The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo honored faculty with excellence in teaching and recognition awards during this year’s spring commencement held on May 11.

Rayna Morel, instructor of communication, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Morel was described by one nominator as a teacher who engages students using clever and relevant examples that make abstract concepts more tangible and meaningful to them.

The Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Dr. Kalena Silva, professor and former director, Ka Haka `Ula O Ke`elikōlani College of Hawaiian Language. A key member of the team that made the College a reality, Silva is described as a teacher first and foremost. He helps students learn through studies of historical language resources, how to understand the relevance of those materials, relate that understanding to contemporary times, and understand the importance of viewing Hawaiian as a living, evolving language.

Dr. Faith Mishina, assistant professor, Spanish, received the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. She is described as a committed teacher who helps students learn another language by using it as a window into the larger world of global opportunities.

Dr. Norman Arancon, assistant professor, horticulture, received the Chancellor’s Special Recognition Award for Contribution to Campus and Community. Arancon has pioneered research in the utilization of earthworm-worked soil amendment, referred to as vermicomposts, which has benefited Hawaiʻi’s agriculture industry and local communities. Students in his courses grow produce on campus that are given to students in residence halls and sold at a student-organized farmer’s market.

Two University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo astronomy students will spend their summer working side-by-side with some of the state’s leading researchers in their respective fields.

Krystal Schlecter and Emily Peavy are among the students accepting 2013 Akamai Internships who will begin work on their projects June 9th.

The Akamai internship program, funded by the National Science Foundation, University of Hawaiʻi, Air Force Office of Research, Thirty Meter Telescope and National Solar Observatory, provides internship opportunities in high-tech fields to local students. More than a dozen UH Hilo students have been awarded internships since the program was established in 2004.

Schlechter will work with UH Hilo Physics and Astronomy Instructor John Hamilton of the PISCES project gathering data for NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environmental Explorer Mission that departs for the Moon on August 12th. Their research will employ the use of two 11” telescopes and high-speed video cameras to measure the impact and frequency of meteor strikes on the non-illuminated side of the Moon. The findings will help NASA scientists determine how safe living on the lunar surface is.

Peavy will work with Dr. Mark Chun of the University of Hawaiʻi's Institute for Astronomy in Hilo. She will develop a "table-top" adaptive optics system similar to those being used at large astronomical telescopes to correct for the blurring effects of the Earth's atmosphere. She will integrate the components of the "bench-top" system and characterize its performance in the lab. With this project, she will lay the foundation for future telescope experiments on Mauna Kea.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Business and Economics announces its Dean’s List for the Spring 2013 semester:

Marisol Alvarez, Chelsea A. Alward, Dayna E. Bersamin, Debra H. Cannoles, Shanda L. K. Carvalho, Claire E. Cea, Krystel R. Charkowski, Winona Yi-an Chen, Soomin Chung, Christina M. Evert, Norine R. Fitzgerald, Benjamin J. Friedlander, Daniel Z. A. Fujii, Matthew C. Garvey, Sarah J. K. Hamakawa, Anna Sofia Marie Hamlin, Justin K. Hirako, Hanale Hose, Summer K. Ilac-Wong, Melanie C. Isa, Yvonne S. Johnny, Josie L. Johnson, Aysia K. M. Kaaumoana, Hitomi Kitade, Amber L. Koker, Corey K. Kozuma, Tomoaki Kurima, Jonathon F. Laudner, Hyunchul Lee, Matthew P. M. Luga, Elise L. Martin, Christina M. Method, Coryn A. Miyashiro, Candela Montero Llasera, Marvin Louis P. Nagtalon, Alexandria J. Nakao-Eligado, Taylor L. Neel, Alvin K. Nguyen, Kelli S. Okumura, Yulia I. Orlova, Navarone K. Ortiz, Jesica L. Pacheco, Tehani-Jenae L. K. Palolo, Junyong Park, Michael S. K. Patterson, Zachary J. Pettus, Lindsey F. Poulsen, Mikhail A. Romantchouk, Kristen L. Ross, Karyle K. Saiki, Shannon N. T. Sampaga, Aaron Sanchez Robles, Thomas Jay T. Shigemoto, Ji Hye Shin, Kun H. Sigrah, Brandi Lei H. Smith, Logan M. Snell, Jana Soli, Travis T. A. Stancil, Mark Tokuuke, Risa Watabiki, and Kayla S. Yugawa.

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo announces its Spring 2013 Dean's List recipients:

