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 东精影业 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 东精影业 Mānoa, courtesy of (东精影业FCU). The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2026 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to explain why 东精影业 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 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 employees and students at the 东精影业 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 东精影业 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 东精影业 and what programs are here and what they have to offer. I really think that being back at home and being at 东精影业 specifically is what’s best for me.”

This will be a full circle moment for Okimoto, who will attend 东精影业 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鈥檓 just so glad to have her home. It鈥檚 icing on the cake that we get to be students together. I鈥檓 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鈥檚 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 东精影业 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 东精影业FCU 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.

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

Srinivasan, who serves as dean of communication and services programs, holds a PhD in agronomy and soil science from 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. He was honored for his 40 years of leadership in agriculture, education and international research.

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

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

Foundation built at CTAHR

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

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

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

He also shared advice with current CTAHR students.

“You are receiving a world-class education in tropical agriculture from some of the best faculty in this field. Apply this knowledge to real-world conditions to develop diversified, resilient and sustainable agriculture systems for Hawaiʻi and beyond,” Srinivasan said.The post CTAHR honors Honolulu CC dean with Outstanding Alumnus Award first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]> 234871 /news/2026/05/22/voyaging-experience-to-classroom/ Fri, 22 May 2026 19:55:54 +0000 /news/?p=234862 Connecting ancestral sailing to community inspires Leeward CC and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 graduate.

Reading time: 2 minutes

`

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 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. 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.”

The post 东精影业 alumnus brings voyaging experience to the classroom first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM) physician-scientist Dominic Chow has been selected for the 2026 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum at the National Academy of Medicine.

The invitation-only program brings together emerging leaders in health care, research and policy from across the country.

“It鈥檚 a real honor,” Chow said. “To be able to interact with members of the National Academy of Medicine and contribute to discussions that help guide health policy is something I don鈥檛 take lightly.”

Chow鈥檚 career spans global public health, including training at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and work in Guyana, where he helped lead a yellow fever outbreak investigation.

At JABSOM, he has advanced HIV research through the Hawaiʻi Center for AIDS and serves as program director of Ola HAWAII, an NIH-funded initiative expanding clinical research access in underserved communities and supporting studies including Long COVID.

“I think bringing clinical trials to various populations across Hawaiʻi helps create more equity,” Chow said.

The forum connects participants to address major health challenges and inform national policy. Chow said he hopes to ensure Hawaiʻi鈥檚 health needs are represented.

“We have a responsibility to address health disparities here in Hawaiʻi and beyond,” he said.

.

University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researcher Michele Carbone has been named the recipient of the 2026 Szent-Gy枚rgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research by the (NFCR). The prestigious award recognizes his discovery that inherited mutations in the BAP1 gene can dramatically increase susceptibility to mesothelioma and several other cancers.

The foundation said Carbone鈥檚 work changed how mesothelioma—a rare cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen—is understood, diagnosed, treated and prevented worldwide, while also driving major public health actions in the U.S. and Turkey that have saved lives.

“There is nothing as rewarding as saving lives, telling someone, actually you, your daughter, your son, do not have to die of cancer, you probably will live till old age, and then to see them again, year after year, happy,” Carbone said. “I am incredibly fortunate that my research allowed me to do exactly that. Our research even inspired government action to protect public health in the U.S. and in Turkey. I had the fortune to work with a truly fantastic team of students, technicians, post-doctoral fellows and collaborators: Drs. Harvey Pass and Haining Yang, with whom I shared all failures and successes for almost 30 years.”

Naoto T. Ueno said the recognition reflects the global impact of Carbone鈥檚 decades of work.

“Dr. Michele Carbone鈥檚 recognition with the Szent-Gy枚rgyi Prize is a proud and historic moment for the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center,” said Ueno. “His work represents the highest standard of cancer research: rigorous science that leads to landmark discovery and ultimately saves lives. By identifying inherited BAP1 mutations as a driver of mesothelioma risk, Dr. Carbone changed how we understand cancer susceptibility, prevention, and early intervention. His discoveries have protected families and communities in Hawaiʻi, the U.S., Turkey, and around the world, and they reflect the kind of global impact we strive to advance from Hawaiʻi.”

Carbone will receive the award at the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship on October 9 in Washington, D.C.

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, excellence in teaching, service and innovation were recognized during the 2026 End of the Year Awards Celebration on May 13.

The annual event honored faculty and staff members whose work has made a lasting impact on students, the campus and the broader community. Retirees and employees celebrating years of service were also recognized.

Award recipients

• Kekoa Harman, associate professor of Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language, 东精影业 System Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award and 东精影业 Hilo Pūlama ʻIke Award
• Elisabeth Gallant, assistant professor of geology, 东精影业 System Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
• Adriane Lewandowski, instructor of nursing, 东精影业 Hilo Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Luzviminda Miguel, associate professor of nursing, 东精影业 Hilo Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation
• Hollind Paiva, 东精影业 Hilo Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance Award
• Kathleen Hughes, 东精影业 Hilo Excellence in Service Award

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

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

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

A force in Hawaiʻi labor

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

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

CLEAR was established by Act 202 in 1976, enabling 东精影业 to provide labor education to workers, unions, teachers and the public.

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

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

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

• Related story: PBS Hawaiʻi documentary features social activist 东精影业鈥檚 McElrath

For most of his life, Troy Branco-Liu never imagined leaving Lahaina. However, after the 2023 Maui wildfire upended his community, and a University of Hawaiʻi scholarship opened a door he never expected, the Lahainaluna High School graduate found himself starting over at Hawaiʻi Community College—pursuing an education that would ultimately change the course of his future.

“When I was in high school, I didn鈥檛 think about leaving,” Branco-Liu said. “I love the place I come from. I鈥檓 all about Lahaina. That鈥檚 always going to be home to me.”

Now a 2026 graduate of Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 Diesel Mechanics program, Branco-Liu says the scholarship helped him discover new opportunities while strengthening his desire to one day bring his skills back home to help his community rebuild.

