Two University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate students received the 2025–26 Ping Yip and Jong Hung Chan Award, recognizing their commitment to community, integrity and creating greater harmony through their work and actions.

The award, coordinated by the , recognizes graduate students who exemplify moral character, strength and integrity through personal or public behavior. With a strong pool of applicants, two recipients were selected: Alondra Reyes and Ernest Bethe IV. Each received a $2,500 award.

Social contexts, racial disparities

Reyes, a PhD student, was selected during her first semester at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. Her research examines how social contexts contribute to racial disparities, including the ways media portrayals can reinforce social inequalities. She also works with community leaders through Mālama I Nā Ahupuaʻa, learning about traditional land preservation and restoration.

“Receiving this award has strengthened my mission as a first-generation PhD student to bridge research with community action, providing the support I need to continue grounding my work in the pursuit of true harmony for the people of Hawaʻi and beyond,” Reyes said.

Urban environments, reconnecting people with nature

Bethe graduated from the master of program in August. His work focused on creating urban environments that reconnect people with nature and each other, including through pollinator-friendly design, informal green spaces and food forests. His capstone explored how Honolulu could become a more multispecies city, where people have more opportunities to encounter and coexist with urban wildlife.

He also worked with the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice to help develop safe walking routes to school in Waipahu. Bethe said the award reminded him that people often discover their capacity to act when others need help.

“I think everyone has this in them. We beat ourselves up for the things we don’t do, but I’d bet most of us do the right thing in a crisis,” Bethe said.

Bethe will embark on a 10-month research initiative in Ecuador through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

The Ping Yip and Jong Hung Chan Award is open to any currently enrolled, full-time graduate student at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, regardless of field of study. Students may self-nominate through the STAR Scholarship portal. The deadline to apply for the 2026–27 award is October 15.

The Department of Psychology and Department of Urban and Regional Planning are housed in ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s .

The University of Hawaiʻi’s three 4-year universities earned national recognition in the released September 22, with ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu earning two second-place regional rankings and two additional top-10 rankings.

, and were ranked among the country’s top 4-year institutions by U.S. News and World Report out of based on nearly 20 categories (depending on program ranking), including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, academic and financial resources and student excellence.

“Recognition from U.S. News and World Report reflects the many ways the University of Hawaiʻi is serving students and the state,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ President Wendy Hensel said. “From academic programs and student support to opportunities that help students move into careers and build better lives for themselves and their families, these results highlight the strength and value of a University of Hawaiʻi education. We are proud of the work happening across our universities, community colleges and learning centers, and remain committed to providing opportunities for students at every level of higher education.”

The in the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa ranked No. 23 among the best programs in the nation. Shidler College also came in at No. 129 (tied) among the best undergraduate business programs out of 535 ranked undergraduate business programs.

The flagship campus of the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ System ranked No. 96 (tied) as a top U.S. public university; No. 128 for best colleges for veterans; No. 186 (tied) overall in the country; and No. 196 (tied) in social mobility, which measures how well schools graduated students who were federal Pell Grant recipients. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa was ranked among the national universities category—featuring institutions that offer a range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research.

The is the No. 94 (tied) best undergraduate nursing program among 671 ranked undergraduate nursing programs.

The ranked No. 140 (tied) for best undergraduate economics programs in the nation, and the ranked No. 189 (tied) out of the top 676 best undergraduate psychology programs in the nation. Both departments are housed in the .

The placed No. 146 (tied) among the best undergraduate engineering programs that offer doctoral degrees in the country.

The in the ranked as the No. 173 (tied) best undergraduate computer science program out of 587 ranked programs.

“ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s strong showing reflects the depth and breadth of a flagship institution that combines outstanding undergraduate education with nationally recognized research and professional programs,” said ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos. “Our faculty, staff, and students should all take pride in their hard work and dedication that led to these results, which can also be attributed to the many unique opportunities we are able to provide to students across our campus and in the field. I’m very pleased to see the fruits of our labor reflected in these rankings by U.S. News and World Report.”

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo ranked among the top national liberal arts colleges—a category that compares institutions across the country, rather than within a single region—that focus almost exclusively on undergraduate education and that tend to award most of their degrees in the arts and sciences. In that category, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo ranked No. 17 as a top public school, No. 77 (tied) for social mobility and No. 153 overall.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ±á¾±±ô´Ç’s is the No. 195 (tied) best undergraduate nursing program in the country among 671 ranked undergraduate nursing programs, the ranked No. 255 (tied) out of the top 676 undergraduate psychology programs in the nation, and the placed No. 301 (tied) out of 535 ranked undergraduate business programs.

“We’re proud to see ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo recognized among the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students and the high-quality education and experiences we provide. It’s a testament to the strong community we’ve built at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo and our commitment to student success.”

