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.

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) said UH President Wendy Hensel “exceeded our expectations” in her annual performance evaluation for academic year 2026–2027, shared at the May 21 BOR meeting held at UH West Oʻahu. Regents praised Hensel, who began serving as UH president on January 1, 2025, for her leadership during her first year and expressed confidence in the university’s continued progress.

“Over the past year, President Wendy F. Hensel has demonstrated proactive and highly engaged leadership during her early tenure at the University of Hawaiʻi,” said BOR Chair Gabriel Lee in a statement following the evaluation (full statement below). “She has successfully prioritized extensive internal and external stakeholder engagement, navigated significant legislative and budgetary challenges, and launched comprehensive evaluations of system-wide structures.”

The board highlighted several accomplishments during Hensel’s first year, including securing UH’s state budget, leading a successful athletics director search, deploying systemwide student success technologies, increasing access to UH for Hawaiʻi public high school students through Direct2UH, and advancing an artificial intelligence integration strategy. Regents also acknowledged major operational challenges the university faced during the evaluation period, including the transition to the new Banner student information system, cybersecurity issues and rapidly shifting federal policies affecting higher education.

“Moving forward, we ask that her focus shift to finalizing major reorganizational goals—such as completing the separation of the Mānoa and System leadership—implementing a new strategic budget model, standardizing student care, completing the health campus consolidations and elevating workforce development,” the statement said.

It concluded with the board expressing appreciation for Hensel’s leadership and optimism for the future.

“The Board of Regents is grateful for her leadership and performance. She exceeded our expectations and we look forward to continued progress together.”

President’s performance evaluation statement from the Board of Regents

May 21, 2026

“Over the past year, President Wendy F. Hensel has demonstrated proactive and highly engaged leadership during her early tenure at the University of Hawaiʻi. She has successfully prioritized extensive internal and external stakeholder engagement, navigated significant legislative and budgetary challenges, and launched comprehensive evaluations of system-wide structures.

Key achievements include securing our state budget, executing a successful Athletic Director search, deploying system-wide student success technologies, increasing access to UH from our public high schools through Direct2UH, and advancing a robust Artificial Intelligence integration strategy.

The University has faced distinct operational challenges, including a difficult Banner transition, continued cyber-security challenges, and near-daily disruptions from shifting federal executive orders.

Moving forward, we ask that her focus shift to finalizing major reorganizational goals—such as completing the separation of the Mānoa and System leadership—implementing a new strategic budget model, standardizing student care, completing the health campus consolidations, and elevating workforce development.

The Board of Regents is grateful for her leadership and performance. She exceeded our expectations and we look forward to continued progress together.”

The Kona Low storm in March left many residents on the North Shore of Oʻahu devastated, with catastrophic flooding in the Haleʻiwa and Waialua areas. Among the hardest-hit locations was Otake Farms, situated where the Kaukonahua River overflowed its banks, submerged homes and destroyed vital property. In the wake of this disaster, students from Honolulu Community College’s Diesel Mechanics (DISL) and Fire and Environmental Response (FIRE) programs stepped out of the classroom to provide a critical lifeline to the local community.

The ‘Cavalry’ arrives: Students restore vital equipment

For the seven family farmers at Otake Farms, restoring machinery was the top priority. The storm’s intensity had pushed muddy water above engine levels, severely damaging both mechanical and electronic systems.

Just weeks before graduation, Honolulu CC students applied their skills in a high-stakes “real-world exam,” repairing nine flooded tractors in a challenging field environment. Led by Associate Professor Bobby Salvatierra, the group mobilized twice in April to perform essential technical recovery steps:

• System inspections: Checking engines for structural integrity.
• Fluid remediation: Bleeding water from systems and replacing contaminated fuel and filters.
• Mechanical restoration: Cleaning intake systems and pulling injectors to resolve hydrostatic locked engines.
• Electrical recovery: Recharging batteries and testing damaged electrical systems.

“Today was an awesome day sharing our talent with people in need,” said Salvatierra.

The effort was a resounding success, resulting in the restoration of several major tractors.

“Before, I didn’t know what to do. The job was too big,” said Reun Ath Tab, a farmer. “But now I have my tractor. I feel good.”

