A national report co-authored by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sociologist found that while the humanities and social sciences continue to produce rigorous and valuable scholarship, some disciplines are experiencing instances where scholarly standards have been compromised as political considerations shape research and academic evaluation.

The , was written by a committee of scholars from universities across the country, including Associate Professor Ashley Rubin in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa in the . The group examined concerns about declining public confidence in the humanities and allegations that ideological commitments have influenced scholarship in some academic fields.

“This report is a major milestone because, beyond our findings, it represents an interdisciplinary group of scholars standing up for scholarly rigor and not letting political goals corrupt the research enterprise or the standards by which research is evaluated,” Rubin said.

The committee reviewed research and academic practices across philosophy, anthropology, sociology, history, literary studies and music studies. It concluded that the most serious concerns arise when political goals are allowed to override traditional scholarly standards centered on evidence, objectivity and open inquiry.

According to the report, these concerns generally fall into three categories:

• Treating contested issues as settled science in ways that discourage debate
• Prioritizing narratives that advance social or political goals over the pursuit of understanding
• Rejecting the idea that objective facts and evidence can be separated from political values

The authors identified examples and patterns they point to as consistent with these trends to varying degrees across the disciplines they studied. However, they rejected claims that the humanities and social sciences are broadly failing as academic fields, emphasizing that scholars in these fields are still producing serious and impactful scholarship.

The report recommends that universities should promote intellectual openness, rigorous standards and the free exchange of ideas while resisting efforts to judge scholarship based on ideological conformity. It also cautions against political pressures from outside academia, including attempts by governments or advocacy groups to influence research and teaching.

The authors conclude that the humanities and humanistic social sciences remain essential to higher education because they help people better understand culture, history, society and human experience. Maintaining scholarly rigor, they contend, is critical to preserving public trust in those disciplines and in universities more broadly.

The report was commissioned by the chancellors of Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St. Louis.

A University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu-produced documentary about Hawaiʻi labor leader and social activist Ah Quon McElrath will air on public television stations across the country. Ah Quon McElrath: The Struggle Never Ends! was initially released in 2024, and .

Produced by the (CLEAR) at 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu, the documentary will air on stations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Oregon. Other PBS stations across the continent will broadcast the program later this year. Exact program schedules are determined by each station.

“We are excited that the AQ documentary will be run six times by WGBH Boston, and six times by Oregon Public Broadcasting,” said producer Chris Conybeare (professor emeritus). “It鈥檚 also been picked up by KQED San Francisco and by the WNET Group, which includes Channel 13 NYC, New Jersey Public Television, and Long Island Public TV.”

A force in Hawaiʻi labor

McElrath, a 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa alumna, earned her degree in sociology, helped found the at 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, and served on the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents. In 2004, she was given the 糖心Vlog官方 Founders Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership in advocating social change in education and improving social conditions throughout Hawaiʻi.

“AQ was a pivotal force in 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 labor movement and a champion for social justice,” said documentary director Joy Chong-Stannard. “Although she died in 2008, her legacy lives on in her contributions to healthcare, education, fair housing and civil and human rights, as well as to the labor movement.”

CLEAR was established by Act 202 in 1976, enabling 糖心Vlog官方 to provide labor education to workers, unions, teachers and the public.

“As the clearinghouse for labor education matters in the State, we are thrilled and excited by the far-reaching interest in Hawaiʻi‘s labor history,” said Dion Dizon, CLEAR director. “CLEAR has enjoyed decades of producing meaningful labor media and journalism with Chris and Joy leading multiple projects. I am happy that this documentary preserves not only AQ‘s impact, but also CLEAR‘s legacy.”

Funding for the documentary came from private donations, including major support from at the .

“We are proud to co-sponsor this program about AQ鈥檚 life,” said Kathryn L. Braun, Barbara Cox Anthony Endowed Chair of Aging. “This important female leader not only helped democratize the state of Hawaiʻi, but also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education.”

• Related story: PBS Hawaiʻi documentary features social activist 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 McElrath

In the Hawaiian language, haʻaheo means pride, dignity and self-respect earned through responsibility. For the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa spring 2026 commencement student speaker, it鈥檚 also his middle name—and the focus of his message.

Diego Haʻaheo Ortiz will earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree in and from the and address graduates and guests at the morning ceremony on May 16.

“The main thing that I want people to take away is the idea that you don’t have to expect people to be proud of you,” Ortiz said. “As a person that has always wanted to make my parents proud, my mom teaches me and reminds me every day that Haʻaheo is a reminder that they’ll be proud of me no matter what.”

“I always want people to know that whatever they go through in life—the good and the bad—you will always have your support with the people that uplift you.”

Ortiz said he is constantly working with speech coach and PhD student Sanoe Burgess to improve his address.

“I’m very excited,” Ortiz said. “There isn’t a day that has gone by where I haven’t been like, ‘oh, I’m so ready for this.’”

Ortiz also credited his girlfriend, Sam, with inspiring him to focus his message on his middle name.

“She told me that I should write about something that really is a part of me,” Ortiz said.

Balancing school and service

Aside from academics, Ortiz is a legislative aide to State Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz. A 2022 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Ortiz began working at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol through a Hele Imua internship, a state-funded program that places students in public sector roles.

