This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the Office of Communications.

A Hawaiian Monk seal and her pup play in the shallow water. These photos were taken at a distance, and UH News wants to remind everyone to respect our wildlife by giving them the space to thrive.

Previous Images
Chainsaw ice
Dundee under a Kīlauea sun
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
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 UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH 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.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

Manakuke

—Mongoose.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“Ua holo ka Manakuke ma luna o ke alanui (The Manakuke ran across the road).”

—Noel Mendoza, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

As the economy rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence (AI), the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) is bolstering local workforce readiness. The University of Hawaiʻi Community College consortium hosted the PCATT AI Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact at the Ala Moana Hotel June 4–5, bringing together industry leaders, educators and UH professionals to tackle the evolving technological landscape.

Celebrating PCATT‘s 25th anniversary, the summit focused on four core pillars: Trust in AI, AI & The Future of Work, Public/Social Interest in AI, and The Mechanics of AI. The event emphasized the necessity of collaboration between local businesses and schools to advance AI literacy and create stable economic pathways in the islands.

UH System Senior Advisor to the President Kim Siegenthaler opened the gathering, emphasizing how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping Hawaiʻi‘s economy and workforce alignment.

Keynote speakers included Chris Barton, creator of Shazam (a breakthrough music recognition mobile application), and Dave Free of the Cisco Networking Academy, who offered strategies for innovation and adapting education training to rapid technological change.

Building a resilient workforce

“I was inspired by the discussions on finding the balance between leveraging AI‘s power while maintaining ethical standards and human connection,” said attendee Alexi Drouin. “As AI continues to change how we learn and work, it’s clear that our adaptability and human insights are more valuable than ever.”

For industry experts, the summit highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world application.

“Attending the PCATT AI Summit was an incredible opportunity to engage with Hawaiʻi‘s tech educators and industry leaders,” noted Branden Baker of Intech Hawaiʻi. “Discussing how we can safely leverage AI to build a resilient workforce and diversify Hawaiʻi‘s economy is vital to our collective future.”

Lakshanya Krishnarajan, a healthcare IT professional, added, “The sessions provided deep insights into how AI is transforming education, cybersecurity and workforce development. From learning about trust in AI models to seeing real-world demos of how we can build practical digital prototypes, this summit provided actionable steps to bring back to our community.”

Windward Community College gave artist Shar Tuiʻasoa a foundation, offering the accessibility and community support, which helped her define her path as a world-class illustrator. For Tuiʻasoa, of Punky Aloha Studio, Windward CC was more than just a school—it felt like a second home or “warm blanket.”

The college was also a hub of creativity that proved pivotal in her artistic journey. Since earning her art certificate in 2024, she has created vibrant work for global giants including Apple, Disney, Pixar and more.

“Community college gave me a place to land. It was a chance for me to try a few different things without having to fully commit, and really learning to enjoy that part of academia,” Tuiʻasoa said. “Having college outreach and the professors on campus really being involved and encouraging us, that was something I just wasn’t used to.”

The foundation formed at Windward CC continues to fuel her professional work, as she practices with her paints, exploring color theory.

“All of that really stems from that deeper understanding that Professor Snowden Hodges gave to us that he really instilled in us,” she said. “You’re surrounded by other people who are creative, like-minded people, and we kind of just gathered together and made a family.”

5th annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market

In 2026 Tuiʻasoa is bringing that connection to the 5th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market—an event dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and -led businesses. Her design features the official colors of all 10 campuses and aims to capture a sense of place and of home.

“I’m so proud to have gone to Windward CC to be a part of the UH system. Just being able to continue being a part of that family, being in community with fellow alum, it just feels like a very full circle moment,” Tuiʻasoa said.

The 5th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market is set for Wednesday, July 29 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī. Tickets are still available, and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Presented by the UH Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the UH Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current UH student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email contact@uhalumni.org.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Kauaʻi CC marketing staff member Caitlin Fowlkes.