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu ranked No. 2 (tied) for top public colleges in the West and best colleges for veterans among regional colleges in the West, No. 8 for social mobility for regional colleges in the West and No. 9 (tied) overall among regional colleges in the West.

“These rankings are a reflection of the outstanding work happening every day at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu Interim Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza said. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed. We’re proud of our students and grateful to everyone who contributes to their success.”

Ranking categories

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa was ranked in the national universities category, which featured institutions that offer a range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo was ranked in the national liberal arts colleges category, which featured institutions that focus almost exclusively on undergraduate education and tend to award most of their degrees in the arts and sciences.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu was ranked in the regional colleges in the West category, which includes schools that focus on undergraduate education and grant fewer than 50% of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

What is the most important trait of a journalist? It’s helpful to be a strong communicator. But ask editors and newsroom leaders what professional strengths are highly valued, and the answers include tenacity, curiosity and, perhaps foremost, someone with high ethical standards who is meticulous about fact-checking.

In May 2024, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser found someone who fit the bill. Victoria Budiono, a ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ double major in and , was hired as a reporter only a year after graduation. That’s partly because the now 23-year-old alumna held multiple internships and freelance opportunities while enrolled at the .

“We couldn’t be prouder of Victoria, or more grateful to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, for preparing one promising student after another for our annual winter and summer internships,” said Dan Nakaso, Star-Advertiser capitol bureau chief. “Victoria quickly earned a reputation as a promising, smart, curious and respectful journalist who understood the importance of double- and triple-checking facts. Now she’s a general assignment reporter covering personal tragedies, triumphs and everything in between.”

Budiono grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, and came to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ after working on school newsletters and magazines from elementary through high school.

“I’ve always loved writing, talking to people and hearing their stories,” she said. “Through reporting, I saw how these stories could bring attention to issues that often went unnoticed, especially in Indonesia, where many topics are considered taboo, and people are often taught not to air their ‘dirty laundry.’”

Her passion for journalism grew throughout her three years at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and beyond through multiple learning experiences at news organizations and a nonprofit, including:

• A semester-long internship at Hawaiʻi Business Magazine, during which she contributed to a “My Jobs” series on people with unusual careers. She later returned as a freelance writer, producing feature stories that earned her a Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Hawaiʻi Chapter award.
• Freelancing at Honolulu Magazine and its sister company, Frolic Hawaiʻi, where she wrote articles and did social media posts for the food and lifestyle website.
• A five-month internship at the Aloha Harvest marketing/communications department, where she helped to write reports, update mailing lists and produce a newsletter for the food rescue nonprofit.
• Working at Honolulu Civil Beat through an SPJ summer internship, specializing in general reporting assignments.
• A five-month internship with the ³§³Ù²¹°ù-´¡»å±¹±ð°ù³Ù¾±²õ±ð°ù’s Capitol Bureau, which transitioned into a full-time job as a general assignment reporter once the legislative session ended.

Budiono said she enjoys the eclectic nature of her work.

“Because I don’t cover a single beat, I am constantly learning about new topics and meeting people from different backgrounds,” she said. “On any given day, I might be reporting on government issues, housing, insurance, education or community events—subjects I knew very little about beforehand.”

Read more about Budiono’s journalism journey on the .

The newly crowned Miss Hawaiʻi 2026, Carly Yoshida, is a University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu alumna, who earned a bachelor of arts in social sciences with a concentration in psychology in 2023. Yoshida succeeds Miss Hawaiʻi 2025 Emalia Dalire, a 2024 ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu graduate.

“The moment I was named Miss Hawaiʻi 2026 felt surreal—I honestly just remember being so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude when they called my name,” said Yoshida, 26, of Honolulu. “I’ve been working at this dream for so long, so there are so many different layers of purpose and emotion in this win.”

It was a full-circle moment for Yoshida, who works at KITV4 as the weekday weather anchor for both Good Morning Hawaiʻi and Island News Midday. She is celebrating 10 years since being crowned Miss Hawaiʻi’s Teen in 2016.

The Miss Hawaiʻi competition took place on June 19 at Hawaiʻi Theatre. Yoshida competed as Miss Kakaʻako and topped nine other delegates for the title. She was crowned by Dalire.

• Related story: ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu alumna crowned Miss Hawaiʻi, June 24, 2025

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu a ‘formative time’

“It’s really special that Emalia is also a ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu grad!” Yoshida said. “It shows how much the school prepares its students for success, and I’m excited to follow in her footsteps. I’ve watched her grow up, so it’s a very interesting dynamic of her being my big/little sister. We also share the same birthday!”

Yoshida is from Waikoloa Village on Hawaiʻi Island and graduated from Kealakehe High School. She earned her associate’s degree in liberal arts from Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui, then transferred to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu.

“ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu was such a formative time for me,” Yoshida said. “It really helped me build the foundation for my career and understand the community better before I started working full time.”