Originally from Kailua, Ortiz balances his work at the legislature with his studies as he prepares to graduate and pursue law school. He has expressed interest in gaining additional experience through an internship with the state attorney general鈥檚 office.

At 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, Ortiz credits the College of Social Sciences with helping shape his academic and career path, and describes the university as a “second home” that supported his personal growth.

Meet more amazing 糖心Vlog官方 graduates

“The thing that really stuck with me was the friends that I got to make, especially during my first year when I was in student housing,” Ortiz said. “I got super lucky because my roommate was my high school friend. Both of us getting away from home, getting to branch out and meet new people, I feel like that really provided us with an environment that gave us the opportunity to learn and grow as people.”

For prospective students thinking about attending college, Ortiz encourages them to “give 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa a chance.”

“It’s a good environment to step yourself into the collegiate life, whether that be finding a program that you like, staying in student housing or even participating in athletics,” Ortiz said. “I feel like a lot of kids in Hawaiʻi often overlook 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, and it should be known that it’s a very good university for people to step into their next aspect of their life.”

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa has recognized 20 degree programs for exemplary commitment to improving curriculum and student learning through a new faculty-led honor launched this academic year.

The Excellence in Assessment for Improvement: H艒poe Assessment Award celebrates programs that demonstrate outstanding, collaborative assessment practices. “H艒poe” describes the 驶艒hi驶a lehua in its fullest, most vibrant bloom—a symbol of programs that have matured and flourished. The award was established in 2025 by the M膩noa Faculty Senate’s Committee on Educational Effectiveness (CEE).

“This award represents the maturity and beauty of programs that have truly blossomed through meaningful assessment,” said Justin Walguarnery, CEE committee chair. “It is a ‘for faculty, by faculty’ initiative that celebrates the hard work of using assessment to make an appreciable difference in the academic experience.”

The inaugural recipients include programs in:

• Anthropology (MA and PhD)
• Asian International Affairs (MA)
• Cinematic Arts (BA)
• Early Childhood Education (MEd)
• Education (PhD)
• Education: Teaching (MEdT)
• Educational Admin (MEd)
• Educational Psychology (MEd and PhD)
• Elementary Education (BEd)
• Library & Information Sciences (MLISC)
• Professional Educational Practice (EdD)
• Secondary Education (BEd)
• Social Work (BSW)
• Sociology (MA)
• Special Education (BEd and MEd)
• Theatre and Dance (BA and BFA)

Faculty-driven review process

Recipients were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by the Assessment Report Review Committee (ARRC), a group of about 40 faculty members trained jointly by CEE and the 糖心Vlog官方 Assessment and Curriculum Support Center (ACSC). Organizers describe the award as a fully faculty-owned effort that highlights collaboration and shared accountability.

This award represents the maturity and beauty of programs that have truly blossomed through meaningful assessment.
—Justin Walguarney

All 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa degree programs submit biennial assessment reports outlining student learning outcomes, curriculum development and benchmarks for achievement. These reports are required for accreditation and are publicly available on the ACSC website. From more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, 20 were recognized in the award’s inaugural year.

Beginning in fall 2026, every degree program will have the opportunity to self-evaluate using the award criteria, including student learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, evidence of learning, fair and reliable evaluation, use of results and culturally responsive assessment practices. Programs indicating “full bloom” will be automatically nominated for review.

By expanding both self- and peer-nomination pathways, organizers hope to spotlight the collaborative, reflective work strengthening education across campus.

CEE committee members that developed the award are Justin Walguarnery, Nicole Schlaack, Jamie Simpson Steele, Joseph Foukona, Alice Tse, Joanna Philippoff, Emile Loza de Siles, Dan Port, Maya Saffery, Jessica Gasiorek, Aimee Chung, Arby Barone, Ann Sakaguchi, Alohilani Okamura, Monica Esquivel and Yao Hill.

students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo proved they can hold their own against some of the nation鈥檚 top universities, earning high marks in a national problem-solving competition. One team placed third, standing out for a solution rooted in Indigenous values from Hawaiʻi.

The students competed in the , held in mid-October at the annual conference of the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology in St. Louis, Missouri. 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo students participated remotely while other teams presented in person.

Team 1, which earned the third-place finish, included Johry Graceta, Evan Merz, Danielle Murphy, Tavan Nakamura and Haukea Valdez. Team 2 included Kassidie Hayashida, Starlye Koehler, Ella Munroe, Lilika Talamai and Erika Torres.

“Having the chance to work on an applied project was a good experience to use what we learn in classes,” Valdez said.

Real-world challenge

Each year, student teams receive a real-world challenge from a community organization. Their task is to analyze the issue and present a solution using sociological skills and methods. This year鈥檚 client was Healthcare NOW, a national group advocating for a single-payer healthcare system. Their question: how to better connect with local organizations that may not already support their mission.

The 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo team responded with “Ke Hoʻoikaika Nei i膩 Healthcare–NOW” (Strengthening Healthcare NOW), a plan centered on Indigenous values. Hern said that focus helped set their work apart.

“They only had a few days to develop their solutions, so it鈥檚 excellence under pressure for sure,” said Lindy Hern, associate professor and department chair of 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo鈥檚 sociology department who organized the conference as president of the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology.