First responders in training: The program’s community impact

While the students focused on machinery, students provided essential boots-on-the-ground support for residents near the Waialua River and Long Bridge area.

Transitioning from classroom theory to hands-on emergency response, the class received approval to assist families—including many first responders. Working alongside instructors, recruit training officers and the National Guard, the students tackled the grueling physical labor of recovery, including:

• Manual labor: Shoveling tons of mud from homes and properties.
• Resource support: Donating essential supplies, such as Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) bars and boots, to residents in need.
• Problem solving: Overcoming field challenges, such as equipment failures, to ensure the work continued.

For students Ryoma Sears and Evan Moon, the experience was more than just training; it was an opportunity to integrate with the community they will soon serve as professional firefighters.

Restoring hope, honing skills

These recovery initiatives were made possible through the support of the Honolulu CC administration and generous contributions from industry partners. Bacon International and Allied Machinery provided thousands of dollars in parts and technical assistance to ensure the tractors could return to the fields.

Through these collaborative efforts, Honolulu CC students have not only honed their professional skills but have also helped to restore hope to the North Shore, proving they are ready to meet the challenges of their future careers and their community.

For Liliana Okimoto, a year away for college in Washington State provided a realization that no school in the continental U.S. can offer what the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa can: a deep sense of community and purpose. That was the focus of her winning #TakeMeToMānoa social media contest video hosted by Hawaiʻi News Now.

In her minute-long entry, Okimoto said, “Hawaiʻi is where my heart is and under the guidance of the amazing faculty and staff at UH Mānoa, I know I can grow into the person I want to become—someone who devotes themselves to learning in order to better serve their community, so take me home. Take me to Mānoa.”

As the winner out of nearly 60 entries, Okimoto won a free year of tuition at UH Mānoa, courtesy of UH Federal Credit Union (UHFCU). The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2026 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to explain why UH Mānoa is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future.

Billy V from Hawaiʻi News Now made the surprise announcement to Okimoto live on Sunrise on May 22, in front of cheering UH Mānoa employees and students at the UH Mānoa Bookstore.

“I was just in shock and I was so happy,” Okimoto said. “I didn’t realize what it was and then I saw the check. I was like, ‘oh my goodness.’”

Okimoto grew up in Waiʻanae and attended Island Pacific Academy before graduating from ʻIolani School in 2025. At UH Mānoa, Okimoto will pursue a degree in psychology in the College of Social Sciences, and is also considering a pre-health track. She is also passionate about art and is considering medical school to become a psychiatrist, with a possible goal of one day leading a medical practice that offers psychological care and creative therapies such as art therapy.

“I had gone to school on the mainland and I could tell that I don’t know if this is what’s right for me and I always just kept thinking about coming home, being back here,” Okimoto said. “And so I was really looking at UH and what programs are here and what they have to offer. I really think that being back at home and being at UH specifically is what’s best for me.”

This will be a full circle moment for Okimoto, who will attend UH Mānoa at the same time as her mother, Michelle, who is in the graduate program for library and information science. Michelle is a librarian at ʻIolani.

“It’s really exciting,” Michelle said. “I wish that I had completed all of the education I wanted to do when I was younger, so I’m definitely gonna encourage her to do that, but I think it’s really cool that we’re gonna go to the same school, go to the same events and maybe even carpool sometimes. I’m just so glad to have her home. It’s icing on the cake that we get to be students together. I’m looking forward to studying together and cheering each other on!”

The contest ran from April 6 to May 3. Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams, creativity and determination of Hawaiʻi’s students.

“I am delighted to congratulate Liliana, the winner of this year’s #TakeMetoMānoa contest,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “As our first transfer student to receive this honor, she is a shining example of a student returning home from the continent for whom finding the right fit is of utmost importance, and we are glad to be that destination of choice for her. We are proud to welcome her to our UH Mānoa ʻohana and look forward to the impact she will have on our community.”

“We’re very proud of being able to support the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and also the students here and bringing her back home,” said UHFCU AVP of Member Experience Sean Parsa. “We’re proud of her and we’re proud of being part of the University of Hawaiʻi.”

