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 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.”

Aloha 东精影业 ʻohana,

The 2026 legislative session came to a close on May 8 and, considering the significant fiscal challenges and competing priorities facing the state, the University of Hawaiʻi ultimately fared relatively well overall.

Throughout the session, lawmakers were tasked with balancing reductions in federal support for critical programs, economic uncertainty driven by both national and international events, and continued efforts to maintain affordability for Hawaiʻi residents.

With those realities in mind, 东精影业 entered the session with a modest supplemental operating budget request focused on two priority areas: healthcare workforce initiatives and 东精影业 Mānoa Athletics. While the university did not ultimately receive funding for those requests, we appreciate the continued engagement and collaboration with lawmakers throughout the session.

We are also grateful that the Legislature largely maintained existing operating support for the university and continued to invest in capital improvement projects across 东精影业‘s 10-campus system.

The supplemental budget bill, HB1800 CD1, was approved by the Legislature and now heads to Gov. Green for final consideration.

Preserving tuition and fee reserves

During the session, proposals to utilize the university’s tuition and fee reserves to support other state priorities were under consideration. Through extensive discussions with lawmakers, 东精影业 was able to successfully communicate the importance of maintaining those funds to support student services, campus operations and future strategic investments across the 10 campuses, particularly at a time when reductions in federal funding are creating additional financial uncertainty for higher education nationwide.

There were two measures with fiscal implications for the university. The first, SB2602, would have required that any unencumbered funds in 东精影业‘s Tuition and Fees Special Fund (TFSF) lapse to the state general fund. This bill did not pass. The second bill, SB2921, transfers any excess balances from non-general funds to the state general fund. Although this bill passed the Legislature, it did not include any of 东精影业‘s funds.

NIL bill outcome

Unfortunately, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation intended to support 东精影业 Mānoa Athletics did not advance on the final day of session. The final compromise proposal, which 东精影业 supported, would have placed $1 million of state funds into an NIL endowment and allocated $1.5 million for immediate support for the upcoming season. The bill also required 东精影业 to use $7.5 million in tuition and fee reserves for NIL – $4 million for the endowment and $3.5 million for the upcoming season.

The House passed the bill, but it was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 11–12. A reference on the Senate floor to an email identifying 东精影业 concerns related to a previous version of the bill, not the version on the floor for a vote. 东精影业 will continue to seek funding for NIL in future sessions.

Operating budget

For the operating budget, 东精影业 saw a net reduction of approximately $3.8 million in general funds. At the same time, the Legislature added $319,000 in general funds for three positions at 东精影业 West Oʻahu, as well as $4.1 million in special fund ceiling authority for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiʻolani Community College.

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the original 东精影业 Board of Regents request, and the final legislative appropriation in HB1800 CD1, pending any line-item vetoes by the governor.

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

Capital improvement projects (CIP)

For capital improvement projects and deferred maintenance, HB1800 CD1 provided $126.5 million in general obligation bond funding and $20 million in special funds for projects across the 东精影业 System.

These investments will support important facility improvements, such as $11 million for 东精影业 Mānoa Athletics, infrastructure modernization and system-wide deferred maintenance projects that directly impact students, faculty and staff across the university.

The following table summarizes the final CIP appropriations:

*The Legislature also added $10 million each in special fund ceiling for Minor CIP and Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance at the Community Colleges

Although these investments are significant, substantial needs remain throughout the university system. Addressing deferred maintenance and modernizing aging infrastructure across our campuses will continue to be one of the university’s highest long-term priorities.

While the legislative session has concluded, our engagement with lawmakers continues year-round. Next year will be the start of a new 2-year biennium budget, and we will continue advocating for the needs and priorities of 东精影业‘s 10 campuses while strengthening partnerships that help the university best serve the people of Hawaiʻi.

The governor has until July 15, 2026, to sign, veto or allow bills to become law without his signature.

Mahalo for all that you do to support our students, campuses and the mission of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Luis P. Salaveria
Vice President for Budget and Finance/Chief Financial Officer
University of Hawaiʻi

Three student-athletes from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo programs earned recognition for their academic and athletic achievements after being named to the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.

Jaime Paquet, Iori Furuhata and Victoria Ricaurte-Cabas received the honor from College Sports Communicators, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA while competing in 90% of their team鈥檚 matches.

Paquet earned the distinction for the second consecutive year, and Furuhata represented the men鈥檚 team alongside Paquet.

On the women鈥檚 side, Ricaurte-Cabas was honored for her work in aeronautical sciences-commercial professional pilot training.

