The , in partnership with and sponsor , has launched the 8th annual #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship competition—offering one full year of Hawaiʻi resident tuition (fall 2026 through spring 2027), made possible by ����Vlog�ٷ� Federal Credit Union.

“At the University of Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union, we believe education is a powerful pathway to financial well-being and long-term success,” said President and CEO Travis Bow. “Our roots and focus are tied to the University of Hawaiʻi, and we are dedicated to uplifting its students, employees, and their families with outstanding financial solutions and value. By supporting the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship year after year since its inception, we demonstrate our commitment to making higher education more accessible for local families while strengthening our community for generations to come.”

The competition is open to Hawaiʻi residents who have been accepted and confirmed enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� as a first time freshman or transfer student. To enter, eligible students must submit a short video, no longer than 60 seconds on the at Hawaii News Now, explaining why ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future. Only one entry per person per day is allowed.

“����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is a premier institution in academics, athletics, student support and research, so our undergraduate students will experience excellence,” said ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “The #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship is a great way to support their dreams while encouraging them to pursue a world-class education right here at home.”

The enter-to-win contest opened on April 6, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams and determination of Hawaiʻi’s students.

Read more about previous winners:

• 2025 winner: #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship winner surprised by news crew
• 2024 winner: Kauaʻi HS senior surprised with free tuition in #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest
• 2023 winner: Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� tuition
• Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

The contest reflects a broader mission to keep Hawaiʻi’s students learning and thriving close to home. With nearly 100 undergraduate majors and a global reputation for academic excellence, the university remains a top choice for students looking to build a future rooted in the islands.

In Kauaʻi High School senior Via Javinar’s video entry for the 2024 #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship contest, she expressed her love for the Hawaiʻi community and her determination to show that there are no limitations to the place that you live. While her dreams can be achieved anywhere, she believes the perfect place to further her education is at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�.

Javinar’s #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship contest win was unveiled live on television during her graduation rehearsal. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Associate Director of Admissions Shauna Pimentel-Motooka and (HNN) Anchor Dillon Ancheta surprised her with the news that she would be receiving a free year of tuition for ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, funded by (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU).

“This is very surreal. I’m just really, really excited and happy,” said Javinar. “Hawaiʻi is my home. Leaving this place, I knew it would be hard for me, and that’s why I decided on (attending) ����ԴDz�.”

Javinar received a large check, lei and gifts as her mother, Hilda, brothers Vincent and Vernon, and grandmother surrounded her during the announcement. Her classmates, teachers and administrators filled the Kauaʻi High School gym with cheers as they celebrated her scholarship win.

At ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, Javinar plans to pursue .

Meet previous #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

“It is so exciting for us to provide a scholarship that will support Via at the start of her college journey,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We proudly invest in students and their education as they become the future leaders and innovators of our community. We wish Via nothing but the best on her academic journey!”

“We were very impressed with Via’s ability to convey such a powerful message in a 60-second video,” said Pimentel-Motooka. “I was honored to present Via with her scholarship yesterday. The surprise, happiness and gratitude that Via and her family expressed were very touching. She exhibits both academic and creative strengths and we are very excited for the bright future that she has ahead of her at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�.”

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU has sponsored the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest for six years, surprising recipients with HNN since 2018. Read more about previous winners.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in partnership with Hawaiʻi News Now (HNN) kicked off the 6th annual scholarship contest #TakeMetoMānoa on March 4, for all Hawaiʻi high school seniors and transfer students. The winner receives one year of ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa tuition paid for by contest sponsor ����Vlog�ٷ� Federal Credit Union.

Students submit a 60–second video of why ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa is the right place for them and how the free tuition will impact their life. .

“The word has been getting around. We’ve become one of the ‘it’ schools,” ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno said on the Sunrise morning show on HNN. “The programs resonate with students. They’re important. There are jobs here in Hawaiʻi for them, so we want the local kids to seriously consider coming. Right here at home you have one of the top universities in the world.”

“The University of Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union recognizes ����Vlog�ٷ� and higher education’s vital role in our community,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We were founded in 1955 by a team of ����Vlog�ٷ� staff and professors who recognized the importance of not-for-profit banking and ‘people helping people’ philosophy, so we’re always excited to be part of helping to lift the future of our Hawaiʻi.”