Faculty from 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo鈥檚 sociology department supported both teams: Assistant Professor Ellen Meiser advised, and Associate Professor Alton Okina funded their participation.

For more go to .

—By Susan Enright

In 2024, University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa alumnus Taylor Averill played volleyball for Team USA in the Paris Olympics. He helped to secure a bronze medal and was named Best Middle Blocker. However, according to Averill, nothing compares to Hawaiʻi volleyball.

“There were more people at this year鈥檚 [糖心Vlog官方 game vs. Long Beach State] than were in the stands at the Olympics,” Averill said. “There鈥檚 nothing like all the love and support you get in Hawaiʻi.”

• Related stories: 12 糖心Vlog官方 athletes to compete in Paris Olympics, July 26, 2024
  Image of the Week: Olympic volleyball, July 31, 2024

Rough start

The California native鈥檚 collegiate volleyball journey did not begin in M膩noa. In 2012, after one semester at UC Irvine, Averill was cut from the volleyball team. Determined to keep playing, he reached out to 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa Head Coach Charlie Wade.

“At that time, [Wade] just said, ‘Hey, we all make mistakes,’ and I just felt like I resonated with his message,” Averill recalled. “It just felt like a good fit.”

He joined the Rainbow Warriors as a setter/opposite hitter but was soon cut again at the end of his freshman year.

“When I first came to 糖心Vlog官方, it鈥檚 almost like I didn鈥檛 learn my lesson at UC Irvine,” Averill said, admitting his priorities at the time were partying and playing volleyball.

Another second chance

Realizing he needed to change, Averill transformed himself—dropping 20 pounds, adding 11 inches to his vertical, and earning a 4.0 GPA. After he pleaded with Wade, the coach gave him one more chance, but made it clear the only open position was middle blocker.

“I went to the Olympics because I鈥檓 a middle blocker. I went to the Olympics because in those six months, I realized what real hard work looked like,” said Averill. “I owe so much of my career professionally, with the national team to what happened to me here in Hawaiʻi.”

Averill became a two-time AVCA First Team All-American and earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in sociology from 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa in 2015.

Pushing through

After graduating, Averill went on to play professionally in Italy, France and Poland. While playing overseas, he dealt with injuries, self-doubt and mental health challenges. The excitement he once had for volleyball began to fade, and injuries kept him from training with the national team.

He considered stepping away from volleyball entirely, but eventually came to a place of clarity: “I know I鈥檓 an Olympian no matter what. I love myself whether I go or not.”

By summer 2023, he was able to train with Team USA. In May 2024, the Olympic team was announced, and Averill made the cut.

Averill said, “I just kept pushing through, and I’m so happy I did because the experience of the Olympics was, without a doubt, like the coolest experience of my entire life.”

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Two longtime University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa faculty members, Kathryn Braun and Cullen Hayashida, played key roles in the 20th anniversary conference of the (ACAP) held in Fukuoka, Japan, in March 2025. They joined a 10-member Hawaiʻi delegation, including representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and local k奴puna-serving organizations.

The conference brought together experts from more than 40 countries to share knowledge on dementia-friendly communities, digital inclusion, migration and care work, and intergenerational relationships.

Braun, professor of public health at 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa and current ACAP president, is the principal investigator of the federally-funded in the . She highlighted Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rapidly aging population and the value of learning from other countries鈥� experiences.

“Hawaiʻi is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation, but not as fast as Japan and several other Asian countries,” said Braun. “These gatherings help us adapt successful models to meet Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique needs.”

Hayashida, graduate affiliate faculty in 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , and , is the founding director of the K奴puna Education Center at Kapiʻolani Community College. He described ACAP as a vital network of researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates committed to active aging.

“Active retirees should pivot from just being youthful to becoming useful contributors,” he said.

ACAP welcomes members of all ages and backgrounds to participate in monthly webinars and international knowledge exchange. Membership is free. To join, email Kathryn Braun at kbraun@hawaii.edu.

Nearly 10 years ago, Renee Rivera traveled to Hawaiʻi Island looking for a fresh start. The Kauaʻi native had spent years drifting from state to state, unsure of her path. Today, the alumna is preparing to enter a doctoral program in fall 2026—proof of how far she鈥檚 come since finding a place to heal and grow.

“I was searching for a place to recover from trauma,” she said. “The trauma was considerable, stemming from a history of homelessness, sexual assault, domestic violence, substance addiction, drug trafficking and incarceration.”

While at a Head Start meeting for her son, Rivera learned about the Paneʻe Mua Project, a General Education Development or GED high school diploma equivalent program, based in Native Hawaiian practices. Rivera had been unable to complete high school, spending her teens mothering her three other children. She had tried several times to earn a GED, but had never been able to complete the program.

After completing her academic journey with the Paneʻe Mua Project and earning A鈥檚 across the board, she attended on a scholarship.

“They made me feel comfortable, made me believe that I was smart and important. They actually inspired me,” said Rivera.

At 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo she connected with sociology professors Marilyn Brown and Alton Okinaka who told Rivera to consider the campus鈥� sociology program.

Rivera earned her BA in sociology from 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo in 2020 and went on to complete a master鈥檚 in social work at 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa in 2023.