Making college possible

Following the wildfire that devastated Lahaina, the University of Hawaiʻi announced scholarships for every Lahainaluna High School senior in the Class of 2024 to attend any 东精影业 campus. The initiative was later expanded to cover two years at 东精影业 community colleges and four years at 东精影业 universities.

For Branco-Liu, the scholarship made college possible during a time of uncertainty for many Lahaina families displaced by the fire. As a first-generation college student, the opportunity helped him envision a future he had never seriously considered before.

“The scholarship was life-changing,” Branco-Liu said. “It gave me the chance to come here, get my education and do something better for my future.”

Originally, he planned to enter the workforce immediately after high school.

“At first I wanted to work right away because I wanted to make money,” he said. “But then I started thinking more about my future and decided college would help me get further.”

Building a better future

After researching programs through the 东精影业 system website, he chose Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 , drawn to its hands-on learning environment and his longtime interest in mechanics.

Branco-Liu said one of the biggest influences during his time at Hawaiʻi CC was the encouragement he received from instructors and classmates within the close-knit diesel cohort, especially instructor Mitchell Soares.

“He really cared about us. He wanted you to succeed,” Branco-Liu said.

Now preparing to return home with a mechanic job already lined up and a baby boy on the way, Branco-Liu says graduating from Hawaiʻi CC represents something bigger than himself.

• Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

“I鈥檓 the first person in my family to graduate from college,” he said. “Hawaiʻi CC gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I could do more and build a better future.”

—By Katie Young Yamanaka

When Dersel Bonai walked the stage to receive his Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on May 16, he carried the pride of his ancestors. A Pacific Islander from West Papua, Bonai became the first person in his native tribe’s family lineage to earn a master鈥檚 degree.

“Being the first person in my Bonai family lineage within my tribe to earn a master鈥檚 degree means this achievement is not only for myself, but also for my ancestors, family, community, and future generations of my tribe,” Bonai said. “It reminds me that education can create new opportunities while still staying connected to my culture and identity.”

A humorous detour

Bonai鈥檚 journey to 东精影业 Mānoa featured a humorous detour. He originally earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rhode Island, choosing the school partly because its name suggested an island environment similar to his home. Instead, he discovered freezing winters and a culture vastly different from West Papua. Seeking an environment closer to his Pacific Island heritage, Bonai, who was also active with and lived at the East-West Center, joined 东精影业 Mānoa’s School of Architecture in 2024. Hawaiʻi provided the familiar plants, landscape elements, and cultural traditions he had been missing.

Designing for healing

At 东精影业 Mānoa, Bonai focused on the intersections between land, culture, and community. His capstone project, “Designing for Healing—Cultural Revival, Ecological Restoration and Human Well-Being in West Papuan and Hawaiian Landscapes,” proposed a new design language rooted in collective well-being. Applying this to sites on Oʻahu and his home island of Yapen, West Papua, Bonai argued that healing landscapes are spaces to reconnect with traditions, land and people.

Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

“To me, healing means rebuilding relationships between people, land, culture and traditional knowledge,” Bonai said. “Healing can happen through simple everyday experiences, such as spending time outdoors, practicing traditions like hula in Hawaiʻi or the yospan in West Papua, working in the loʻi, or reconnecting with cultural knowledge or even just listening to the stories of our ancestral lands.”

Community connection

Since January 2025, Bonai served as a graduate student project assistant on Professor Judith Stilgenbauer鈥檚 design research team, contributing to the “Olowalu: The Road to Resilience” project with The Nature Conservancy. Engaging with the West Maui community reinforced his belief that community well-being is deeply tied to environmental health.

“Working with the community in West Maui helped me see that land is more than a physical place. It carries stories, identity, traditions, and memories,” Bonai said.

Looking ahead, Bonai plans to bring his Indigenous knowledge into his future work as a landscape architect, hoping to empower Indigenous communities and protect ecological systems across the Pacific and around the world.

Among the thousands of family members and friends who packed the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony to celebrate the university鈥檚 2,800 graduates, one group stood out during the morning ceremony—the family and friends of graduate Cohen Ruport.

Ruport, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer science, is known for his big, curly blond hair. To celebrate his milestone, 25 family members and friends from Alameda, California, showed up wearing wigs inspired by his signature voluminous corkscrew curls.

“I was not expecting it at all. It was crazy,” Ruport said after the ceremony. “Everyone kept asking, ‘Is that your family up there?’ It was really cool and very exciting to see them.”

• Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

Ruport said he is excited to graduate and grateful he chose 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 for college.

“It was really good and very different from home,” he said. “I love being in Hawaiʻi, and I love my professors. It was a great program, and I really enjoyed it.”

As for what comes next, Ruport鈥檚 family enthusiastically jumped in with the answer: a move to Lake Tahoe for rock climbing and skiing.

“And computer science,” Ruport added with a grin.

When University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa graduating senior Chia Yun “Mercy” Cheng first arrived in Hawaiʻi from Taiwan, she carried uncertainty alongside her ambition. Now graduating with a degree in marketing from the , Cheng said her experience at 东精影业 Mānoa transformed not only her education, but also her confidence.

“东精影业 Mānoa made me feel like it was home,” Cheng said. “It really shaped me into a more extroverted person.”

Today, Cheng said she can confidently introduce herself to new people and step into leadership roles—something she never imagined before coming to Hawaiʻi.

“I remember in the beginning, I was very timid to do small talk, even shake people鈥檚 hand, talk to people and look at their eyes,” she said. “But now, when I meet someone new, I can confidently go up to them, shake their hands and introduce myself.”

Taiwan to Mānoa

Born and raised in Pingtung, a small city in southeastern Taiwan, Cheng moved away from home at age 15 to attend a five-year junior college program in nearby Kaohsiung. The program combined high school and community college studies. Before attending 东精影业 Mānoa, Cheng said school often felt isolating.

“Because I never really liked school before I came to 东精影业 Mānoa—it could have been the education system in Taiwan, but it could also have been me—I felt like I could never fit in,” she said.

Finding her place in Hawaiʻi

Her connection to Hawaiʻi began during an internship at an Oʻahu auto dealership when she was 19. It was her first time traveling alone and visiting the U.S.