Weather safety platform

During the Miss Hawaiʻi competition, Yoshida’s platform, or community service initiative, was “Weather the Future,” which encourages safety and emergency readiness for Hawaiʻi. Yoshida said she is looking forward to expanding this initiative during her upcoming reign.

“I believe that this is not just a statewide issue, but a national and global ambition, and I‘ve already planted the seeds by networking with scientists, STEM experts and globally known science content creators who are excited about this initiative,” she said. “So, I feel that Hawaiʻi has a really strong suit to bring to the table at Miss America this year.”

She will represent Hawaiʻi at the in September in West Palm Beach, Florida.

For more go to .

— By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

For Liliana Okimoto, a year away for college in Washington State provided a realization that no school in the continental U.S. can offer what the can: a deep sense of community and purpose. That was the focus of her winning #TakeMeToMānoa social media contest video hosted by .

In her minute-long entry, Okimoto said, “Hawaiʻi is where my heart is and under the guidance of the amazing faculty and staff at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa, I know I can grow into the person I want to become—someone who devotes themselves to learning in order to better serve their community, so take me home. Take me to Mānoa.”

As the winner out of nearly 60 entries, Okimoto won a free year of tuition at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa, courtesy of (ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵFCU). The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2026 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to explain why ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future.

Billy V from Hawaiʻi News Now made the surprise announcement to Okimoto live on Sunrise on May 22, in front of cheering ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ employees and students at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa Bookstore.

“I was just in shock and I was so happy,” Okimoto said. “I didn’t realize what it was and then I saw the check. I was like, ‘oh my goodness.’”

Okimoto grew up in Waiʻanae and attended Island Pacific Academy before graduating from ʻIolani School in 2025. At ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa, Okimoto will pursue a degree in in the , and is also considering a pre-health track. She is also passionate about art and is considering medical school to become a psychiatrist, with a possible goal of one day leading a medical practice that offers psychological care and creative therapies such as art therapy.

“I had gone to school on the mainland and I could tell that I don’t know if this is what’s right for me and I always just kept thinking about coming home, being back here,” Okimoto said. “And so I was really looking at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and what programs are here and what they have to offer. I really think that being back at home and being at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ specifically is what’s best for me.”

This will be a full circle moment for Okimoto, who will attend ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa at the same time as her mother, Michelle, who is in the graduate program for library and information science. Michelle is a librarian at ʻIolani.

“It’s really exciting,” Michelle said. “I wish that I had completed all of the education I wanted to do when I was younger, so I’m definitely gonna encourage her to do that, but I think it’s really cool that we’re gonna go to the same school, go to the same events and maybe even carpool sometimes. I’m just so glad to have her home. It’s icing on the cake that we get to be students together. I’m looking forward to studying together and cheering each other on!”

The contest ran from April 6 to May 3. Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams, creativity and determination of Hawaiʻi’s students.

“I am delighted to congratulate Liliana, the winner of this year’s #TakeMetoMānoa contest,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “As our first transfer student to receive this honor, she is a shining example of a student returning home from the continent for whom finding the right fit is of utmost importance, and we are glad to be that destination of choice for her. We are proud to welcome her to our ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa ʻohana and look forward to the impact she will have on our community.”

“We’re very proud of being able to support the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and also the students here and bringing her back home,” said ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵFCU AVP of Member Experience Sean Parsa. “We’re proud of her and we’re proud of being part of the University of Hawaiʻi.”

Meet the previous #TakeMeToMānoa winners.

Micah Tutuvanu came to college searching for direction but found something more enduring, a belief in himself. Graduating from Kapiʻolani Community College with a liberal arts degree with a concentration in psychology and a certificate in sustainability, Tutuvanu reflects on a journey shaped by self-discovery and perseverance.

Growing up in Salt Lake and attending Moanalua High School, Tutuvanu described himself as a below-average student who was not involved in extracurricular activities and unsure if college was within reach.

“I had a fixed mindset that I wasn’t a good student, that I wouldn’t succeed,” he said. “Kapiʻolani CC changed that.”

Navigating challenges and finding direction

As a first-generation college student, the youngest of three brothers and a Lunalilo Scholar, Tutuvanu’s transition to college was not easy. In his first year, he commuted daily from Mililani, spending about two hours each day on the bus, using that time to rest between classes and work.

Tutuvanu began without a clear path, initially pursuing biology while trying to find where he fit. Along the way, he stepped away from college to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a dental assistant, returning with a renewed sense of purpose and direction in clinical psychology.

“Kapiʻolani CC taught me how to navigate institutions as a Native Hawaiian, Samoan, first-generation college student,” he said. “My journey has been figuring things out.”

