The Waterhouse Charitable Trust is being recognized for its longstanding commitment to University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa student-athletes as one of 10 founding members of the new Shoji Society, a leadership giving society established to strengthen the future of . The Shoji Society serves as the major giving component of the newly launched , which provides opportunities for supporters at all giving levels to invest in 糖心视频 Athletics.

The Waterhouse Charitable Trust鈥檚 connection to 糖心视频 Athletics dates back decades to Alexander C. “Alec” Waterhouse, a lifelong supporter of the Rainbow Warriors and one of the foundational figures in 糖心视频 Athletics fundraising. Waterhouse was a founder and chairman of the N膩 Koa Football Booster Club and an original member of the ʻAhahui Koa Ānuenue Board of Directors. He was inducted into the 糖心视频 Circle of Honor in 1997.

Waterhouse was particularly committed to improving the experience of 糖心视频 student-athletes. He worked with then-football coach Bob Wagner to develop the vision for a dedicated strength and conditioning facility, and in 1998, he contributed $300,000 to help establish the training facility that now bears his name. Waterhouse鈥檚 support extended across 糖心视频 teams, coaches and staff, reflecting his belief in the importance of providing student-athletes with the resources to succeed. He remained a passionate supporter of 糖心视频 Athletics until his passing in March 1999.

“Long before today鈥檚 college athletics landscape, Alec Waterhouse understood that investing in student-athletes was an investment in the future of Hawaiʻi,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “The Waterhouse Charitable Trust has carried that vision forward for generations. We are incredibly grateful for their extraordinary commitment to our student-athletes and honored to recognize the Waterhouse legacy as part of the Shoji Society.”

Investing in 糖心视频鈥檚 future

Waterhouse鈥檚 support helped shape the experience of generations of 糖心视频 student-athletes. His substantial contributions helped make possible the purchase of weight room equipment for the 糖心视频 Physiology Research and Training Facility, which was named in his honor.

That legacy continues today through the Alexander Waterhouse Sports Performance Facility, which underwent a $3.3 million renovation in 2023–24. The 10,000-square-foot facility now features new strength and conditioning equipment and a nutrition center serving approximately 500 student-athletes across 21 sports.

The Waterhouse Charitable Trust also has provided significant direct support for student-athletes. In 2015, the Nā Koa Football Club received a multiyear gift of more than $1 million annually from the trust, one of the largest gifts in the athletics department鈥檚 history. The gift supports football student-athletes through summer school tuition, cost-of-attendance stipends, nutritional enhancements, strength and conditioning equipment and other program needs.

Contributions to 糖心视频 Athletics from Waterhouse and the Waterhouse Charitable Trust total over $13.5 million dollars.

“Alec Waterhouse was a man of great honor, faith, and generosity,” Trustee Stanley Y. Mukai said. “His legacy continues to support many causes, including in education, community outreach, spiritual worship, and athletics with significant donations. He was passionate and proud of University of Hawaiʻi sports, and his affinity for Warrior football is well-chronicled. A humble person, Alec鈥檚 giving was conducted without fanfare. He would have nevertheless appreciated the distinction bestowed upon him as a founding member of the 糖心视频 Shoji Society. On behalf of Alec Waterhouse, thank you for recognizing and celebrating his benevolence with respect to 糖心视频 athletics.”

Current Waterhouse Charitable Trust leadership members include: Trustees, Stanley Y. Mukai and First Hawaiian Bank.

Shoji Society founding members

The trust joins the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation, Rie Wong and the Edwin S.N. Wong Foundation, Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack and Frances Tsui, Walter Dods and Gabe and Shirley Lee as the 10 charter members of the Shoji Society. Collectively, the founding members have committed more than $38.3 million over 46 years to strengthen opportunities for 糖心视频 M膩noa student-athletes.

Named for legendary Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji, the society recognizes individuals and organizations making significant commitments to 糖心视频 Athletics. Membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over up to five years, with giving supporting priorities such as scholarships, name, image and likeness opportunities, student-athlete development, facilities and other program needs.

For Elliott, recognizing the Waterhouse Charitable Trust is about more than acknowledging a financial contribution—it is about honoring a legacy of belief in 糖心视频 Athletics.

“Philanthropy plays a significant role in allowing an athletics department to meet its mission, which is to create a great student-athlete experience,” Elliott said. “The Shoji Society gives us an opportunity to appropriately show our appreciation to the amazing people and corporations in our state that have supported us.”

