a family.”

5th annual ������Ƶ Alumni Makers’ Market

In 2026 Tuiʻasoa is bringing that connection to the 5th Annual ������Ƶ Alumni Makers’ 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’m so proud to have gone to Windward CC to be a part of the ������Ƶ 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 ������Ƶ Alumni Makers’ Market is set for Wednesday, July 29 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī. , and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

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

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa public health and nursing alumna Aime Le has been crowned the 74th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, one of Hawaiʻi’s 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’s 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa, 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 kūpuna 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa in spring 2025. In fall 2025 and spring 2026, Le volunteered with the Memory Café at the ������Ƶ Mānoa Center on Aging, a free monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners.

“At the Memory Café, I can help support dementia-friendly spaces for kūpuna 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 Café,” 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 ������Ƶ ties: Princess Lauren Sayuri Katayama and First Princess Jacqueline Kiemi Osumi are ������Ƶ Mānoa alumnae, while Princess Kiʻilaweau Kakie Aweau is a current public health PhD student.

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Recent University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa graduates Chloe Lavigne and Rachel Wong earned multiple honors at the 2026 Pele Awards, one of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s top advertising and design competitions.

Lavigne’s “Deconstruct Exhibition Campaign” received Best of Show–College 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 ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s , said the students’ 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 ������Ƶ Mānoa students continue to perform strongly in the highly competitive Pele Awards.

“With an 86% career placement rate, the ������Ƶ Mānoa 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’s Ganesan Srinivasan was recognized with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s (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 ������Ƶ Mānoa. 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—as an East-West Center grantee and ������Ƶ 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’s 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—to 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 Hawaiʻi System News.]]> 234871