Leadership and campus involvement

Tutuvanu immersed himself in campus life, while also working at Oeno Winery and Milk Market Hawaiʻi. He became involved with the Center for Research, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, rejoined Student Congress, and co-founded both the Sustainability Club and the Rooted Christian Club. He also mentored Pacific Islander students and was recognized with the campus’s distinguished NeÊ»epapa Award.

Through mentorship, campus involvement and peer support, He became active in Student Congress, contributing to efforts that helped lower summer tuition across the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.

“Kapiʻolani CC provided me with life skills, time management, leadership, to move into my next step,” he said.

Building a support system and looking ahead

Tutuvanu navigated personal hardships and built a strong network of support through mentors and peers. He credits his parents, mentor Shannon Sakaue and friend Jenny Brown for providing a foundation throughout his time at Kapiʻolani CC.

Meet more amazing ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ graduates

“Micah is a determined individual, who knows how to survive through any circumstance,” said Sakaue, Kapiʻolani CC Student Congress faculty advisor and counselor. “He has grit, focus and intentionality behind his work. He is a role model to his peers, and I look forward to watching where his life journey will take him.”

Looking ahead, Tutuvanu has been accepted to several universities and while he decides where he will transfer to, he plans to continue in psychology, aspiring to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology or education.

“The hardships I experienced influenced my decision,” he said. “I want to give back in the way that I was supported.”

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

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

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

She applied for support and spoke with Sherri Akau, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ±á¾±±ô´Ç’s acting senior director of student care and conduct. Within days, Kapuni learned her request had been approved.

‘Beyond being an advocate’

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

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

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

Helping thousands of students

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

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

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

Read more about ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ±á¾±±ô´Ç’s .

Now in its sixth decade, the Merrie Monarch Festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond, celebrating Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and artistry. The influx of visitors also supports independent marketplaces throughout Hilo, where local businesses can showcase their work.

Two University of Hawaiʻi alumni—Summer Shiigi of Ten Tomorrow and Lana Gronwald of Jules and Gem Hawaii—are vendors at the Mākeke Naniloa marketplace at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, returning to Hawaiʻi Island after participating together last year.

Shiigi, a former ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa psychology student, runs and designs the resort women’s clothing brand Ten Tomorrow.

“My family is from Hilo, so being able to go and visit for work is really special to me,” said Shiigi. “It’s an exciting time. It feels very meaningful and deep and cultural.”

Gronwald, the owner and founder of Jules and Gem Hawaii, a luxury fragrance brand, graduated from ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“Merrie Monarch is a special time. It’s beautiful to see all the different artists that come out and all those small businesses that are truly local who come from here and have roots in Hawaiʻi,” said Gronwald.

Supporting local businesses

Both businesses make their products in Hawaiʻi. With customers and businesses converging in Hilo, both women are appreciative of the opportunities it presents.

“The dollars being spent all with local companies is something really beautiful,” said Shiigi. “Being able to have that hard earned dollar spent in a local community and turning it back into someone who’s based here, who has local employees, who might even make things here, I think that’s really important.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

Competing against 37 colleges, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation’s top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵM—a registered independent organization at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of Hawaiʻi.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵM was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

• Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
• Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
• ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
• Alexander Picken, Earth science
• Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
• Caleb Zerbe, computer science
• Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
• Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
• Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
• D’Elle Martin, architecture
• Elijah Saloma, computer science
• Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
• Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
• Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
• Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
• Julietta Lopez, architecture
• Kanaru Ebi, psychology
• Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
• Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
• Lyndsey Moku, political science
• Maya Ito, psychology
• Michaella Villanueva, computer science
• Noah Asano, computer science
• Samantha Reed, computer science
• Shaelyn Loo, computer science
• Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
• Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
• Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
• Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
• Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
• Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
• Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
• Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
• Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Five subject areas were placed in the world’s top 1%, and an additional four earned top 2% honors in the 2026 , released on January 21.

Education led the way, ranked in the No. 101–125 tier, followed by physical sciences at No. 126–150, arts and humanities at No. 151–175, and law and life sciences each at No. 201–250. To qualify in the world’s top 1%, rankings must be within the top 250 in the world () ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa was ranked in all 11 of the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject lists.

“We are proud that ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa continues to be recognized globally, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, research and the student experience,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “These rankings underscore the hard work and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, who make ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa a truly exceptional place.”

All ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa rankings:

• Education studies: No. 101–125
• Physical sciences: No. 126–150
• Arts and humanities: No. 151–175
• Law: No. 201–250
• Life sciences: No. 201–250
• Social sciences: No. 251–300
• Medical and health: No. 301–400
• Psychology: No. 301–400
• Business and economics: No. 401–500
• Computer science: No. 501–600
• Engineering: No. 501–600

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry income and international outlook. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 425–1,555 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

Other rankings

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, January 4, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 9, 2025
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, October 2, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, September 23, 2025

For more information, .

For their research into therapeutic strategies aimed at combating Alzheimer’s disease, two University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ undergraduate students earned an award at an international biomedical meeting in October.

Christine Lau and Marie Ishida traveled to Daejeon, South Korea, to attend the 13th International Symposium on Selenium in Biology and Medicine. They delivered a poster presentation and an oral presentation describing their work. Lau and Ishida were recognized with an award for Top Poster Presentation from the publisher Springer–Nature.

Lau and Ishida conduct research under the mentorship of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Researcher Daniel Torres at the , where they study the ability of the micronutrient selenium to counteract the production of tau and beta–amyloid, two proteins involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lau is double majoring in psychology and molecular and cell biology, and recently started her BAM (bachelor’s and master’s) combined degree program for educational psychology. She hopes to go to medical school and become a forensic psychiatrist.

Ishida is majoring in biology, and is working toward attending medical school and becoming a physician. She said, “the symposium was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to witness the various projects that researchers are conducting.”

The University of Hawaiʻi’s three 4-year universities earned national recognition in the U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings released on September 23, including four top 10 regional rankings for ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu.

, and were ranked among the top 4-year institutions by U.S. News and World Report out of based on up to 17 measures (depending on ranking category) of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, financial resources and student excellence.

“These rankings reflect the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students across all three ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ 4-year campuses,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ President Wendy Hensel said. “They show that we are continuing to provide Hawaiʻi students with a high-quality, affordable education while preparing them to lead in their communities and beyond.”

The flagship campus of the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ System ranked No. 92 as a top U.S. public university; No. 122 for best colleges for veterans; No. 169 overall in the country; and No. 189 in social mobility, which measures how well schools graduated students who were federal Pell Grant recipients.

The came in at No. 109 among the best undergraduate business programs out of 533 ranked undergraduate business programs.

The is the No. 118 best undergraduate nursing program among 686 ranked undergraduate nursing programs.

The in the ranked No. 139 for best undergraduate economics programs in the nation.

The placed No. 150 among the best undergraduate engineering programs that offer doctoral degrees in the country.

The in the ranked as the No. 177 best undergraduate computer science program out of 601 ranked programs.

The in the ranked No. 196 out of the top 682 best undergraduate psychology programs in the nation.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo ranked No. 178 as a top U.S. public university, No. 204 for social mobility and No. 329 overall among the top 434 national universities—a classification based on offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, emphasizing research, as explained in the rankings categories below.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ±á¾±±ô´Ç’s is the No. 186 best undergraduate nursing program in the country, the placed No. 254 among the 533 best undergraduate business programs, and the ranked No. 297 out of the best 682 undergraduate psychology programs.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu ranked No. 3 for best public colleges in the West, No. 3 for best colleges for veterans among regional colleges in the West, No. 8 overall among regional colleges in the West (two spots higher than last year and five spots higher than the year prior) and No. 8 for social mobility for regional colleges in the West (five spots higher than last year and 13 spots higher than the year prior).

Ranking categories

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa and ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo were ranked in the national universities category, which featured institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu is in the regional colleges in the West category, which includes schools that focus on undergraduate education and grant fewer than 50% of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

The University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s doctoral program in (CSP) has been reaccredited by the (APA) through 2035. The 10-year period is the maximum term given by the association.

“Accreditation is a vital process in clinical psychology, and we are proud that our program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association for more than five decades,” said Associate Professor and Clinical Training Director Anthony Papa, who led the reaccreditation effort. “This recognition affirms that our program prepares clinical psychologists to excel at the highest standards of professional practice—in clinical care, administration, supervision, research and teaching—across the many public and private institutions that serve the people of Hawaiʻi and beyond. APA accreditation also ensures that our graduates are qualified to pursue licensure in every state and to serve in the VA and other federal agencies nationwide.”

CSP is a full-time, 5-year program that integrates science and practice to enhance psychological knowledge, health and well-being. Its main goal is to equip graduates with skills to alleviate human suffering through an integrative psychological clinical science approach.

Since its establishment in the fall of 1970, CSP has graduated more than 200 clinical psychologists who have gone on to careers as clinicians, administrators and supervisors in hospitals, mental health centers, private practice and other health service settings, as well as teachers and researchers at universities and research hospitals in Hawaiʻi and across the country. CSP, which has been accredited by APA since 1972, currently has 31 students enrolled.

The is housed in the (CSS).

See the on the CSS website.

What if your first college class took you more than 4,000 miles from home—and gave you an entirely new view of the world?

That’s exactly what 10 freshmen at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ experienced this summer in the ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Academy Kagoshima, a unique pre-college program developed and administered by the (CSS). Held July 8–29, 2025, the innovative three-week program combined academic coursework with full cultural immersion. It began with four days of classes at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa followed by 11 days in Kagoshima, Japan where students engaged in academic and cultural classes, activities and experiences. The group then returned to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa for final presentations.