Read about the previous winners:

• Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� tuition, May 18, 2023
• Wailuku student weaves storytelling, culture to win free tuition, May 24, 2022
• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Prospective students are encouraged to and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa offers a choice of 98 majors, 88 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees. The campus is a globally recognized center of learning and research, is consistently ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a difference at home and worldwide.

(����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) held a grand opening celebration for their new branch in Kapolei Commons on June 21. The new location is a full–service branch that offers access to ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU’s full suite of financial products and services, including checking, savings and loans.

“We’re thrilled about opening our fourth branch! Our other branches generally surround the campus, so we’re excited to be able to serve the Kapolei area as well as students, faculty, staff and their families,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “In addition to the branch, we recently launched cutting-edge online and mobile banking services and we’re proud to support a budding artist and ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa student-athlete, Rachel Radona, who painted our one-of-a-kind mural. There’s a lot of value and expertise packed in that branch.”

The new branch features a modern, open design complete with the latest in technology, including an interactive mural for visitors to explore as they enter, creating a collaborative, comfortable environment instead of a more traditional, formal setting. ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU is also offering special–rate certificates, as well as exclusive loan discounts, contests and giveaways—including a Hilton Hawaiian staycation prize.

Since 2019, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU has sponsored the annual contest for new students, providing free tuition for a year to the winner.

“We are committed to serving the ����Vlog�ٷ� System and local community, and we have developed a reputation as a trusted financial partner over the past 68 years,” Bow added.

Incoming University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa freshman Carly Miyamoto will graduate from Pearl City High School on May 20, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center as the president of the National Honor Society. At her graduation rehearsal, she and her parents were surprised to learn Miyamoto earned a free year of tuition thanks to her entry in the #TakeMeToMānoa contest funded by (FCU) and hosted by (HNN).

HNN Sunrise host Billy V broke the news to Miyamoto in front of her classmates at the Michael Nakasone Auditorium. They watched on a huge screen as her one-minute winning video of why she is going to ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa played.

Her classmates, teachers and administrators cheered as Billy V announced the award and representatives from ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU and ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa provided her with a giant check, lei and gifts.

Miyamoto’s parents also surprised her as they were called up on stage to celebrate with her. Mother and daughter cried tears of joy while others congratulated the family.

“As soon as I saw the video I knew immediately and I started tearing up already,” Miyamoto said. “It was just unbelievable.”

She said she was able to weave clips from other videos she had filmed in the past few years with additional footage she recorded at Mānoa and elsewhere. When she was done she had created a video tapestry of her life leading up to her choosing ����Vlog�ٷ�.

Miyamoto is admitted for the marketing track at the ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa . Her passion for filmmaking also has her looking at other possible areas to grow as well.

Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

“With the scholarship, I’m so happy because I get to give back to my parents for all that they have given me throughout my life and I’m extremely grateful,” Miyamoto said.

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU has sponsored the tuition giveaway for five years. They have partnered with HNN to surprise students since 2018.

“We are thrilled to extend a scholarship to Carly, a highly deserving student embarking on their college journey,” remarked ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “These opportunities fill us with immense pride and excitement each year as they allow us to invest in talented individuals and contribute toward our community’s future growth and prosperity. Education is the key that unlocks doors to limitless possibilities, and by supporting this student’s academic aspirations, we are fostering a brighter tomorrow. We wish Carly nothing but the best on the journey ahead!”

The 2023 #TakeMeToManoa scholarship contest has opened for all Hawaiʻi high school seniors and transfer students. The winner receives a year of free tuition at one of the best universities in the world, the .

The social media contest hosted by runs from March 13 to April 9. To enter, upload a 60-second video explaining why ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is the right university for you and the impact a year of free tuition, courtesy of the , will have on your life. .

The 2022 #TakeMeToManoa winner, Kamehameha Schools Maui graduate Nanea Ah You, focused her video entry on how the scholarship would help further her dreams as a kānaka Hawaiʻi storyteller and filmmaker.