Fowlkes shared: “Kauaʻi Community College culinary students learn how to carve ice sculptures.”

Previous Images
Dundee under a Kīlauea sun
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
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 UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH 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.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

Koholā

—Humpback whale, forcing up the water like waves hitting a reef, reef flats.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“E ola i ke kai ma ka leo o nā koholā (The sea is alive with the voices of the humpback whales).”

—Hunter Landt, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

Gov. Josh Green appointed University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the UH Board of Regents (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Gee replaces Regent and William S. Richardson School of Law JD candidate Joshua Faumuina, whose term ends in June 2026. If confirmed, Gee will serve a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2026.

“I’m honored to serve University of Hawaiʻi students from all islands and campuses, and I look forward to ensuring their voices are heard while working alongside the Board of Regents,” Gee said. “I’ve always been passionate about youth empowerment, and I hope to further that work through my role as the new student member of the Board of Regents.”

An Honors student at UH Mānoa, Gee is pursuing an international business and finance double major from the Shidler College of Business, with a minor in political science from the College of Social Sciences. Born and raised in South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island, he graduated as valedictorian from Kealakehe High School in 2024.

Gee has held leadership roles at both the county and state levels, serving as inaugural chairperson of the County of Hawaiʻi Youth Commission and as a treasurer of the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission, where he helped develop youth policy and advised government leaders. His experience also includes work on sustainability and education initiatives with Hawaiʻi Green Growth and cultural programming through Traditions Hawaiʻi.

As a Villars Institute Fellow, Gee participated in a 2025 expedition to Antarctica as the only American selected for the international mission led by polar explorer Robert Swan. During the expedition, he joined scientists, educators and young leaders in research activities and live educational broadcasts with classrooms around the world, promoting climate stewardship and raising awareness about the importance of protecting Antarctica. He also was selected for the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and appeared in the PBS documentary series “Rethinking Higher Ed.”

• Related UH News story: Antarctica to Mānoa: UH student joins global effort to protect a fragile continent, December 16, 2025

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus UH system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of UH and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one UH student.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on June 5, 2026.

Aloha University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana,

I am pleased to share that the University of Hawaiʻi has officially welcomed three outstanding individuals to our senior leadership team following recent Board of Regents action and appointments. Each brings deep experience, a strong commitment to our mission and an exciting vision for helping move our 10-campus system forward.

Please join me in welcoming:

Vassilis Syrmos

Vassilis Syrmos, who was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents as the next chancellor of UH Mānoa. A dedicated member of the UH community for 35 years, Vassilis brings deep institutional knowledge and strong leadership experience as he leads our flagship campus into its next chapter.

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, who was appointed interim director of the System Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao and UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office. Noe brings extensive experience in education, governance and community engagement and will help continue advancing our work as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

Brad Christ

Brad Christ, who officially assumed the role of vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Brad has played a key role in strengthening technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation efforts across UH and will help guide the university’s continued modernization efforts. Read more.

I am thrilled to welcome Vassilis, Noe and Brad to our leadership team. I know each will help take our university to the next level in their respective areas and strengthen the important work happening across all 10 campuses.

Please join me in congratulating and warmly welcoming them to these important roles.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
UH President

The University of Hawaiʻi has officially posted the job description for a highly anticipated, newly created position: the associate vice president (AVP) for workforce development. Serving as the primary architect for a cohesive workforce strategy across all 10 UH campuses, this leader will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry to meet the pressing labor needs of the State of Hawaiʻi.

The establishment of this position is a major priority for UH President Wendy Hensel. During her inaugural systemwide address, Hensel stressed the need to move at the “speed of business” and create one centralized place for industry partners to engage with UH.

“We must build an integrated ecosystem with employers that brings them into our curriculum and into the classroom,” Hensel said. “This new associate vice president for workforce development will really own this initiative, ensuring we answer the call of Hawaiʻi‘s business and industry, and move our strategic agenda forward in a targeted, coordinated way.”