“By immersing themselves in Japan’s history and society, Mānoa Academy participants gained a fresh perspective on study topics including peace, leadership, collective action and cross-cultural communication,” said CSS Dean Denise Eby Konan, founder and executive director of ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Academy.

‘A bridge of humanity’

For -bound student Noah Aoki, a graduate of Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy, the experience was deeply humanizing.

“Spending time with my partner at Kagoshima University made me realize that all people desire peace, which is the ability to reconcile differences between each other appropriately,” said Aoki. “Even though we live in different parts of the world and speak different languages, the two groups of students were still able to bond. I could see that there’s a bridge of humanity covering the vast river of languages and cultural differences.”

Cseretha Jones, a Leilehua High alumna interested in biochemistry or psychology, drew powerful cultural connections during her time in Japan.

“We visited Sakurajima and got to witness the Sogadon no Kasayaki festival from front-row seats,” she said. “The heat of the umbrellas burning against the night sky reminded me of the times I visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, where night performances and storytelling were huge forms of entertainment. Being able to be a part of this (Japan) experience made me appreciate home a little more.”

Participants earned three ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa credits through the Social Sciences 124 course, “Leadership and Social Issues,” applying their classroom learning to real-world contexts through field visits, community exchanges and reflections—all while giving them a good start on their freshmen year at the flagship campus of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ System.

Now back home and preparing for their first semester at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa, these students bring with them more than early college credit—they carry a global awareness and experiences that will shape their personal and academic paths for years to come.

Program instructor locally and abroad was Eiko Ushida, with leadership provided by Professor Nori Tarui, senior advisor to the CSS Dean on , and chair of the ; and Spencer Kimura, CSS director of international programs.

Mānoa Academy Kagoshima was sponsored by CSS, Kagoshima University, Hawaiian Airlines, Shigetomi Shoji Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu. These partners covered expenses including round-trip airfare to and from Fukuoka, room and board, ground transportation and excursion fees.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s in 2020, Charissa Vallesteros took a bold leap—leaving behind restaurant shifts to launch her own business. Today, her mobile bartending company, Char’s Bar, is a popular choice for parties and events across Oʻahu.

“I just thought, I don’t want to be a bartender in the restaurant industry for much longer,” Vallesteros said. “During COVID-19, I decided to start my own mobile bartending business. We started off doing house parties, and then it just grew.”

Char’s Bar has become a huge success. With themed cocktails and custom menus tailored to each event, Vallesteros has created a business known for creativity and flair.

“I usually have in-depth discussions with clients to get a sense of their favorite flavor profiles, liquor preferences, and the overall vibe they want,” she said. “If it’s a nurse grad party, for example, we’ll incorporate things like syringes or a themed cocktail menu that ties into the nursing field.”

Staying connected through ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ

The former ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Dance Team member credits her time at the university for fueling her entrepreneurial journey. She said the connections, support and school spirit she found on campus helped build the foundation for her business success.

“Especially in this day and age, staying connected to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and the alumni community is such a good way to network, get to know your peers, and put your foot in doors that others have already walked through,” she said.

This year, Vallesteros will showcase Char’s Bar at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Alumni Makers’ Market on August 6, at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. She’s eager to connect with fellow grads who, like her, have transformed their ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ education into something uniquely their own.

• ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Alumni Makers’ Market 2025 now. General admission includes unlimited access to food and beverage stations.

“It’s really hard to make it out here on this island,” Vallesteros said, “so it’s nice to see people who have taken what they’ve learned, added their own style, and built something for the community.”

After nearly a decade of uncertainty, setbacks and searching for direction, Jamilyn Moriguchi is graduating from with an associate’s degree in psychology—and a transformed sense of self.

“I’m most proud of how far I’ve come,” said Moriguchi. “I enjoy school now, and I honestly could never say that before.”

• Meet more amazing ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ spring graduates

Reluctant student

A 2015 Kalaheo High School graduate, Moriguchi started college reluctantly, struggling with the pressure to succeed despite not feeling ready.

“I wasn’t motivated at all,” she said. “I felt like I was forcing myself to attend college to meet others’ expectations instead of listening to what I needed. That led to poor performance and a complete lack of interest in college. I didn’t feel like I was moving fast enough or in the right direction, which discouraged me. I didn’t want to be there.”

Things began to shift in 2018 when she transferred to Kapiʻolani CC.

“When I first witnessed the support and community other students had built at Kapiʻolani CC, I started to realize that I could find my place in college,” she said.

After a challenging detour to Las Vegas in 2021 left her feeling adrift, Moriguchi returned to Hawaiʻi in 2022 and reconnected with . The program, funded by the Kaneta Foundation, offers scholarships, mentoring, and a strong support network for students who may not have initially planned to attend college.