Shannon Abarra, Leilani Maijastina Abaya, Richard Makaala Muraoka Abbley, Maeva Accart, BJ Isaac Pacupac Acosta, Samantha Starr Acosta, Melissa Ellen Adams, Jazlyn Aurora JoAnn Afusia, Jamaica Paz Sicat Agustin, Eric James Akerman, Alston Alika Albarado, Maureen Lucy Allison, Jenna Kuuolenalani Almarza, Heather Lov Anderson, Janelle Marie Andres, Anshuka Anshuka, Brandi J. Antonio, Krista Natsuko Aoki, Zion Makanalani Apao, Shanley Apele, Travis Roy Apple, Whiteeagle Arai, Joshua King Seong Haruo Araki-Kwee, Justin King Shan Tooru Araki-Kwee, Megan Lilinoe Araujo, Keanu Makana O Ke Akua Arke, Shawn Eugene Asistin, Janelle R. Au, Jolie Hisako Au, Sanoe M.K. Awai, Marta I. Azzollini, Rosanna R. Badua, Paul Jacob Barch, Ahnesty Mo'ilani'okamakani Barrozo, Heather Kayleen Bartlett, Paul Sloane Batausa, Robin K. Belcher, Peter Charles Bennett, Lars Arthur Bergstrom, Jacob Kaunahi Bernabe, Justin Takeo Bisel, Aaron James Bishop, Carolyn Irene Blind, Kyra Lynn Blue, Stephen Elias Bond, Lori Diane Bothwell, Brenna Katherine Bourque, Brittany Nicole Boyd, Reitchel Navarra Boyd. Michael Joseph Bradley, Anashe Brooks, Eleanor Lorraine Brown, Leena Brown, Stephen Michael Brown, Benjamin Garrett Browning, Kevin Alexander Bruce, Kristen Cara Brunell, Ashley Dawn Buasriyottiya, Josephine Malia Buck, Chase Jameson Buffam, Jenna Lee Burns, Spencer Darren Kaimalie Cabral, Dawn Akiko Kananiokapuamaeole Cabreros, Bronya Anuhea Cacal, Goody Butay Cacal, Sabine Chiemi Callarec, Malia Rose Kimiko Callo, Nicole Marie Calsbeek, Vada Grace Cambio, Britney Rose Carey, Sean Leo Carlos, Loren Leilani Case, Christina Noel Cauley, Jaeeun Cha, Amy Kaakim Chang, Andy Chang, Silas Chapman, Matt Chen, Kealii Andrew Cho, Min Ji Cho, Autumn Tehani Uakoko Chong, Brandon Lee Chun, Kobie Lehua Clarke, Connor Joaquin Clay, Gregory James Cleary, William Berkeley Cleary, Joyce M.K. Close, Kayleigh Loleka Concepcion, Nicole C. Conley, Michael Eugene Cook, Taylor Alexandra Coons, Renee Lynn Corpuz, Robin Marie Correa, Elyssa Rae-Ann Correia, Allyssa Shawna Noelani Cortez, Sean Fumio Costales, Nicole A. Cowan, Angel Lee Cruz, Jai Akualani Crystal, Nicholas Logan D'Amico, Ida Kristin Danielsen, Ida Pelihda David, Renee I. David, Jaylyn Lokelani Davis, Dwane J. Deem, Brandi N. A. L. Dela Cruz, Randy William Dellinger, Amber D. Demler, Marley M.K. Depew, Angelina Diep, Stacie Emiko Doi, Amelia Rivkah Dolgin, Noah Patterson Dolim, Ryan S. Domingo, Tiare N. Doria, Pedro Dos Santos, James Kenneth Drescher, Kaylie Lynn Drew, Alejandra Evajean Duarte, Melanie Leila Dudley, Julie Padua Duhaylongsod, Louise Marie Economy, Chad Richard Engevold, Jordan Kainoa Enos, Danielle Kanani Enright, Brianna K. Enriquez-Cabalis, Tiffany Marie Epping, Tiffany Grace Erickson, Melanie Guittap Fermin, Emily Fernandes, Erik Daniel Ferreira, Nicholas Iokua Ferreira, Chelsea K. Field, Doug Walter Fitzpatrick, Kelly Odell Fitzpatrick, Katherine Anne Foerster, Scheherazade Alexandra Folley-Regusters, Amber Marie Forrestal, Ella Rose Fregeau Olmstead, Cory Aikau French, Joshua Allen Fuentes, Samantha Kahealani Fuhrmann-Blyth, Kaitlyn Akemi Fujii, Kendra Akemi Fujioka, Ashley Ayaka Fukuchi, Christopher James Fukumoto, Tyson Kaniela Fukuyama, Naomi Sison Gagabi, Brooke Mary Gagnon, Heather Lynn Gallahorn, Brian Alberto Galvez, Dayna Lynn Pu'unani Ganigan, Jeremy Ramos Ganir, Todd Simon Taylor Gardner, Ashley Christina Garnett, Shannon Blake Garnett, Stephanie Makaleka Gayle, Kawaikapuokalani W. Genovia, David Timothy Gentry, Alex C. M. Gerken, Hattie Le`a Gerrish, Sha de