Paying it forward

Along the way, Rivera never stopped thinking about the lack of support for women facing the challenges she once endured. She turned that concern into action. With support from a formerly incarcerated friend, Rivera launched her own nonprofit, He Hoʻomaka Hou Ana O Puna, which offers peer mentorship, voluntary support groups, and counseling services to women in need.

“In my past, I haven鈥檛 had anyone in my life that fought for me, so my passion is to fight for other people who are less likely to have that,” she said. “I think that鈥檚 the thing missing for a lot of people with addiction or mental health issues like me. They want to feel loved, supported, and believed in.”

Into the future with gratitude

Rivera now teaches human services, sociology and psychology at Hawaiʻi CC. She is now preparing for her next chapter: a doctorate in sociology at Purdue Global this fall. She credits 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo with giving her the foundation to believe in herself.

“The faculty at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo helped me ignite myself so I could ignite my community,” she said. “糖心Vlog官方 Hilo and its faculty really set that foundation for me to be like let鈥檚 try it, let鈥檚 do it.”

For more go to
—By Sophia Kim-O鈥橲ullivan

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty member and a graduate assistant recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa for 19 years.

Kathleen Hagan

Kathleen Hagan is a professor of nursing at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College, with almost 18 years of service as an undergraduate educator. She has championed integration of the Kaʻao Framework (糖心Vlog官方 Maui College鈥檚 framework for student success) into the nursing curriculum, and has taught every required course.

An avid lifelong learner and volunteer, Hagan consistently seeks out opportunities for her students to engage in community education and advocacy to advance their learning as well as the health of our island ʻohana.

“She has created an environment where learning goes beyond simply acquiring knowledge; it’s about cultivating our character and discovering the qualities that will make us compassionate, capable healers in our careers,” said a student.

Hagan believes college should be a transformational experience, instilling knowledge skills, and attitudes not only for career advancement, but also for civic engagement and life fulfillment.

Another student said, “Her warmth and professionalism have left a lasting impression on me.”

Nicholas Krueger

Nicholas Krueger is an instructor in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. He is known for his dynamic instruction, community-based research and deep investment in student success.

A 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo graduate, Krueger returned to his alma mater to teach and lead research in agronomy, soils and animal science. He involves students in funded research tackling real-world challenges—from fermentation science to methane reduction in livestock—while mentoring them through writing, experimentation and presentation.

“I know for a fact that everyone feels comfortable and welcomed by Nick; to make mistakes, sound silly, or just be flat out wrong,” said a student. “And when it comes to learning, that makes all the difference in differentiating sheer luck and memorization from understanding.”

Krueger鈥檚 approachable style, high expectations, and commitment to real-world application have made him a transformative educator shaping the future of Hawaiʻi agriculture.

Mark Nartatez

Mark Nartatez is an instructor, the Dental Assisting Program director, and the clinical education coordinator at Kapiʻolani Community College. With more than 18 years of clinical and administrative experience, Nartatez brings industry expertise and a student-centered approach to the Dental Assisting Program.

Nartatez’s instruction integrates textbook knowledge with real-world application, ensuring students meet dental accreditation standards while emphasizing technological integration, critical thinking and compassionate care. His holistic approach encourages students to grow beyond technical skills and see themselves as educators, advocates and changemakers capable of influencing their peers and the broader healthcare community.

“Mark consistently demonstrates an innovative approach to education, creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for his students,” shared one student. “One notable example of his creativity is incorporating case studies based on real-life scenarios students may encounter in the dental field. What sets Mark apart is his commitment to creating a learning environment where students feel heard and valued.”

Colleen Rost-Banik

Colleen Rost-Banik is an instructor in the Department of Sociology in the 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa College of Social Sciences. She sees the classroom as a reflection of society, shaped by the wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives students bring. Over the course of a semester, she believes students have a valuable opportunity to learn from one another and engage in collective exploration.

Rost-Banik emphasizes the importance of consistent practice in understanding sociological concepts, encouraging students to develop their skills through reading, writing and critical thinking. She acknowledges that meaningful learning takes time, patience, effort—and often involves trial and error.

Her courses also prioritize the values of care and community, which she believes are crucial to both the classroom and broader society. She believes supporting one another is key to success.

Student feedback highlights the impact of her approach. One student shared that her class was “filled with lots of exciting information on different theories and sociological perspectives,” and helped them gain practical skills such as conducting surveys and analyzing visual information.

Sara Maaria Saastamoinen

Sara Maaria Saastamoinen is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science in the 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa College of Social Sciences. She is also an exhibiting artist, abundant futures consultant and community organizer.

Coming from a long line of Karelian (Northern European region) teachers, she credits her family with inspiring her early passion for political inquiry and creative expression. Her courses explore topics such as the everyday politics of water and the societal sacrifices that sustain American political systems.

Students nominated her for fostering creativity and inclusivity, encouraging expression through formats such as sculptures, short stories, mixtapes and monologues.

“Sara鈥檚 commitment to deeper understanding challenged us to think critically about our choices and their broader implications for humans, the environment and other living beings,” one student wrote.

Another shared, “I have never learned as much as I did in Sara鈥檚 class—it will positively affect the way I view things and the kind of person I am for the rest of my life.”