Academic All-District selections advance to the national Academic All-America ballot, with final honorees selected by CSC members.

Read more at .

This week鈥檚 东精影业 News Image of the Week is the National Championship Rainbow Warrior volleyball team and the fans in the stands. Congrats ‘Bows and shakas up!

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Lexie Tilton came to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo from Oʻahu‘s ʻIolani School on a softball scholarship鈥攁nd somewhere between the diamond and the dean鈥檚 list, she found her real fight. This spring 2026, she graduates with a and a , headed to 东精影业鈥檚 law school with one clear mission: helping local families afford to stay in Hawaiʻi.

Initially drawn to 东精影业 Hilo for the opportunity to play Division II softball on scholarship, Tilton quickly fell in love with the island’s welcoming environment.

“I love the community here. They say this campus is the most diverse in the world, and it has always felt very inviting and supportive, especially for the athletic community,” shared Tilton, 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 #4 outfielder and 2025 PacWest Conference Co-Defender of the Year.

The transition from a structured high school to the freedom of a university setting allowed Tilton, who has repeatedly earned recognition for maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher as a student-athlete, to flourish.

Tilton holds great pride in the world-class education she received. She emphasizes the prestige of the , which is accredited by the AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the highest standard for business schools worldwide.

Tilton reflected on the close-knit but powerful nature of the entire university.

“We鈥檙e small, but we鈥檙e feisty, and we get it done,” she said.

Tilton shared that her academic trajectory was profoundly shaped by 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 dedicated faculty. These academic connections proved vital for Tilton, who is already a licensed real estate agent. Inspired by her mother, a first-generation college graduate and realtor, she has sights set on an incredibly noble goal.

This fall, she will attend the to become a real estate attorney. Her mission is to combat the state鈥檚 soaring housing prices.

“We want to be able to empower locals to become homeowners by creating more affordable housing so they鈥檙e able to stay here,” Tilton explained, citing sobering statistics of how many Hawaiʻi natives are forced to move away to make ends meet.

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Hayden Niles grew up 1,500 miles from the nearest ocean, in Waubay, South Dakota—a landlocked town of 500 where the closest thing to the deep sea was a swimming pool. This spring, he graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with a bachelor’s in , a minor in , a , and his sights set on hydrothermal vents two miles below the surface.

When it came time for college, Niles, who graduated high school with a class of eight students, initially considered a practical path in nursing. But the ocean鈥檚 pull was undeniable. He chose 东精影业 Hilo, recognizing it as a realistic option that offered an incredible, accessible marine science program.

“The opportunities here genuinely are shocking,” Niles said, noting the constant stream of emails about internships and jobs. By his freshman year, he had already earned his scientific diving certification, diving headfirst into his passion. He praises 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 intimate class sizes, which allowed for hands-on learning and tight-knit relationships with professors.

“You get a chance to really, really get to know your professors, and that helps a ton,” he explained.

Niles didn鈥檛 just study the ocean; he actively engaged with it. Before his senior year, he secured a highly competitive deep-sea exploration , an opportunity with only a 2% acceptance rate. This experience, which included crossing the equator and studying unmapped seamounts, solidified his desire to pursue deep-sea microbiology. He specifically hopes to research hydrothermal vent bacteria, noting that “there鈥檚 a lot of potential鈥� specifically in the deep sea,” particularly for discoveries that could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer.

But his ambitions extend beyond research. Niles is dedicated to giving back, currently working with the Bonner Program to manage hydroponic food baskets, aiming to bring sustainable agriculture models back to rural communities like his hometown in South Dakota. He believes in the power of agricultural change, stating, “We can make a difference by shaping people鈥檚 perspectives.”

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Tori Kiliʻohu Cashman Valdez has spent her years at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo training in everything required to care for the ʻāina (land)—studying ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) over late nights with fellow haumāna (students) at the campus鈥� , then analyzing aerial imagery the next morning in the .

This spring 2026, she graduates with a double major in and , headed into a master鈥檚 program where the full breadth of her training meets a single research focus.

For Valdez, the choice to pursue two seemingly different degrees was a natural extension of her upbringing in Waimea, Hawaiʻi and Kailua, Oʻahu.

“We very intimately see the connection between the condition of our ʻāina and its impact on our livelihoods,” she explained.

This “ʻāina-first” perspective is what led her to 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 , where she found a community dedicated to the perpetuation of culture.