Glessner, Joseph Daniel Gomez, Makalele Alegra Gorsich, Renee Kathleen Graber, Lauren K.A.H. Grace-Finley, Rebecca Leigh Green, Sarah Ashley Green, Rachel Grace Greenbach, Emily Greene, Kylie Judith Grogg, Stine Marie Gundersen, Gabrielle Lacuesta Gutierrez, Brittany Krystal Hale, Tamara Kuulei Halliwell, Kayla H. Hamel, Soyoung Han, Jamaica Ann Hancock, Dustin Wayne Hanson, Christopher L. Hardy, Margaret Alyse Harris, Amy Frances Harrison, Courtney Ann Hideko Harrison, Ganga Devi Harrison, Vrindavan Harrison, Rose Sierra Hart, Rachel Ann Hazeltine, Tazialynn Leilani Hegarty, Britta Lena Helzberg, Ryan Barton Henderson, Karl Robert Hennen, Randi Keala Henriques, Hannah Ciera Henry, Sophia Hernz, Alexandria Aspen Herring, Noriko Hida, Ryan Alton Higa, Iris Hsing Mei Hirayama, Rya Catherine Horne, Neeley Jo Horton, Asia Carolynne Howe, Shayna Y. P. S. Hu, Molly Ann Huff, Kai Aaron Igarashi, Kadi Mie Igawa, Allena Yukiye Ikehara, Natalie Kawehiuilani Ilaban, Kana Inoue, Carrie Ga lai Ip, Kelsey Kazuyuki Ito, Linda Gabriela Ixtupe, Aimehio Vez Iyeke, Jessica Jacobs, Astrid Mafina Johansson, Annalise John, Liv Monique Johnson, Kaycie Chiemi Jyo, Jarin S. Kadooka, Shaylyn Pohaikealoha Kahawai, Ayaka Kajiura, Ashlee Keolalaulani Kalauli, Bree Kealaonaonaokanoelani Emi Kalima, Kaiulani Kamelakeonaonamaikalani Kamau, Halena Kailiehu Kapuni-Reynolds, Alyssa Ann Terra Kartheiser, Jonathan Hiroshi Kataoka, Nellie Kati, Lilinoe Yael B. Kauahikaua, Tori Sachie Kaya, Josh Leo Kedzior, Sarah Leialoha Kekauoha, Jessica Ann Kennedy, Sean Stephen Kenny, Serina Haleakakaneaumoana Kiili, Peter Allen Kim, Soyeon Kim, Yong Hoon Kim, Kristy Kathleen Michiko Kimura, Taylor Alexander Kinsey, Ronald Paul Kittle, Ku'upuamae'ole Kacie Chiyeko Kiyuna, Dania-Maria Elena Klink, Christopher Zdenek Kluzak, Andrew Emery Knight, Laura Jean Knight, Katrina A. Knowlton, Aisha-Rae Noelani Kobayashi, Evelina Kocharov, Kelly Joseph Kofalt, Ericksen Lloyd Kohatsu, Leina Konashi, Daniel Jacob Konkler, Devin C. Konkler, Keisha Kehaulani Reiko Kotake, Johann Wei-Xin Kuipers, Lauren Imi Kunishige, Jannicke Kuvas, Daniel Scott Kvale, Shuk Ping Kwok, Sophia Anne Laderman, Jenna Rose Lahousse, Franchael K. Laimana, Amy Gaylene Landers, Alastair Joel Lavin, Naomi Lynne Lawrence, Tynan Cody Lazarus, Jailyn Mei Lazo, Jennifer LeFevre, Saerom Lee, Ronaivit Vaisuatoto Leiato, Harrison K. Leite, Samelda Neimon Leon, Jon-Pierre Leone, Keola Ha Limkin, Moressa Naomi Summer Lindsey, Sean Eloaamaikamaluhia Lindsey, Hannah Ida Lipman, Brent Koji Llaneza, Olivia Lauren Long, Hannah K. C. P. Loo, Christina Marie Love, Michael Ryan Lovell, Alyssa Kealohi Loving, Marissa Kawehi Loving, Zorba Lozano, Drew Lubiniecki, Blaine C. M. Luiz, Jacob Keith Luna, Kristy L. Lungo, Sean Christopher Luscombe, Alayna Rachelle Leilani Machacek, Ashley Noel Mahlstedt, Ian Tadashi Makida, Kate Manzano Malasig, Kaela Kala'i Maluo, Alexandra Nicole Marin, Jonathan Drew Kele Marshall, Leif Alexander Marz, Sarah Borje Marzan, Malia Victoria Masicampo, Anna Claire Masuda, Evan Seki Matsuyama, Kristen Renee Mattos, Mathew Robert Mauldin, Joseph Edward Maxwell, Nathan Mays, Leslie Lehuanani McClung, Normandy McConaugh ey, Meghan Renee Meier McGrath, Kevin Alan McKay, Megan Theresa U. Medeiros, Angelo Alcino Menezes Guterres Aparicio, Mary Katherine Metchnek, McKayla Faith Meyer, CoraLee Cassie Michaud, Garrett Franklin Micheels, Chad Ethan Miguel-Harris, Bryce Evan Miles-Leighton, Thane Bryan Milhoan, Lilia Ivanova Misheva, Kelly Kiyomi Miyamoto, Sandy Haunani Miyasato, Erin Lin Sachiko Miyashiro, Bryson Shizuo Miyose, Norman Zuniga Mogote, Jonah Laa Kaohu Molina, Sherise-Charity M. Moniz, Austin Willard Moore, Hannah Moore, Erika Morihiro, Jacob Dee Moser, Tierra Ann Moses, Lauryn Pualeihana Mary Mow, Darcy Leigh Mulligan, Koran Nichole Munafo, Kiel Andre Myers, Sui Nagata, Camie Chiharu Nakagawa, Courtney Hiroko Nakahara, Richard Toshi Nakamura, Ryan William Nakamura, Tory Mikio Nakamura, Kerri Mika Nakatsu, Remi Nakaza, Robynn Ailynn Ines Namnama, Kirstie Kanoelani Akemi Naone, Allyssa Leilani Nau, Courtney Anne Nelson, Kara Marie Nelson, Jaysen Christopher Niedermeyer, Scott Laurence Nielsen, Anela Lani Nishimoto, Chloe Y. K. Nishioka, Keenan Kalama Riki Nishioka, Nicole Chelsea Jean Nonies, Jerusha Mary Nosek, Rachel Notturno, Arren Sebastian Marie Nunez, Steven Mitsuaki Ogi, Crysta Lani