In high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, aspiring filmmaker Kainoa Kaeha wasn驶t sure where to start when it came to choosing a college. His high school advisors pointed him toward mainland universities, but Kaeha felt that Leeward Community College was the right fit.

“I chose Leeward because it鈥檚 more affordable, as well as their digital media program was right up my alley,” Kaeha said. “I regret nothing.”

At Leeward CC, Kaeha thrived in smaller classes and the close-knit environment. He gained valuable skills by getting involved on campus. Kaeha joined the student-produced campus publication to develop his photo, video and graphic design skills. Eventually, he got involved with student government, serving as president for a year and a half.

“I was making connections with my friends and coworkers, especially when it comes to leadership. I was starting to learn how to communicate effectively,” said Kaeha.

Scholarship support opens doors

After earning an associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts and multiple digital media certificates from Leeward CC in 2024, Kaeha turned his sights to 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. One concern was the cost of tuition. His plan was simple: apply for as many scholarships as possible.

The hard work paid off as he was awarded the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Presidential Scholarship, granting him full tuition for the school year and a total of $4,000 in stipend and travel grants.

“I鈥檓 more comfortable, I鈥檓 not stressing out as much so I can do better in class and make more connections,” Kaeha said. “The easiest word is thank you, and appreciation and gratitude. To give others that power of financial stability or comfort in order to do better in school, it鈥檚 really amazing.”

Kaeha plans to graduate from the School of Cinematic Arts in spring 2026.

Emma Lake‘s time at the has been bookended by notable achievements—from receiving a Regents Scholarship as an incoming freshman to recently being selected as a fellow for a prestigious local non-profit arts organization as a senior.

And to top it all off, the Mililani resident, who is majoring in with a concentration in Game Design and Development, will be receiving her degree within just three years of enrolling at 东精影业 West Oʻahu.

“Being able to graduate early is a pretty big achievement to me,” Lake said.

Lake is among more than 300 students who are candidates for graduation this semester, about half of whom will be participating in modified, in-person ceremonies on Saturday, December 11, on campus at 东精影业 West Oʻahu.

The is 东精影业 West Oʻahu‘s first in-person commencement since fall 2019. It features two ceremonies: The morning ceremony starts at 9 a.m. for business administration and applied science candidates. The afternoon ceremony begins at 1 p.m. for creative media, cybersecurity, education, humanities, natural science, public administration, and social sciences candidates. Candidates are allowed two guests each. (The events are only open to students and guests who registered for the ceremony.) All attendees must be fully vaccinated and wear face masks throughout the ceremony.

Additionally, a separate can be viewed following the ceremonies and features Chancellor Maenette Benham, 东精影业 President David Lassner, Faculty Senate Chair Edward Keaunui, Associated Students of 东精影业 West Oʻahu President Gabriel Navalta, and keynote speaker Candy Suiso.

Lake will be among the students who will be participating in an in-person ceremony Saturday on campus.

“Emma is an embodiment of the modern/emerging student who is not your typical learner,” said Sharla Hanaoka, director of the Academy for Creative Media at 东精影业 West Oʻahu. “She is both creative and self-disciplined and has an incredible outlook towards the learning process and is a dream to have as a student.”

From Regents Scholar to grateful grad

Lake enrolled at 东精影业 West Oʻahu in fall 2018 after graduating from Mililani High School. She was one of 20 high school students awarded a which is given to students with a record of outstanding academic achievement and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable.

Like many others, Lake’s experience as a student throughout the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a big obstacle.

She encourages other 东精影业 West Oʻahu students and future graduates to keep going and reminds them not to forget to have fun.

“I would like to thank the amazing teachers, advisors and faculty who worked hard to help me and all other West Oʻahu students these past few years. Without them, my journey would have been impossible,” she said.

Exhibition fellow at Hawaiʻi Contemporary

The non-profit arts organization , which is dedicated to presenting contemporary art and ideas in Hawaiʻi, selected Lake to be an exhibition fellow. The fellowship takes place over several months.

“I applied to Hawaiʻi Contemporary as part of my senior capstone, since I was looking into interactive art installations as part of my research, and saw this as an opportunity to gain experience about the ins and outs of art installation,” Lake said.

As a creative media major, Lake’s capstone project examined online participatory art, leveraging platforms such as TikTok to create a multimedia interactive exhibition.

As an exhibition fellow with Hawaiʻi Contemporary, Lake is assisting the organization with exhibition logistics, programming and communications. She will help create artist bios, dossiers and presentations, and answer public emails in regards to the , the organization’s signature event.