Read more about Ah You.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity this partnership with ����Vlog�ٷ� Federal Credit Union and Hawaii News Now presents for the next generation of Rainbow Warriors,” said ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “We look forward to supporting our new students and can’t wait to provide them with a world-class education that will open doors to meaningful, impactful careers.”

Read more about previous scholarship recipients:

• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fall 2023 and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� offers a choice of 98 majors, 88 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees. The campus is a globally recognized center of learning and research, is consistently ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a worldwide difference.

Kamehameha Schools Maui senior and salutatorian Nanea Ah You is shooting for the stars, and the place she wants to do it at is the .

On the premise of being interviewed by reporter Chelsea Davis about her award-winning video in the ʻŌlelo Community Media Youth Xchange Student Video Competition, Ah You excitedly shared how she hopes to use storytelling to cultivate her culture. The interview took a different turn when Ah You was told that she was named the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest hosted by .

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� admissions counselor Jose Magno, Kamehameha Schools teachers and staff presented the visibly stunned student and her parents with a giant check for a year of free tuition at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, courtesy of the (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU).

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Thank you!” said Ah You with tears in her eyes.

“Each spring for the past four years, the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest has allowed our campus to connect with the local community in a very thoughtful, engaging, and authentic way,” said ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “Nanea is an incredible visual storyteller, with an enormous amount of talent. Beyond a voice for herself, she is a voice for her community. We are honored and privileged to have Naneaʻs academic journey continue here at ����ԴDz�.”

“Since 1955, we’ve been committed to helping members and our community thrive. To honor that promise, we’re excited to partner with the University of Hawaiʻi to offer scholarship programs like the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest that support students and the future well-being of our communities,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We recognize the financial challenge and sacrifices a family and student must make to complete a degree, and we are proud to play a part in helping them reach their academic goals.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2022 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to upload a short video explaining why ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is the right college for them, and the impact a year of free tuition will have on their life.

touched upon how winning this contest will enable her to go farther in pursuing her dreams as a filmmaker and use her talent to shine the spotlight upon her lāhui.

“When I see my future at ����ԴDz�, I see myself thriving at what I love to do while also remaining close with the ʻāina and its kānaka,” said Ah You. “I know that this school will help me do my part as a kānaka Hawaiʻi by sharing the stories that take place amongst my home.”

Ah You cannot wait to start her ����Vlog�ٷ�M-azing journey at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�.

This work is an example of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

#TakeMeToManoa, a multi-media recruitment campaign, is again encouraging Hawaiʻi high school seniors, their families and all prospective local students to consider attending ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa. A globally recognized center of learning and research, ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a difference locally and globally.

Launched in 2019, the campaign has provided scholarships to three local incoming freshmen.

#TakeMeToManoa scholarship contest

will run an exclusive #TakeMeToManoa social media contest from March 1–31. The contest is open to local, incoming fall 2022 freshmen and transfer students.

To enter, upload a video, no longer than 60 seconds, explaining why ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa is the right university for you and the impact a year of free tuition, courtesy of the , will have on your life.

For more details, .

“We are so proud of this partnership, and we are excited to welcome the next class of ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Rainbow Warriors,” said ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno. “A ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa degree opens doors to fulfilling careers, and we look forward to supporting our new students as they take their first steps on this journey of discovery and learning.”

Campaign winners

• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa offers a choice of 99 majors, 87 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees.

The #TakeMeToManoa campaign includes 30-second ads that will air on social media, digital platforms, local television and statewide radio. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fall 2022 and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

This work is an example of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Hawaii News Now’s Sunrise on the Road visited the campus on November 19, 5–9 a.m. The morning show featured leadership, faculty, staff and students from the campus who covered increasing enrollment, pandemic challenges, campus plants, the Warrior Recreation Center, new and old campus buildings, athletics and much more.