When 19-year-old Talia Agliam walks across the stage to receive her bachelor鈥檚 degree in sociology and a certificate in law and society from the on May 17, she will carry with her not only the pride of achievement, but the strength and support of her Lānaʻi island community.

She was in middle school at Lānaʻi High & Elementary School when she discovered that a college education was within reach through the 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College —without having to leave home. She started as an Early College high school student in 2019 and earned her associate鈥檚 degree in 2022, before graduating from high school in 2023 as a valedictorian and senior class president.

“If it wasn’t for [the Lānaʻi Education Center], I don’t think I’d be even close to as successful as I am today,” Agliam said. “They definitely helped me set up my future, set up my life, and they gave me that stability to do so. I really applaud the advisors and the campus, the small, little building that we have.”

• Meet more amazing 糖心Vlog官方 spring graduates

A ‘go-getter’

Pamela Alconcel, the center鈥檚 director, said, “Talia believes in the power of community and giving back to her community. She is a go-getter.”

That go-getter has earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree while working full-time for Lānaʻi Air as a guest experience assistant and part-time for the Purple Maia Foundation as a social media content creator. During it all, she leaned on her support system back home.

“The pilina (connections) there and the relationships that you build in the Education Center really stick with you for a long time鈥攊t doesn’t end at graduating from high school or getting into a college,” Agliam said. “I still have deep conversations with the advisors at the center, and it’s relationships that you build for life. Those relationships will continue to feed you and continue to provide you with resources and opportunities even when you are away from home.”

Lānaʻi roots

Law school may be part of Agliam鈥檚 long-term post-graduation plans, however, Lānaʻi factors heavily into her immediate next steps. She has been working with a mentor at Hawaiʻi Public Radio with the help of an internship through the Stupski Foundation to start a podcast. Titled “From the Roots Up,” the podcast will function as an archive of 尝ā苍补ʻ颈鈥檚 history for upcoming generations, analyze the island鈥檚 transformation and look to its future.

“Because there is a lack of resources on the island, it is important to take advantage of the resources that we do have,” Agliam said. “The Education Center on Lānaʻi provides an unwavering amount of support for our students. 鈥 can’t imagine what my high school experience and what my life would look like now without it.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

Five outstanding students at the were honored with 2025 Ka Lama Kū awards, recognizing leadership grounded in Native Hawaiian values.

Hosted by the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo , the April 15 ceremony honored students who are reflective of exemplary values such as alakaʻi (leadership), ʻike pāpālua (vision), kuleana (responsibility), laulima (collaboration) and mālama (care for others). A student committee selected this year鈥檚 recipients for their impact on campus and beyond.

Awardees

major Shayne Victor received the Alakaʻi Award for his role in the Student Activities Council and multiple student clubs. “Shayne has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exemplary leader who inspires and empowers those around him,” wrote nominator Kamalani Poepoe.

Hayden Niles, a major from South Dakota, was honored with the ʻIke Pāpālua Award for his vision and community service. “[Hayden] has given over 500 hours of time in our Hawaiʻi Island community over his years here,” said Julie Mowrer, acting director of the Center for Community Engagement.

Tavan Nakamura, a sophomore major, received the Kuleana Award for his dependability and problem-solving skills in 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo鈥檚 career services. “Tavan consistently seeks new ways for us to do things better, explores new processes and is able to share his vision effectively,” said Marcy Martinez, director of Career Services.

Gemmy Alegre, a student and student senator, earned the Laulima Award. “Her goal is to create a supportive academic environment that promotes collaboration, well-being,” said Lara Gomez, associate dean for Academic Affairs at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Kamalani Poepoe received the Mālama Award for her commitment to research, mentorship and cultural stewardship. A major minoring in , Poepoe鈥檚 work spans volcano research, Indigenous science, and even NASA鈥檚 Artemis mission. “Kamalani has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leading by example,” wrote nominator Shayne Victor.

The Ka Lama Kū Awards continue to celebrate 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo leaders who walk with kuleana and light the path for others.

—By Susan Enright

New research sheds light on the chronic underfunding of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 public schools according to a brief by the . The report aims to counter widespread misconceptions about the state鈥檚 educational challenges, and argues that increased funding is essential to improving student outcomes and addressing systemic inequities.

“Chronic underfunding of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 public schools is a systemic issue that limits opportunities for students and perpetuates inequities. Investing in quality public education is our collective kuleana; it鈥檚 about supporting students and teachers, strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy, and building a more equitable future for all,” said Colleen Rost-Banik, instructor in the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa and co-author of the research brief.

The report also advises that investing in quality public education is an investment in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy. Not only do quality public schools save families money, they also increase high school graduation rates, which, in turn, generates more economic opportunities for the state.

“We aim policy recommendations toward the State Legislature because they have been responsible for underfunding public schools for years. If we are concerned about young people and their families not being priced out of Hawaiʻi, we need to ensure that public schools are well-equipped to recruit and retain licensed teachers and offer holistic education for all students,” Rost-Banik added.

Authored by 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa faculty members, and endorsed by 117 Hawaiʻi-based scholars, the brief acknowledges four misconceptions and provides facts disputing them.