Okabe, Kira Miyuki Okamoto, Michelle Michie Okamoto, Zechary Palaina Okamoto, Catherine Ann Olson, Malia Jean Olson, Amanda Orcutt, Christopher Jason Orcutt, Mari Carmen Ortega, Mari Brittany Oshiro, Chelsa Ota-Van Scyoc, Carli Leiana Owan, Samantha Renee Oxley, Aimee Lynn Leinaala Pacheco, Cheynielle Minoakalani Pacheco, Ciera Moanilehua Pagud, Nicolette Paige, Fagalima Lenell Paleafei, Samantha Marie Palmer, Bronson Paul Amio Palupe, Jannah Gaile Pante, Pauleen Shiloh Pante, Hee Joon Park, Wonho Park, Mariah Clavela Partida, Kristine Pasek, Kara Lianne Paulachak, Kristin M. Pedersen, Brian Daniel Pedro, Jessica Marie Penaranda, Brandon Perea, Rheanna Ariel Perez, Daniel James Perry, Forrest Swienckowski Petersen, Sharon Ann Petrosky, Shelley M. Phu, Malina Erin Piatt, Kaylie Renee Pickup, Bryce Matthew Pierson, Craig R. Pinkney, Hye Jin Piper, Robert Michel Pipes, Tara Applinario Pipes, Ritsuko Poerstel, Margot Ying-Hui Pontius, Arwen May Potochney, Zachary Alan Pratt, Stevan Premovic, Michael Robert Purvis, Dannielle Janine Putney, Nathaniel Nien-Cheng Quan, Willyann Kehaulani Quanan, Kori Gaila Quander, Sherri-Ann K. Quinn, Hye Jin Ra, Laurel Rain, Mark Joshua Paraggua Ramones, Justin Lopez Ramos, Micah Rhobelyn Tunac Ramos, Priya Marie Rashid, Lisa Michelle Ray, Travis Alan Reardon, Robyn Christine Rector, Maricel Masing Reid, Charlotte Rich, Chelsey Kristin Rickert, Kanani Cherise Rivera, Koa Henry Damien Rodrigues, Rebecca Marie Rogers, Saul David Rollason, Gerry Abergido Romero, Kainoa Kamakani Rosa, Kevin Lewis Rose, Malaika Amani Ross, Kyle Royce, Richard Casper Rudolph, Ardena M. J. Saarinen, Christa Nicole Sadler, Michael Anthony Sado, Julie Anne Garo Sagabaen, Philip Mau Sakaba, Francis Elliott Sakai-Kawada, Jade Wun Salvador, Megan Sue Santos, Teresinha Santos Da Costa , Alyssa Mayumi Sato, Zutchill Dingle Sato, Neil David Scheibelhut, Krystal Schlechter, Jordan Lacey Schneider, Helen Marie Schrock, Sabrina Juliana Schultz, Eloise Amie Scott, Kanoa James Severson, Ishael Kiheionapuamamolehua Shaw-De Mello, Brandi L. Shifflett, Kirsten Hisako Shimizu, Lorena Jo Dessa Ko'ani'ani Shire, Stephanie Lee Shor, Kananimauloa Tahmaraj Silva, Sarah Jessica Silva, Summer Rae Singer, Kenneth Adam Smith, Lauren Marcia Smith, Patricia Snel, Ethan Edward Souza, Brittany Lauren Spencer, Courtney R. Spencer, Christopher Michael Stewart, James Stilley, Andrea Stroescu, Anne Cecilia Elisabeth Stromhielm, George N. Subiono, Torri Lee Suda, Jeremy Martin Suguitan, Ashley Suh, Grady Sullivan, Kris Ramelb Sumaoang, Paige Naomi Sumida, Alanna Renee Sutton, Yvonne L. Sylva, Ricky William Kanaina Tabandera, Dillon K. Tacdol, Helaman Toa Golden Tafua, Hazel Pontanes Tagalicud, Deeana Nohealani Tagata, Tara Miyoko Takamori, Cameron Noboru Takamura, John James Gregorio Taman, Jove Jenn Maalihan Taman, Aisha Reiko Tanaka, Shelby Tanaka, Jaime-Rose Cayme Tangonan, Cullen Ku'ula Sunao Tanoue, Reuben Blake Tate, Larissa Chloe Hisako Tawata, Tyler Shaun Terai, Ashley Carol Terrell, Rachel LeeAnn Terry, Aijah Joshua Thompson, Rachel Lorraine Thompson, Kristina Louise Tietjen, Zachary Tman, Charles Andrada Tolentino, Taylor Tomita, Ashley Chanel Nobuko Tomori, Katrease Lipiniokalani Kimiko Torres, Chelsie Lynn Toyomura, William Yamashita Toyozaki, William Ernest Trout, Jennifer Leigh Trujillo, Kyle Kenta Tsubota, Peter Aaron Tuck, Michelle Emiko Uchida, Christine Joy Calabucal Uco l, Wesley James Ulloa, Elaine Lazaro Valdez, Korie Lihau Maelia Valeho, Keith Joseph Valentis, Sage Trinidad Van Kralingen, Mark J. Vancamp, Nichelle Leanne Veien, Alexandra Rose Ventresca, Conan-Cordero Laahia Vierra, Jodi Anne Souza Vierra, Joseph Hunter Vinarcsik, Jacob Lim Vinluan, Sheryl Vea Visitacion, Joyce Dyan Vitales, Christopher Vito Vizzone, Brittany A. Wagner, Tianna Kenani Waipa, Maria Karin Walczuk, Emily Grace Wallingford, Gerald Thomas Walsh, Jennifer Gail Wass, Casandra Jo Weatherly, Bobby Ray White, Alexandra Brooke Williams, Daisy Lee Willis, Stone Adam Willow, Kellie Nicole Wilson, Leah Adele Wilson, Denyse Nichole Kuupuaimohalaikalani Woo-Ockerman, Bailey Aya Wooldridge, Mariah Wyckoff, Arlinda Meagan Yamaguchi, Kelli Emi Yamane, Nicholas William Yamauchi, Christopher Germain Yoakum, Katrina Pomaikaiwale Yogi, Nicole Michiko Yoneishi, Tristan Kazuo Yoshida, Lynn Hiromo Inaba Young, Jamie Alan Yugawa, Qi Zhang, Izabella Zobova.