The Shoji Society is the first major giving society in 糖心视频 Athletics history named in honor of an individual. Its founding members represent a longstanding tradition of community support that has helped 糖心视频 student-athletes compete, earn degrees and represent Hawaiʻi on the national stage.

For more about the Shoji Society and 鈥橞ows Athletics Club, visit the .

More than 100 University of Hawaiʻi alumni, supporters and friends came together in Northern California for 鈥楤ows in the Bay: The Official University of Hawaiʻi Weekend. The events were designed to strengthen alumni connections and celebrate 糖心视频 pride, and were made possible through a collaboration between 糖心视频 M膩noa Athletics, the 糖心视频 Foundation and the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations.

“The Bay Area is home to a vibrant community of 糖心视频 alumni, and gatherings like this provide an opportunity to stay connected to one another and to the university,” said Gerry Somers of the 糖心视频 Alumni Association Bay Area Chapter. “No matter how long we’ve been away from campus, there’s a special bond that brings us together.”

The weekend kicked off with the 糖心视频 Alumni and Friends Pau Hana at The Alexandria at San Carlos on August 27. Attendees reconnected with fellow alumni, met members of the 糖心视频 community and heard updates from university leadership. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and 糖心视频 M膩noa Chancellor Vassilis Syrmos joined guests for an evening of conversation and networking, highlighting the university鈥檚 momentum and commitment to its alumni 驶ohana (family).

The weekend continued with the 鈥楤ows Pre-Game Rally ahead of the 糖心视频 football game against Stanford on August 29. Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott gathered with attendees before walking over to the stadium for the game. The rally highlighted the strong bonds of the 糖心视频 驶ohana, bringing together alumni and supporters from near and far.

This was the latest event hosted by the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations to expand engagement opportunities both in the Hawaiian Islands and beyond. For many attendees, the weekend provided an opportunity to foster meaningful connections with fellow alumni and the university itself.

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

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

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

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

Supporting future students

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

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

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Paul Wermager, a retired University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa science librarian who spent decades researching and championing the legacy of pioneering chemist Alice Augusta Ball, died August 2, 2026.

I believe that Alice Ball鈥檚 greatest gift to humanity was hope.
—Paul Wermager

Wermager served at 糖心视频 for 20 years, retiring in 2010 as head of the Science and Technology Department at . Before becoming a librarian, he worked as an intensive care unit nurse and pharmacist, and earned a master’s degree in public health.

“I liked finding answers to new things, and with a science background, I thought it was a good fit,” Wermager told 糖心视频 News in 2024 about becoming a librarian.

Researching a forgotten scientist

That curiosity led Wermager into a decades-long effort to restore the story of Ball, a 糖心视频 alumna whose groundbreaking work developing an injectable treatment for Hansen’s disease had been largely forgotten.

His interest began with a question from a 糖心视频 professor about whether there was a chaulmoogra tree on campus. After learning of the tree’s connection to Hawaiʻi‘s Hansen’s disease history, Wermager began researching Ball. He described the work as a giant jigsaw puzzle, with pieces of her life scattered across historical records.

His research eventually connected him with Stan Ali, a retired Baltimore resident who had independently rediscovered Ball’s story while researching Black people in Hawaiʻi. The two shared information about Ball and helped piece together her life and accomplishments.

“I finally got enough to envision what she was like,” Wermager told , describing the research process that led him to see Ball as a “very caring and giving” person.

Wermager contributed a chapter about Ball to the 2005 book They Followed the Trade Winds, gave presentations, and co-authored a scholarly paper on her contributions. After retiring, he continued working on a comprehensive biography and was still seeking a publisher when he died.

Kimberley Haines, a former Hamilton Library colleague who became a close friend, regularly heard updates about the project, noting he never stopped seeking answers about Ball’s life.

Keeping Ball’s legacy alive

Wermager’s commitment to Ball extended beyond his research. In 2017, he established the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship to support underrepresented minority students pursuing science at 糖心视频 M膩noa. The scholarship reflected his own experiences; he wrote that his family struggled financially and that others helped him complete his education, motivating him to provide similar opportunities to students. To date, 12 students were awarded the scholarship.