Unified programs, enhanced pathways

Reporting to the vice president for academic strategy, the new AVP will lead the development of a systemwide “Workforce Master Plan” that aligns directly with Hawaiʻi‘s economic priorities.

By unifying credit and non-credit programs, the AVP will enhance career pathways, allowing learners to move fluidly from short-term training to advanced degrees. Furthermore, they will expand opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships and applied research by formalizing agreements with private sector partners and large state employers.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, economic development or higher education administration. The search is now underway, with the continuous application review process set to begin on June 15, 2026.

For Windward Community College veterinary technology students, job searching doesn’t come after earning a diploma. The path to employment is fast-tracked thanks to the annual Perfect+Match networking event, which connects first-year students with top clinics, often creating employment opportunities before they finish their studies.

The most recent event, held on May 5, did not disappoint. Class president Ashleigh Long met Kenny Lum, director of human resources and marketing at Veterinary Solutions, and walked away from the event with both an internship and a job offer.

This immediate employment success is a hallmark of Windward CC‘s AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program—the only one of its kind in Hawaiʻi. The program replaces uncertainty with expertise, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one.

Real-world training

Students dive into intensive, real-world training, tackling everything from surgical assistance and radiology to specialized exotic animal nursing. It was a transformative journey for second-year student Maluhia MacPherson, who grew up loving animals on a farm.

MacPherson said, “I overcame my fear of placing an IV catheter with the support of my instructors, classmates and lots of hands-on experience.”

Windward CC graduates approximately 20 highly skilled veterinary paraprofessionals each year.

To learn more, attend the next information session on June 12.

&#8212By Carolynn Yamada

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH Hilo’s Camryn Hilder, an undergraduate majoring in animal health and management in the College of Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

Hilder shared: “Episode 43 of Kīlauea’s eruption showered Hilo in a light dusting of Pele’s hair. Despite the elements, life continues on the farm…This photo shows one of the horses, Dundee, standing beneath an eerie red sun, its color caused by the plume of volcanic ash.”

Previous Images
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
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 UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH 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.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH 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 is extending UH Maui College’s successful Hoapili Teacher Pathways program statewide across all 10 UH campuses to combat the critical teacher shortage across the islands. This systemwide collaboration offers a clear and supported pathway for Hawaiʻi residents to earn their elementary education teacher license, including tuition-free courses.

The Hoapili program, launched in 2023, has already demonstrated its effectiveness by helping more than 60 students earn their teacher licensure and education fields. The initiative has served more than 360 students, attracting non-traditional students such as long-term substitute teachers, educational assistants, emergency hires, and parents in both Hawaiian and English educational contexts. UH is scaling this proven model statewide to “grow our own” kumu (teachers) on every island.

A dedicated program coordinator and campus counselors work one-on-one with students to build a tailored academic plan. To learn more or apply, visit UHKumu.org.

Eliminating financial barriers

Guided by the mission, “I ulu nō ka lālā i ke kumu”—Our keiki grow because of their kumu,” the pathways program is designed to eliminate common financial and geographical barriers. Core courses toward elementary education teacher licensure are offered tuition-free and delivered entirely online, with classes intentionally scheduled during after-work hours to accommodate full-time working adults balancing busy lifestyles.

Students can enroll full- or part-time, and there are no prerequisites required to join. The program also provides free substitute teaching certifications and free para-educator testing (ParaPro Assessment) for those seeking immediate entry into the workforce. Participants can start at any UH Community College and seamlessly transfer to a four-year UH campus”—including UH Hilo, UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu—to complete a bachelor of education degree in elementary education.

“The Hoapili program began as a way to provide a bridge to teacher licensure for individuals who are passionate about education but unable to attend college in the traditional sense,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “Expanding this proven, Maui-born solution to all 10 campuses allows us to scale our efforts and build a robust, sustainable pipeline of local teachers for schools across the state.”

The University of Hawaiʻi System has announced the appointment of Brad Christ as vice president for information technology and chief information officer (CIO), effective May 23. The appointment was officially approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) at its May 21 meeting.