The following students in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management made the Dean’s List for spring 2013:

Jean Marie Acuna, Kevin Alison, Stephanie Anderson, Peter Angeleo, Juan Avellaneda, Sandor Baranyi, Samantha Bucco, Kirsten Cannoles, Jasper Carta, Michael Cervantes, Sarah Chard, Nathan Clark, Shannon Correia, Kyle Davis, Noel Dickinson, Robert Dundas, Yasha Eads, Ariel Enriquez, Shawntiarre Faumui, Gregg Fujimoto, Sydney Gamiao, Andrew Goodrich, Cassidy Hand, Kristin Hardy, Terence Hedtke, Noah Hegerfeldt, Jay Hegland, Ashli Hirai, Laurie Jahraus, Kayuri Kadoya, Lukas Kambic, Laura Kelly, Kuilei Kramer, Jordan Lee Loy, Christopher Long, Maria McCarthy, Scott McLean, Samuel Meleisea, Jade Miyashiro, Chelsea Morrison, Makalani Pina, Meghan Rau, Hannah Reid, Katherine Sennert, Jarrett Shaw, Johnathan Shestokes, Kalena Shiroma, William Trammell, Noelani Waters, and Shohei Yamaki.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo faculty and students held two science events at an elementary school in Hilo in early May to help enrich the students’ passion for science.

Approximately 150 elementary students worked with a team of scientists to extract DNA from strawberries at Ha`aheo Elementary School’s Standard Showcase event. “The students learned the biological importance of DNA and had fun doing hands-on science,” said Abby Cuttriss, UH Hilo assistant professor of biology, who coordinated the team of fellow scientists made up of Brian Perry, UH Hilo assistant professor of biology, Laura Warman, research ecologist at USDA Forest Service, and Gregory Mott, science teacher at Mountain View Elementary School.

Another event featured a hands-on science demonstration for the 3rd and 4th grade classes that showcased the important aspects of chemistry. Led by UH Hilo students Francis Sakai-Kawada and Alyssa Sato, and organized by Mrs. Macleod of Ha`aheo Elementary School and Mazen Hamad, UH Hilo assistant professor of chemistry, students conducted their own experiments featuring the concepts of chemical reactions, surface tension, and the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances.

“My favorite thing about today is we got to do the experiment by ourselves and I learned something,” one student commented. Another student said, “I learned many new words and when I told my Mom, she was proud.”

Summer is just around the corner and what better time to take a Fitness for Life class!

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service continues with ongoing registration for its wide variety of non-credit classes that are open to the general public. Participants can learn to play the Taiko drum, try their hand at screenwriting, write grant proposals, or participate in one of the many exercise and movement classes from Zumba to Pilates, boxing to hip hop.

For more information and to register, contact CCECS at 974-7664 or go online to http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/ccecs/fitness/.

The following students from The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo have been named to the Dean’s List for the 2013 spring semester. The Class of 2013 was performing clinical rotations and therefore this designation does not apply.

Class of 2014: Miho Aoki, Maurina Bartlett, Katherine Bass, Jeffrey Christley, Jizan-Anne Evangelista, John Fujita, Jack Goldsberry, Jaymie Kanda, Mariko Katagiri, Daniel Kim, Kyle Kumashiro, Andy-Long Le, Dana Lee, Yan Feng Lin, Janine Masri, Janelle Matsukawa, Tracy Nakama, Steven Nishimoto, Naoto Oki, John Opoku-Ansah, Andrew Reinhart, Behnam Rostami, Joanne Sablan, Jed Sana, Caroline Sousa, Koon Ting, Hana Tran, Christopher Tsue, Dayna Michelle Wong.

Class of 2015: Brianne Blakesley, Andrea Brauer, Richard Cleave, Chao Cox, Jeremy Daube, Jozelle Gabriel, Davis Hanai, Daniel Hasegawa, Kelly Ishizuka, Brian John, Madison Karr, Tiffany Kahn, Traci Kusaka, Daniel Leong, Jennie Lim, Wei Lin, Kristina Lo, Chelsea Murobayashi, Tracy Ng, Eric Ngo, Darian Oshiro, Alysia Osugi, Jessica Parker, Jarred Prudencio, Garrett Rhodes, LaTasha Riddick, Lindsey Takara, Trina Tran, Antonio Verduzco, Jill Anne Villarosa, Jillian Wewers, Nichole Wilson, Akio Yanagisawa, Nicole Young.

Class of 2016: Amy Anderson, Allen Bagalso, Kyle Cabison, David Choe, Chau Dang, Yen Dao Barnes, Walter Domingo, Rachel Ebbett, Bryce Fukunaga, Jerilyn Gudoy, Alexander Guimaraes, Samantha Hanabaga, Andrew Hayashi, Allan Higa, Okezie Irondi, Leilani Isozaki, Blake Johnson, Camilla Kim, Micah Kim Han, Nancy Le, Quynh Le, Thao Le, Uoc Le, Albert Lee, Katherine Lee, Tina Liu, Shanon Makanui, Anissa Marzuki, Aryn Meguro, Joseph Nguyen, Sarah Osellame, Joson Perreira, Yolette Quach, Daryl Sakado, Eric Sanders, Huong-Thy Ta, Andy Takahata, Mireya Talavera, Christopher Thai, Carlo Tiano, Eric Tsuji, Brandon Tuzon, Kimberly Victorine, Kevin Wang.

Nineteen students from public and private high schools in Hawaiʻi have been awarded the prestigious Chancellor Scholarship by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

The award, valued in excess of $23,000, covers four years of tuition for students graduating from a Hawaiʻi high school who earn either a GPA of at least 3.5, a combined 1800 SAT (reading, writing, math) or a composite score of 27 on the ACT while demonstrating leadership and/or community service.

All Chancellor Scholars are required to enroll as full-time students, remain enrolled continuously, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and participate in leadership activities and/or community services with other Chancellor Scholars.

