Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Jaydee Ah Sing’s decision to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo wasn’t just a choice—it was a calling. A proud graduate of 奥补颈腻办别补 High School, Ah Sing is deeply rooted in her community.

“I only applied to 糖心视频 Hilo,” she shared with a laugh. “I love it here in Hawaiʻi, and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

This spring, Ah Sing crosses the stage as a Chancellor Scholar, graduating with a bachelor of arts in and an certificate. Her journey demonstrates the profound impact of 糖心视频 Hilo’s close-knit academic environment, where local students can flourish and give back to the very islands that raised them.

Turning point

Ah Sing’s path shifted from pediatric medicine to education after discovering she was uneasy around blood. Her mentors, professors Kerri Inglis and Michele Ebersole, helped guide her to her true passion. She ultimately pursued history, leaning into her deep love for the subject.

Her dedication has led to remarkable achievements. Ah Sing recently won the Best Undergraduate Paper Prize at the Phi Alpha Theta regional conference in Hawaiʻi. Her senior thesis challenged established narratives about the iconic Kalaupapa Lighthouse. After a profound field study experience in Kalaupapa with Inglis, Ah Sing discovered moʻolelo (stories) of 叠辞办颈办奴尘补苍辞尘补苍辞, a shape-shifting dog protector of the peninsula.

“There was this entire history that people of Molokaʻi seem to know about, but others don’t get to experience because it had been displaced by this western form of historiography, which is history written by historians,” explained Ah Sing, who went to Kalaupapa over Spring Break and discovered evidence of the remnants of a heiau honoring Boki.

Service driven

Ah Sing’s passion for Hawaiian history and education translates directly into her career goals. Since high school, she has worked as a paraprofessional tutor at Keaʻau Elementary School, serving underprivileged students.

“I want to be the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond for my students,” she said.

She won’t have to wait long to achieve that dream. This July, Ah Sing will begin the at 糖心视频 Hilo.

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Melissa Mayo’s path to graduation is one of profound resilience, love and the power of perseverance. This spring, as she crosses the stage at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with her bachelor’s degree in , a minor in , and a , she represents a statistical triumph. Less than four percent of youth who experience the foster care system go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I would say proud, excited, nervous, surreal, but grateful,” Mayo shared when asked what words describe how she feels about her upcoming graduation. “I’m proud to be that person for my family.”

Mayo entered the foster care system at age 13. After graduating from Hilo High in 2017, she immediately enrolled at 糖心视频 Hilo. However, life soon demanded more of her. At just 20, she adopted her 7-year-old niece. Shortly after, she took in two older nieces who had also entered the foster care system.

Priorities, goals

Balancing full-time advocacy work with the profound responsibility of raising her family, Mayo had to put school on hold in 2022.

“I knew school was important. I knew that finishing my degree was going to get me to where I wanted to be,” she explained. “But I also had to take care of my family at the same time.”

Mayo’s professional work is as inspiring as her personal life. Working two jobs, she serves as a lived-experience advocate at the Children’s Law Project of Hawaiʻi, collaborating with guardians ad litem to determine the best interests of youth in care. She also works as a Pilina Circle Specialist at EPIC ʻOhana, facilitating crucial peer support and family meetings for foster youth.

These experiences clarified her ultimate dream: to become an attorney to advocate for children in the foster care system.

“I have witnessed first-hand how legal advocacy really makes a difference in kids’ lives, in parents’ lives, and in families’ lives,” Mayo said.

When Mayo returned to 糖心视频 Hilo to finish her degree, she found an academic home that embraced her journey without judgment. She credits the unwavering support of the political science department, specifically professors Su-Mi Lee and Sarah Marusek, for helping her navigate her return.

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A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa senior student has earned one of Stanford University鈥檚 most competitive graduate awards, underscoring the growing impact of 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 engineering programs.

Andrea Murillo, who is graduating this spring, has been admitted to the PhD program in electrical engineering at Stanford and is believed to be the first 糖心视频 Mānoa recipient of the Stanford Graduate Fellowship, an award given annually to about 100 incoming doctoral students across the university. The fellowship provides up to three years of funding, including tuition and stipend support, to top scholars in science and engineering fields.