“I am honored to step into this role,” said Christ. “I look forward to collaborating on and building upon the technology initiatives we have already launched across the system, further modernizing our cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity protections, and ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff have the innovative tools they need for success.”

Prior to this, Christ served as the UH System’s associate vice president and deputy CIO. Over the past year in that role, he made an immediate and significant impact through strategic leadership, generating tangible results for the university. Through his review of major ITS systems and contracts over this past year, he identified $327,000 in direct savings for the current and future fiscal years. Furthermore, Christ has advanced critical digital transformation efforts across all campuses, including leading the impending system-wide launch of a Microsoft 365 environment to provide AI-enabled tools to students, faculty and staff, as well as securing system-wide access to GitHub Enterprise at no cost to the university. He has also accelerated UH‘s cloud strategy and actively supported UH Mānoa’s work to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

“Christ stepped forward to lead stabilization efforts during a critical period, improving communication, strengthening community engagement, and driving resolution of major system deficiencies,” UH President Wendy Hensel wrote in a letter to the BOR. “His calm, hands-on leadership has been instrumental in restoring confidence and improving service delivery.”

Christ brings 25 years of experience in higher education information technology to his new role. Before joining UH, he served as the CIO for Eastern Washington University for more than seven years, while concurrently acting as the interim associate vice president for facilities and athletic facilities during the final 18 months of his tenure. His career also includes seven years as CIO for Southern Oregon University and 13 years at Augsburg University, where he advanced through multiple roles from technician to director.

A native of Minnesota, Christ earned his master’s degree in planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for nine years.

Christ is involved with organizations such as EDUCAUSE, Internet2 and the Northwest Academic Computing Consortium, where he serves as a co-manager of the organization’s cybersecurity program. For the last 13 years, he has also served as an accreditation evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The Honolulu City Council honored Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg on May 14 for her leadership in expanding educational opportunities across Koʻolaupoko (the area from Kualoa to Waimanalo) and all of Hawaiʻi.

During the presentation at Honolulu Hale, Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina praised Eschenberg for strengthening Windward CC’s community connections and advancing educational pathways. Since 2019, Eschenberg has expanded Early College, strengthened ties with Hawaiian immersion schools, and increased access for first-generation, Native Hawaiian and underserved students.

“This is such an unexpected honor,” said Eschenberg. “I’m thankful to Councilwoman Kiaʻāina for this kind recognition and incredibly thankful for our entire community that makes this work possible. Each accomplishment noted was made possible by an entire community coming together—our students, staff and faculty, our legislators, federal grantors, the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, high schools, business groups, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, so many individuals and organizations in our community make things happen.”

Prison education, performing arts, more

Key Windward CC achievements included establishing Hānaiaulu, the University of Hawaiʻi System’s only Hawaiian immersion childcare center. Kiaʻāina also recognized the college’s efforts for incarcerated students through the Puʻuhonua program, which launched the associate in Hawaiian studies degree at Halawa Correctional Facility. Windward CC further serves the community through academic programs such as veterinary technology and the Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Eschenberg is actively involved in the Windward community, participating in neighborhood board meetings and fostering partnerships with local schools and businesses. She has also been recognized as the Kāneʻohe Neighborhood Board’s 2025 Person of the Year.

“Being able to serve the Koʻolau community is itself an honor,” Eschenberg said.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global job market, the University of Hawaiʻi is taking a leading role in preparing the state’s workers for an evolving economy. UH has officially partnered with the State Workforce Development Council and Imua ʻOnipaʻa (a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit) for a four-part symposium series titled, “The AI Transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s Workforce for the Future.”

The second event of the series, “The AI transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s workforce for the future ” is tentatively scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. “Building an AI ready workforce in Hawaiʻi” will focus on the business case for responsible AI adoption, including industry-specific opportunities and risks, workforce impacts, and recommendations for Hawaiʻi’s education and training providers. Attendance is capped at 100 and UH faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to attend.