Live interviews on campus included:

• David Lassner, ����Vlog�ٷ� president
• Michael Bruno, ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa provost
• Makena Coffman, ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Institute for Sustainability and Resilience director
• Matthew Lynch, ����Vlog�ٷ� sustainability coordinator
• Nikki Chun, ����Vlog�ٷ� vice provost for enrollment management
• Nōweo Kai, ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa campus curator
• David Matlin, ����Vlog�ٷ� athletics director
• Christian Naeole, a William S. Richardson School of Law student
• Daezon Arruda, student board president
• Stacey Robinol, ����Vlog�ٷ� Federal Credit Union vice president of member experience

Jason Leigh, information and computer sciences professor and Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Application director, Seth Siaki and Brandon Shima from ����Vlog�ٷ� Office of Project Delivery and Jonathan Osorio, dean of Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, were interviewed for the pre-taped segments of the show.

The ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Marching Band, Rainbow Warrior dancers and cheerleaders also joined Matlin on the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

Watch the interviews

The interviews are available online on the Hawaii News Now website.

Navigating his senior year during a pandemic might not have been ideal, but one thing Kamehameha Schools Maui senior Hezekiah Kapuaala knows for sure is that he wants to continue his journey as a creator of videos at the this fall.

Ready to share his thoughts on graduating from high school and transitioning into college in the midst of the pandemic, Kapuaala’s interview took a different turn when reporter Billy V announced that he was named the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest hosted by Hawaii News Now. Kamehameha Schools teachers and staff presented the shocked and stunned student and his parents with a giant check for a year of free tuition at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, courtesy of the (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU).

“Oh my gosh! This was unexpected, thank you very much,” said a speechless Kapuaala. “I’m really excited for college because it’s basically my step into the beginning of a new life for me.”

Standing by in the Hawaii News Now studio to virtually congratulate Kapuaala was Ryan Yamaguchi, ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions, and ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Vice President-Member Experience Stacey Robinol.

“We are excited for Hezekiah and honored to be a part of his academic journey. He has incredible talent and will go far! This contest not only allowed us to connect with community partners, but it provided a fun, engaging and thoughtful way to connect with our students, offering an ����Vlog�ٷ�M-azing opportunity for a local Rainbow Warrior,” said Yamaguchi. “We couldn’t be more proud and thrilled for Hezekiah and his ʻohana!”

“We are proud to be a part of this wonderful program which brings ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� and us together to support the University of Hawaiʻi. Fostering the educational goals of students through the tuition contest serves as an important foundation of the community we serve,” explained ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Hezekiah is a highly talented young man, and we are honored to assist in his pursuit of higher education. The accomplishments and enthusiasm of all of the students who applied for the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest are inspiring and give us reason to feel optimistic about the next generation of local leaders.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2021 Hawaiʻi freshmen, asked entrants to upload a short video explaining why ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is the right college or how a year of free tuition could help them.

touched upon how winning will help finance his education and prepare him for his future, and how ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� will enable him to get closer to pursuing and living his passion of being a video creator. He jumped at the chance to enter the contest, seeing it as an opportunity to prove his potential and show ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� the countless number of hours and hard work he has already put into this craft.

“I feel that this institution against all others will help me on my path to become a great video creator,” said Kapuaala.

Kapuaala intends to pursue a degree in creative media and cannot wait to get to ����ԴDz�.

It’s been more than a year since the first #MakeManoaYours social media contest winner Megan Kaneshiro embarked on her journey at the . Surprised with a large check for a semester of free tuition courtesy of the ����Vlog�ٷ� Federal Credit Union in May 2019, Kaneshiro became the third generation in her family to attend ����Vlog�ٷ�.

“Looking back, winning the contest helped me have a positive and confident start in this new chapter of my life,” said Kaneshiro. “I was able to try courses in my first semester that I don’t think I would have if I hadn’t won the contest.”

• Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: Kaiser student wins ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Now an exploratory business major, motivation to be the next generation at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� was first inspired by her grandmother. With fond memories of attending ����Vlog�ٷ� sporting events as a child with her family, there was no other place she wanted to pursue her passions than at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�. The #MakeManoaYours contest afforded Kaneshiro the opportunity to follow her dreams and pursue her academic goals at home.

“This first year was a great experience! The first semester I stepped out of my comfort zone by taking a glass blowing art course and met some amazing people there,” remarked Kaneshiro. “During my second semester, I focused more on tackling courses that are required to get into and also started learning French, which is a language I have always wanted to learn.”

Kaneshiro also feels that ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� fosters an inspiring and accepting learning environment.