“Hawaiʻi really healed me in a lot of different ways,” Cheng said. “It鈥檚 the people here. It鈥檚 the culture, the weather and everything. And I really found peace here.”

Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

After returning to Taiwan, Cheng made the decision to continue her education at 东精影业 Mānoa. At first, she approached college with a narrow focus on academics.

“When I first came here, my freshman year, all I knew was to study because I was raised to get a good grade, be on top of the class,” she said. “So I didn鈥檛 know how to really do the work-life balance thing.”

Stepping outside her comfort zone

That began to change when she became a New Rainbow Warrior peer leader, helping incoming students transition to college life.

“I remember at that time I was like, ‘Oh, I feel like I鈥檓 so introverted, I don鈥檛 even know how to talk to people,’” she said. “‘Can I actually lead freshmen and then help them get used to life on campus?’”

But she took the opportunity鈥攁nd said it reshaped her experience at 东精影业 Mānoa.

“Being a peer leader really gave me a sense of community,” Cheng said. “The other peer leaders were really nice. I still stay in touch with them till this day.”

Cheng also became involved with the (PACE), serving as a for the Entrepreneurship Live program and later becoming its student director. What began as a search for scholarship opportunities turned into a broader experience in leadership and community.

“I applied thinking that, ‘OK, I want this scholarship,’” she said. “And then I realized that the program is not just about scholarship, it鈥檚 also about the community and the people there.”

A new sense of confidence

Now preparing to graduate, Cheng plans to remain in Hawaiʻi while pursuing a career in marketing. She is currently interviewing for positions and continuing her work as a marketing assistant with Sodexo.

Looking back, Cheng said 东精影业 Mānoa became more than a place of study—it became a place where she learned confidence and belonging.

“I wouldn鈥檛 be able to achieve everything I have today without 东精影业 Mānoa,” she said.

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Nursing Instructor Mary Farmer has been named the 2026 recipient of the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award, established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto, honors the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., known for Hawaiʻi foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. Presented in alternate years to a faculty member or student, the award recognizes significant contributions to career and technical education within the 东精影业 Community Colleges.

Farmer has demonstrated exceptional commitment to career and technical education through her leadership of the Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) to Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Bridge Program, expanding access to nursing education for working professionals across Hawaiʻi. Once requiring career pauses, relocation or limited training options, the pathway from CNA to LPN has been reimagined—bringing training directly into communities statewide.

“Through innovation, partnership and an unwavering commitment to students, Mary Farmer has transformed how we prepare Hawaiʻi‘s healthcare workforce,” said Lui Hokoana, 东精影业 Maui College chancellor and interim vice president for 东精影业 Community Colleges. “Her leadership has expanded access across our islands and created meaningful pathways for career advancement.”

Bringing training to students

Farmer partnered with healthcare providers, including Hale Makua Health Services and ʻOhana Pacific Health, to deliver training within healthcare settings across Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. She also led curriculum redesigns and adapted instruction to support working adults.

“Mary Farmer doesn’t just teach—she builds pathways that truly work for students,” said Laura Nagle, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at 东精影业 Maui College. “Working closely with our industry partners, she saw the barriers facing CNAs and responded with a program that brings education directly into their workplaces and communities. What makes her work so impactful is how it creates real opportunities for people to advance without leaving the islands they call home.”

Her commitment to equity and access is evident in the program’s statewide reach. In December 2025, the Molokaʻi cohort celebrated its successful graduation, marking a major milestone in extending healthcare training to rural and neighbor island communities. Building on that momentum, Farmer is now planning a Lānaʻi cohort, further strengthening opportunities for residents in underserved areas.

By aligning education with workforce needs—where LPN shortages remain critical—Farmer has created a scalable, industry-driven model that strengthens Hawaiʻi‘s healthcare workforce and communities statewide.

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty member and a graduate assistant recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for 19 years.

Elisabeth “Lis” Gallant

Elisabeth “Lis” Gallant is an assistant professor of geology at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. She teaches volcanology the way Hawaiʻi demands it be taught—with one foot in science and the other firmly planted in the communities that live alongside active volcanoes.

Since joining 东精影业 Hilo in 2023, she has revamped 东精影业 Hilo’s volcanology course offerings, using everything from M&Ms to knit fabrics to bring magma chambers and rock textures to life. Her students practice translating vog forecasts for civil defense officials, Volcano Village kupuna, and first-time tourists—learning that good science means nothing if people can’t use it.

Drawing on her work co-leading the national GeoSPACE accessible field camp, Gallant has made 东精影业 Hilo’s field courses more inclusive, ensuring students of every ability can do real fieldwork. She mentors undergraduates into published research with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and leads community talks during Volcano Awareness Month.

Student Steven Hammes said Gallant is “easily in the highest tier” of the dozens of instructors he has had across multiple colleges and universities, with a special ability to bring students of diverse learning styles, backgrounds and challenges to the same high standards of content mastery.

Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin

Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin is an assistant professor of anthropology in the division of social sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, and serves as the director of the Applied Forensic Anthropology Certificate. Gruenthal-Rankin is a forensic anthropologist for the state of Hawaiʻi, whose research explores how forensics can better account for people often overlooked by medicolegal systems.

She is particularly passionate about the integration of critical social theory and community-facing work in forensic anthropology. Gruenthal-Rankin honed her teaching and mentorship pedagogy over 14 years of teaching in STEM, both in classrooms and in field environments. Her philosophy emphasizes sharing mutual respect, harnessing the excitement of learning, and allowing students to have a say in how classes are shaped.

According to the 东精影业 West Oʻahu Teaching Awards Committee, students describe Gruenthal-Rankin as kind, thoughtful and highly engaging, with many highlighting her positive, enjoyable learning environment. Committee members noted that Gruenthal-Rankin’s “qualities reflect a sustained and exceptional commitment to effective, inclusive, and impactful teaching.”

Lolita Pérez-Ayala

Lolita Pérez-Ayala is a PhD candidate in the communication and information sciences interdisciplinary program in the College of Social Sciences at 东精影业 Mānoa. Committed to connecting theory to real-world contexts and fostering inclusive participation, she integrates sociotechnical research with organizational and business examples to promote applied learning and student agency.