• More information and registration for the June 25 symposium.

UH‘s participation alongside partners such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Department of Accounting and General Services underscores the university’s vital function as the engine of Hawaiʻi‘s workforce development.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to partner with the State Workforce Development Council on this critical initiative,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for Hawaiʻi’s economic resilience. As the state’s primary provider of higher education, UH plays a central role in ensuring our training programs equip residents with the skills and AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

Bennette E. Misalucha, executive director of the State Workforce Development Council within the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, highlighted the necessity of cross-agency collaboration.

“Hawaiʻi has an opportunity not simply to react to the AI transformation, but to thoughtfully prepare our workforce, institutions, and communities to harness AI in ways that strengthen economic resilience and preserve our shared values,” Misalucha said. “The AI Symposium Series was created to bring together our relevant stakeholders to better understand this moment of change, and to ensure that Hawaiʻi is prepared not only for the future of technology, but for the future of its people.”

The first session “Where is AI and where is it going” was held in April at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Experts from the AI Safety Awareness Project guided attendees through the complex landscape of AI data and policy challenges, privacy frameworks, and AI‘s projected impacts on daily life, work, and sociopolitical power dynamics.

UH System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “The State Workforce Development Council’s AI Workforce Readiness series addresses some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities to our communities and state. AI will impact us all in ways we can only imagine at the moment; it is our kuleana to prepare our students for the future of work, lifelong learning and ethical, engaged citizenship.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s “Our Team, Hawaiʻi’s Team” trophy tour brought the NCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship trophy to UH campuses and community locations across Oʻahu following the Rainbow Warriors’ national title victory earlier this month.

The tour began at UH Mānoa on May 20 with stops at Bachman Hall and Hawaiʻi Hall, and on May 22 at the UH Mānoa Bookstore, giving students, faculty and staff opportunities to take photos with the trophy and celebrate the program’s third NCAA championship.

“It was really cool,” said Colleen Licudine, a UH Mānoa employee and Rainbow Warrior volleyball fan who saw the trophy at Bachman Hall. “A lot of UH pride. My dad went to school here too, and so basically my whole life I’ve been watching games from back when even Dave Shoji was coach. Seeing the men’s team rise up and be really successful in their program too, it’s been really, really nice.”

The trophy later visited Leeward Community College and UH West Oʻahu on May 27, and Windward CC, Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC on May 28, as part of a systemwide effort to thank the UH community for its support throughout the volleyball season.

“It was so cool,” said Shanelle Bartlett, Kapiʻolani CC student and UH fan. “The trophy is a symbol of how much effort these boys have put in to bring a championship back to our community and to the Hawaiian Islands and I feel like people underestimate us because of where we’re from. But this is a symbol showing how we are really powerful even from a small community like this.”

“Hoʻomaikaʻi iā ʻoukou no ko kākou lanakila ʻana! (Congratulations on your win!),” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “We’re so proud of the ‘Bows and their win for the NCAA championship. Congratulations!”

One of the attendees who made a stop at Kapiʻolani CC was former UH men’s volleyball player from the 1970s Dalwyn Wong.

“This is great. It’s really good to see,” Wong said. “The program has come a long way. I saw the last championship trophy and the games a few years ago. To see it again this year, oh man, a pretty good feeling. I’m proud of the program and proud of all the players and coaches.”

Other stops throughout the week included Honolulu Hale, Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Hawaiian Airlines, Skyline, local businesses, corporate partners and community events across Oʻahu. Additional events across the state are being planned, including other UH campuses.

“It really is gratifying to see how much joy and pride people take into, not only men’s volleyball but all the accomplishments in the athletic department,” said Charlie Wade, UH Mānoa men’s volleyball head coach. “Getting a chance to share this beautiful piece of art that symbolizes something really significant accomplishment, it’s pretty cool.”

