The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Alumni and Friends Association recently announced this year’s recipients of its annual scholarships. Holo Ho‘opai, Jodie Schulten, Melissa Sullivan and Lissa Tsutsumi will each receive a $1,500 scholarship.
“Our scholarships are funded through the Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet, the Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament, and generous donations from the community,” says Yu Yok Pearring, director of marketing and alumni. “The scholarship program helps undergraduate and graduate students with alumni roots to the university meet their goals, fulfill their dreams, and significantly add to the fabric of our community.”
Selections are based on academic merit and financial need. Applicants must also be or have an immediate family member who is a UH Hilo alumnus.
Holo Ho‘opai graduated from Hilo High School and is a former student of Ke Kula O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Hawaiian-language immersion school. He is seeking a degree in Hawaiian language and literature. After receiving his graduate degree, he intends to further advance in higher education by either seeking admission into a doctoral program or law school.
“I’m absolutely fortunate and thankful to have been chosen as a recipient for this year’s UH Hilo Alumni and Friends Scholarship,” says Ho‘opai. “College expenses are, without a doubt, one of the most determining factors in a student’s ability to graduate expeditiously. This scholarship will help absorb the cost of my final year in the Master’s of Hawaiian Language and Literature program, allowing me the concentration and focus I need to complete my thesis and eventually pursue other opportunities.”
Jodie Schulten is a graduate of Bear Creek High School in Colorado. She is seeking a Master of Science in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences. Her passion to preserve the native species of Hawai‘i’s lowland wet forests will be the driving force for anything she does after graduation.
“I feel ultimately honored to receive the Alumni and Friends scholarship,” Schulten says. “The assistance of this scholarship will allow me to focus on my research and provide travel and conference opportunities for me.”
Melissa Sullivan is a graduate of Pahoa High School. In 2007, she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is in the first class of UH Hilo’s new Doctorate of Nursing Practice program, which launched this fall. She hopes to come back one day to return this great experience as a university educator.
“I am greatly appreciative to have received this scholarship,” says Sullivan. “Every dollar counts when it comes to paying tuition and graduate school expenses, so I truly say thank you for your assistance. This money will assist me in paying for my books and additional school expenses.”
Lissa Tsutsumi is a graduate of Hilo High School. She is currently a senior at UH Hilo. Her goal is to pursue a career of formulating the next generation of pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.
“I am very honored to be a recipient of this award,” she says. “I studied very hard at UH Hilo to do well in my courses so that I could continue toward achieving my ultimate educational goal of obtaining a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. This scholarship reinforces that my efforts were worthwhile.”
For information about supporting the association’s scholarship program, call the Alumni Office at (808) 974-7501 or visit hilo.hawaii.edu/alumni/scholarship.php.