“We cannot care for ʻāina in Hawaiʻi without that ʻike (knowledge) about language, about culture, about people, about history,” Valdez said.

Valdez said she was deeply inspired by her ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi class with associate professor of Hawaiian language and literature, Kumu Hiapo Perreira, whose passion for language unlocked a desire for her to find even more meaningful ways to solidify the intersection of ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) in and across all areas of life in Hawaiʻi—including her interest in science.

Valdez鈥檚 time at 东精影业 Hilo has been defined by rigorous academic achievement and high-level research. Working in the under geography and environmental science Professor Ryan Perroy, she has utilized aerial imagery for coconut rhinoceros beetle detection and presented her findings at the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference.

Despite a grueling schedule—often reaching 18 credits per semester in order to complete her double major within four years—Valdez found her “home away from home” through Kīpuka.

“Hilo takes care,” she noted, reflecting on nights spent playing music and speaking ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with friends. “Hilo makes it easier [to be away from home].”

Valdez鈥檚 journey at 东精影业 Hilo doesn鈥檛 end with her undergraduate degrees. She has already been accepted into the master鈥檚 program, where she will use LIDAR, a laser-based mapping technology to protect cultural historic sites from climate change.

You might recognize Anne Chung as the lady behind , an Instagram page with more than 15,000 followers.

Before she gained thousands of fans, the lifelong Hilo resident built a career in education. She attended the , where her academic journey helped to connect her to the community she now showcases online.

Chung originally studied psychology, but realized the major was not a good fit. After encouragement from her classmates, she switched majors and eventually earned a bachelor degree in Japanese in 1992 and a certificate in secondary education in 1993.

Launching a career in education

Her time at 东精影业 Hilo proved formative. Chung credits the university with allowing her to build relationships as a student teacher at a local high school, connections which would anchor her professional career.

“I鈥檓 so grateful that Hilo accepted me as a student,” said Chung. “The people here really helped me find my way. It turned out to be the right path for me.”

Chung spent 16 years as a high school teacher before transitioning to higher education. She eventually became an assistant professor in business technology at , where she was recognized as the Hawaiʻi Business Education Association Educator of the Year in 2015.

Living Hilo Style

Chung started her social media account Living Hilo Style to share what she loved about her hometown. After retiring, the account morphed into a cooking channel that showcased local ingredients and local recipes. The content resonated with people, leading to partnerships with longtime community institutions, such as Suisan Fish Market, K鈥檚 Drive-In and KTA Super Stores.

She credits her following to authenticity and relatability, qualities she says are integral to Hilo itself.

“You鈥檙e going to find that you鈥檙e dealing with friends and family, so it keeps things authentic. It makes people feel a sense of belonging.”

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo pitcher Blake Saucedo has been named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II West Region Pitcher of the Week following his nine-inning complete-game shutout performance in a 3鈥�0 victory over Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU), May 1.

Saucedo made his second start of the season in the series-opening game against HPU, tossing all nine innings with six hits, two walks and four hit batsmen surrendered while striking out seven batters.

“It’s just the best outing I’ve had in my career for sure,” Saucedo said. “I finished the sixth inning and was like, ‘Okay, let me get seven for a quality start,’ and then I was like, ‘Okay, let me go to eight.’ I struck out the side in the eighth. I was like, ‘Why not one more?’ The coaches asked me how I was feeling—I was like, ‘Coach, you don’t even gotta ask me. I’m ready to go.’”

Saucedo was also selected as the Pacific West Conference Pitcher of the Week for the final week of the regular season.

Read more at .

This week鈥檚 东精影业 News Image of the Week is from 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补’s Patrick Williams, of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR).

Williams shared: “A team of researchers and students harvested rice at CTAHR‘s Waim膩nalo station as part of exploring if Hawaiʻi can grow rice again. Rice is a local tradition, but instead of growing it in the islands, we import more than 100 million pounds of it a year.”

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A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 东精影业 ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next 东精影业 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 东精影业 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 东精影业 News permission to publish your photo on the 东精影业 News website and 东精影业 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo placed three players on the All-PacWest Conference postseason awards list, as the Vulcans prepare for the conference tournament.

Left fielder Lexie Tilton headlined the group, repeating as PacWest Defender of the Year while also earning All-PacWest Second Team honors. Tilton became part of a growing tradition under head coach Aisha Sueda, marking the program鈥檚 fourth Defender of the Year selection since 2022. She previously earned All-PacWest recognition in 2024 and 2025.