Meet the previous #TakeMeToMānoa winners.

The Honolulu Community College student club, Hawaii Advanced Technology Society (HATS), placed fourth nationally in the 2026 National Cyber League Competition (NCL). They vied against more than 3,700 university teams from two-year and four-year institutions across the country.

“Working through real-world challenges alongside teammates teaches you things you can’t fully get from a classroom alone, how to trust each other, think under pressure, and grow as a team,” HATS President Nicholas Anich said. “I’m proud of how we performed, and even prouder of the community HATS has built: a group of students who genuinely show up for one another.”

The NCL Competition held in April challenged participants with cybersecurity scenarios, testing essential skills for the IT and cybersecurity workforce. The HATS team was composed of students from Honolulu CC’s Computing, Security & Networking Technologies (CSNT) program, along with CSNT alumni now attending the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oahu.

“NCL was a great competition to hone and apply the skills I’ve picked up both inside and outside of the classroom,” Anich said. “HATS, the club that competes in events like this, has truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Honolulu CC.”

Years of work

He credited mentors Gerome Catbagan, Jayson Hayworth and Bradley Ramos for their support. Former HATS president Jordan Yamaguchi said the placement was a result of years of effort.

“As the former HATS president, participating in this NCL competition felt like the culmination of all of our current and former HATS members’ hard work,” Yamaguchi said. “We spent several semesters together learning about the different categories in the competition and working out different techniques we could use to help us score higher, so placing fourth in the nation feels incredibly rewarding.”

In 2025, the team earned second place in the At-Large Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, part of the national Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) program. Through competitions such as NCL and CCDC, Honolulu CC students continue to gain hands-on experience while bringing recognition to the college on a national stage.

—By Amelia Oldham

Honolulu Community College’s Ganesan Srinivasan was recognized with the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) annual awards banquet held in May.

Srinivasan, who serves as dean of communication and services programs, holds a PhD in agronomy and soil science from UH Mānoa. He was honored for his 40 years of leadership in agriculture, education and international research.

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

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

Foundation built at CTAHR

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

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

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

He also shared advice with current CTAHR students.

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

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

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

After graduating from Leeward CC with an associate’s degree in liberal arts in 2011, Lee enrolled at UH Mānoa. In 2014 Lee sailed from Samoa to Aotearoa and in 2017 from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi aboard Hōkūleʻa.

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

Community on campus

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

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

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

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

The post UH alumnus brings voyaging experience to the classroom first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) physician-scientist Dominic Chow has been selected for the 2026 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum at the National Academy of Medicine.

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

“It’s a real honor,” Chow said. “To be able to interact with members of the National Academy of Medicine and contribute to discussions that help guide health policy is something I don’t take lightly.”

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

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

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

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

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

Read more at JABSOM.

After claiming a third straight Big West title and NCAA tournament appearance, four members of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa women’s water polo team were named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Division I All-America teams for the 2026 season, the organization announced May 21.

Sophomore attacker Agatha Weston earned ACWPC All-America Second-Team honors, while junior goalkeeper Daisy Logtens, sophomore attacker Ema Vernoux, and freshman utility Ariadna Temprano Xambó received All-America honorable mention recognition.

With this season’s selections, UH Mānoa has featured at least one All-American in all 29 seasons since the program’s inception in 1998. The Rainbow Wahine have produced at least four All-Americans in each of the last three seasons.

UH Mānoa finished 16-6 in head coach James Robinson’s second year at the helm, sweeping the Big West regular-season and tournament crowns for a third year in a row. The ‘Bows went undefeated in conference play and extended their winning streak against Big West competition to 29 consecutive victories dating back to 2024. UH Mānoa concluded its season at the National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship in La Jolla, California, securing three consecutive NCAA bids for the first time in program history.

For more on the awardees, visit the UH Mānoa Athletics website.

A group of culinary arts students from Leeward Community College is preparing to travel to Lyon, France, next summer for an immersive educational experience in one of the world’s most celebrated culinary destinations.

The trip, scheduled for summer 2027, will allow eight students to experience French cuisine, culture and culinary traditions firsthand while learning from chefs and food professionals in what has been called the gastronomic capital of France.

“For me, when it comes to France, the number one thing I can think of is the pastries they have,” said culinary student Rhiannah Khimberlie Mae Ulit. “As someone interested in baking, I’m most excited to see and learn authentic and new techniques they have in that field.”

Student Ralf Adriane Bartolome said the opportunity represents more than just international travel.

“France has one of the most significant influences in the culinary world,” Bartolome said. “Traveling to France would give me the chance to learn more about their cuisine and other culinary techniques that they use.”

Advancing global culinary education

The France trip advances Leeward CC’s growing emphasis on global culinary education, following last year’s visit to Japan—the program’s first international learning opportunity for students. To build on that momentum, the department hosted a fundraiser in March to help cover expenses for the trip to France.

These opportunities complement the hands-on training students already receive, and expose students to experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.

“One of the strengths of our program is the variety of extracurricular activities we can provide to the students,” said Matt Egami, culinary arts program coordinator. “This gives them opportunities to experience the industry and the world in ways they may not have thought possible before.”

Egami added, “The inspiration and passion that this will unlock in our students will hopefully encourage them to believe in an expanded realm of possibilities for themselves.”

To support the student trip to France, donate to the Leeward Community College Food Service Enhancement Fund.

—by Devon Bedoya

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

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

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

Naoto T. Ueno said the recognition reflects the global impact of Carbone’s decades of work.

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

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

Read the full story on the UH Cancer Center website.

An important pilot program is helping Hawaiʻi’s future public health professionals overcome financial barriers to completing required fieldwork. Based at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, the program provides paid field experiences that are traditionally unpaid despite significant time and workload demands.

Through the Hawaiʻi Public Health Workforce Catalyst Lab, and supported by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH), the project coordinates funding so students can be compensated for required fieldwork that was completed at DOH. The pilot aligns with broader efforts to close this gap and expand equitable access to education and training.

“This has been a team effort with many partners at UH and DOH and for that we are grateful,” said Becky Rodericks, a faculty member of the Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) and a key collaborator on this project across all pilot years.

Efforts started in summer of 2022 and expanded in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, the pilot supported 10 students completing their bachelor’s–level Applied Learning Experiences (APLE) and master of public health practicums.

Students said the funding made it possible to complete their practicums while balancing work and family responsibilities. One student said the support allowed her to finish her practicum without taking several weeks off work. “As a single mother, I don’t have the flexibility to complete my practicum on a full-time basis,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity that this program provided. Truly, it made it possible to get my practicum completed.”

The program also helped offset transportation and parking costs, easing additional financial pressure for students commuting to field sites.

Expanding access to hands-on learning

APLE and master’s-level practicums allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health and social work through interdisciplinary projects with community and government partners.

The paid placements allowed students to shift focus away from multiple jobs or other financial obligations and dedicate more time and energy to their practicum projects, strengthening hands-on learning experiences.

“We are honored and grateful to work with our partners at DOH and our fellow Department of Public Health Science and DSW faculty and staff on this important effort,” said Rodericks. “Our long-term and ongoing collaborations within UH and at DOH are vital to our program successes.”

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

Kurosu is a May 2025 College of Social Sciences graduate who double majored in communication and journalism from the School of Communication and Information. She received the certificate in December 2025 after taking required courses and passing an exam.

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

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

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

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

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo men’s golfer Dylan Bercan closed with a two-under 70 to finish at five-under and place in a tie for 18th place at the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championships at Boulder Creek Golf Club near Las Vegas on May 20. In newly released rankings on May 21, Bercan stands at No. 78 in the nation.

The senior from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada finished the three-round tournament with a five-under total—the best score posted by a Vulcan at a national championship—following Nick Mason’s four-under score in 2005 (runner up) and seven-over total in 2004 (4th place).

After back-to-back bogeys on holes 11 and 12 to go three-over in the final round, Bercan responded with an eagle on the par-five 13th hole, followed by three consecutive birdies to go two-under in the round. Bercan entered the day tied for 15th after shooting a four-under 68 in round 2 and a one-over 73 in round 1.

The back-to-back PacWest Conference champion qualified for the national tournament as an individual after tying for fourth at the South Central/West Regional, placing among the top two individuals not affiliated with a qualifying team.

