Weekly Newsletter for Faculty and Staff, Feb. 9, 2021

Posted on February 9, 2021December 16, 2025 by Staff

Featured in this week’s issue of Haʻilono o UH Hilo (News of UH Hilo): Jamison Montgomery, Tracey Niimi, Thomas Fezza, Jay Bumanglag, and more!

In fall and spring, this newsletter is a weekly e-blast of news and information for faculty and staff, produced by University Relations, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Above, click on image to listen to Vulcan Assistant Basketball Coach Jamison Montgomery talk about what Black History Month means to him (will open new tab).

Administration

UH Hilo received a $30,000 grant from Vibrant Hawai`i to continue with its food distribution program for students who are still experiencing hardships due to COVID-19. UH Hilo Campus Center Fee Board, UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA), and the UH Hilo Administration matched the grant award with an additional $30,000. Students have bento and meal bag options to choose from each week. Last semester, 611 students took advantage of this program.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the following 2021 UH Hilo faculty and staff awards. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 5, 4 p.m. The nomination form is available here.

Alumni

Tracey Niimi: UH Hilo alum heads film crew for Hula Bowl Halftime; performance shares Hawaiʻi’s culture with country (see video above).

Thomas Fezza: UH Hilo alum receives endowment to pursue doctoral degree in entomology.

Jay Bumanglag: UHHilo math and education alum has simple formula for solving problems.

Community Outreach

Rare turtles rescued in Kaʻu (Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Feb. 9, 2021)

Covid Updates

Continue to stay informed through our UH Hilo COVID-19 webpage, UH Hilo Quarantine FAQ page, and Employee FAQ for up-to-date information and advisories. Information can also be found on the UH System COVID-19 page.

Events

UH Hilo’s Black History Month Committee welcomes the opportunity to celebrate “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” Pictures, art, stories, recipes, images, words, poetry and other materials are being accepted in electronic format for a multi-media project that tell the stories of UH Hilo’s Black and African American families. The deadline to submit materials to eeoaa@hawaii.edu is Tuesday, February 16, noon.

UH Hilo’s Wailau premieres Sunday, February 14, 2 p.m. and explores “The Importance of Communication in Love.” Students Kuʻuhiapo Jeong and Dayva Escobar, along with topic expert Ron Gordon from UH Hilo’s Department of Communication, hosts the event. Visit here to attend the Wailau premiere online. View the lineup of February storytellers and bios here.

Teach for America Hawaiʻi is hosting information sessions Tuesday, February 9, noon – 1 p.m., and Wednesday, February 17, 3-4 p.m. Currently there are openings on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Islands. For program information and any questions, email Sarah Juran.

“Ola i ke au a Kanaloa: The Human and Cetacean Connection and why it matters” by Kealoha Pisciotta, Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Practitioner, Friday, February 12, 3 p.m., via Zoom. Meeting ID: 966 2418 0514; Passcode: cetacean

The UH Hilo Department of Performing Arts and the Performing Arts Center present “Virtually Yours: Valentine Vignettes 2021,” streaming Saturday, February 13 – Monday, February 15. UH Hilo students explore loneliness, unrequited love, and other scenarios related to coping and surviving in an imperfect world. Check the PAC website for link.

Holiday: Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15

For info on events, see UH Hilo Calendar of Events.