Pitcher Janessa Santos was named to the All-PacWest First Team after a dominant season in the circle. Santos ranked among the conference鈥檚 top five in multiple pitching categories, including a league-best .174 opposing batting average.

Right fielder Rayna White rounded out 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 honorees with an All-PacWest Second Team selection, leading the Vulcans offensively. White also earned second team recognition in 2024.

The four-team PacWest Championships run May 5鈥�7 in La Mirada, California, with the Vulcans opening tournament play against Biola on May 5.

Read more at .

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo baseball鈥檚 Blake Saucedo was selected as the Pacific West Conference Pitcher of the Week after tossing a nine-inning complete-game shutout against Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) in the Vulcans’ regular-season series finale.

Saucedo made his second consecutive start in his 10th appearance on the mound this season going the entire nine innings with no runs allowed in a 3-0 victory to open the four-game series. Saucedo surrendered just six hits, two walks and four hit batsmen while tallying up seven strikeouts along with two putouts and one assist.

This marked the third shutout of the season by the Vulcans—and the only one to go nine innings—as well as the fourth time this season that HPU had been kept off the scoreboard.

The Vulcans also claimed victory in game two for the doubleheader sweep to help eliminate HPU from qualifying for the four-team PacWest Championships postseason tournament.

东精影业 Hilo ended its season at 18-29 overall with a 17-25 record in PacWest play to finish No. 9 in the conference.

Read more at .

Graduates from across the University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 10-campus system will be celebrated this spring, starting May 9 and ending May 16.

Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

Thousands of graduates will celebrate at the ceremonies with family and friends. We ask that attendees and residents near the events plan ahead for traffic before and after the ceremonies.

Saturday, May 9

University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈鈥揥别蝉迟 翱驶补丑耻
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

Livestream link (will become active during the ceremony)

Thursday, May 14

东精影业 Maui College
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: 东精影业 Maui College Great Lawn

Friday, May 15

碍补辫颈驶辞濒补苍颈 Community College
(PDF)

Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Diamond Head Theatre

Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Diamond Head Theatre

Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Diamond Head Theatre

碍补耻补驶颈 Community College
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: 碍补耻补驶颈 CC, lawn near Hawaiian Studies/Social Sciences Building

Leeward Community College
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: 笔耻驶耻濒辞补 Campus, Tuthill Courtyard

Windward Community College
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Windward CC, Hale 驶膧办辞补办辞补

贬补飞补颈驶颈 Community College
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Edith 碍补苍补办补驶辞濒别 Tennis Stadium

Honolulu Community College
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Waikiki Shell

Saturday, May 16

University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 at Hilo
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Edith 碍补苍补办补驶辞濒别 Multipurpose Stadium

University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 at 惭腻苍辞补

Time: 9 a.m.
Location: 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

Livestream link (will become active during the ceremony)
College of Arts, Languages & Letters
College of Natural Sciences
College of Social Sciences
College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resilience
贬补飞补颈驶颈nui膩kea School of Hawaiian Knowledge
Interdisciplinary Studies
School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology

Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center

Livestream link (will become active during the ceremony)
College of Education
College of Engineering
John A. Burns School of Medicine
School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene
School of Architecture
Shidler College of Business
Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

贬补飞补颈驶颈 Community College鈥摫誓灞舨钩静筺ui
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: 贬补飞补颈驶颈 CC 笔腻濒补尘补nui Campus, P膩nini Lanai

Hawaiʻi鈥檚 isolated and unique island ecosystem makes the state especially vulnerable to invasive species, which can cause major damage to the environment, agriculture and public health. That is why federal, state and private funders are turning to the University of Hawaiʻi for solutions.

东精影业 researchers are currently leading 98 grant-funded projects totaling more than $33.5 million to combat invasive species. The work targets some of the state鈥檚 most urgent challenges, including rapid ʻōhiʻa death, invasive mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, destructive food crop plant pests, invasive ants and beetles, and non-native plants and animals that damage forests and watersheds. Together, the projects aim to protect drinking water sources, food production, cultural resources and native ecosystems and species found nowhere else in the world.

The funding includes 44 federal awards totaling $21,050,427 and 54 non-federal awards totaling $12,494,933. Projects are led by researchers at 东精影业 Mānoa and 东精影业 Hilo and involve partnerships with national and state agencies.

“These awards reflect the trust that agencies have in 东精影业 to protect Hawaiʻi鈥檚 people, environment and economy,” said 东精影业 Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton. “You can see the damage coconut rhinoceros beetles leave behind, or how native birds are being wiped out by multiple invasive threats. Our 东精影业 teams are conducting research to develop practical solutions that protect both our environment and our communities.”