Wermager brought Ball’s story to wider audiences and the 糖心视频 M膩noa campus. He co-produced the film The Ball Method and, in 2018, collaborated with librarian Monica Ghosh and artist Chad Kikuchi on a plaque and portrait honoring Ball, now displayed in the Science & Technology Reading Room near the life-sized bronze bust unveiled in 2024.

In 2024, Wernager and former 糖心视频 President David Lassner submitted the nomination that led the American Chemical Society to designate her “Ball Method” a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The designation was celebrated at 糖心视频 M膩noa in February 2026.

“Paul’s curiosity, tenacity and intellectual rigor were on full display through his work over these last many years to bring to light the story of one of the great scientists of the 20th century, Alice Augusta Ball,” Lassner said. “Paul’s work demonstrated how a dedicated scholar could rediscover a lost slice of history so that all of us can now celebrate her remarkable life and contributions.”

Hamilton Library Russian Bibliographer Patricia Polansky, added, “Paul was a stalwart colleague. At one point he had outlined a novel about Soviet spying, but his work on Alice Ball took precedence. That work, along with his contribution to documenting our library’s history, form a lasting legacy.”

Polansky noted in 2008, Wermager compiled . “His extensive work in the archives provided not only the story of our science and technology services, but also a broader picture of Hamilton Library’s history,” she said.

Wermager often spoke of Ball not only as a pioneering scientist but as someone whose life could inspire others. In 2022, he wrote in , “I believe that Alice Ball’s greatest gift to humanity was hope.”

For decades, Wermager worked to ensure that Ball’s story would not disappear again. Although his biography remains unpublished, his research, scholarship and advocacy helped restore her contributions to the history of 糖心视频 M膩noa and gave generations of students an opportunity to learn from her legacy.

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

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

Darian Padilla

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

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

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

Hailey Zhou

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

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

20 out of 40

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

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

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

—By Devon Bedoya

The , in partnership with the , has launched the Shoji Society, a new leadership giving society designed to recognize transformational philanthropy and inspire long-term investment in the future of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine Athletics.

Named in honor of legendary women鈥檚 volleyball head coach Dave Shoji, the Shoji Society recognizes individuals and organizations making significant commitments to 糖心视频 Athletics and the success of its student-athletes. Membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over up to five years and supports the Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Team Fund and/or the Boost the 鈥橞ows Fund at the department or team level, through endowments, naming opportunities or capital projects.

The Shoji Society serves as the major giving component of the newly launched , which provides opportunities for supporters at all giving levels to invest in 糖心视频 Athletics. Together, the programs create a comprehensive philanthropic framework that recognizes both broad community support and transformational leadership investments.

The Shoji Society launches with 10 charter members whose leadership commitments or lifetime giving of $1 million or more are helping establish a strong foundation for the future of 糖心视频 Athletics. Waterhouse Charitable Trust, the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, the Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation, Rie Wong and the Edwin S.N. Wong Foundation, Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack and Frances Tsui, Walter Dods and Gabe and Shirley Lee have collectively committed over $38,300,000 over 46 years to strengthen opportunities for 糖心视频 Mānoa student-athletes and help position 糖心视频 Athletics for long-term success.

The launch comes at a pivotal time in college athletics as philanthropy and name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities play an increasingly important role in helping universities recruit, retain and support student-athletes. As the Division I landscape continues to evolve, long-term philanthropic investment has become essential to maintaining competitive athletics programs and providing student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom, in competition and beyond.

“The Shoji Society represents the next step in building a sustainable future for 糖心视频 Athletics,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott said. “We are incredibly grateful for the individuals and organizations whose generosity and belief in our student-athletes make this possible. College athletics has changed, and long-term philanthropic investment is essential to providing our student-athletes with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. The Shoji Society recognizes those whose commitment will have a lasting impact on Hawaiʻi Athletics for generations.”

Few individuals embody the spirit of 糖心视频 Athletics more than Shoji. During his 42-year career, he built one of the most successful programs in collegiate volleyball history, leading the Rainbow Wahine to four national championships and more than 1,200 victories. Just as importantly, he inspired generations of supporters to invest in 糖心视频 Athletics, helping generate more than $1.3 million in philanthropic support for student-athlete scholarships and program needs during his coaching tenure.

After discussions with 糖心视频 Athletics leadership, Shoji personally approved the use of his name for the society, recognizing the important role philanthropy now plays in supporting student-athletes and the future success of 糖心视频 Athletics.