“No other college brings together young scholars from such diverse cultures,” she said. “I know that college can be intimidating at the beginning, but ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� has helped to kick-start this exciting new chapter of my life.”

The opportunities are endless and Kaneshiro is making it all happen at ����ԴDz�.

Editor’s Note: January 29, 2021—����Vlog�ٷ�FCU raised $19,000 selling face masks benefiting AUW to support thousands of local families that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) has partnered with Aloha United Way (AUW) to help reduce the spread of germs while also raising funds to offer support to thousands of local families who have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU has designed limited-run, reusable face masks made with stretchy, comfortable material for all-day wear. Each mask comes with two PM2.5 carbon activated filters for added protection. These masks will be available in early August; however, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU is holding an exclusive pre-sale for its members now for $7.50 per mask or just $20 for a bundle of three masks.

In just two days since they launched the pre-sale, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU has sold over 750 masks and generated more than $3,000 in donations to AUW.

“We’re honored to partner with AUW to help address our community’s needs as they relate to food insecurity, housing and shelter needs, rent and utilities, disaster response, medical needs and other very worthy causes,” remarked ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Credit unions are about people helping people, and we’re proud to truly embody that ideology at a crucial time in Hawaiʻi’s history.”

• Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: ʻAiea student scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020

In a time when many high school seniors are navigating uncertainty, one thing ʻAiea High School senior and valedictorian Kylie Charice Alarcon knows for sure is that she is committed to pursuing her higher education at the this fall.

In a social distance drive thru event capping off her unpredictable senior year, Alarcon not only picked up her diploma on May 21, but also received a giant check for a year of free tuition at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� courtesy of (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU). Alarcon, donned in her white and green cap and gown, was shocked to learn she was named the winner of a ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� social media contest she entered hosted by .

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Vice President-Member Experience Stacey Robinol presented Alarcon with the large check along with ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno.

“I am very surprised! I was telling my parents when we came in ‘This is so embarrassing because we are here so early!’ So it’s a nice surprise,” remarked Alarcon. “It’s always been my dream to go to ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� because of course I’m going to be at home, but also because everybody shares aloha there. I’ve been to ����ԴDz� so many times and I enjoy just being on campus.”

“We are thrilled to have an outstanding student like Kylie join us. I know she’s very excited and her family is very excited,” said Bruno. “Particularly at this time, to have more of our students stay at home, come to ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, one of the world’s greatest research universities and learn with us, is just really inspiring.”

“We are honored to support Kylie, who is already an exceptional student and community member, as she moves on to the next level in her education, particularly during this challenging time,” said Robinol. “We received a number of outstanding submissions, which were inspiring to all of us. As a credit union founded to serve the education community, we wish Kylie the best of luck in her college career and look forward to her further blossoming into one of Hawaiʻi’s next generation of leaders.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2020 freshmen, asked entrants to upload a photo or video that reflected how they made the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� “yours.”

A new chapter

It’s always been my dream to go to ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� because of course I’m going to be at home, but also because everybody shares aloha there.
—Alarcon

focused on how her goals and vision for her future coincides with ����Vlog�ٷ�’s motto, “Above all nations is humanity.” Her enthusiasm to embark on a new chapter at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is fueled by her motivation to continue on her journey of self-discovery and greater purpose knowing that her talent, passion and community service will be embraced and cultivated at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�.

“Right now with this pandemic going on, it’s unfortunate I didn’t get to experience my last few months in high school, but I’m really looking forward to college and making new friends, becoming more independent and majoring in psychology,” said Alarcon.

Alarcon received a lot of interest from mainland schools but was only interested in attending ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�, her father said.

So Kylie will be able to keep her green and white colors of ʻAiea for the green and white of ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� where she will pursue a degree in psychology.

The (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) is offering support to its members who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With thousands of local families impacted with little to no warning, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU is providing temporary relief on existing mortgages, with a no-fee, home loan deferment program, in addition to other relief measures for its members. Under this program, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU members may defer making mortgage payments for up to 90 days.