Protecting birds, forests, farms, communities

Several large projects focus on protecting native forest birds by reducing populations of invasive mosquitoes that carry avian malaria. Others use satellite imagery and remote sensing (technology that gathers data from aircraft or space) to track forest health and detect invasive plants early, when they are easier and less expensive to control.

Researchers are also developing new molecular diagnostic tools—lab methods that use DNA to identify species—to quickly detect fruit flies, moths and plant pathogens that threaten local farms. Additional projects support fencing and removal efforts to keep invasive animals out of sensitive ecosystems, as well as testing new pest control tools that reduce reliance on traditional insecticides.

Some of the active invasive species projects:

• $5,343,414—Suppression of non-native mosquito populations in key forest bird habitats of East Maui (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $2,562,586—Protect unique park ecosystems through exclusionary fencing (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $2,250,000—Analysis of satellite imagery and meteorological data for forest health (东精影业 Hilo)
• $1,393,541—Protecting endangered native birds on Kauaʻi from avian malaria (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $1,361,016—Preventing coconut rhinoceros beetles from spreading in the Hawaiian Islands
• $789,777—Understanding how Phytophthora palmivora attacks plants to protect crops and ecosystems (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $651,084—Using mosquito biology to suppress avian malaria and protect endangered honeycreepers on Kauaʻi (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $600,580—Refine control and treatment methods for ecosystem-altering invasive plants at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $200,000—Outreach, surveillance and treatment of little fire ant infestations (东精影业 Mānoa)
• $34,500—Initial studies to control coffee berry borer (东精影业 Mānoa)

Beginning in summer 2026, all University of Hawaiʻi online classes—including hybrid courses with an online component—will be delivered through (LMS).

The change, required by adopted on April 1, 2026, is designed to strengthen the student experience across 东精影业‘s 10 campuses while improving data security and systemwide support for teaching and learning.

Providing students with single point of reference

Using a single LMS provides students with a consistent point of access for course materials, communication and grades, regardless of campus or department. This reduces the number of different platforms students must navigate and supports stronger engagement and success in online learning environments.

“Moving to a single learning management system makes it easier for students to stay organized and engaged in their courses, while also giving faculty a secure, well-supported platform for teaching,” said Kim Siegenthaler, senior advisor to 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “尝补尘补办奴 strengthens consistency across our campuses and helps ensure that both students and instructors have the tools they need for a successful learning experience.”

The move also enhances protection of student information. 尝补尘补办奴 meets 东精影业 Information Security policies and applicable data privacy requirements, significantly reducing the risk of security breaches involving course materials, grades and other sensitive information.

Faculty may continue using third-party instructional tools when appropriate, but those tools must meet 东精影业 policy requirements and be integrated through 尝补尘补办奴.

尝补尘补办奴: Lighting the path for learning

The Hawaiian word 濒补尘补办奴 means torch—the same torch represented in the 东精影业 logo—and symbolizes education and enlightenment, 濒补尘补办奴 o ka naʻauao. The platform reflects 东精影业‘s ongoing commitment to advancing teaching and learning through modern, secure and student-centered technology across the system.

This week鈥檚 东精影业 News Image of the Week is from Honolulu Community College’s Shannon Fritz.

Fritz shares: Everybody chill. Students in the Honolulu CC Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Program get hands-on experience with a water-cooled chiller system after attending the Hawaii Buildings, Facilities, & Property Management Expo. Clockwise from far left: Jeremy Jennings, Professor Steven Chow, Joe Grummon, Pohaku Kaye, Awa Yerhot, D’Sean Watson, and Sage Le Akina.”

Previous Images
J-Pop Demon Killaz
Bash splash
Mōʻī Wahine
Cleaning up
Through the water
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 东精影业 ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next 东精影业 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 东精影业 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 东精影业 News permission to publish your photo on the 东精影业 News website and 东精影业 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

—West; Western Maui.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“Kaulana nui loa ʻo Mokuʻula i Maui Komohana i kona kapu loa. (Mokuʻula Western Maui is very famous due to its sacredness.)”

—Melelani Seiki, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu a me Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Maui (Honolulu Community College and UH Maui College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the 东精影业 Hilo .

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

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

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

Turning point

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

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

Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

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

Service driven

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

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

She won’t have to wait long to achieve that dream. This July, Ah Sing will begin the at 东精影业 Hilo.

For more, go to .