Her courses examine the design and effects of information technologies and explore organizational and cross-cultural communication through real-world analysis. She gathers student feedback early and engages students in collaborative activities that apply course concepts to organizational cases. These practices encourage problem solving and move students beyond content mastery toward applied, reflective learning.

A nominator said, “Lolita possesses a remarkable ability to translate her expertise into meaningful learning experiences. She demonstrates exceptional skill in engaging students and fostering deep learning. Her courses are well organized and integrate a number of innovative tools to engage students. Lolita fosters critical thinking and bridges the gap between theories and real world experiences.”

Pérez-Ayala emphasizes student agency in selecting organizations or causes aligned with their interests, resulting in engagement with a wide range of local nonprofits, cultural institutions and businesses.

Shawn Sumiki

Shawn Sumiki is the culinary arts coordinator at Hawaiʻi Community College. He was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and is a 1996 graduate of the Hawaiʻi CC culinary arts program. After gaining experience in the culinary industry, he returned to his alma mater in 2006 as a lecturer, bringing a strong commitment to both his craft and his students.

In his current role, he mentors and guides students as they develop the skills and discipline needed for successful careers in the culinary field.

“Chef Shawn is truly in love with what he does, and it shows in every aspect of his work,” said student Amanda Klunk. “His passion for cooking, his dedication to feeding people, and his commitment to taking care of others are truly inspiring.”

Sumiki’s dedication to teaching and service has been recognized with the Outstanding Lecturer Award (2012–13), the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Service (2019), and the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching (2022–23).

Student Casey Chow said he looks forward to the week more than the weekend due to the nurturing environment and Sumiki’s encouragement.

Lisa M. Vallin

Lisa Vallin is an instructor in the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in the College of Social Sciences at 东精影业 Mānoa. Her work centers on creating inclusive, engaging and socially relevant learning environments in sexuality studies.

With more than 15 years of teaching experience, she brings a research-informed and intentional approach, emphasizing critical thinking, cultural awareness and student-centered learning. Her classroom fosters a strong sense of community where students feel seen, affirmed and supported in exploring complex and often sensitive topics with curiosity and respect.

Through innovative assignments, community partnerships and guest speakers, students connect theory to practice and engage issues such as reproductive justice and HIV advocacy. Vallin is known for her approachable teaching style and commitment to equity and inclusion, helping students become informed and engaged community members.

“Lisa Vallin is a phenomenal professor. Every day, she had us all in the palm of her hand, completely enveloped in her presentations,” said a student. “I wish I could take a class of hers every semester. I have recommended her classes to everyone I can because everyone can benefit from learning from her and exploring the topics taught in her courses.”

Brian Yamamoto

Brian Yamamoto is a professor of natural sciences at Kauaʻi Community College. For more than 40 years, he has embodied the spirit of Frances Davis, an inspired teacher dedicated to sharing knowledge with undergraduates in natural sciences. Throughout his decades of service at Kauaʻi CC, his passion has never waned—whether in the lab, the field, meeting with a student or teaching at high schools.

His commitment to undergraduate excellence is evidenced by the robust success of the Academic Subject Certificate (ASC) in Hawaiian Botany. Through Yamamoto’s leadership, 46 early college students have successfully earned their ASC in Hawaiian Botany since 2022. He has a unique ability to connect botany to students’ lived experiences, such as helping Native Hawaiian students apply botanical knowledge directly to their own lōʻi (taro patch).

Yamamoto has said, “One must be willing to get dirty, feel the wind at your back, and explore with your senses wide open. Let nature be the teacher. Nature will always present the truth, we just need to interpret it correctly.”

A former student said, “His classes were the highlight of my college experience.” That student now aspires to become a teacher, because Yamamoto made learning so engaging.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research is awarded by the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents in recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community.

Nicolas Gaillard

Nicolas Gaillard is an associate researcher in the Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He has more than 20 years of experience in materials and surface science, with expertise in photovoltaics, electrochemistry and device integration.

He joined HNEI as a postdoctoral fellow in 2007 and now leads the Thin Films Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding light-matter interactions at solid–solid and solid–liquid interfaces at the atomic scale, advancing the design of next-generation materials for renewable energy technologies.

In 2017, with support from the 东精影业 Strategic Investment Initiative, he founded the Materials Science Consortium for Research and Education (MS-CoRE), bringing together 东精影业 materials researchers to expand shared resources, strengthen interdisciplinary research and foster collaboration.

“He has established himself as a nationally and internationally recognized leader in the field,” said Richard Rocheleau, HNEI director. “More importantly, his collaborations with other departments and his mentorship of students, postdoctoral fellows and junior researchers, has made important contributions to the education and training of the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula

Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula is professor and chair of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). A nationally recognized translational behavioral scientist, he has led federally funded research for more than two decades to improve cardiometabolic health and advance health equity for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

He is lead co-principal investigator of the Pacific Innovations, Knowledge, and Opportunities (PIKO) Clinical and Translational Research Center, where he helps train the next generation of researchers to address Hawaiʻi‘s most pressing health challenges. He also developed programs supporting underrepresented students, fellows and early-career faculty in health research.

With more than 200 publications, his work has influenced healthcare delivery, clinical outcomes and public health policy for Indigenous communities. Kaholokula has held national leadership roles and continues to serve on local boards dedicated to improving community health. In 2024, he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

“Through community-engaged research and culturally grounded approaches, he has built trust, advanced our understanding of health disparities, and helped develop solutions for our communities,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “His work continues to shape how we approach disease prevention and public health in Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and beyond.”

Victor M. Lubecke

Victor M. Lubecke is a professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He specializes in wireless sensing and integrated transducers.

Prior to joining 东精影业 Mānoa in 2003, he worked at Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, where his research focused on remote sensing and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical and industrial applications. He has also held research positions at NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Institute for Physical and Chemical Research, working on technologies for space-based sensing and communications.