With mortgage payments more than double the national average, Hawaiʻi is among the nation’s leaders in average mortgage payments and debt. For many local homeowners, more than 40 percent of monthly income is dedicated to repaying debt. Mortgage payments often account for the majority of that percentage. ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU’s mortgage skip-a-payment program features a simple application process and aims to provide financial flexibility and relief during this time of uncertainty.

“All of us have been stunned by the effect this pandemic has had on our community and the world. ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU has always been there to provide financial assistance when there have been natural disasters and public emergencies in our community,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Our local economy is heavily based on tourism, which has been slowing due to the coronavirus. Considering the scope of the economic impact to our Islands as well as the constrained resources many families face, it is critical that Hawaiʻi‘s financial institutions step up and offer assistance in this time of urgent need.”

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The (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) opened a new branch in on March 12. To celebrate, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU will offer special-rate personal loans, home equity lines of credit and certificates for a limited time, along with exclusive contests and giveaways.

“We are very excited to open the ����ԴDz� Marketplace branch and provide the community with convenient access to our products and services,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Establishing a branch in the community where students, faculty and staff tend to reside and congregate on a day-to-day basis is an example of how we provide our members with the highest levels of service.”

The new location is a full-service branch featuring a modern, open design complete with the latest technology, including a 9-foot interactive digital wall for visitors to explore as they enter. The progressive design intends to create a collaborative and comfortable environment as opposed to a more traditional, formal setting.

For the past two years, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU was named a finalist for “Hawaiʻi’s Best” by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser as well as “Best Bank” by the students of ����Vlog�ٷ�.

It was a dream come true when Kaiser High School senior class president Megan Kaneshiro received a green folder containing her acceptance letter in the mail back in spring.

That dream became even sweeter during Kaiser’s commencement rehearsal on May 23, when she was named the winner of a ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� social media contest she entered hosted by .

With the ����Vlog�ٷ� cheer team and marching band amping up the crowd, which included �����Ա���󾱰���’s unsuspecting family, ����Vlog�ٷ� President David Lassner and (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) President and CEO Travis Bow presented a shocked Kaneshiro with a large check for a semester of free tuition.

“That was very overwhelming, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Kaneshiro.

“She’s a remarkable student, and what makes this one even sweeter is her parents are both ����Vlog�ٷ� graduates, and her grandmother who is here is also a ����Vlog�ٷ� graduate from 60 years ago,” said ����Vlog�ٷ� President David Lassner. “I know she’s going to do wonderful things at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�.”

“It is inspiring to see such a talented, driven and outstanding young person such as Megan receive the opportunity to pursue her academic goals,” said Bow. “����Vlog�ٷ�FCU was founded upon the legacy and critical importance of the ����Vlog�ٷ� System education as well as giving back to our members and the local community. We’re pleased to award tuition to such a deserving recipient.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2019 freshmen, asked entrants to upload a photo or video that reflected how they made the University of Hawaiʻi “yours.”

Dreaming of being the next generation at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�

focused on how ����Vlog�ٷ� is the source of many childhood memories and carries a special place in her heart because of her family’s history attending ����Vlog�ٷ� sporting events. Her eagerness and motivation to be the next generation at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� was inspired by her grandmother.

“I thought of the idea of having a legacy thing so I was really surprised that my grandma could find pictures of her from college too, so that really impacted me alot,” said Kaneshiro.

“This was an exciting way to engage with our local community and generate a unique storyline through the power of social media,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions Roxie Shabazz. “We are grateful for ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU’s generous contribution for this contest and the best part, Megan, our new Rainbow Warrior, will be able to experience the endless opportunities available at ����ԴDz�, with a semester of free tuition!”

Kaneshiro plans to major in psychology and cannot wait to make ����ԴDz� hers.

(AUW) honored the (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) and ����Vlog�ٷ� System for their 2017 campaigns at the AUW Spirit of Community Awards ceremony on May 10.

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU earned the Laulima award, which recognizes exceptional leadership of an individual/group in coordinating a workplace giving campaign in small, medium and large companies. ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU employees were also presented with the award for Best Singer for their music video to the song “Let’s Talk Story” by the Hawaiian Style Band.

“The University of Hawaiʻi Credit Union is honored to support such an important and worthwhile community-focused organization like Aloha United Way,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We are extremely proud of our employees, who continue to demonstrate our commitment to supporting AUW‘s mission in the local community. We are thrilled to be recognized once again for the outstanding efforts of our employees and to help support such vital and valuable social services throughout the Islands.”

����Vlog�ٷ� System earned the learning institution award. Mel Colquitt, director of AUW workplace campaigns, nominated the ����Vlog�ٷ� System based on the energy and efforts the system offices put forward in support of AUW.

The AUW Spirit of Community Awards recognize individuals and companies whose extraordinary level of commitment helps to raise millions of dollars each year to support local charities who impact hundreds of thousands of lives.

The (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) has selected five local scholars to each receive $2,000 through its 2017–2018 Scholarship Program. Founded under the leadership of the ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Board of Directors, the scholarship program establishes a lasting legacy—potentially benefiting generations of students as well as the the credit union serves.

The 2017-2018 scholarship winners and their schools

• Alexander Lum—Incoming freshman at
• Rachel Utu—Incoming freshman at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�
• Christina Kaleiwahea—Continuing undergraduate at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�
• Dianne Raquiz—Continuing undergraduate at ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�
• Pearlena Stone—Continuing undergraduate at

“It is inspiring to see the quality and amount of talented, driven and deserving young people who apply for our scholarships each year. It’s been a tremendous challenge for our scholarship committee to select our recipients from a pool of such outstanding students,” said ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU President and CEO Jeanine Morse. “����Vlog�ٷ�FCU was founded upon the legacy and critical importance of the ����Vlog�ٷ� System education as well as giving back to our members and the local community. We’re pleased to award these scholarships to such deserving and outstanding recipients as they pursue their academic goals.”

More about the ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU scholarship

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU’s Scholarship Program requires that applicants are ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU members or family members thereof. Scholarships were available for incoming freshmen as well as continuing college students of the University of Hawaiʻi System. Applicants were scored based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership and community service.

The announced the continuation of the ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Scholarship Program. The scholarship program creates a lasting legacy, potentially benefiting generations of students as well as the ����Vlog�ٷ� System. In 2017, ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU will grant a total of $10,000 in scholarships to five deserving students.

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General information

• The scholarships are established by the Board of Directors of ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU.
• $10,000 total—Made up of five $2,000 scholarships.
• Three of the scholarships are reserved for incoming freshmen. Two of the scholarships are for continuing undergraduate students.
• Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, transportation, etc.—essentially, the costs of attending a ����Vlog�ٷ� campus.

Timeline

• February 1: The application process begins.
• April 17: Deadline to submit applications.
• May–June: Screening and scoring; finalists determined.
• July–August: Notification of award recipients; distribution of funds.

Applicants must:

• Be a member of ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU or a family member thereof;
• Have applied or been accepted to a ����Vlog�ٷ� System campus as an undergraduate student, or be currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution on a full-time basis with intent to enroll in a ����Vlog�ٷ� System campus as an undergraduate student; and
• If awarded, become a member of ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU.

For more information on the ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Scholarship Program, .

The University of Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union (����Vlog�ٷ�FCU) will award $2,000 scholarships to five members through its inaugural . As the university’s credit union, the scholarship endowment will create a lasting legacy—potentially benefiting generations of students as well as the ����Vlog�ٷ� System. The new scholarship program is founded under the leadership of the ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Board of Directors.

“����Vlog�ٷ�FCU is deeply committed to the University of Hawaiʻi System and investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Our scholarship program helps us achieve this by recognizing and rewarding young people for their exemplary academic performance and community service,” said President and CEO Jeanine M. Morse. “We hope our scholarships will grant these deserving students the resources they need to achieve their goals and succeed in their future endeavors.”

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU Scholarship Program details

����Vlog�ٷ�FCU’s Scholarship Program requires that applicants must be ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU members or family members thereof. Scholarships are available for incoming freshmen as well as continuing college students of the University of Hawaiʻi System.

Applicants will be scored based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership and community service.

A scholarship application and required paperwork, including a short essay and school transcripts, must be received at ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU by April 18, 2016.

Applications are available on ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU’s website, as well as at any ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU branch. ����Vlog�ٷ�FCU will notify the five $2,000 scholarship winners in July.