Read more on the UH Hilo athletics website.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted a new scholarship for community college transfer students, reflected on the conclusion of the legislative session, provided an update on the UH Mānoa chancellor search and celebrated recent athletic successes, including a national championship, during her monthly report to the UH Board of Regents (BOR). The update was provided at the May 21 BOR meeting at UH West Oʻahu.

Among the highlights, Hensel announced the new Next Step Scholarship, which will provide eligible UH Community College students up to $2,000 to continue their education at a UH four-year campus. She also discussed key legislative measures affecting UH, including proposals involving tuition and fee reserves and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) funding for athletics.

Hensel shared that the UH Mānoa chancellor search remains on track, with a finalist expected to be named in June. She also outlined a new strategic budgeting process designed to better align future investments with UH priorities and student success.

The report also included congratulations to more than 5,340 spring graduates across UH’s 10 campuses, recognition of the UH Mānoa men’s volleyball team for winning the NCAA national championship and praise for UH employees who helped raise more than $51,800 and collect 3,300 pounds of food during the 2026 Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign.

• UH graduation ceremonies (video)
• Next Step Scholarship (video)
• Legislative session recap (video)
• Name, Image and Likeness legislation (video)
• Budget planning process (video)
• UH Mānoa chancellor search update (video)
• Athletics recap (video)
• UH Kudos: Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign (video)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa women’s soccer team knows its path for its inaugural season in the Mountain West as the conference released the 2026 league schedule May 20.

The Rainbow Wahine will open their first Mountain West campaign with a challenging two-game road trip in Colorado. UH Mānoa kicks off conference play on September 24, taking on Colorado College. The team will then travel to face Air Force on September 27, wrapping up the opening week of Mountain West action.

Following a bye during the second week of conference play, the Rainbow Wahine will treat fans to their first-ever Mountain West home matches in early October. The historic home opener is set for October 7 against Nevada. The inaugural homestand continues later that week as the Rainbow Wahine welcome UTEP to the islands on October 11.

Mid-October will see the team embark on another road trip, this time heading to California. UH Mānoa is scheduled to play at San José State on October 15, before visiting former Big West foe UC Davis on October 18. Returning home, the Rainbow Wahine will face off against Grand Canyon on October 24.

The regular season will conclude with a crucial stretch of matches, beginning with back-to-back home games. UH Mānoa will host UNLV on October 28, followed by its home finale against New Mexico on November 1. The Rainbow Wahine will travel for their final regular-season contest, taking on Wyoming on November 7.

The Mountain West Women’s Soccer Championship scheduled for the week of November 8. All of UH Mānoa’s women’s soccer conference matches will be available live on the new Mountain West subscription streaming platform.

UH Mānoa’s non-conference matchups will be released at a later date.

Five University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa tennis student-athletes earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors for their achievements in competition, academics and community service.

For the Rainbow Wahine, seniors Allaire Berl and Sophie Rachor, along with sophomore Makeilah Nepomuceno, received recognition. On the men’s side, sophomore Adriano Dzhenev and senior Timothy Li earned honors for the Rainbow Warriors.

To qualify, student-athletes must compete in at least 75% of their team’s scheduled matches. All Academic All-District honorees are eligible for consideration for the CSC Academic All-America teams, which will be announced in June.

Berl, an interdisciplinary studies major and UH Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president, earned Dean’s List honors throughout her UH Mānoa career and contributed extensively to community service initiatives. Rachor, pursuing a master’s degree in finance, also earned All-Big West doubles honors during her lone season at UH Mānoa. Nepomuceno, a travel industry management major, earned All-Big West honors in singles and doubles while posting one of the top GPAs on the women’s team.

For the Rainbow Warriors, Dzhenev earned All-Big West honorable mention recognition in doubles and was named Big West Player of the Week in April. Li, who is pursuing a master’s degree in natural resource environmental management, also earned All-Big West honorable mention honors in singles and contributed to several community-based environmental and agricultural projects across Oʻahu.

Visit UH Mānoa Athletics website for more on the Rainbow Wahine and Rainbow Warrior awardees.

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

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

Award recipients

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