The 2013 Chancellor Scholarship recipients and their respective high schools include:

• David Arakawa, Roosevelt High School

• Stacy Mae Gelacio, Maui High School

• Ashley Maldonado, Kamehameha Schools

• Kayla Smallwood, Campbell High School

• Justin Allagonez, Keaau High School

• Keani Shirai, Waiakea High School

• Landon Ballesteros, Kamehameha Schools Maui

• Joel Pascua, Pearl City High School

• Brock Honda, Pearl City High School

• Elsie Inouye, Kaimuki High School

• Crystal Rances, Waiakea High School

• Brooke Higa, Baldwin High School

• Jeffrey Tarinay, Leilehua High School

• Benjamin Wada, Christian Liberty

• Brittany Luna, Moanalua High School

• Jenna Aiwohi, Kamehameha Schools

• Carlie Ann DeSilva, Kapa`a High School

• Aeshalani Palomares, Leilehua High School

• Bishop Akao, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi

A student team from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo departs Hawaii for St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday, July 6 to represent the United States in the Imagine Cup 2013 Worldwide Finals sponsored by Microsoft. The Imagine Cup is recognized as the premier student technology competition that honors innovations that address the world’s toughest problems.

Team Poli`ahu, comprised of Mike Purvis, Kayton Summers, Wallace Hamada and Ryder Donahue from the UH Hilo Computer Science Department, won the U.S. Championship held in San Jose, California in May with their application entitled, “Help Me Help.” The program aids the community and emergency response personnel in disaster situations by allowing users to upload images of nearby hazards through the use of smart phones.

For Purvis and his teammates, the past several weeks have been a whirlwind experience. But he believes the team has gotten over the emotional jitters it felt in the aftermath of its victory, and is now focused on the task at hand.

“Right now we’re concentrated on refining our vision, business model and technology description into a polished, eight-minute presentation,” Purvis said. “From here on out, we will be practicing our final speech over and over until we can recite it in our sleep.”

This year’s competition features 86 teams of students from 69 countries competing in six categories for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. The UH Hilo squad will compete against 31 other teams in the Innovation Competition category that includes entries from China, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United Kingdom. Purvis said his teammates are looking forward to the challenge along with the opportunity to spread some aloha.

“We’re excited to be representing the U.S., but Hawaiʻi in particular,” Purvis said. “Our speech, decorations and slideshow are all being tailored to showcase the Big Island.”

Over the past 10 years, more than 1.65 million students from more than 190 countries have participated in the Imagine Cup competition.

A video link is available at: http://bit.ly/14y5NwY.

VIDEO BROLL (1 minute, 27 seconds):

• UH Hilo team presenting the “Help Me Help” app to a meeting of Hawaiʻi County first responders (civil defense, fire, police, etc.)

• UH Hilo team working on campus in their lab/classroom

• “Help Me Help App” demo

SOUNDBITES & ANIMATION OF “HELP ME HELP” APP FROM MICROSOFT:

Darryl Oliveira – Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director (19 seconds)

“Getting live or real time photographs as well as the geographic information -- the lat, long, addresses -- and then tagging it with a particular hazard identifier, would give us this tremendous information of what’s occurring in the community during and post of disaster. And then be able to quantify that so that we can address the resource needs in those areas.”

Darren J. Rosario – Hawaiʻi County Fire Department Chief (21 seconds)

“Being able to see the incident as it’s evolving while we are still responding will give the incident commander valuable information to set up his action plan on how to mitigate that incident. Such things as the size of the fire or maybe the type of auto accident that is involved, how many patients that we may be having to respond to.”

Animation explaining “Help Me Help” app by Microsoft (35 seconds)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Alumni and Friends Association is currently accepting nominations for its 2014 Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards. The nomination deadline is August 30, 2013.

Each year, the Association presents one or more Distinguished Alumni Awards to individuals based on the nominee’s professional accomplishments, community service, and service to the University. Nominees must have completed at least 50% of his/her educational program at UH Hilo.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to those whose contributions to UH Hilo (financial or service) have benefited the University in numerous and significant ways.

The awards will be presented at the 14th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at UH Hilo’s Campus Center Dining Hall.

For a complete listing of past award recipients, visit http://hilo.hawaii.edu/alumni/past-recipients.php. Nomination forms are available online at http://hilo.hawaii.edu/alumni/distinguished-alumni.php.

For more information, call (808) 974-7501.

A four-member team of computer science students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo competed in the Imagine Cup 2013 Worldwide Finals sponsored by Microsoft July 8-11 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Although Team Poli`ahu did not capture top honors, competing on the world stage was a significant achievement.

“It has been great to see UH Hilo students recognized as some of the best in the world,” noted Dr. Harry Keith Edwards, faculty advisor. “The U.S. national championship and our participation in the world finals demonstrate that students at UH Hilo receive a quality education and can compete with the best in the world.”

UH Hilo’s Team Poli`ahu, comprised of Mike Purvis, Kayton Summers, Wallace Hamada, and Ryder Donahue, won the U.S. Championship in May with their application entitled “Help Me Help,” which aids the community and emergency response personnel in disaster situations by allowing users to upload images of nearby hazards through the use of smart phones.

Team Poli`ahu competed against more than 30 other teams in the Innovation category that included entries from China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Slovenia, Thailand and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom’s team captured top honors with their mobile phone application, SoundSYNK, which is designed to establish an impromptu social network by connecting phones through Bluetooth. Team DORA of Slovenia finished second and Thailand’s Team MYRA came in third.

Purvis described the competition as a wonderful experience as the students got to meet people from all around the world. He believes they made a lasting impression, showcasing both their application and Hawaiʻi.