Lubecke has authored nearly 300 peer-reviewed publications with more than 10,000 citations, holds seven U.S. patents and has co-founded two startup companies. He is an IEEE Fellow, a Fulbright Senior Scholar and an emeritus Distinguished Microwave Lecturer of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society.

“Victor Lubecke is truly an internationally recognized researcher for his important contributions in the electrical engineering field,” said Aaron Ohta, professor of electrical and computer engineering. “During one of my research projects, I came across many examples of Victor’s groundbreaking work that provided me with the essential information I needed to successfully complete it. I am honored to be working with such an esteemed colleague.”

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as a tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit students.

Cara Chang

Cara Chang is an associate professor of English at Leeward Community College, where she teaches both developmental and college-level writing. Her classes focus on the writing and research process, critical thinking, and multiliteracies, with an emphasis on creating a culturally responsive space grounded in aloha for Hawaiʻi.

Through service learning and Hawaiʻi-based approaches, she encourages students to explore issues of sustainability and identity while feeling supported and connected to their communities.

Outside the classroom, Chang is an active campus leader. She serves as Faculty Senate chair, Writing Intensive Board chair and Sustainability-Designation co-chair, where she works to uphold strong academic standards and support student success. She helped develop the college’s strategic plan and continues to support its implementation.

Students often describe her classes as both challenging and supportive. One called her teaching “transformative,” noting how it reshaped their thinking about identity and responsibility. Chang credits her students, mentors and colleagues for helping her grow as an educator.

Leslie Crow-Kincaid

Leslie Crow-Kincaid is an assistant professor of general business and hospitality in the business and cybersecurity division at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. Crow-Kincaid’s approach to teaching and learning is built on the formula: Content + Context = Meaning.

Her classes utilize publisher content such as textbooks, online resources, videos, news and current events. Information is then applied to a business or personal scenario in which students can apply the material, encouraging them to become critical thinkers and gain meaning through the learning and discovery process.

The 东精影业 West Oʻahu Teaching Awards Committee noted that students commend Crow-Kincaid for being an outstanding communicator and highly approachable instructor. Her peer feedback highlights her coherent course organization, clear presentation of key concepts, and skillful use of problem-based learning.

Committee members added, “Her lively teaching style, which incorporates humor, helps sustain student interest and active participation, underscoring a strong commitment to impactful teaching.”

Teri T. M. Evangelista

Teri Evangelista is an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. She is recognized for her exceptional ability to make mathematics accessible, engaging, and relevant for her students. Known for her patience and compassion, she consistently goes above and beyond to help students overcome their anxieties and build confidence in their abilities.

Evangelista creates a positive, energetic learning environment where students feel supported, even through personal hardships. She is praised for her skill in translating complex mathematical concepts into understandable lessons.

One student said, “My professor was amazing! She was so excited about math and said that she hoped to change our view on the subject and get us as students to love it. I can honestly say that she has changed my view of math. I had a bad experience with math in high school and just did not care for it. After taking this class it showed me that I just needed the right teacher. I really impressed myself because I actually understand math and found that I CAN DO IT!!! Thank you to my professor!! She is definitely in the right profession.”

Charlene S. Gima

Charlene S. Gima is an assistant professor of English at Honolulu Community College, who is noted for her commitment to student success and holistic well-being. She is exceptionally effective in online instruction, providing stimulating content through organized modules and virtual discussions.

Gima has expanded the curriculum by developing specialized courses such as “Okinawan Literature” and “Manga as Literature.” Her dedication is reflected in her high accessibility; she treats every student as a “whole person” and provides personalized mentorship.

One student nominator said, “Professor Gima’s dedication, clear instruction, and genuine personal support have significantly strengthened my writing skills… and boosted my confidence as a learner.”

The student also said that Gima “delivers content in ways that are both accessible and intellectually stimulating,” helping students thrive personally and professionally. Ultimately, Gima balances compassion with high academic standards to support her students in becoming the best possible versions of themselves.

Kekoa Harman

Kekoa Harman is an associate professor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Ka Haka ʻUla O 碍别ʻ别濒颈办艒濒补苍颈 College of Hawaiian Language. For Harman, teaching ʻ艒濒别濒辞 Hawaiʻi is far more than language instruction—it is the continuation of a living culture.

A co-founding kumu hula (hula teacher) of 贬腻濒补耻 I Ka Leo Ola O 狈腻 Mamo and a scholar of the hula traditions of Joseph ʻ莫濒腻濒腻ʻ辞濒别, he brings mele (songs), oli (chants) and hula into his classrooms as primary texts, teaching students that ʻ艒濒别濒辞 and hula are inseparable threads of Hawaiian identity.

His students describe daily routines that steady them, prompt and thoughtful feedback, and weekly study groups where Harman shows up—sweet treats in hand. He takes learning beyond Haleʻ艒濒别濒辞 through community ceremonies, cultural protocol training, and 丑艒驶颈办别 (showcase) hula productions, and serves the broader community as president of the youth nonprofit No 狈腻 ʻ艑辫颈辞.

“He is a teacher that cares deeply about his students and has a passion for teaching rooted in the continuation of culture,” wrote nominator Sophie French. In every class, Harman embodies the spirit of aloha and the philosophy of Kumu Honua Mauli Ola (an educational philosophy statement prepared by a group of Hawaiian-speaking educators).

Pele Kaio

Pele Kaio is an assistant professor of Hawaiian lifestyles at Hawaiʻi Community College. He is an educator, cultural practitioner and community leader dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems and leadership.

Kaio serves as kumu hula (hula teacher) of Unulau, a 丑腻濒补耻 based in Hilo and Waimea, where he guides 丑补耻尘腻苍补 (students) in ʻaihaʻa (volcanic style) traditions that foster 驶颈办别 Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge), environmental stewardship and leadership. He is also president and founder of the 笔腻濒补尘补 Foundation, supporting Native Hawaiian communities through education and cultural initiatives.

“He focuses on moving the spirit, and in doing so, he transformed ours,” said a student.

Kaio also serves as a resource teacher at Kanu O Ka ʻ膧颈苍补 Public Charter School and teaches at the 碍艒 Education Center in Honokaʻa, advancing community-based, place-centered learning.