After graduation, Lake said she hopes to continue to work with Hawaiʻi Contemporary, as well as to look for more opportunities to work in other creative fields.

.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The offers several prominent scholarship opportunities, totaling more than $1.3 million each year to incoming and transfer students to help finance their education. Administered through the , these highly sought after scholarships provide significant financial support to high-achieving freshmen and transfer students for their exemplary academic, extracurricular and community contributions.

With the new student in mind, the New Warrior Scholarships (NWS) are comprised of:

• Regents
• Provost Achievement (formerly Chancellor’s)
• 惭腻苍辞补 Excellence
• 惭腻苍辞补 International Excellence
• Presidential

The Office of Admissions hosted its annual Scholar-to-Scholar recognition event on April 10, 2021, welcoming nearly 100 newly awarded NWS recipients for the incoming class of 2021. Scholars were celebrated for their academic/community achievements and connected with other incoming scholars from Hawaiʻi, the continental U.S. and various countries around the world. Current scholars were also in attendance to offer knowledge, experience, guidance, encouragement and the support of one another.

“The Scholar-to-Scholar event successfully allows students to interact and build connections, set a platform for fellowship, and gain an in-depth understanding of the student lifestyle on campus,” commented Justin Lau, scholarship coordinator and 惭腻苍辞补 Scholars Club (MSC) advisor. “We look forward to connecting with these scholars and welcoming them to the 惭腻苍辞补 campus in the fall.”

Lilian Marie Shibata, Provost Achievement Scholar said, “I received the news that I was a scholarship recipient a little while after a family member was diagnosed with cancer. Not only did receiving this scholarship help with the financial aspect of college, but it was a bright and proud moment for my whole family to celebrate. Through this scholarship and the 惭腻苍辞补 Scholars Club I have been given the opportunity to make the most of my college experience. I have made new friends, connections and memories that will stay with me through college and beyond.”

Helping new students succeed

MSC, a Registered Independent Organization, was founded and initiated by the Office of Admissions for recipients of the New Warrior Scholarships. “During the height of the global pandemic, our scholarship students found a way to create a community amongst one another and created the 惭腻苍辞补 Scholars Club,” said Lau.

MSC has become a student organization for members to meet regularly to perform charitable works for the university and local community. Students collaborate as a club to plan, participate, and serve in workshops and social events to give back to the community. MSC has successfully partnered and executed many community service projects.

The New Warrior Scholarships are more than just a financial benefit for students. These scholarships provide opportunities for students to make positive impacts in society, focus on personal growth and discovery, as well as encourage students to carve their own paths towards their educational and career goals beyond their time at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

“Despite the absence of test scores this year as it was not a requirement, our pool of scholarships recipients demonstrated a high level of scholastic aptitude and performance. Awardees of these scholarships have extensive opportunities to become integral members of the university by serving as inspiring club leaders, successful undergraduate researchers and lifelong learners,” said Ryan Yamaguchi, interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions.

This work is an example of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 goal of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Thirty promising high school and college students were honored on July 18, as the 2019 University of Hawaiʻi Regents and Presidential Scholars during an awards ceremony at the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Campus Center Ballroom. The scholarship program was created in 1987 and has attracted some of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 best and brightest.

Regents Scholarships

The 东精影业 Regents Scholarships are awarded to 20 incoming freshmen attending 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, 东精影业 Hilo and 东精影业 West Oʻahu.

The students receive four years of paid tuition for undergraduate studies, a stipend of $4,000 per year and a one-time $2,000 travel voucher. They also have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities.

“ So with this program we also create activities for them throughout the year with their peers that we think will help them become more successful in college and also after they go out into the community,” 东精影业 President David Lassner said.

The scholarships were welcome news to the Tucker family. Two of the triplets received Regents Scholarships after graduating from Waipahu High School.

“For us it鈥檚 really a huge relief because we were considering going to 东精影业 anyway. Having two scholarships really helps us to pursue our careers,” Dylan Tucker said.

Linnea Tucker said she sees other advantages to remaining in Hawaiʻi. “For me, I like to think the networking is really nice,” she said. While she is a declared nursing student, she has other plans as well. “I want to have a future career in law and currently have an internship with Judge (Edward) Kubo. I hope to continue that as I attend 东精影业.”

Presidential Scholarships

The 东精影业 Presidential Scholarships go to 10 juniors attending a 东精影业 campus. Presidential scholars receive full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. The scholarships are awarded with preference for 东精影业 community college students with high GPAs transferring to a four-year 东精影业 campus.