Murillo鈥檚 path at 糖心视频 Mānoa reflects a multidisciplinary journey shaped by hands-on research and mentorship. She began her undergraduate journey as a mechanical engineering major before transitioning to computer engineering and ultimately electrical engineering in the electrophysics track, where she found her passion in mixed-signal circuit design.

Through work in several research labs, including projects on embedded systems, TinyML (Tiny Machine Learning), and integrated circuit design, Murillo discovered a passion for building more efficient hardware. She plans to continue that work at Stanford, focusing on circuit design and new technologies that can make electronics faster and use less energy.

“My experiences at 糖心视频 helped me discover not just what I enjoy studying, but how I want to contribute to the field,” said Murillo, who is an international student from Mexico. “The support from faculty, mentors and my peers gave me the confidence to pursue graduate school and aim for opportunities like this.”

Community leadership

Beyond the classroom, Murillo has been active in the community as a leader in the FabLab maker space, a member of engineering student organizations and a leader who won an award at the 2024 Honolulu Tech Week hackathon.

Her achievement highlights the role of 糖心视频 Mānoa in preparing students for advanced study and contributing to innovation in high-demand fields such as electrical engineering and artificial intelligence hardware.

“By leveraging the full breadth of opportunities at 糖心视频, Andrea developed a profound understanding of the grand challenges facing contemporary hardware design. Reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence, she has secured a place in one of the country鈥檚 most prestigious doctoral programs,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Professor Boris Murmann, who mentored Murillo and was on the faculty at Stanford for 20 years.

Murillo is expected to begin her doctoral studies this fall.

For Lauro Delos-Santos Jr., graduating from Honolulu Community College in 2026 with an associate of arts degree in Hawaiian Studies is more than just an achievement—it鈥檚 a life-changing triumph he never imagined.

Before enrolling at Honolulu CC, Delos-Santos and his wife were living at the Keahou Emergency Homeless Shelter. In September of 2020, a team from Honolulu CC鈥檚 Hawaiian Center visited the shelter to teach Hawaiian studies. For 12 weeks, Delos-Santos engaged in Hawaiian history, mythology, navigation, biology, politics, hula and even taro growing. By the end of the program, he was invited to consider returning to school—with financial aid support.

‘You can do it’

Despite initial hesitation—Delos-Santos had been recently released from prison, was on probation, and had a history as a convicted felon—Niuhelewai Program Specialist Kapulani Tuifanu and Native Hawaiian Counselor Kahale Saito persisted. They kept telling him, “You can do it.” They guided him through financial aid applications, course selection and introduced him to computers—something Delos-Santos had never used before.

With financial aid and careful planning, Delos-Santos was able to save money, obtain a driver鈥檚 license, buy a car, secure an apartment, and obtain a GED. He got his identifications in order, registered to vote, and maintained sobriety—milestones he once thought impossible.

“Ever since I came to Honolulu CC, nothing but good things have happened,” he said. “Angelic forces definitely were involved here. I鈥檓 so grateful.”

Six months after Delos-Santos started at Honolulu CC, he was given early release from probation, and his felony convictions were exonerated due to good behavior.

Hawaiian Studies helped Delos-Santos find himself through learning about his Hawaiian culture—gaining confidence, engaging with the community, and exploring self-discovery and wellness. He continued to see his substance abuse counselor, whom he credits as one of the influential factors in his recovery.

Helping others

Delos-Santos鈥� commitment extends beyond academics. He serves as a peer mentor at the Hawaiian Center, seeking to aid other students. He also led the Honolulu CC Math Society as 2024 president, preparing fellow students for quizzes and exams.

“Now, I want to be the person who helps others, like how I鈥檝e been helped,” he said.

Delos-Santos credits much of his success to the supportive culture at Honolulu CC.

“Anytime you need some help with anything, you can find it here. It鈥檚 just like home,” he said. “You can always come here, and you鈥檒l be taken care of.”

Delos-Santos will attend the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 in fall 2026 to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in human development and family studies with a focus on child and family services. His goal is to earn a master鈥檚 degree and become a licensed social worker, giving back to the community that supported him.

He has advice for current and prospective students, “If you have doubts, remember these four words: ‘You can do it!’ The support you need is here.”

—By Iris Greges

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.

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

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Walter A. Dods Jr., recognizing his decades of leadership in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 business community, his extensive philanthropic impact and his longstanding commitment to the university.

The regents voted at the board鈥檚 March 19 monthly meeting, held at Leeward Community College. The honorary degree will be formally conferred during the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 spring 2026 commencement ceremony, where Dods will also serve as commencement speaker.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to the University of Hawaiʻi and the regents for this recognition,” said Dods after the vote. “糖心视频 has played an important role in my life, and it has been a privilege to support the university and its students over the years. I share this honor with the many people who have inspired me and worked alongside me to strengthen our community.”

Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist

A 1967 graduate of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Shidler College of Business, Dods is widely regarded as one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most influential business leaders. Over a 36-year career at First Hawaiian Bank, he rose from an entry-level role to chairman and CEO.

“Walter Dods represents the very best of what the University of Hawaiʻi hopes to inspire in its graduates: leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to community,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “His impact on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic development is profound, but equally important is his lifelong dedication to giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has opened doors for generations of students and strengthened this university in lasting ways.”

Deep 糖心视频 support

His ties to 糖心视频 span nearly five decades. Dods has been a donor since 1975 and previously served as president of the 糖心视频 Foundation Board of Trustees. He chaired the university鈥檚 1998 Campaign for Hawaiʻi, which raised $116 million, and currently serves as campaign chair for the ongoing $1-billion “For 糖心视频, For Hawaiʻi” fundraising effort.

His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.

Dods has previously been recognized with the 糖心视频 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship. Regents cited Dods鈥� extraordinary career and enduring commitment to the university and the state as meeting and exceeding those standards.

Editor’s note: Cabuyadao was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer on December 19 and earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 on December 20..

For Navy officer candidate Gellie Cabuyadao, the path to her December 2025 graduation from the reflects a deep commitment to service under extraordinary circumstances.

Cabuyadao will earn a bachelor of business administration in while completing training through 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (NROTC). Injured during the New Year鈥檚 fireworks disaster in Salt Lake just after midnight on January 1, 2025, she returned to the scene to ensure her girlfriend and brother were safe and helped provide immediate care.

Selected in 2022 for the Navy鈥檚 highly competitive Seaman to Admiral–21 (STA–21) commissioning program, Cabuyadao is the program鈥檚 first active–duty Sailor to graduate from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 through NROTC.

A defining moment of courage

Just after midnight on January 1, Cabuyadao was inside a garage when sparks struck her leg and a sudden flash of fire surged toward her. The blast knocked her forward. “I felt intense heat on my arms, face and hair, and then everything went quiet except for a ringing sound,” she recalled.

She ran to safety, extinguishing flames on her clothing as fireworks continued exploding. Moments later, thinking of her girlfriend and brother, she turned back. “I just needed to find them to make sure they were safe,” she said.

Despite her injuries and the chaos of the scene, Cabuyadao located her loved ones, escorted them away from danger and helped provide immediate care until additional assistance arrived. She was later awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for heroic achievement, recognizing her courage, rapid response and decisive action despite being injured.

“The recognition has not changed how I see myself or how I act,” she said. “I do not consider myself a hero. My instinct was to protect the people I love.”

Six people died in the accident, and more than 20 others were injured.

Family, roots and early Navy service

Raised in Salt Lake by parents who immigrated from the Philippines, Cabuyadao credits her family鈥檚 sacrifices for shaping her sense of duty. With parents working long shifts to support the family, she learned independence early, often caring for her siblings and walking home through nearby military housing.

A 2016 graduate of Moanalua High School, Cabuyadao enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation. She began her career as an information systems technician at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific in Wahiaw膩, supporting satellite and telecommunications systems critical to Navy operations across the Pacific.

“That early experience showed me how essential my role is to mission success,” she said. “Leadership exists at every level. Commissioning felt like the right step because I wanted the responsibility of making final calls and leading others.”

Through the STA–21 program, Cabuyadao remained on active duty while completing her degree and training with 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 NROTC unit, blending academics with leadership development.

Balancing service, studies and resilience

Balancing early–morning physical training and military obligations with a full academic load tested her limits. She met the challenge with discipline, careful planning and support from her chain of command, NROTC staff, professors and peers to stay on track.

“Managing both responsibilities strengthened my confidence and showed me I can perform under pressure,” she said.

Fear is allowed to be there, but it does not limit me…I know I can move forward and get through what鈥檚 in front of me.
—Gellie Cabuyadao

Surviving the fireworks incident also reshaped her perspective. With support from family, friends, healthcare professionals and the community, Cabuyadao gave herself time to process the trauma.

“Fear is allowed to be there, but it does not limit me,” she said. “I know I can move forward and get through what鈥檚 in front of me.”

Graduating from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 carries additional significance. Cabuyadao is the first Filipina American, first woman and first commissioned officer in her family to hold this milestone.

“I hope my journey shows that people from communities like mine belong in these spaces, and their stories and perseverance matter,” she said.

Looking ahead, Cabuyadao plans to take on every opportunity the Navy offers—traveling widely, holding herself to high standards and leading by example.

“As a leader, I want to challenge Sailors to be comfortable getting uncomfortable,” she said. “Long–term mission success depends on mental resilience as much as physical readiness.”

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu held its 2025 mid-year commencement on December 13, celebrating nearly 300 students who completed their degrees during the summer and fall semesters. Nearly 190 graduates participated in the ceremony.

糖心视频 West Oʻahu conferred baccalaureate degrees in applied sciences, business administration, creative media, cybersecurity, humanities, natural science, public administration and social sciences, along with a range of academic certificates.

Student speakers: making our own magic, finding our honest voice

Graduates heard remarks from student speakers Nicole Quibol, who earned her BA in humanities, and Tinousi Mulitauaopele, who earned her BA in business administration.

Quibol reflected on her decision to study philosophy, inspired in part by her love of Harry Potter and the Philosopher鈥檚 Stone, while sharing her lived experience with blindness and the importance of accessibility.

“But before I found that magic, I had to face a different kind of reality, one that wasn鈥檛 written in the pages of fantasy books,” she said. “I might not look like it, but I am blind. And while blindness shapes how I move through the world, it has also shown me that accessibility is how we make the invisible visible, how we bring everyone into the circle.”

“Every one of us has our own ‘muggle struggle.’ One of mine just happens to be vision loss. But the lesson underneath it is the same: we all face barriers that try to convince us we don鈥檛 belong somewhere magical,” Quibol added. “The truth is, belonging is something we build together; through accessibility, through understanding, through community.”

Mulitauaopele spoke about finding confidence and belonging through her educational journey at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.

“糖心视频 West Oʻahu did not just teach me business, or data or leadership—it taught me that my voice belongs in rooms I used to be afraid to enter,” she said.

“I believe that starts the moment you finally get honest with yourself and decide to own your story. Because your story does not become powerful when it looks impressive to others. It becomes powerful when you believe it matters. And 糖心视频 West Oʻahu met me exactly where I was—online, juggling life, work and school. It didn鈥檛 just give me an education. It gave me a real chance to finish what I started.”

Heartfelt moment for Chancellor Benham

The ceremony also marked a significant milestone for Chancellor Maenette Benham, who presided over her final commencement before stepping down at the end of the year, marking nearly a decade of leadership.

In her remarks, Benham shared the ʻ艑濒别濒辞 Noʻeau, “ʻO ka piʻi n艒 ia a K艒k墨 O Wailau,” a saying used in admiration for someone who reaches the summit despite great difficulty.

“Indeed, ʻO ka piʻi n艒 ia a K艒k墨 O Wailau—we stand in admiration of you,” she said. “You have adapted and grown during these unprecedented times of change and adversity. You have had to be resourceful, resilient, and relentless—which has undoubtedly enriched you, adding to your tenacity, passion and humanity!”