A student said, “He concurrently weaves accountability into our moral compass, kindling awareness of our relationships with each other, with our environment, and with the world.”

Cheehyung Harrison Kim

Cheehyung Harrison Kim is an associate professor of history in the College of Arts, Languages and Letters at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. His teaching is shaped by a transnational perspective and a commitment to dialogue, empathy and student growth. His classrooms use discussion-driven inquiry to explore global histories, including topics such as North Korea, while encouraging students to question assumptions and reflect on lived experiences of power and constraint.

Guided by a philosophy of “equate, empathize and empower,” he fosters environments where students engage history as both an intellectual and personal practice. Kim emphasizes critical thinking, open expression and the connection between past and present. He also prioritizes creativity and research, supporting students in developing original projects that often lead to competitive awards and further study.

Through close mentorship, Kim helps students connect academic inquiry to careers in law, education, public policy and other fields.

“This class taught me how to quickly and effectively process the main argument and most important supporting pieces of evidence in history studies, a skill that I have already applied to my reviews of historiography across a variety of subjects,” said a student. “This training I will not only remember, but will constantly apply to my own work moving forward.”

Ryan J. Koo

Ryan Koo is a professor of history at Windward Community College, who is recognized for his engaging teaching, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to both campus and community. His courses encourage students to critically examine the past while drawing connections to contemporary issues, fostering thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding.

Students describe his classroom as one that promotes reflection and genuine connection, noting that “He gave us the space to be vulnerable and honest, turning a history lesson into a moment of genuine connection that I don’t think any of us will forget.”

Beyond the classroom, Koo serves as coordinator of Hawaiʻi History Day, supporting students and teachers statewide in developing research projects grounded in primary and secondary sources. He also advises the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, helping lead service initiatives that connect academic learning with civic engagement.

His teaching empowers students to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to the communities they serve.

Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said, “Professor Koo exemplifies Windward Community College’s commitment to teaching that expands opportunity and strengthens our Koʻolau community.”

Mark Ombrello

Mark Ombrello is an assistant professor of history at Kauaʻi Community College. His teaching emphasizes a student-centered approach, incorporating low-pressure assessments designed to support meaningful learning.

Recognizing the evolving challenges of teaching and evaluating students in the age of AI, Ombrello has reexamined the importance of soft skills in education. He emphasizes that “maintaining mindfulness of our behavior—acting with kindness, respect, and patience—makes all the difference in building and sustaining healthy relationships that foster rewarding and sustainable learning environments.”

As an asynchronous instructor, his student evaluations are consistently excellent across all categories.

Deeply engaged with both the college and the broader island community, Ombrello has made numerous valuable contributions to Kauaʻi CC and the University of Hawaiʻi system. He previously served as faculty senate vice chair and currently holds the position of chair. In addition, he continues to lead the district History Day fair and has served as a board member for the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities since 2021.

Sandra, a student, said, “Instructor Ombrello does more than just share facts; he teaches us how to think freely, how to question, and how to learn from the past to understand our present.”

Miyoko Pettit-Toledo

Miyoko T. Pettit-Toledo is an assistant professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. Her teaching is defined by rigor, empathy and innovation.

Drawing on experience as a judicial clerk, practicing attorney and nonprofit leader, she brings civil procedure to life by combining doctrinal mastery with practical lawyering skills and critical inquiry. Her teaching challenges students to examine how legal systems function and whom they serve.

She is known for transforming the first-year civil procedure course into an engaging, collaborative experience through creative approaches such as student “law firms,” interactive simulations, and a “Procedure in Practice” writing lab.

A student said, “I love Professor Pettit-Toledo! I think she’s an amazing professor who cares deeply about her students. I’ve come a long way since the first day of law school, and I owe a considerable amount of my growth to her. She’s pushed me since the start and not just with civil procedure but in becoming a more confident, meticulous student.”

Pettit-Toledo is deeply committed to student success, mentoring with care and intentionality while maintaining high academic standards. By cultivating trust and community in the classroom, she empowers students to grow into thoughtful, justice-minded legal professionals.

Subhashni Raj

Subhashni Raj is an assistant professor in urban and regional planning in the College of Social Sciences at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. Her teaching is rooted in inquiry-based, student-centered learning and a commitment to equity and place-based practice.

Drawing on her STEM background and experience as an international scholar, she designs multi-modal courses that integrate systems thinking, experiential learning and transdisciplinary approaches to real-world planning challenges. Her pedagogy emphasizes scaffolded skill-building, critical reflection and collaboration. Through spatial labs, community-engaged projects and structured debates, she equips students with technical skills while encouraging critical analysis of power, justice and policy.

She is recognized for inclusive classrooms that center Indigenous knowledge, decolonize planning education and connect students to Hawaiʻi‘s communities. Beyond the classroom, Raj mentors students in research and professional development, supporting pathways into planning and public service careers.

“Dr. Raj was probably the best, most understanding, educated, well spoken, and considerate professor I’ve ever had. She communicated so well and taught very clearly,” said a student. “She also was so reasonable with all her deadlines, requests and lectures. She even gave us breaks, which were so appreciated, and allowed us to focus better on the material.”

Eirik Saethre

Eirik Saethre is a professor of anthropology in the College of Social Sciences at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. He creates discussion-driven classrooms described by students as both intellectually rigorous and deeply human.

His teaching engages students with anthropological theory through conversation, storytelling and original research, connecting abstract ideas to lived experience. Drawing on global ethnographic research, he grounds learning in real-world contexts and student inquiry.

A hallmark of his pedagogy is “ungrading,” which emphasizes reflection, intellectual risk-taking and growth over traditional assessment, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Grounded in decolonial, relational and care-centered approaches, Saethre fosters inclusive spaces where students engage topics such as health, sexuality, inequality and identity with curiosity and empathy. His courses encourage students to think with anthropology rather than only about it, shaping how they understand the world.

“Every part of this course was valuable. Dr. Saethre is the first professor to help me understand theory and how I can actually use it in a valuable way,” said a student. “The course materials chosen by Dr. Saethre complemented each other perfectly, made every concept easy to digest, and challenged me in ways I have not been challenged before in a theory course.”