Misconception #1: Hawaiʻi鈥檚 public schools are adequately funded.
Facts:

• Hawaiʻi ranks among the lowest of states in percentage of state and local expenditures supporting K–12 education—15.1% compared to U.S. average 21.5%.
• Despite the increased cost of living in Hawaiʻi, the percentage of expenditures for public education has decreased. In FY 2024, public funding for education was 7% less than 2023, even when the state had a budget surplus.
• The public schools experienced a dramatic decrease in funding when $640 million of temporary federal pandemic funding ended on September 30, 2024.
• Lack of funding leads to a lack of programs that nurture “the whole child,” for example, the arts, PE, bilingual aides and afterschool enrichment.

Misconception #2: The teacher shortage no longer exists.
Facts:

• Salary differentials, which are not permanent, redistributed the educator workforce and addressed some needs, but did not solve the teacher shortage.
• The public schools are forced to hire individuals without teaching credentials to fill teacher vacancies. As of January 2024, there were 738 “emergency hires” employed in public schools across the state.
• High attrition rates account for about 89% of new teachers needed each year. The public schools annually replace about 1,200 teachers, with 43% of them coming from out-of-state.

Misconception #3: More funding will not improve public education.
Facts:

• Increased funding for public education raises student achievement and performance, influencing high school graduation rates and college enrollment, and leading to higher incomes in adulthood.
• Increased funding in Hawaiʻi could promote greater access to Pre–K programs.
• Increased funding of Hawaiʻi public schools could raise the enrollment of local high school graduates at community colleges and universities, increasing lifetime earnings.

Misconception #4: Public school funding only affects parents with children in public schools.
Facts:

• Investing in quality public education is an investment in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy. Increasing high school graduation rates leads to additional tax revenue. Technological changes continue to shift the economy toward skilled labor.
• Public schools are places where students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds can interact with and learn from each other, increasing understanding and harmony across such groups.
• Better-funded public education is related to lower poverty.
• Public schools save families money.

Policy recommendations

The authors of the report offer the following policy recommendations:

• The state Legislature should prioritize increased and permanent funding for adequate public education.
• The state Legislature should prioritize funding for teacher recruitment and retention, with particular focus on increasing salaries and improving workplace conditions.
• The state Legislature should appropriate funds for an analysis of the public school budget to determine the extent to which public schools are adequately funded.
• The state Legislature should provide resources to support universal public preschool.
• State policy makers should support teacher education for students from underrepresented backgrounds and increase compensation for quality mentor teachers.
• The state Legislature should provide housing benefits for teachers to alleviate the cost of living.

The authors of the report are: E. Brook Chapman de Sousa (associate professor, , ), Kay Fukuda (associate specialist and program director, ), Janet Kim (recruitment specialist, College of Education), Jonathan Okamura (emeritus professor, , ), Colleen Rost-Banik (instructor, Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences), Lois Yamauchi (professor, , College of Education) and Waynele Yu (instructor, , College of Education).

Ater co-authoring a study showing that many kitchen staffers have come to view mistreatment and abuse as a mundane—and often inevitable—part of working in restaurants, University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Sociology Professor Ellen Meiser is the newly published author of .

“I鈥檝e written the book for a broad audience鈥攏ot just sociology nerds, like me—with the goal of it appealing to anyone interested in cooking and how the culinary industry works,” she said.

Originally from Alaska, Meiser arrived at 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa as a graduate student in 2012 and learned to DJ at KT糖心Vlog官方 before earning her PhD in Sociology in 2021. She applied her graduate research to Making It, flying across the country to interview more than 50 chefs and cooks.

“I grew up in restaurants. My first job was when I was 13 at a family friend鈥檚 Chinese buffet back home in Alaska, and I was hooked by the fast-paced environment and how hands-on the work was. After high school, I went to culinary school and my dream was always to open my own place—something I still dream about today,” Meiser said. “When it came to figuring out a setting to study to explore success, averageness and failure, my mind went to cooks and chefs because of how artistic, yet cut-throat the restaurant industry can be, as well as my connection to this group of workers.”

She designed her graduate study to make better sense of concepts of success, averageness and failure in creative industries that also have commercial pressures.

Meiser said, “This book looks at how chefs and cooks judge and perceive the success-failure spectrum within their profession, and the various elements that impact it.”

Meiser said many people at 糖心Vlog官方 have been hugely influential to her career. She credits her PhD advisor, Professor David Johnson, for encouraging her to “think big,” and for coming up with the name of her book. She has remained close to classmates Penn Pantumsinchai and Omar Bird.

“They are wonderful people, funny and so smart. Penn, Omar and I have a sociology-focused podcast together called The Social Breakdown that we created in 2017, and have had a fun time using it as an excuse to get together, gab and gossip,” Meiser said.

Learn more about Meiser and more .

Colleen Rost-Banik has a theory about incarcerated women: They lead complex lives. The full-time instructor in the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa said these individuals—prior to entering the criminal justice system—have experienced abuse or trauma. Also, many have been incarcerated for crimes resulting from core social problems such as poverty, addiction and mental illness.

“When it comes to crime, our society has been really slow to put what we know about human behavior and social issues into practice,” said Rost-Banik, who joined 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa in 2023 after teaching at . “How do we expect people pushed out of formal schooling, who aren鈥檛 able to find living wage jobs with healthcare benefits, and who are responsible for taking care of their children, to shoulder their stress without turning to substances or illicit work?