Regents Scholars:

• Phillip Amona, Kamehameha Secondary Schools, Mechanical Engineering, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Alisha Churma, ʻIolani School, Communication, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Zyrill Dayne Dela Cruz, Waipahu High School, Chemistry-Biosciences, 东精影业 Hilo
• Lauren Horita, Kalani High School, Dietetics, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Adam Hu, Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy, Electrical Engineering, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Miles Jenkins, Kailua High School, Physics, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Michaela Kop, Moanalua High School, Cell and Molecular Biology, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Tyler Maruno, ʻIolani School, Mechanical Engineering, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Tiffany Ng, Sacred Hearts Academy, Biology, UH 惭腻苍辞补
• Kengo Raganit, Waipahu High School, General-Undeclared Liberal Arts, 东精影业 West Oʻahu
• Shane Severino, ʻIolani School, Chemistry, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Cassidy Silva, Mililani High School, Biology, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Ashley Taylor, Kalani High School, Communication, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Dylan Tucker, Waipahu High School, Civil Engineering, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Linnea Tucker, Waipahu High School, Nursing, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Deborah Yuan, Kaiser High School, International Business, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Kayla Hirano, James B. Castle High School, Computer Engineering, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Mika Odaira, Wai膩kea High School, Business Administration, 东精影业 Hilo
• Benjamin Weiss, Kalaheo High School, Physics, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补

Presidential Scholars:

• Gabriel Allen, Biochemistry, Kauaʻi CC, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Emily Bautista, Public Health, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Kiaria Nakamura, English, 东精影业 Hilo
• Shawnia Oliveros, Social Work, Leeward CC, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Dylan Pilger, Biochemistry, Kapiʻolani CC, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Camryn Shiroma, Classics, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Marie Villareal, Public Administration, 东精影业 Maui College, 东精影业 West Oʻahu
• Hanna Claerbout, Business, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Kasey Emoto, Biology, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Celeste Guiles, Chemistry, Kapiʻolani CC, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补

Before Sasha Yamada graduated as one of several valedictorians from Kahuku High School in 2015, she envisioned herself at a mainland university. However, as fate would have it, Yamada was the recipient of the prestigious University of Hawaiʻi Regents鈥� Scholarship鈥攁 full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study awarded to only 20 high school seniors statewide annually for their outstanding academic achievement. She made the decision to attend and see where it would take her.

Fast forward four years later and Yamada is set to graduate with a degree in with a specialization in electrophysics on May 11, at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 commencement ceremony鈥攖he first in her family to graduate from college. And with an overall 3.94/4.0 GPA to boot.

“I didn鈥檛 really think about what that meant so much when I was just applying but being at the point where I鈥檓 graduating next week, I think that it鈥檚 probably hit me a little bit more as wow, this is pretty significant and I鈥檓 very proud to be where I am today,” said Yamada.

A rising star

Within Yamada鈥檚 first month at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, she joined the liquid metal electronics team and quickly distinguished herself as a dedicated student and researcher, exceeding all expectations for a first-year student. Her motivation and technical competence allowed her to make significant contributions to the research team, including making her one of the youngest students advised by Electrical Engineering Professor Wayne Shiroma to first-author a conference paper.

“There鈥檚 a mentality that people don鈥檛 want to stay here for college; that you should go away and see the world,” said Yamada. “Once I got to 东精影业 I was gung ho about maximizing the opportunities here and taking advantage of all of that 东精影业 has to offer and all that my professors would allow me to do. I made sure I made good use of my time.”

Throughout her tenure at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, Yamada dedicated her summers to pursuing state-of-the-art technical experiences. In 2016, she was selected as a Nakatani Research and International Experiences for Students Fellow and spent 12 weeks doing nanomaterials research at the University of Tokyo. The following summer, she returned to Japan as a visiting undergraduate researcher at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, where she simulated optical confinement in silicon waveguides in the Shimizu Laboratory. And in 2018, she interned in the Antenna Systems Department at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California, where she designed a wideband antenna for a radio frequency (RF)-photonic transducer, and performed comprehensive literature reviews about deployable antennas and the effect of reentry plasma sheaths on RF communications.

Yamada鈥檚 advisor, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Electrical Engineering Professor Aaron Ohta, said her diligence and ambition quickly impressed him.

“She has shown an aptitude for research, and proven herself to be a leader and a mentor,” said Ohta. “Sasha is an exceptional student with great potential.”