Amy Shiroma

Amy Shiroma is an assistant professor in the Hospitality and Tourism Education Department (HOST) at Kapiʻolani Community College. She is recognized for her student-centered teaching, industry expertise and dedication to student success.

Drawing from her professional experience in Hawaiʻi‘s hotel industry, she connects classroom learning with real-world application through hands-on projects, role-playing exercises and industry-based instruction. Students describe her as patient, approachable and deeply invested in helping them grow both academically and professionally.

“Amy always extended time out of class to help out the students who may be concerned with the lesson or help students excel in the challenges they may have faced with the material,” a student said. “She was always an individual who wanted her students to strive, even if that meant extending her efforts outside of class.”

Another student added, “Amy is truly passionate about the hospitality industry and showing her students how hospitality changes the world for the better. She is someone who goes above and beyond for her students.”

Tamara Ticktin

Tamara Ticktin is professor of botany in the School of Life Sciences at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. Her teaching blends scientific rigor with creativity, collaboration and place-based learning. She reimagines the classroom as an active learning environment centered on inquiry, dialogue and hands-on experience.

Her courses integrate field-based learning, community partnerships and student-driven problem solving, enabling students to apply concepts in real-world conservation contexts. Drawing on global research and long-term work in Hawaiʻi, she connects students with diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and local perspectives, while encouraging reflection on ethics, equity and environmental responsibility.

She is known for fostering inclusive learning spaces where students are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions and learn collaboratively. Through this approach, Ticktin cultivates both strong scientific understanding and a sense of purpose in addressing complex ecological and social challenges.

A student said, “She is a kind and wonderful teacher who makes me think about the class and the materials I am learning, she helps me feel passionate about the issues we are discussing, and makes me feel engaged with the material and see its applicability into real life.”

Kara Wong Ramsey

Kara Wong Ramsey is an associate professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. A kanaka ʻ艒颈飞颈 (Native Hawaiian) physician and neonatologist, she conducts her courses grounded in kuleana (responsibility), service and experiential learning.

In the neonatal intensive care unit, she teaches learners across all levels of medical training while also advancing public health education through outreach, including nationally recognized social media initiatives. Guided by ma ka hana ka 驶颈办别 (through doing, one learns), she emphasizes hands-on, patient-centered education that builds clinical skills, critical thinking and resilience.

As a leader in simulation-based education, Wong Ramsey creates collaborative environments where trainees develop confidence in high-stakes decision making. Known for her compassionate mentorship, she fosters trust, curiosity and professional growth.

As pediatric clerkship director, she has developed award-winning curricula and contributed to accreditation, faculty development and nationally recognized innovations in medical education. Wong Ramsey’s work prepares future physicians to deliver culturally grounded, high-quality care.

“Best preceptor ever! Amazing teacher and provided various learning opportunities from reviewing write-ups/topics in peds to seeing patients in the NICU,” said a student. “She created a safe learning environment and encouraged critical thinking of clinical data. I would be honored to become the type of MD Dr. Wong Ramsey is.”

When Asher Griffith walks across the stage in May to receive his associate鈥檚 degree in from Kauaʻi Community College, he鈥檒l be carrying much more than technical skills into his future.

Griffith said his true passion lies in voice acting. This fall, he plans to transfer to the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in general while continuing to explore creative opportunities in performance and entertainment.

His artistic interests grew through seven years in the Kauaʻi CC Jazz and Symphony Band and through involvement in theatre. But Griffith鈥檚 impact on campus extended far beyond the stage.

Leadership roles

He served in multiple leadership roles within the Student Government Association, including treasurer, president and, most recently, human resources director. As student body president, Griffith focused on rebuilding communication between students and the administration, and revitalizing student life following the pandemic.

Student activities regained momentum, and campus engagement grew once again. Some of the events that were reestablished include the Halloween Bash, Ping Pong Tournament, Valentine鈥檚 Day event, and International Education Week. Griffith also worked to help student clubs become active again across campus.

“My motto when I was president was and is to keep growing,” Griffith said. “t鈥檚 what I tried to do for Kauaʻi CC—to try to make it better and better—and I also tried to grow myself as well.”

Encouraging others

Griffith immersed himself in campus life, working as a student ambassador in the Student Life Center and serving as president of the gaming club. Through the club, he helped organize participation in an e-sports tournament on Oʻahu and encouraged students to get involved outside the classroom.

“A big highlight for me during my time here was all the friends I made, whether reconnected or new,” Griffith said. “Being able to be in a big community and to be able to develop my social skills was very impactful. I was really awkward in high school, and now I鈥檓 ‘Mr. Everybody Knows Me.’”

Other Kauaʻi opportunities

Although Griffith plans to move to Oʻahu to continue his education and pursue voice acting, he said the skills he learned in the electronics technology program will always provide opportunities should he return home to Kauaʻi. The program鈥檚 partnership with the Pacific Missile Range Facility provides internship opportunities.

Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

He also recently began working with former Kauaʻi CC professor Jameyia Shamia to help build customized light-up signs for a startup business and is working on sound and lighting at the Kauaʻi CC Performing Arts Center.

Griffith is grateful for the opportunities, friendships and lessons that shaped him into a more confident version of himself.

He said, “Everything that happens in your life can be used as a growing experience, something you can learn from.”

—By Caitlin B. Fowlkes

At 6 a.m., while many high school seniors are still getting ready for the day, Kenny Tsuru is already checking business emails, coordinating meetings and planning his next batch of ice cream.

“My day-to-day life can be hectic, but it鈥檚 something I鈥檝e learned to manage,” Tsuru said.

The 18-year-old Pearl City High School senior is balancing classes, early college coursework through Leeward Community College, and his ice cream business, . His hard work is paying off, as he鈥檚 graduating with both his high school diploma and a certificate of achievement in management from Leeward CC in May.

He also became the youngest entrepreneur to complete ʻĀina to Mākeke, a food business program offered through Leeward CC鈥檚 Office of Workforce Development in partnership with Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance and the college鈥檚 (WVAPDC), where Tsuru produces his ice cream.

“This moment means so much to me,” Tsuru said. “It represents all the hard work, dedication and commitment I鈥檝e put into my education over the years.”

• Related 东精影业 News story: “Teen ice cream entrepreneur chases dreams in Leeward CC food business program, ” February 24, 2026

Overcoming pain

Looking back on his journey, Tsuru says it was hard to imagine these milestones. It wasn鈥檛 long ago that he was navigating a new fibromyalgia diagnosis that, at times, left him in too much pain to walk or attend school in person.

“Now, being able to walk across the stage for two graduations this year makes everything feel even more meaningful,” he said.

His determination to succeed shows up in a schedule that rarely slows down. After his busy mornings, Tsuru heads to Pearl City High School for a full day of classes, then spends his evenings doing homework or making ice cream at the WVAPDC commercial kitchens. Despite the demanding pace, Tsuru said the experience helped him discover what he wants for his future.

Giving back

“I love connecting with people, sharing products I鈥檓 passionate about, and being able to give back to the community,” Tsuru said.

That purpose drives his work at Kenny Boy Ice Cream. He pledged 10% of 2026 profits to Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi and donated another $5,000 to North Shore communities impacted by recent Kona Low storms.

This fall, Tsuru will continue his education at the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu, where he plans to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business. He also hopes to put Kenny Boy Ice Cream on retail shelves across Hawaiʻi soon.

“Anything is possible when you take that first step and stay committed,” Tsuru said. “And honestly, I wouldn鈥檛 change a thing except maybe eating a little more ice cream along the way.”

—by Devon Bedoya

When Crystal Santos was incarcerated, she realized her life was not headed in the direction she wanted. Determined to create a better future for herself and her family, she took her first step by enrolling in a carpentry micro-credential course through Kauaʻi Community College in 2024.

“When I got out, I knew I needed to do something for myself,” Santos said. “I was nervous and intimidated. I was 45 years old, and I hadn鈥檛 been in school for 29 years. I was afraid because there was this younger generation here. But once I got to Kauaʻi CC, so many doors and opportunities opened for me. Kauaʻi CC helped me through every doubt I had.”

Waiʻaleʻale support

Her connection to the college began through her daughter, who served as a Waiʻaleʻale Peer Mentor. Santos applied to the first-year support program that provides mentorship and guidance to students transitioning into college life.

Through the Waiʻaleʻale program, Santos found encouragement to apply for scholarships, helping her cover most of her educational expenses while building confidence in herself as a student.

“At first, I thought I wasn鈥檛 going to be able to learn anything,” she said. “But I pushed myself, and honestly, I learned so much. I gained knowledge, confidence and motivation. I鈥檓 ready to get back out there and start over.”

Greater opportunities for women

Construction and masonry have long been part of Santos鈥� family history, and working with her hands and building things for others feels natural to her.

“I like helping people,” Santos said. “I enjoy going out into the field and building things up.”

When she started in construction in her early twenties, Santos was often the only woman on the job site. Today, she sees greater opportunities and representation for women in traditionally male-dominated careers.

“The female population in these fields is growing,” Santos said. “It鈥檚 opening new chapters and new doors for women to say, ‘I can do this too鈥攁nd it鈥檚 fun.’”

Inspiration for the future

Santos will graduate in May with an associate in science degree in carpentry technology, and plans to continue at Kauaʻi CC, where she will pursue another associate驶s degree in entrepreneurial business. Her long-term goal is to earn a commercial driver鈥檚 license through Leeward Community College, and eventually open her own heavy hauling business.

She said the civil engineering technology components of the carpentry program had the greatest impact on her professional development and inspired her to continue earning additional certifications in the future.

“I have so much gratitude,” Santos said. “I can鈥檛 believe this chapter is coming to an end.”

—By Caitlin B. Fowlkes

From overcoming financial barriers to conducting undergraduate STEM research, student Masen Haoa Lapinad-Sorgent is preparing for his next chapter at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 with a clear goal in mind: becoming a physician.

The biological sciences student will transfer to 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 this fall to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology after two years at Kapiʻolani CC. He was recently named a recipient of the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Presidential Scholarship, one of the university鈥檚 most competitive awards for Hawaiʻi residents.

The scholarship is typically awarded each year to undergraduate juniors, including students transferring from a 东精影业 community college, and recognizes a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor. It includes full-time undergraduate tuition, a $2,800 semester based stipend, and a one-time travel grant of $2,500.

Best pathway

Originally from Waim膩nalo and a graduate of Kailua High School, Lapinad-Sorgent said financial realities heavily influenced his educational decisions from the start.

“I always knew I wanted to start at community college and then transfer for my baccalaureate degree,” he said. “For me, it was about finding the best pathway that would prepare me academically while also being financially responsible.”

Although he was accepted to several out-of-state institutions, Lapinad-Sorgent said that taking on significant student loan debt early in his educational journey was not the right choice for him or his family.

“I didn鈥檛 want to take out loans so early in my education,” Lapinad-Sorgent said. “Coming from a family that taught me a lot about sacrifice, I knew I wanted to make decisions that would help me in the long run, especially with medical school ahead.”

He said the support he received through Kapiʻolani CC鈥檚 helped make college financially possible and created a strong sense of community and belonging. The experience encouraged him to become more involved on campus, and in student congress.

National recognition

Alongside his leadership work, Lapinad-Sorgent pursued undergraduate research in the college鈥檚 STEM programs. Working with math and science professor Amanda Alimboyoguen, he studied the medicinal properties of the Indigenous ʻuhaloa plant and its connections to Hawaiian healing practices and modern healthcare research.

His research later earned national recognition at the , where he received awards for Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation in Traditional Knowledge and the Native American/Indigenous Student Research Abstract Award in Traditional Knowledge.

As he prepares to continue his education at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, Lapinad-Sorgent said receiving the Presidential Scholarship represents more than academic achievement.

“It means a lot for my family too,” he said. “Being able to continue my education without that financial burden is something we鈥檙e all grateful for.”

By Lisa Yamamoto