2025 Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Award Winners
Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Recognition Awards is held annually at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. The recognition award's recognizes the contributions students have made in their formal and informal leadership roles on campus and in their community. The program acknowledges individuals, groups, teams or organizations who have shown strong evidence of their leadership potential.
Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Ka Lama Kū Award winners!
On this page:
Alaka‘i - Shayne Victor
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.
Shayne Victor "is a senior undergraduate majoring in History with an Education Certificate. Shayne has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exemplary leader who inspires and empowers those around him. As a long-standing officer of the Student Activities Council (SAC), he has played a crucial role in planning and organizing events that enhance student life."
-- Kamalani Poepoe (Nominator), Student
‘Ike Pāpālua - Hayden Niles
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.
Hayden Niles "is a junior at UH Hilo majoring in Marine Science. In addition to maintaining academic excellence in his studies, Hayden has been a Bonner Student Leader since fall 2022, and has given over 500 hours of time in our Hawaiʻi Island community over his years here. Hayden engaged with community organizations all over the Island, from Mauna Kea to Waikōloa Dry Forest, without ever knowing what to expect until he was there and figuring it out."
-- Julie Mowrer (Nominator), acting director of the Center for Community Engagment
Kuleana - Tavan Nakamura
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.
Tavan Nakamura "is a Sophomore and a Sociology Major who has worked in our office since his first week as a freshman here at UH Hilo. At just 17 he started in our office as a Student Employment Liaison with minimal work experience and a great attitude. Tavan has proven to dependable and exceeds expectations at every turn. As our program has grown and changed to include career services and internships, he has been pivotal in our expansions. He is in a job position with everchanging responsibilities."
-- Marcy Martinez (Nominator), director of Career Services
Laulima - Gemmy Alegre
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.
Gemmy Alegre "is a dedicated third-year pharmacy student in the Class of 2026 at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP). She currently serves as the Vice President of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), Delta Lambda Chapter, the international pharmacy leadership society, and is also the DKICP Senator for the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Student Association (UHHSA). Through these leadership roles, Gemmy has demonstrated her passion for student advocacy, professional development, and fostering a sense of community within the college."
--- Lara Gomez (Nominator), associate dean for Academic Affairs at UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy
Mālama - Kamalani Poepoe
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.
Kamalani Poepoe "is a dedicated student majoring in Geology and minoring in Astronomy. She is a leader, researcher, and cultural practitioner. Kamalani has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leading by example, uplifting her peers, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. As a 2024 PIPES (Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science) Intern and a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Intern, she has dedicated herself to advancing scientific research through olivine studies while maintaining a deep respect for Hawaiʻi’s landscapes. Additionally, her work on ʻuala and kalo moon growth systems for NASA’s Artemis Mission highlights her dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the future of space exploration."
--Shayne Victor (Nominator), Student