Likewise Yamada shares similar sentiments saying, “College has definitely enabled me to do as much as I have because I found great advisors that saw my potential and saw that I was motivated. They encouraged me to do research in areas I didn鈥檛 think I鈥檇 be interested in and pushed me in ways I wouldn鈥檛 have on my own.”

Staying on course

Along with consistently excelling in her academics, Yamada has engaged in impactful extracurricular activities, including her commitment to service within the local engineering community, serving as chair of the student branch and through the electrical engineering honor society, , provided free weekly tutoring services for lower division electrical engineering, math and physics courses during her junior year.

Her post-graduation plans include leaving at the end of June to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to earn a master鈥檚 and doctorate in electrical engineering, the field that has captivated and challenged her for the past four years. And once again, her hard work has earned her a fully-funded for three years. Of the 2,050 awardees, Yamada was one of 56 electrical engineering students recognized as a national top scholar in science in engineering.

Yamada鈥檚 ultimate goal is to stay in academia and become a professor, continuing to promote the involvement of women and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM and perhaps landing her back at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

The University of Hawaiʻi honored the incoming 2018 Regents and Presidential Scholars at a ceremony on July 19 at the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Campus Center Ballroom. The scholarships are awarded to students who are recognized for a record of outstanding academic achievement and are part of an ongoing effort by 东精影业 to keep the state鈥檚 best and brightest right here in Hawaiʻi.

“Students, while we glory in your achievements to date, we look forward even more to what you will accomplish in the coming years armed with your world-class University of Hawaiʻi educations,” said 东精影业 President and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Interim Chancellor at the ceremony. “Thank you for joining us here at 东精影业.”

The fact that I can actually go to college in the state and still stay close to my family with the financial help they gave me is really awesome.
—Lino Yoshikawa

Regents scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding incoming freshmen from Hawaiʻi high schools who demonstrate strong GPAs and national entrance exam scores, along with extracurricular achievements. Regents scholars receive full tuition for four years of undergraduate study.

Presidential scholars receive full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. Presidential scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors, with preference for 东精影业 community college students transferring to a 东精影业 university, who have a high GPA for all college level work.

All scholars receive a $4,000 annual stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

“The fact that I can actually go to college in the state and still stay close to my family with the financial help they gave me is really awesome,” said Lino Yoshikawa, Maui High School graduate. Yoshikawa is heading to 东精影业 Hilo in the fall.

For Kalani High School graduate Ryder Tanaka, the top-level scholarship helped solidify his decision to go to 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

“First I was pretty set on going away for college, but after looking into the University of Hawaiʻi more, and then of course getting this scholarship, it really made me more excited to attend the University of Hawaiʻi,” Tanaka said.

“Parents and family members—thank you for supporting your scholars to this point and mahalo for entrusting us with your precious children,” said Lassner. “Please be assured that we will do all we can to make their experience here at 东精影业 worthwhile and rewarding.”

See more photos of the .

2018 Regents Scholars

• Jolie Ching, Kaiser
• Yejean Chung, Moanalua
• Haylee Fujioka, Roosevelt
• Priscilla Hsu, Kalani
• Abigail Jones, Campbell
• Tabatha Knudson, Kaiser
• Isabella Kotsol, Kapaʻa
• Emma Lake, Mililani
• Sarah Loving, home school
• Geetika Patwardhan, Hanalani
• Daniel John Quiamas, Waipahu
• Jade Spallina, Sacred Hearts Academy
• Jeanette Tajiri, Wai膩kea
• Ryder Tanaka, Kalani
• Jenna Tsuzaki, Kalani
• Cameron Woods, Kalani
• Anya Wu, ʻIolani
• Justin Yee, Moanalua
• Lino Yoshikawa, Maui
• Theodora You, Kal膩heo

2018 Presidential Scholars and previously attended campus

• Edriene Caraang, 东精影业 惭补虅苍辞补
• Annalise Halverson, 东精影业 惭补虅苍辞补
• Justin Ho, 东精影业 惭补虅苍辞补
• Paul Hutchinson, 东精影业 惭补虅苍辞补
• Sue Anne Juskowich, Kapiʻolani CC
• Michelle Park, 东精影业 惭补虅苍辞补
• Regina Ponce, Leeward CC
• Jasmine Irene Rodriguez, Honolulu CC
• Maximillian Soares Miehlstein, Kapiʻolani CC
• Zoe Whitney, 东精影业 Hilo

Every year, Stephen C. Green of Waikoloa on Hawaiʻi Island writes a check to the to support the higher education dreams of local students. This year, he also wrote a thank you email to 东精影业 President David Lassner.

“I’d like to express my appreciation for the 东精影业 Regents Scholarship program and give an update on my daughter, Daisy Green, who received the scholarship in 2012,” he wrote. “She graduated from in fall 2015 in , and is now attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, in her second year of pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science.”

Stephen and Yuko Green are understandably proud of their daughter. Daisy, a 2012 graduate of Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona, possessed both the academic and athletic prowess that led to her three years on the 东精影业 and a degree in electrical engineering.

But they are particularly appreciative of Daisy’s 东精影业 Regents scholarship, which—along with the 东精影业 Presidential scholarship—supports Hawaiʻi students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

东精影业 Board of Regents Chair Jan Sullivan said the university strives to ensure that exceptional students can receive the quality higher education they seek, so they can stay in or return to Hawaiʻi with enhanced career skills, knowledge and personal growth. “We want to retain the best and brightest to attend 东精影业 and provide a learning experience that jumpstarts the rest of their lives,” she said.

Daisy Green is a shining example. “I wouldn’t be at MIT, where last year I was able to serve as an energy fellow, without the financial support and great education that I received from 东精影业,” she said.

Added President Lassner, “We have thousands of amazing stories of how our students are succeeding in their studies and lives, including how a superb and affordable 东精影业 education has inspired them to achieve. Mahalo, Mr. Green, for the update on Daisy and for your support of our scholarship programs.”

For more information on scholarships, including the 东精影业 Regents and Presidential scholarships, see the scholarship website.

The honored the (RAPS) on July 20 at the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Campus Center Ballroom. These scholarships recognize and support Hawaiʻi students with a record of outstanding academic achievement. Many RAPS alumni are now serving communities across the globe and here at home as the program marks its 30th anniversary.

Regents scholarships

Regents scholars receive a full tuition for four years of undergraduate study, and presidential scholars receive a full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. All scholars receive a $4,000 annual stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Regents scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding incoming freshmen from Hawaiʻi high schools who demonstrate strong GPAs and national entrance exam scores, and whose extracurricular achievements are considered to be remarkable.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to support these exceptional students in attaining their dreams here at home,” said 东精影业 Board of Regents Chair . “We look forward to the positive impacts our 东精影业 scholars will have on our community and the world.”

Presidential scholarships

Presidential scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors, with preference for 东精影业 community college students transferring to a 东精影业 university, who have a high GPA for all college level work, a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

“These scholars have already demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement during their first two years at 东精影业,” said 东精影业 President . “It is an honor to support their paths to college completion on their journey to a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

Celebrating 30 years

The 东精影业 Board of Regents established the Regents and Presidential Scholarships in 1987 to support students attending any 东精影业 campus who have a record of outstanding academic achievement and to help Hawaiʻi’s most promising students pursue their higher education ambitions in their home state. 东精影业 recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the program by holding an alumni reunion.

2017 Regent Scholars

• Tarah Aniya, Mililani
• Jonah Bobilin, Island Pacific
• Makenzie Cammack, Hawaiʻi Baptist
• Willy Chang, Roosevelt
• Sydney Dempsey, Maui
• Joshua Hu, Trinity Christian
• Lian Huang, McKinley
• Sarah Igarashi, Mililani
• Kacie Kajihara, Kalani
• Kelsey Ann Kimura, ʻIolani
• Adrian Kresnak, Hanalani
• Nathan Mashiyama, Mililani
• Christina Masutani, Leilehua
• Amber O’Leary, Leilehua
• Jocelyn Pham, La Pietra-Hawaiʻi
• Noah Rodrigues, Mililani
• Erica Sawczynec, K墨hei Public Charter
• Sophia Smith, Hawaiʻi Academy
• Alexandria Tyau, Maui
• Eleanor Yuan, Kaiser

2017 Presidential Scholars

• Giselle Bryant, Kauaʻi CC
• Nikki Dutro, Leeward CC
• Asia Helfrich, Hawaiʻi CC
• Jacqueline Kapu, Maui College
• Jaclyn Lee, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Cyrus Ma, Kapiʻolani CC
• Andrew Menor, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补
• Diane Ramos, Leeward CC
• Alyson Shoji, Kapiʻolani CC
• Naomi Wang, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补

Some outstanding RAPS alumni and cohort year:

• Michael Choo, 1987, controller, Matson Terminals
• Anthony Paul Sison Guerrero, 1988, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补’s John A. Burns School of Medicine
• Jason Sumiye, 1988, director of landscape science, Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi.
• Katherine Lepani, 1989, senior research associate, School of Culture, History and Language, Australian National University
• Sherry Nohara, 1991, senior attorney, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Michael Lambert, 1993, pilot, Hawaiian Airlines
• Darren Goshi, 1999, Honeywell research and development scientist
• Christopher Luke, 2002, owner, Katsu Kuri Media
• Dallas Nagata-White, 2004, photographer/owner, D’Amour Pacific Photography
• Henry Cheng, 2006, pursuing a PhD in bioengineering and an MA in public policy at Stanford University

—By Kelli Trifonovitch

University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner made his report to the Board of Regents at their meeting, July 21, 2016.

1. Update on the Integrated High Level Systemwide Academic and Facilities Strategic Plan
2. Update on reorganization of administrative support functions
3. Update on chancellor searches
4. Overview of Regents and Presidential Scholarships program

Update on the Integrated High Level Systemwide Academic and Facilities Strategic Plan

In October 2015, the board passed a resolution for the development of an Integrated Systemwide Academic and Facilities Plan to provide clarity around academic and facilities planning decisions and to help frame future discussions and decision making in these areas. The plan is being designed to address questions such as:

• What is the appropriate placement of current and future programs in order to build efficiencies, avoid unnecessary duplication and leverage available physical assets?
• How will 东精影业 meet state education and workforce needs through strategic collaboration and sharing of academic offerings and to leverage capacity through distance learning, transfer, articulation, pathways, etc.?
• What are the facilities requirements to support instruction and research at each campus and what will be the appropriate rationale for prioritizing which facilities projects are undertaken and when?

We are beginning with a new approach to academic planning being led by VP Risa Dickson. A set of positioning statements will describe mission differentiation across the 东精影业 System and provide guidance on what the four academic units (Mānoa, West Oʻahu, Hilo, community colleges) will and will not programmatically offer. Difficult conversations are underway with the vice president for academic planning and policy, university chancellors and the vice president for community colleges and initial versions of these statements are in draft form. These will be brought to the faculty for further discussion at the beginning of the academic year, for further development and finalization in the fall semester.

Additional supportive elements also in development are:

• A revised program proposal process and associated policies—the new process will answer questions about how a new program fits into the overall system vision and direction as well as the campus context. It will also provide for a high-level review by the academic leaders of all units before significant work is done on new program proposals. A first draft of this process will be considered at the Council of Chief Academic Officers this month and full consultation on the process is expected to take place during the fall semester. A new cost analysis template is being designed to accompany new program proposals.
• The creation of a system level strategic enrollment management plan—currently a committee is collecting existing campus plans and researching best practices with a goal of recommending a system level enrollment strategy.
• The development of a distance learning plan to address how 东精影业 will meet state needs through the use of university centers and technology as well as campus-based programming.

Initial facilities-related work is focused on evaluating classroom space usage and course scheduling across the system. 东精影业 has engaged a vendor, Ad Astra, to conduct a study on the efficient use of classroom space and scheduling at our campuses. Honolulu CC participated in an initial pilot and the results were very useful. Ad Astra is particularly interested in working with 东精影业 as they see us as national leaders with our work on integrating our GPS (STAR) system with our registration system and ability to inform course scheduling. The other nine campuses are set to begin their analyses in summer and fall.

More formal facilities planning will be guided by academic plans and a deeper understanding of how current facilities are being used.

Vice President Dickson will be providing a more complete update at the next BOR Academic/Student Affairs Committee meeting.

Update on reorganization of administrative support functions

Proposals have been drafted for the consolidation of human resources, communications and facilities/construction services as described to the full board earlier this year. Vice President Jan Gouveia is in active discussions over the summer and consultation will take place with faculty groups at the beginning of the fall semester after they return. Formal reorganizations will comply with standard procedures as set forth in applicable policies, which require thorough consultation. Reorganizations in facilities/construction and communications may precede human resources, but all are anticipated to be completed this calendar year.

Update on chancellor searches

Active searches are underway for new chancellors at 东精影业 Mānoa and 东精影业 West Oʻahu. Search advisory committees were formed last spring and the membership was publicly posted. Search firms are not being retained for either search. Ads have been placed locally and nationally and remain online, and we have now passed the date for best consideration of applications.

I am grateful to both search advisory committees for their commitments to work through the summer. The committees are currently in the process of reviewing candidate materials and scheduling first-round interviews over the summer, typically via Skype. Finalist candidates will be invited to campuses for visits in early fall. The current part of the process is highly confidential but once the finalists are identified those names will become public, and there will be substantial opportunity for the campus communities and stakeholders to meet the candidates and offer input when they make their campus visits early in the fall. With successful searches, we believe new chancellors can be in place for the beginning of the spring semester.

Both searches remain open until the positions are filled, so if you know of good candidates, please continue to encourage them to submit materials or pass their names to Dave Lonborg, who is helping coordinate the searches with the committee chairs.

Overview of Regents and Presidential Scholarships program

The 东精影业 Board of Regents and Presidential Scholarships program (RAPS) was created to support students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

Each year Regents Scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding freshmen with strong records of academic achievement and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable. Presidential Scholarships are awarded each year to 10 juniors with records of sustained academic progress and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor. Several years ago the Presidential Scholarship program was refocused on community college transfer students since that’s such an important part of what we do as a system, but Presidential Scholarships are also awarded to continuing juniors. In total, in any given year the maximum number of RAPS participants is 100, comprising 80 Regents and 20 Presidential Scholars.

Regents Scholars receive a full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study, and Presidential Scholars receive a full tuition waiver for two years of undergraduate study. All RAPS scholars receive a $4,000 per year stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Funding for the RAPS stipends and program expenses comes from the earnings from the legacy endowment we report on each year. The individual campuses fund their awardee tuition waivers. The scholarship recipients are selected by the Offices of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at 东精影业 Hilo, 东精影业 Mānoa and 东精影业 West Oʻahu in cooperation with the 东精影业 System Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. We are also fundraising with 东精影业 Foundation for additional RAPS support, such as the Daniel K. Akaka Regents and Presidential Scholarships and the Victor Chu Regents and Presidential Scholarships.

This year’s scholars include students from across the state—from Waiʻanae to Kailua on Oʻahu, from Hoʻolehua on Hawaiʻi Island. They represent a cross section of both public and private high schools. Former Regents and Presidential Scholars have gone on to successful careers including corporate CEOs, law firm partners, veterinarians, engineers, medical researchers, doctors, surgeons and even a Miss Hawaiʻi.

Each year, a dinner is held to honor the new Regents and Presidential Scholars and their families. This dinner, which follows today’s BOR meeting, is also an opportunity for the scholars and their families to meet the Regents, 东精影业 administration, former awardees and supporters of the scholarship program.

The honored the 2016 on July 21 at the 东精影业 Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. The scholarships recognize and support Hawaiʻi students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

Regents scholars receive a full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study, and presidential scholars receive a full tuition waiver for two years of undergraduate study. All scholars receive $4,000 a year and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Regents scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding freshmen with strong GPAs and national entrance exam scores and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable.

“This program highlights some of the brightest, hard-working students the state has to offer,” said 东精影业 Board of Regents Chair . “The university is proud to support these students in following their dreams. We look forward to the contributions and the positive impacts they will make to our community and to the world.”

Presidential scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors who have a high GPA for all college level work, a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

“These students have demonstrated outstanding dedication and achievement during their time with 东精影业,” said 东精影业 President . “It’s a real honor to recognize them and support their paths to college completion in two more years to they can reach their goals and advance the futures of their families, their communities and the world around us.”

The 2016 Regents Scholars

• Jared Au, Mililani
• Micah Axalan, Campbell
• Elizabeth Baker, Mililani
• Emily Ball, ʻAiea
• Ana Bitter, Waiakea
• Hannah Blue, Waiakea
• Kayli Chun, Mililani
• Moana Kimura, Kalani
• Arianna Kirschenbaum, Punahou
• Summer Lecher, Kalaheo
• Micah Leval, Saint Anthony
• Shannon Mau, Hawaiʻi Baptist
• Olivia Murray, Waiakea
• Janel Okamura, Pearl City
• Bethany Okuna, Pearl City
• Cayla-Arielle Paulo, Waiʻanae
• Sophia Rathyen, Mililani
• Kellen Tasaka, Roosevelt
• Gina Watanabe, Moanalua
• Nicholas Yama, Kalani

The 2016 Presidential Scholars

• Clare-Marie Anderson, 东精影业 Mānoa
• Rebecca Bootes, Kapiʻolani CC
• John Katzeman, 东精影业 Mānoa
• Darius Kawelolani, Leeward CC
• Sean Kirkpatrick, Hawaiʻi CC
• Stuart Martin, 东精影业 Mānoa
• Sharyse Nadamoto, 东精影业 Mānoa
• Micah Pascual, 东精影业 Mānoa
• Kilohana Roberts, 东精影业 West Oʻahu
• Kelsie Teves, 东精影业 Mānoa
• Kelly Zheng, 东精影业 Mānoa

Entering junior Coralyn Sunico wept as she explained what being the recipient of a University of Hawaiʻi Presidential Scholarship Award meant to her, as the first person in her family to attend college.