“We were very popular among the competitors and the public,” Purvis said. “We feel proud of our project, presentation, and the teams that won. We’re looking forward to implementing the Mauna Kea Guide to track native and invasive species when we return - after we catch up on sleep, of course.”

The Imagine Cup is recognized as the premier student technology competition that honors innovations that address the world’s toughest problems. This year’s competition drew 87 student teams from 71 countries who competed for more than $1 million in cash and prizes after winning local and online competitions around the world.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to celebrate the arts at the first Summer Ai-Hilo Block Buster Party on the Lawn, to be held on Saturday, July 20, noon to 6 p.m., UH Hilo/Hawaiʻi Community College Manono Campus Building 394.

The event features a public painting, studio tour, refreshments, live DJ, music and dancing mix with faculty and students currently participating in the 2013 UH Summer Art Institute – Hilo program.

The SAiH project is made possible with support from the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation – Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund, the Howard and Yoneko Droste Bequest, the UH Hilo Art Department, and the UH Hilo Student Activities Council.

For more information, contact Art Department Chair Michael Marshall at 974-7524 or mdmarsha@hawaii.edu.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Alumni and Friends Association recently awarded a $2,500 scholarship to each of its 2013-14 scholarship recipients: Norine Fitzgerald, Micah Glasgow, Victoria Vrooman and Christopher Yoakum.

Fitzgerald graduated from Aiea High School and is seeking a B.B.A. in business administration. As a parent of a child whose learning capabilities were inhibited by anti-seizure medication, Fitzgerald is especially sensitive to the challenges of students with special needs. She intends to further her education at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and become a special education teacher.

Glasgow is a graduate of Waiakea High School and is currently the only Native Hawaiian student in the Pharmaceutical Science doctoral program. His current research includes nanotechnology for the treatment of neuroblastoma and lung cancer. He hopes to use variations of this drug delivery method to potentially treat other diseases found within the State of Hawai‘i.

Vrooman graduated from Waiakea High School and is pursuing her graduate degree in counseling psychology. Her thesis compares the effects of domestic violence between individuals in local Hawaiian and European American cultures. Her future plans include interning at the local prison and attending a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. She would like to work in a prison as a full-time psychologist where she can “work with the people that need the most help.”

Yoakum is a graduate of Hilo High School and is enrolled in the communication program with a minor in history. Following graduation, he intends to serve overseas as a teacher in the Peace Corps then pursue a graduate degree in journalism. His goal is to become a writer and foreign correspondent for a media agency.

For nearly a decade, the UH Hilo Alumni and Friends Association has supported deserving UH Hilo students through its scholarship program. To date, 29 students have received the award.

To support the scholarship program at UH Hilo, call (808) 974-7501 or visit http://hilo.hawaii.edu/alumni/scholarship.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Nā Pua No’eau Ke Ola Mau Scholars Program is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 school year.

Ke Ola Mau is a health career pathways program that supports native Hawaiian students attending either UH Hilo or UH Mānoa majoring or intending to major in a health field. Eligible students may receive stipends to assist with academic and Hawaiian cultural strengthening, and community service.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Native Hawaiian Education Act and seeks to increase the number of native Hawaiian students entering and succeeding in a health-related educational program and career.

The application can be downloaded from the Nā Pua No’eau website at http://npn.uhh.hawaii.edu. The deadline is August 30, 2013.

For more information, contact Rachel H. Loo (UH Hilo) at (808) 933-3887, loorache@hawaii.edu, or Kehau Bishaw (UH Manoa) at (808) 956-9410, bishawbh@hawaii.edu.

Pharmacy students and faculty in China and the U.S. will have more opportunities to work together, thanks to a new agreement signed July 26 at The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Officials met at one of DKICP’s administrative locations on Rainbow Drive to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) intended to encourage the exchange of scholarly pursuits. Lei Fu, associate dean at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s (SJTU) School of Pharmacy, met with several DKICP faculty members, including Rose Tseng, professor and director of international programs.

“We are uniquely positioned to influence the future of pharmacy in China because there is no comparable degree program for pharmacists there,” said Tseng, who is UH Hilo chancellor emerita and also serves as international advisor to current Chancellor Donald Straney, who met Fu in Hilo. “At the same time, their science programs are very strong, giving our researchers even more opportunities to develop projects that will improve health care worldwide.”

The collaboration began through a network of industrial connections with DKICP faculty, Tseng said. “The University has a wonderful reputation, and I knew of the quality of Dr. Fu’s education, who received his Ph.D. from Stanford, so I thought this was a good opportunity.”

With 41,000 students, SJTU is about twice the size of the UH Manoa campus. The School of Pharmacy, which opened in 2000, occupies about 160,000 square feet of building space on the campus in Shanghai. The School of Pharmacy, which was called “a rising star” in pharmacology and toxicology programs by ScienceWatch, has 70 students enrolled each year in its masters and Ph.D. programs, according to Fu, who has been a principal investigator with SJTU since 2006.

“We look forward to the potential exchange of students and faculty because of the close proximity of our universities, but also because of the many common interests we share, including natural products,” Fu said. “We are hoping to co-develop a PharmD program, as well as create favorable circumstances for postdoctoral associates and visiting scholars.”

Researchers from the Chinese University collaborate with many international institutions, including facilitating exchanges with scholars in Germany, France and Switzerland. In the U.S., SJTU has MOUs at several universities, including the University of Pittsburgh and the University of the Pacific.

“Because we are the only school of pharmacy in the Pacific area, it’s critical to reach out as the first line of communication in order to give students in this region a level of training never before available,” said DKICP Dean John M. Pezzuto. “This has the potential to spin off into a variety of directions, and we are excited and prepared to meet the challenge.”

UH Hilo currently has another MOU with China’s Zhejiang University. Spearheaded by Tseng in 2008, the MOU was expanded for another three years last fall.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service offers an eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class beginning September 28. The class meets every other Saturday from 1:30-6 pm, with a retreat day scheduled for November 9 from 10-5 pm.

Taught by Bernie Schreck, M.A., this in-depth program helps participants manage the symptoms of stress, chronic illness or pain and improve their quality of life through diverse techniques such as guided meditation, gentle, mindful yoga, and breathing exercises.

Schreck has been teaching Mindfulness Meditation for more than 20 years and also has professional training in MBSR. The fee for this course is $500, but CCECS is offering it at a special introductory rate of $150 to make it affordable to the greater community.

For more information and to register, contact CCECS at 974-7664 or go online to http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/ccecs/fitness/.

Students attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo now have a new housing option following today’s dedication of the $32.5 million Hale `Alahonua residence hall (formerly referred to as University Village Phase I), located on 33 acres across from the main campus entrance on Kawili Street.

“This is a great day for current and future students at UH Hilo,” said Chancellor Don Straney. “A well-rounded education includes the personal growth, development and global perspective our students gain by living with each other on campus. Thanks to the efforts of our Hawaiʻi Island legislators, support from Governor Abercrombie and others, that opportunity will be available to many more students.”

The new residential complex spans 105,505 square-feet and features approximately 300 units within a trio of three-story residential wings, along with a large, spacious common area and two exterior courtyards.

Hale `Alahonua, or “the breeze upon which the fragrance of earth is carried,” represents the first student housing units built on campus since 1989. The project was designed with the objective of balancing a student’s need for privacy with being part of a larger community, and incorporated key findings contained in a student survey.

“Over the years, the number one request we’ve received from students was for single-person bedrooms, ” said Miles Nagata, executive director, housing and dining services. “Today’s students want their own space and that’s why having single-person bedrooms was a priority for this project.”

Each suite houses two students in private, enclosed bedrooms that include a bed, shelving and computer desk, in addition to a common space with an entry area, sink and bathroom. Eight units are fully accessible to accommodate students in wheelchairs; sixteen are designed for the visually and hearing impaired.

A second priority was to provide a rich, student life option to promote greater camaraderie and a sense of community among students. Hale `Alahonua’s common area spans 9,581 square-feet, featuring a recreational/TV lounge with pool tables, a 16-unit computer lab, study/conference rooms, two kitchens, mailing facility, and a laundry room equipped with machines that notify students online or via text messages of the status of their laundry.

Hale `Alahonua also brings various services directly to students via satellite operations. Three of the five first-floor offices will serve as a base of operations for Financial Aid, Global Exchange, National Student Exchange, Counseling Services and other key entities, who will make on-site visits when their services are in greatest demand.

Beyond the amenities, Hale `Alahonua addresses the fundamental issue of producing an adequate housing inventory for a University that has been servicing an enrollment in excess of 4,100 (as of Fall 2012) with approximately 600 beds in its residence halls. The additional inventory is expected to help meet the housing needs of incoming students, whose decision to attend would be based on whether they can find a place to live on campus.

“Research has consistently shown that students who live on campus have better academic success and retention rates. The addition of this residence hall facility provides an opportunity to make a positive difference in the performance of our students,” noted Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Luoluo Hong.

Hale `Alahonua was designed by Mitsunaga and Associates, Inc. (MAI), built by Albert C. Kobayashi, Inc. and managed by SSFM International. The project was completed in less than 24 months, with construction taking only 14 months.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center (PAC) has unveiled its schedule of performances for the 2013-14 season, which begins on Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. with the innovative improvisation of Broadway’s Next Hit Musical.

“It’s all improvised and its all funny,” said PAC Manager Lee Dombroski. “Every song is fresh, every scene is new and every performance is different.”

Six-time GRAMMY ® Award-nominee and versatile songstress Nnenna Freelon takes the stage on Friday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m. Described as a captivating performer, Freelon will be joined by three equally impressive musicians.

The Intergalactic Nemesis Company presents Book Two: Robot Planet Rising from their Live-Action Graphic Novel on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. A one-of-a-kind theatrical performance, the Intergalactic Nemesis series has thrilled even the most skeptical members of the audience.

The spring season begins with Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance. The group is known for its physicality and athleticism, and returns by popular demand with a brand new show on February 11.

Then fasten seat belts for Rhythmic Circus’ Feet Don’t Fail Me Now on March 11. This percussive dance phenomenon electrifies audiences with its hard-hitting rapid-fire tap, sidesplitting humor and finger snapping tunes.

Traditional Irish music and song takes the spotlight when Danu, from Ireland’s County Waterford, performs on March 21. The season closes with the hit musical Miss Saigon, directed by UH Hilo Drama Professor Jackie Pualani Johnson, with Musical Director Armando Mendoza and choreography by University Dance Instructor Celeste Staton. Performance dates are April 10,11,12,17,18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m.

The PAC is also planning a special fundraising event on Saturday, September 14, with proceeds supporting both the Performing Arts Center and Department. Legacies~Ho’omau is conceived and directed by PAC Associate Manager and long-time dance program member Dori Yamada, and features performances by alumni, current students, and UH Hilo faculty and staff members.

“A lot of talent from the Performing Arts Department has graced the PAC stage over the years and made good art,” Yamada said. “We want to celebrate that good art, support the Performing Arts Department and the Performing Arts Center’s programs, and above all make more good art!”

Season subscription packages ranging in price from $64 to $132 are currently available by calling the PAC Box Office at (808) 974-7310 or by ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu. Single tickets will be available beginning September 10.

The public is invited to the opening of the new exhibit, “Honoka`a Loves Music,” at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo North Hawaiