Category: Alumni

Message from Chancellor Irwin announcing inaugural issue of UH Hilo alumni newsletter

Posted on February 19, 2021December 16, 2025 by Staff

I am excited to share with you this inaugural UH Hilo alumni newsletter, which will allow us to stay in touch, even during these times when we must remain physically distant.

Jake Rodrique portrait in t-shirt and cap with flowering white hibiscus bush behind him.

UH Hilo alumnus Jake Rodrique thrives in the field of agriculture

Posted on February 18, 2021April 18, 2026 by Staff

Jake Rodrique once thought college wasn’t the place for him. But that all changed through the guidance of a few extraordinary people.

UH Hilo alumna Christine Park helps students succeed through adult education programs

Posted on February 17, 2021December 16, 2025 by Staff

Christine Park says UH Hilo provided her with a solid foundation, helping her gain the essential knowledge and experience to be a mental health counselor.

Weekly Newsletter for Faculty and Staff, Feb. 16, 2021

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

Featured in this week’s issue of Ha‘ilono o UH Hilo (News of UH Hilo): Kainani Kahaunaele, Ākeamakamae Kiyuna, Yumiko Ohara, Adam Pack, and more!

Video screenshot of Kainani on sound stage with piano.

UH Hilo alumna Kainani Kahaunaele’s primary goal is to teach ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and all things Hawaiian

Posted on February 11, 2021December 16, 2025 by Staff

Once a student, Kainani Kahaunaele is now a lecturer at UH Hilo’s Hawaiian language college, a highly successful musician, and four-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winner.

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 Ha‘ilono o UH Hilo (News of UH Hilo): Jamison Montgomery, Tracey Niimi, Thomas Fezza, Jay Bumanglag, and more!

Screenshot from 2021 Hula Bowl halftime show, dancers on stage.

UH Hilo alum heads film crew for Hula Bowl Halftime; performance shares Hawai‘i’s culture with the country

Posted on February 5, 2021December 15, 2025 by Staff

Tracey Niimi put aside his student services specialist hat to direct and film the stunning Hula Bowl Halftime Show starring fashion designer Manaola Yap with the award winning Hula Halau Manaola under the direction of Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap.

UH Hilo alum receives endowment to pursue doctoral degree in entomology

Posted on February 4, 2021June 1, 2026 by Staff

Thomas Fezza, who earned his master’s degree at UH Hilo, is now pursuing a doctoral degree in entomology at UH Mānoa. Based in Hilo to do his research, he is a recipient of the D. Elmo Hardy Student Assistance Endowment.