“It means a lot, because growing up with my family, there was no one who could help, so I didn’t know what to do, I was so lost,” Sunico said. “I just really wanted to continue school, because I wanted to gain that knowledge and help other people.”

Kamehameha-Hawaiʻi graduate and University of Hawaiʻi Regents Scholar Ciarra-Lynn Parinas echoed her gratitude. “This scholarship means the world to me,” said Parinas, who plans to become an English teacher. “It means my family’s security.”

Sunico and Parinas were among 30 outstanding University of Hawaiʻi students honored at the 2015 Awards Dinner. Home school graduate Rebekah Loving, who plans to study computer science at 东精影业 Hilo, was designated as the inaugural Senator Daniel K. Akaka Regents Scholar for Academic Excellence. She chatted animatedly with the former senator during the event.

• PHOTOS:

“The Regents and Presidential Scholars are the best Hawaiʻi has to offer,” said Randy Moore, chair of the University of Hawaiʻi . “Keep them here. Have them inspire others as well as themselves, absorbing all the university has to offer. Find their passion and pursue it. Go forth and make Hawaiʻi a better place.”

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents established the Regents and Presidential Scholarships in 1986 to support students with a record of outstanding achievement at any 东精影业 campus.

Regents Scholars receive a full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study. Presidential Scholars receive a full tuition waiver for two years of

undergraduate study. All scholars receive $4,000 a year and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Regents Scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding freshmen who receive an SAT combined score of at least 1950 on all three sections of the test or ACT combined score of at least 29, maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in academic subjects in high school and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable. The 2015 Regents Scholars hailed from 15 different high schools across the state.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 for all college level work, a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

For more information on the University of Hawaiʻi Regents and Presidential Scholarship Awards and a full list of awardees, please see .

The 2013 University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 winners were honored at a dinner July 18 at the .

The scholarship program is an ongoing effort to keep the state鈥檚 best and brightest right here in 贬补飞补颈驶颈.

鈥淭he Board of Regents established these scholarships to support students at all 10 东精影业 campuses across the state who have records of outstanding academic and community achievement,鈥� said John Holzman, the 东精影业 Board of Regents chair.

are given to 20 incoming freshman. They are all local high school graduates and well-rounded students who more than excelled in the classroom and in their national college entrance exams.

The are incoming college juniors with a high grade-point-average and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

All of the scholars receive full tuition waivers, $4,000 a year and a $2,000, one-time, travel grant.

鈥淲hen I heard that I got the presidential scholarship, it was kind of this moment where the clouds parted and I knew I had a home, I knew I was supported,鈥� said Aleca Borsuk, a 2013 东精影业 Presidential Scholar. 鈥淚t was a game changer. It really was.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 just a new opportunity for me to start and go onto to the path of my dream to go to med school,鈥� said 2013 东精影业 Regent Scholar Sylvia Koo, a Kalani High School graduate.

Of course, the tuition waiver is a huge benefit for the scholarship winners and their parents.

鈥淢y sister, too,鈥� said Koo. 鈥淪he is not in high school yet. She will be going to college and that will save up money for her as well.鈥�

But there is more to the program than just the substantial financial aid.

鈥淥ne of the real benefits of being a regents or presidential scholar is that you have this built in network when you come to 惭腻苍辞补 of people who are determined and achieved a lot already and are looking to achieve more.鈥� Alexander Bitter, a 2012 东精影业 Regent Scholar and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 student.

鈥淭hrough the regents and presidential scholars program, I was able to meet and befriend many wonderful people,鈥� agreed fellow 2012 东精影业 Regent Scholar and 惭腻苍辞补 student Angelica Wai Sam Lao.

Most of all, the program gives all of the scholars an opportunity to better themselves and make Hawaii and the world a better place.

鈥淢y ultimate dream is to become a surgeon,鈥� said Koo.

鈥淲ell, I am interested in material sciences as applied to renewable energy,鈥漵aid Lao.

鈥淚 am interested in material sciences as applied to renewable energy,鈥� said Borsak.

For more about the scholarship, including how to apply, go to the .