Uplifted and valued

“From the start, this campus felt like home, a place filled with connection, community and support,” Moriguchi said. “Being accepted into the Lunalilo Scholars Program and becoming a peer mentor became one of my biggest goals. Both allowed me to restart and find purpose in my education. I felt a sense of freedom and control over my choices for my life and future.”

She credits the Lunalilo Scholars Program—and individuals such as Josiah OÊ»Sullivan, Sydney Burgher, Kapilialoha Kidder, Colette “Aunty Coco” Andrade-Fujii and LaVache Scanlan—for helping her see her potential.

“I never felt discouraged or ignored,” she said. “I felt uplifted and valued. My grades began to improve, and I finally saw myself succeeding. The support was something I had never experienced before in school. They showed me that my past does not define me, and that I am much stronger than I once believed.”

‘Always a Lunalilo Scholar’

Moriguchi plans to continue her studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and hopes to keep mentoring others on their own journeys.

“Finding the right place and people makes all the difference,” she shared. “Surround yourself with those who believe in you and truly want to see you succeed.”

Her support system, rooted in the Lunalilo Scholars Program, is something Moriguchi will carry with her wherever she goes.

“Once a Lunalilo Scholar, always a Lunalilo Scholar,” she said. “No matter how far I go, I’ll always have a home here.”

–By Lisa Yamamoto

It was 2020 when Brenda DeCambra enrolled at Leeward Community College’s —a year marked by significant personal and global challenges. While the world was shutting down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, DeCambra was undergoing drug treatment and filing for divorce after a 30-year abusive relationship. She also moved in with her sister and brother-in-law in Waiʻanae—both of whom were attending at the time.

DeCambra said that seeing her family’s commitment to their education served as powerful inspiration. That, plus her desire to make a better life for herself, her six children and her five grandchildren, fueled her desire to pursue higher education.

“I wanted to prove to my children that anything is possible, no matter your age or your past, as long as you are determined and motivated,” DeCambra said.

DeCambra said adjusting to college life was tough, especially with technology-heavy coursework, but she found strength in the support from tutors, mentors and professors.

“Waiʻanae Moku has made me feel at home, and the environment is safe for learning and growing,” said DeCambra. “I was able to be myself and not be judged by anyone, which means a lot when you come from a background of addiction and family struggles like mine.”

Waiʻanae Moku has made me feel at home.
—Brenda DeCambra

DeCambra will graduate on May 9 with an associate’s degree in liberal arts before transferring to in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Eventually, DeCambra plans to take her journey full circle by getting a master’s degree in social work and using her experience to help others facing similar struggles.

• Meet more amazing ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ spring graduates

“The courses I took at Waiʻanae Moku helped me to better understand core values like service, social justice, dignity and the worth of an individual,” said DeCambra. “Now I have more insight into the problems we face in our communities and how we can try to solve them.”

—By Devon Bedoya

“During a time when it was so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it reminded me that there is good in this world and showed me that people care deeply about our community and its future,” Lahainaluna High School class of 2024 graduate and student Cecelia Steiner told a room full of supporters at the Scholarship Dinner on April 7.

Steiner, whose home was destroyed in the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires, shared her journey of loss, perseverance and gratitude for the support that has allowed her to pursue her college dreams at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. She is one of the students from Lahainaluna’s class of 2024 attending one of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s 10 campuses through a special scholarship offered in the aftermath of the fire. The scholarship initiative, announced in fall 2023, supports students whose lives and education were upended by the disaster.

“Especially after the fire and losing my home, we were focused on rebuilding and it was just another thing to worry about, the financial part,” said Steiner, a first-generation college student. “When ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ offered a scholarship and paid for school, it changed my world because not having to worry about the financial aspects was huge.”

Disaster brings fear, difficulties to family

The August 2023 fire, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, changed everything overnight. Steiner was staying in Wailuku when flames ripped through Lahaina, destroying more than 2,200 structures and claiming more than 100 lives.

“My dad was at the house by himself,” she recalled. “He needed to evacuate…There was so much smoke in the air that it was like blocking the sun. He was getting everything together in the dark.”

Steiner didn’t see her parents for four days, with cell service down and roads closed. When they reunited, her father said they had lost the family’s home and truck. In the weeks after the fire, Steiner made the difficult decision to transfer to a high school on the other side of Maui so she could stay on track to graduate.

“I was a senior, I needed to make sure I was graduating,” she said. “They weren’t telling us when school was going to reopen, so I didn’t want to risk my chances.”

Persevering with the help of others

Eventually, she returned to Lahainaluna, where she served as student body president, played soccer, worked a part-time restaurant job and finished high school. She noted the impact of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s scholarship went beyond herself.

“Only about 62% of high school graduates in the United States attend college, but my class—like 85%—went to college,” Steiner said. “We broke a record for Lahainaluna, the most graduates to go to college.”

Steiner, a major in the , hopes to eventually attend graduate school and return to Lahaina to give back.

“This generosity was not just a gift for me, it was a lifeline for my classmates and their families, many who faced similar challenges,” she said during her speech at the scholarship dinner. “I am hopeful that with the knowledge and experiences we gain, my class will bring that hope and strength back to Lahaina to rebuild not just structures, but the heart of our town.”

—By Marc Arakaki

The Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ defended its national championship at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 28–30.

Competing against more than 40 colleges, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ won first place once again for “highest point average,” as well as second place for both the overall team championship and the formation team competition, asserting its place as the ballroom dance college team to beat in the U.S. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires all members of the team to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (choreographer and instructor). Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the amateur USA Dance National DanceSport Championships in the senior age division.

“It was an incredibly proud moment to defend our highest point average victory—it speaks volumes about our team’s dedication and passion,” said Narayan, co-instructor of the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Ballroom Dance Club and an adjunct faculty member in the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ . “To finish second overall against such fierce competition is a testament to the discipline and the hundreds of hours of hard work that our students put into their training.”

Two years of success

This was just the second year the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ team competed at the national competition since the formation of the club in September 2022. Last year, the students took first place for “highest team average” and finished in fourth place overall.

“Nationals was one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks I’ve ever accomplished,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ computer science student Shaelyn Loo said. “Being able to dance and compete with such supportive coaches and teammates helped ease the nerves of competition so I could focus on having fun and performing.”

Andrew Lin, a ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ computer science student, added, “Nationals was an unforgettable experience that evoked a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, frustration, acceptance, pride and gratitude. Despite the challenges, the friendships we forged, lessons we learned and our love for ballroom dancing made it all worthwhile.”

Endurance competition

The NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.) and age level (youth, collegiate, adult, senior, etc.). Each student danced in approximately 15 to 32 different events in both the collegiate and adult age categories at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, foxtrot, tango and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing and bolero) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba and jive). Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some competitions. The NCDC trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

An audience member and parent of a high school junior said, “Thanks to your team, my daughter (who has never done ballroom dance before) wants to join your team and is now seriously considering the University of Hawaiʻi as an option for her undergraduate studies.”

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6–7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ athletics department, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi and USA Dance, Inc. for facility and financial support.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 2025 nationals team roster:

• Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science) and coach
• Synthia Sumukti, coach
• Florence Liu, faculty (math)
• D’Elle Martin, architecture
• Julietta Lopez, architecture
• Epsilon Austin, biotechnology
• Luis Hernandez, computer engineering
• Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science
• Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
• Elijah Saloma, computer science
• Shaelyn Loo, computer science
• Andrew Lin, computer science
• Michaella Villanueva, computer science
• Alexander Picken, Earth science
• Kyoko Suzuki, environmental science
• Mayumi Watanabe, hospitality
• Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
• Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
• Matthew Rummel, political science
• Andrea Siochi, psychology
• Sydney Kim, alumni, computer science
• Jason Aguda, alumni, computer engineering
• Wilson Tran, alumni, computer science
• Emily Pham, alumni, computer engineering

Formation team

Swing

Viennese Waltz

Waltz

What do elite soldiers and firefighters have in common? According to a University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo psychology Professor Chris Frueh—more than you’d think.

After decades of studying the health of military veterans, Frueh has turned his attention to first responders. His findings show that firefighters, paramedics and police officers face a heavy, often invisible, burden—one he calls “Firefighter Syndrome.”

Frueh and his research team say firefighting involves regular exposure to chronic stress, lethal risks and potential for a wide range of injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and toxic exposures.

Hawaiʻi Island first responders

He shared his message with Hawaiʻi Island’s first responders during a workshop in Hilo and will be giving another in Kona.

His research—highlighted in his recent book, —outlines how years of trauma can lead to a complex set of injuries: sleep disorders, PTSD, hormonal imbalances, pain, depression and more. Originally focused on military special operators, Frueh’s work has revealed striking similarities in the health challenges faced by first responders.

“Dr. Frueh’s presentation helped them understand the many physiological impacts that, in turn, affect their mental health, as well as the current treatments that are available,” said Renee Godoy, chaplain for both Hawaiʻi Island police and fire departments and leader of the nonprofit Friends of First Responders Hawaiʻi Island.

The workshops provide tools to help first responders recognize warning signs and seek care. Frueh and his team created a practical guide that includes suicide risk assessment, peer support strategies, and tips on finding the right health providers.

Word is spreading

His message is catching on beyond Hawaiʻi. Frueh is speaking with law enforcement and fire departments across the country. A start up company led by current and former military special operators has also developed a business to provide coaching services to first responders using the Operator Syndrome framework.

“It’s a really great concept, retired [Special Operation Forces] operators continuing service by coaching and mentoring police and firefighters. They are doing more to spread the Operator Syndrome framework and physiological perspective nationally, than I could ever do by myself,” Frueh said.

—By Susan Enright