“Rather than addressing the root problems of society that lead to crime, our society has implemented heightened policing and harsher sentencing. This significantly increases incarceration nationwide as well as in Hawaiʻi, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders disproportionately represented in our jails and prisons.”

This sociological imbalance was a prime motivating factor behind the April 2024 newsletter It is filled with poetry, art, quotes, testimonies and general creativity produced by about 11 residents at the Women鈥檚 Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua. WCCC is the only women鈥檚 prison on Oʻahu.

Student collaboration

While the contributors were the newsletter鈥檚 authors and artists, the publication鈥檚 editors or assemblers were Rost-Banik鈥檚 spring 2024 students in the Women and Crime class, cross-listed as SOC/WGSS () 435. About a third of the class, or 10 students, participated.

“Creating and publishing art is a privilege. Our group had infinite access to everything we could ever want, but our authors don鈥檛,” said student Clarisa Wegesend. “Simple daily items such as pen and paper are taken away from them, limiting their creation to certain hours or days of the week. And these works, most likely, never would have been published unless people with privilege—like our professor and group—decided to work on it. This begs the question of when did we start viewing art as a privilege?”

It was no easy process for Rost-Banik to manifest the newsletter into reality, although similar projects had been approved before in Hawaiʻi by other ambitious instructors. At 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa in January 2023, Rost-Banik had worked with women at WCCC to start a voluntary, non-credit creative writing class. A year later in January 2024, the newsletter idea was embraced by her Women and Crime class, thanks to formal approval from the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and WCCC warden and chief of security.

To read the entire story, visit the .

A University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa senior majoring in and was named a —the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States—and is the only recipient from Hawaiʻi this year.

Daniel Arakawa, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kap膩lama (KS Kap膩lama) and native of 碍腻苍别ʻ辞丑别, hopes to become an assistant United States attorney and aspires to serve as a federal judge. Arakawa volunteers as a speech and debate coach for his alma mater and found out the news while helping to prepare his KS Kap膩lama students for a statewide speech and debate tournament.

Check out more stories of our 糖心Vlog官方 spring graduates

“I was ecstatic. It鈥檚 truly wonderful. First thing I did was call my parents and tell them,” said Arakawa, who is graduating this spring. “Of the different fellowship/scholarships like Rhodes and Fulbright, Truman is a really special one. I鈥檓 really grateful for the opportunity, and this award will definitely open up a lot of doors.”

Truman Scholars demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government. Arakawa was one of 60 college students from 54 U.S. colleges and universities selected in 2024, out of 709 candidates. Arakawa was assisted by the , which endorses students applying for select competitions that require official nomination by the university.

Arakawa served as an intern with then-Lt. Gov. Josh Green in 2022 and became a constituent services specialist for newly elected Gov. Green in January 2023. Through these positions, Arakawa developed a passion for public service and an understanding of the political process by working closely with and supporting underserved communities. He intends to pursue a Juris Doctor focusing on criminal law.

“I’ve always been interested in argumentation and law, and so criminal law was a natural route,” Arakawa said. “As I learned more about the process in the criminal justice system, and the problems and inequities that are present, I became more interested.”

Arakawa was also selected as a student marshal for the at the spring 2024 commencement ceremony and recently joined Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the nation. He credits Department of Sociology Professor David Johnson and Department of Political Science Professor Jonathan Goldberg-Hiller with helping him develop his interest in law and the criminal justice system.

“Daniel Arakawa is the most special student I have encountered in 25 years of teaching at 糖心Vlog官方,” Johnson said. “Several qualities set him apart, including these: his desire to look carefully at the world and see it for what it is; his passion for asking questions, without fear or favor; and his ability to drain heat and anger from controversial topics and replace them with wonder and curiosity.”

Goldberg-Hiller added, “Daniel is an exceptional student with a strong commitment to public service. We are all very proud of the honor he has achieved with this prestigious scholarship.”

Arakawa is the 22nd awardee from a 糖心Vlog官方 System campus since the program鈥檚 inception in 1977 and the first since Jessica Lau earned the award in 2022.

The Department of Political Science and Department of Sociology are housed in 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 College of Social Sciences. The Scholarships and Fellowships Office is administered by the University Honors Program, under the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Excellence.

The placed in the nation鈥檚 top 20 in eight subjects, the best performance by 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 flagship institution in the .

Released April 10, QS鈥檚 2024 version of the rankings listed 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa among the nation鈥檚 best in the following categories:

• Linguistics: No. 10 U.S., No. 22 world
• Hospitality and leisure management: No. 15 U.S., No. 46 world
• Anthropology: No. 19 U.S., No. 51–100 world
• Modern languages: No. 19 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Geophysics: No. 20 U.S., No. 47 world
• Geology: No. 20 U.S., No. 49 world
• Earth and marine sciences: No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world
• Geography: No. 20 U.S., No. 101–150 world

“These rankings are a testament to the excellence of our faculty and the dedication of our entire staff,” 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa Provost Michael Bruno said. “To the communities that we serve, they affirm that this university represents the very best in scholarship and education. And to our prospective students and their families, the rankings are a strong endorsement of the quality and value of an education from 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补.&谤诲辩耻辞;

糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa also placed in the nation鈥檚 top 50 in nine additional subjects:

• English language and literature: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Archaeology: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 39 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Sociology: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Politics: No. 44 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 46 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Arts and humanities: No. 47 U.S., No. 210 world
• Environmental sciences: No. 49 U.S., No. 251–300 world

糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa was ranked in four broad subject areas and 24 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from鈥疎lsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2024 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 16,400 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,500 universities in 96 locations around the world.

Recent rankings

糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa also received these notable rankings:

• 2024 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 9, 2024
• QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, December 11, 2023
• 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, October 29, 2023

For more information on rankings, see the .

—By Marc Arakaki

A graduate is a recipient of the 2024 , the first 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo student to receive the UK scholarship, which was announced by the British Government.

Kit Neikirk, from Kurtistown, Hawaiʻi, earned degrees in chemistry, biology and sociology, and two subject certificates in anthropology and mathematics, in spring 2023. He is one of 51 winners in the scholarship program’s largest class in 70 years, chosen from a field of 1,006 applications.

Neikirk started at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo in fall 2019 as a Chancellor’s Scholar after graduating from Connections Public Charter High School as the class valedictorian. He published extensively throughout his undergraduate career, worked as a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) tutor, served as editor of the student research publication Hohonu, was chair of the Board of Student Publications, and studied abroad in Scotland. 

Kit is already a leader, and the Marshall Scholarship will allow him to further his potential and contributions,
—糖心Vlog官方 Hilo Chancellor Irwin

 “As I reflect on my experiences, I can see they fit together, pointing me to a life dedicated to caring for others, both clinically and through research,” Neikirk said. “Following the Marshall fellowship, I want to enroll in an MD/PhD with a focus on social determinants of health as seen through imaging techniques.

Neikirk will pursue a master of public health at the University of Edinburgh as well as a master of science in advanced biomedical imaging at University College London.

“My ultimate goal is to investigate the role social determinants play in altered pathophysiology to inform precision medicine techniques globally,” he said.

The Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship program was created by an Act of British Parliament in 1953 as a living memorial to former U.S. Secretary of State General George C. Marshall and the U.S. for assistance under the Marshall Plan. The scholarship allows for up to three years of study in any academic topic at any university in the UK for U.S. graduate students.

“Kit is already a leader, and the Marshall Scholarship will allow him to further his potential and contributions,” 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin said. “He is a thoughtful and humble young man, who has a strong desire to serve.”

“Every once in a while a truly exceptional student comes along,” she added. “Mr. Neikirk is indeed one such student.”

Read more at .

The is highly ranked in a variety of subject areas, according to two of the premier comprehensive subject rankings in the world.

The placed No. 7 in the U.S. and No. 17 in the world, the ranked No. 10 in the U.S. and No. 13 in the world and the placed No. 18 in the U.S. and No. 49 in the world, according to the (GRAS) released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. The oceanography and atmospheric sciences departments are out of the , and the TIM school is housed in the .

In total, 14 subjects placed in the top 1% in the world (top 250 out of more than 25,000 colleges and universities worldwide) in both the and the GRAS.

“These rankings affirm our university鈥檚 commitment to excellence across a wide range of disciplines,” 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa Provost Michael Bruno said. “Our world-class faculty are working hard to prepare our students to be the creative and innovative leaders who will transform our islands and the world.”

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Fourteen 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa subjects were ranked by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, including four in the world鈥檚 top 100 and 11 in the nation鈥檚 top 70. GRAS, released on October 27, is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective rankings of world universities by subjects.

糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa was one of more than 1,900 universities in 104 countries and regions selected for the GRAS rankings, out of more than 25,000 total colleges and universities around the world. The criteria include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 rankings:

• Atmospheric science: No. 13 worldwide, No. 10 U.S.
• Oceanography: No. 17 worldwide, No. 7 U.S.
• Hospitality and tourism management: No. 49 worldwide, No. 18 U.S.
• : No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 19–30 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–62 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–63 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 68–84 U.S.
• Ecology: No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 43–60 U.S.
• : No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 72–87 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 43–69 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 49–66 U.S.
• and : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 53–67 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 88–114 U.S.
• : No. 401–500 worldwide, No. 56–63 U.S.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, released on October 26, five out of the 10 ranked 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa subjects placed in the world鈥檚 top 1% (within top 250 in the world), while four others placed in the world鈥檚 top 2% (within top 500).

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, industry income and patents. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 621–1,374 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa world rankings:

• Education: No. 126–150
• : No. 126–150
• : No. 176–200
• : No. 176–200
• : No. 201–250
• and : No. 301–400
• : No. 301–400
• Clinical and health: No. 301–400
• Engineering: No. 401–500
• : No. 501–600

Other rankings

糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa also received these notable rankings:

• 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings: 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa placed No. 57 in the U.S. and in the No. 201鈥�250 tier worldwide, September 27, 2023
• 2024 QS World University Rankings: 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa placed No. 66 in the U.S. and No. 386 in the world, June 27, 2023
• Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings: 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa came in at No. 137 in the U.S. and No. 505 in the world, May 15, 2023
• 2023–24 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 24, 2023

For more information, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki