2025 Vulcan Challenge: UH Hilo Athletics Department kicks off annual fundraiser
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi ʻohana are once again demonstrating their loyal support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts.
In partnership with UH Foundation, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics is calling on the community to join its largest annual fundraiser — the monthlong Vulcan Challenge — to ensure continued excellence for Vulcan student-athletes in the classroom, in competition and in service to Hawaiʻi Island.
Running from September 16 through October 16, the Vulcan Challenge provides critical funding for scholarships, training resources, travel and other essential needs that help UH Hilo’s 12 NCAA Division II teams thrive.
“Vulcan scholar-athletes continue to make a positive impact both on campus and in our community,” says Bonnie Irwin, UH Hilo’s chancellor. “Support for these student ambassadors will allow our program to continue to flourish.”
Patrick Guillen, UH Hilo athletics director, says student-athletes continue to inspire everyone with their accomplishments.
“But we cannot achieve these results without community support,” he says. “Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of Ambassadors of Aloha, students who represent Hawaiʻi Island and our state with pride.”
Imani Lee, president of the UH Hilo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, emphasized how donor support makes a direct impact.
“When you give to the Vulcan Challenge, you’re helping us compete at our best, travel to represent Hawaiʻi and earn the education that sets us up for life,” says Lee, an outside hitter and defensive specialist with the Vulcans volleyball team. “Your support means we can continue to represent Hawaiʻi Island with pride and aloha on every field, court and course.”
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi ʻohana are once again demonstrating their loyal support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts. Their generosity is joined by a $5,000 challenge gift from Charlie and Barbara Umamoto, along with a $13,000 matching gift from the Vulcan Booster Club.
“As student-athletes, we feel the impact of this generosity every day,” says Lee. “Knowing that the community believes in us — and is willing to match gifts to support our journey — motivates us to give our very best on and off the field.”
Extraordinary student-athletes
UH Hilo Athletics is coming off a record-breaking year. Vulcan student-athletes achieved a 3.32 overall cumulative GPA — the highest in program history — and extended their streak to 14 consecutive semesters with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
On the fields and courts, eight teams advanced to PacWest Conference postseason play, highlighted by the men’s golf team’s third straight conference championship. Off the playing surfaces, student-athletes contributed countless hours to local causes, events and youth programs, strengthening ties with the Hawaiʻi Island community.
“These achievements reflect the heart, discipline and dedication of our student-athletes,” Guillen says. “By supporting the Vulcan Challenge, you’re investing in their future and in the pride they bring to our island.”
To make a contribution to the Vulcan Challenge and support UH Hilo Athletics, visit Vulcan Challenge.