“I am deeply humbled that my name is associated with such a meaningful initiative,” Shoji said. “What has always made 糖心视频 Athletics special is the incredible support from our community. Today鈥檚 student-athletes face a very different landscape than they did when I was coaching, and philanthropy has become an important part of helping them compete at the highest level while earning a world-class education. I hope this inspires more people to invest in the future of 糖心视频 Athletics.”

The Shoji Society is the first major giving society in 糖心视频 Athletics history to be named in honor of an individual, recognizing Shoji鈥檚 extraordinary contributions to the university, its student-athletes and the broader Hawaiʻi community.

“Coach Shoji鈥檚 success was never measured solely by wins and championships,” Elliott said. “He built a culture of excellence, inspired people to believe in our student-athletes and brought our community together in support of 糖心视频 Athletics. The Shoji Society honors that legacy while helping ensure future generations of student-athletes have the opportunity to achieve their own success.”

Shoji Society giving levels

Donors are recognized across four Shoji Society giving levels based on cumulative commitments: $50,000, $250,000, $500,000 and $1 million. Each level may be achieved through qualifying multiyear pledge commitments over five years.

Shoji Society members receive recognition and engagement opportunities commensurate with their level of support, including exclusive events, access to athletics leadership and coaches, gameday experiences and other stewardship opportunities. More importantly, their investments help provide scholarships, NIL opportunities, student-athlete development resources, facility enhancements and other priorities that directly impact the student-athlete experience.

For its inaugural year, donors who contributed at least $50,000 during fiscal year 2025–26 will receive honorary Shoji Society status through June 30, 2027, with continued membership determined by a qualifying pledge commitment.

For more information about the Shoji Society, .

The , in partnership with the , is launching the 鈥橞ows Athletics Club, a new fundraising and membership program designed to strengthen support for 糖心视频 student-athletes while giving fans more flexibility in how they invest in the future of Hawaiʻi Athletics.

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

Supporters can begin participating and earning membership status today

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

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

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

For generations, Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine teams have united Hawaiʻi. The 鈥橞ows Athletics Club creates a new opportunity for fans, alumni and supporters statewide to invest in the success of 糖心视频 student-athletes and help ensure a strong future for Hawaiʻi Athletics.

“The 鈥橞ows Athletics Club is about making it easier for people to support 糖心视频 Athletics in the ways that matter most to them,” 糖心视频 M膩noa Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “Whether you鈥檝e been a supporter for years or you鈥檙e making your very first gift, every contribution helps create opportunities for our student-athletes. We鈥檙e incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported 糖心视频 Athletics over the years, and we hope even more people will join us as we continue building Our Team, Hawaiʻi‘s Team.”

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

鈥橞ows Athletics Club membership benefits

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

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

Annual Giving Membership levels include:

Booster $100

All-Conference: $500

All-American: $2,000

Champion: $5,000+

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

Loyalty points system rewards long-term support

A new loyalty points system that will complement the 鈥橞ows Athletics Club recognizes both longtime supporters and new members. Points are earned through charitable giving, season ticket purchases and years of loyalty to 糖心视频 Athletics.

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

Early participation benefits

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

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

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

For more, .

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

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

糖心视频 M膩noa鈥檚 Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) has received a transformative $3 million gift from the estate of philanthropist Ina Goodwin Tateuchi.

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

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

Supporting the next generation of scholars and Hawaiʻi’s Japan-ready workforce

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

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

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

A century of Japanese studies

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

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

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

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

International scholarship, leadership

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

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

Forefront of finance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supporting the next generation of pediatricians

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

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

At her core, Loh said Chang驶s qualities were brilliance and steadiness.

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

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

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

Support the and .

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

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

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

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

More information can be found at the .

Participating food and beverage vendors include:

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

Participating marketplace vendors include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Mary Tiles

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

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

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

Read the entire story by Simplicio Paragas on the .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More about the endowed chair

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

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

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

Lee鈥檚 journey is one of the emotional heartbeats of the 2026 issue of .

Other stories in the issue show 糖心视频鈥檚 impact in Hawaiʻi and beyond:

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



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

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

University of Hawaiʻi Magazine is published by PacificBasin Communications in partnership with the , and annually highlights alumni accomplishments and news from 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses.

Four years after launching an effort to address Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rural healthcare needs, the first Kauaʻi Medical Training Track (KMTT) cohort has officially graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM).

