Full Circle: Connections Beyond Campus

Local organizations and inspiring alumni gather to share internships and professional pathways — proving the most valuable lessons are often found serving our community

A student leans over a table to review informational pamphlets and materials provided by a community partner The 4th annual Connections Beyond Campus Fair was held at UH Hilo on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

At UH Hilo, education has never been confined to the four walls of a classroom. Our mission is rooted in the proverb “ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi” (not all knowledge is found in one school). This core message was on display at the 4th annual Connections Beyond Campus Fair — a vibrant bridge between academic life and the pressing needs of Hawaiʻi Island, from marine conservation to food security and economic stewardship.

Students with backpacks stop at tables to speak with representatives from a community organization at the UH Hilo Connections beyond campus fair.

Two representatives from a local non-profit discuss their programs with a student at a green-clothed table

About two dozen non-profit organizations from across Hawaiʻi Island participated in this year’s fair

“We hope to build more pathways for the university to uphold the public purpose of higher education in teaching students to be active and engaged citizens,” said Julie Mowrer, EdD, Acting Director of the Center for Community Engagement. “We can all be a part of contributing to Hawaiʻi Island being a thriving community in which to work, live, and grow.”

Co-hosted by the Center for Community Engagement and the Campus Center, organizers say this is more than a networking event — a launchpad for lifelong impact. Mowrer said what starts as a simple conversation at a table often evolves into capstone projects and long-term collaborations noting that, “cultivating the mindset and skillset to create positive change is an essential part of higher education.”

Headshot of Julie Mower with blonde hair and a yellow shirt Julie Mowrer, Center for Community Engagement Director

Headshot of freshman Katherine Kaizer smiling outdoors Katherine Kaizer, UH Hilo freshman interested in nursing

“This is an amazing opportunity for students to start thinking about how we can give back once we leave college,” said Katherine Kaizer, a member of one of the newest official student organizations (RISO) on campus, East Hawaiʻi Rotaract, which is committed to strengthening bonds and serving community. “Just knowing what resources the community has available is super important to building the next generation of community leaders.”

For many students who attended, the highlight wasn’t just the organizations, it was the people behind the tables. Among the local professionals were several UH Hilo alumni who returned to their alma mater as mentors and community leaders ready to recruit the next generation.

Headshot of Carmelita Villalobos with brown hair and a marine blue shirt Carmelita Villalobos, 2021 TCBES graduate

Carmelita Villalobos, the Response and Outreach Manager for Ke Kai Ola (The Marine Mammal Center), shared her journey from graduate intern to full-time professional caring for endangered Hawaiian monk seals and encouraged other to turn interest into action with places like theirs saying, “there are many volunteer opportunities for students to get involved with Ke Kai Ola and recruitment takes place at least four times a year!.

Carmelita Villalobos and a team from The Marine Mammal Center safely restrain a Hawaiian monk seal in a net on a sandy beach for medical care. Carmelita tagging a Hawaiian monk seal on Hawaiʻi Island, PC: The Marine Mammal Center

“I came into the program knowing that I was passionate about conservation, but I didn’t know what that meant for the workforce,” Villalobos said, emphasizing that it was an internship facilitated by UH Hilo that led to her career. “I’ll consider it a successful day if I make just one connection with one student who is inspired to pursue the same path that I have.”

Maria Vicente with brown curly hair and a black work-shirt with 'the food basket' on the left chest and a thumbs up talking to student at the Food Basket table. Maria Vicente, connecting with students

Similarly, Maria Vicente, a Business Administration alumna who graduated from the College of Business and Economics (COBE) in 2017, found her way to The Food Basket after working with the UH Hilo Bonner Program.

“Making those connections with people off campus can change your trajectory,” Vicente explained. “It can open your eyes to different things that are out there, different passions that maybe you didn’t realize you could pursue.”

Headshot of Misty Carter with grey hair and a black shirt Misty Carter, a 2018 Communication and Gender & Women’s Studies graduate

Misty Carter, President of Hui ʻOihana, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, returned to campus to offer students internships that encourage a way for them to engage with local leadership. **“Internships with a Chamber of Commerce organization is a great way for students to connect with local business owners and learn more about the importance of networking.”

“We want to provide a clear pathway for students to gain experience serving our communities, while staying home and still having global reach,” said Carter, who went back to school to pursue a degree during a career transition.

As the booths were packed away, one message remained clear: while the challenges facing our world are great, the path to solving them starts right here in our community. Through the connections made, networking offered, and shared wisdom of our alumni, UH Hilo students were given an invaluable opportunity to discover their kuleana and take action.

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