The Rainbow Warrior men’s volleyball team captured the NCAA Men’s National Collegiate Volleyball Championship on May 11 after defeating UC Irvine in four sets. The title marked the program’s third national championship and its first since back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

The trophy tour was organized by the UH Mānoa Athletics Department as a way to share the championship celebration with fans, students, faculty, staff and community supporters throughout Hawaiʻi.

“Our team, Hawaiʻi‘s team, isn’t a slogan. It’s what we’ve really bought into and we want people to know that this championship is for them too,” said Eric Mathews, UH Mānoa athletics director of marketing and fan experience. “This isn’t just something at Mānoa. This isn’t just something for the team. This is the entire community. This is for the entire state. It’s for the entire UH System that we have.”

The University of Hawaiʻi has launched the Next Step Scholarship to encourage UH Community College students who earned an associate degree during the 2025–26 academic year—or completed enough credits in an eligible pathway or major—to continue their education at one of the university’s four-year campuses. Eligible students from one of UH’s seven community colleges are already automatically accepted to a UH four-year school through a streamlined process that waives the application fee and eliminates the need to submit a new application.

Now, through the Next Step Scholarship, students enrolled full time (12 or more credits) during the fall 2026 semester at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, UH Maui College or UH West Oʻahu will receive a $2,000 scholarship, while part-time students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits will receive $1,000.

“Transitioning to a four-year university is a significant milestone, and we are committed to making that next step as seamless and affordable as possible,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These students have already demonstrated their commitment and academic readiness through their success at our community colleges. The Next Step Scholarship helps ensure finances do not stand in the way of completing their degrees and achieving their goals.”

Encouragement to continue education

All UH associate degree graduates who qualified for automatic admission were emailed information about the new scholarship on May 15. The scholarship has been automatically awarded to 438 students who had already begun the transfer process, while another 1,156 students are eligible.

“For students who were automatically admitted but have not yet committed to a UH four-year campus, we hope this scholarship provides an added incentive to continue their education,” said Hensel. “This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for Hawaiʻi.”

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if they have not already done so. While FAFSA is not required to receive the Next Step Scholarship, it can unlock additional federal, state and institutional financial aid that may be combined with the scholarship.

Students with questions about their automatic admission or the enrollment process are encouraged to contact the admissions office at their chosen UH four-year campus.

• UH Hilo
• UH Mānoa
• UH Maui College
• UH West Oʻahu

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the Our Team, Hawaiʻi’s Team Trophy Tour, which began at UH Mānoa, following the Rainbow Warrior men’s volleyball team’s NCAA national championship victory. The tour will make stops across Oʻahu at UH campuses and other community locations. Visits to Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi are also being planned.

Previous Images
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
J-Pop Demon Killaz
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 UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH 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.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

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

Pūliki

—To embrace with arms, as in a hug, or holding an infant.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“Pūliki wau i kaʻu mau keiki i kēlā me kēia lā. (I embrace my children every day.)”

—LaurieAnn Takeno, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

Gov. Josh Green appointed Makai Freitas to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Freitas represents Hawaiʻi County and will replace Regent Wayne Higaki whose term ends in June 2026.

Freitas is a distinguished labor leader with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, with more than 20 years of expertise in organizational leadership and workforce advocacy. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded complex negotiations and strategic workforce development initiatives that have strengthened economic opportunities for thousands of families across Hawaiʻi.

Freitas has a proven track record of cross-sector collaboration, working with educators, public agencies and community organizations to build pipelines from the classroom to the workforce.

“I am honored to be appointed to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents and grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, faculty, staff and communities,” Freitas said. “Higher education plays a vital role in Hawaiʻi’s future. I look forward to strengthening the university’s mission of teaching, learning and community service.”

Freitas also serves as the West Hawaiʻi representative on the Hawaiian Homes Commission within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Freitas brings his statewide advocacy and local community insight to the board. He resides in Waimea with his wife, Aulani, and their two daughters, Wailea and Mahina.

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus UH system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of UH and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one UH student.

Freitas will serve a term as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.