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

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

The trailblazing class of 2026

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

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

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

Related 糖心视频 News story: Medical training track have prolonged, impactful presence on Garden Isle

A focus on rural medicine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A legacy of teaching and mentorship

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

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

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

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

Expanding impact for future students

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

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

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

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

The five contributors, each committing $200,000 annually for five years, are Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, and longtime 糖心视频 supporters and community leaders Jack Tsui and Walter Dods.

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

Changing college athletics landscape

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

糖心视频 Athletics has united Hawaiʻi communities during moments of triumph in just the last year—from the men鈥檚 volleyball national championship and men鈥檚 basketball鈥檚 return to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big West title, to football鈥檚 thrilling Hawaiʻi Bowl victory over Cal before a sold-out crowd at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex and a national television audience that peaked at 3 million viewers.

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

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

Hawaiʻi leaders unite behind 糖心视频 Athletics

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

Longtime 糖心视频 Athletics partner Jim Polk, president and chief executive officer of Bank of Hawaiʻi, said the new commitment builds on the bank鈥檚 longstanding support for 糖心视频 student-athletes and the broader university community.

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

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

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

Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson, said creating a competitive NIL program at 糖心视频 is needed to help keep local student athletes in Hawaiʻi.

“University of Hawaiʻi is a pillar of our community, and it鈥檚 critical that it remains competitive at the highest levels,” Cox said. “Today, that requires establishing a strong NIL foundation that will help 糖心视频 attract and retain top local talent, and we need to start now.”

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

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

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

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

Building a foundation for the future

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The five leadership commitments announced today serve as an inspiring foundation for the giving society and underscore the momentum building for Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Team.”

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instructor Ian Kekaimalu Isami Lee has sailed far and wide aboard the vessel Hōkūleʻa. Now, the and alumnus uses the experiences gained on open waters in his class on the basic principles and theories of modern non-instrument navigation, the same navigation used on the Hōkūleʻa.

“It brings a lot of context for my students because when we talk about things or when I try to explain things to them,” Lee said. “I tell them stories of things that I have personally experienced. That brings it to life for them, and it makes it easier for them to understand the concepts.”

After graduating from Leeward CC with an associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts in 2011, Lee enrolled at 糖心视频 M膩noa. In 2014 Lee sailed from Samoa to Aotearoa and in 2017 from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi aboard Hōkūleʻa.

His master鈥檚 thesis revolved around voyaging and canoe culture. The journeys were instrumental in his growth as a person and navigator, allowing him to share experiences with his ancestors who crossed the sea thousands of years prior. Lee earned bachelor鈥檚 (2014) and master驶s (2017) degrees in Hawaiian studies.

Community on campus

It was not always smooth sailing. After spending his first semester skipping classes, Lee says he found community at Leeward CC. This inspired him to engage more in his studies and take advantage of free tutoring and other support.

“I just found myself having a blast and learning along the way,” said Lee. “It was the community that I surrounded myself with. We had the program Hālau ʻIke O Puʻuloa, which is now known as Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Student Services. There were so many people who created a very comfortable environment. That made me not want to leave.”

Lee remembers being greeted with a smile and treated with aloha on campus, which felt like a home away from home. Now, he tries to encourage his students to build community.

“My students do their course in groups, they do everything as a group,” Lee said. “I try to shift their thinking to a broader, global thinking that all of our actions are interconnected and affect each other. If we all thought that way, I think this world would be a much better place.”

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

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

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

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

From West Point to Waiʻanae

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

糖心视频 defensive coordinator Larry Price had a different plan.

To this day, Robison has “no idea how he found him,” but Price鈥檚 recruitment pitch worked. Robison turned down West Point to play for the then 糖心视频 鈥楤ows, a decision that upset his father so much he refused to speak to him for a year.

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

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

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

Hard Lessons, Lasting Loyalty

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

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

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

“It鈥檚 an honor to be a 鈥楤ow,” Robison said, “and my continued support is give from the heart.”

Read more at the .

—By Simplicio Paragas

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

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

“I think graduating from ”糖心视频 M膩noa was the perfect transition into adulthood,” said Takashiba. “[I] did internships, I was able to get a job pretty easily, and I couldn鈥檛 be more thankful for the people I met.”

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

Building a local business

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

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

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

Rooted in Hilo

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

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