2024 Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Award Winners

Leadership

Leaders inspire, excite, and provide commitment toward shared goals. They are role models who leading by example. They inspire and empower others to work towards a common goal.

David Mayser is a communication major and a member of the UH Hilo Vulcans Men’s Soccer Team graduation spring 2024. He is the student-athlete representative of the PacWest representing the voice of all student-athletes of PacWest member schools. David’s nominator Vice Chancellor Student Affairs Chris Holland stated: “One of the most impressive things I have found about David is his humility. He truly embodies the idea that a person should be involved in their community and do what they can. He believes in the transformative experience that happens as a person interacts with others for a good cause—the ability to improve and grow and help others”.

To have the gift of vision

Leaders often need to “navigate unknown waters” and act upon situations and challenges that are beyond their expectations. They take risks that others would avoid, create change, and effectively communicate a shared vision for an organization.

Tehani Urusa is a senior in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo School of Nursing-Waianae Cohort. Tehaniʻs nominator, Leilani Auld, identified that Tehani exemplifies exceptional dedication, community engagement, and a commitment to embodying the values of UH Hilo SoN. Graduating Spring 2024, Tehani received the prestigious Sigma award for ranking in the top 35% of her class. Tehaniʻs impact extends far beyond the classroom. Her unwavering dedication to community service, remarkable leadership skills, and deep cultural roots make her a standout candidate for recognition.

We are accountable and responsible

Leaders instill and motivate others toward solutions, have respect, ho‘ihi, toward others and are effective communicators. They demonstrate problem-solving for positive action, communicate effectively and empowers others to work together.

Leilani Auld is a senior graduating spring 2024 from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo School of Nursing-Waianae Cohort. Her nominator, Tehani Ursua, shared that Leilaniʻs effective communication skills enable her to foster a sense of teamwork, empowering her peers and patients to work together towards common goals. Leilani cultivates an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected, creating effortless inclusivity and cooperation within their cohort. By encouraging open dialogue and mutual support, Leilani ensures that each member feels valued and contributes their unique strengths to the collective effort.

No task is too big when done by all

Leaders recognize the importance of teamwork, networking, and collaboration and they motivate others to make a difference every day. They gain the trust and respect of others by encouraging people to work together.

Devin Brown is a senior at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo graduating with a degree in geography with a concentration in environmental studies and a minor in geology. In the nomination essay, Devin’s nominators Maria Vicente and Carley Atkins shared that Devin has a passion for the environment and working with underserved areas reflect his genuine concern for people, community, and wellbeing which he shares with our UH Hilo campus and the Hilo community. Devin operates through genuinely knowing and serving every community he interacts with, sharing kindness, warmth, and respect to all and in turn making the community more beneficial for future generations.

Taking care of others and community

Leaders demonstrate care for the land, family, and/or spirituality. This is often through civic and social engagement. Leaders have deep respect and honor for others and accept their responsibilities unconditionally.

Adelie Del Rosario is a junior majoring in sociology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. One of Adelieʻs nominators, Ellen Meiser, stated that she “witnessed Adelie fully immerse herself in the academic and social contexts of UH Hilo, and in doing so expand her scope of local cultural knowledge, civic and social engagement, and efforts to care for the environment and people of Hawaiʻi Island. While this is obvious in how she handles herself in the classroom, where she is incredibly thoughtful, intelligent, eager, and warm with others, her traits in Mālama are most visible in her work with Global HOPE”. Adelie’s work as president of Global HOPE led multiple informative public talks bringing in speakers providing students and community members with opportunities to mālama the environment and community.

Leiya Torrano

Nominators: Lillian Lewis, Maria Vicente, Russell-Jearus Ronolo, Carley Atkins

Leiya Torrano is a sophomore majoring in business administration with a focus in healthcare management at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. One nominator explained that Leiya has an unwavering dedication and commitment to bettering herself as a Bonner Leader, student, and individual in her community. Another nominator shared that Leiya is an integral part of many campus clubs and initiatives which include: UH Hilo College of Business and Economics Student Senator, a HOSA: Future Health Professional, President of the Bayanihan Club, First Year Experience Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor, and member of the Bonner Program Cohort. Leiya is seen as a leader who works to inspire, excite, and provide commitment toward shared goals in every community that she is a part of. Leiyaʻs ability to lead by example and empower those around her to utilize their strengths and meet their greatest potential. She is recognized as constantly striving towards her best version of herself and, in doing so, inspired others to do the same. As a nominator shared: “I am grateful for the opportunity to witness her growth and Iʻm excited to see her move mountains to attain the future she envisions for herself and her community.”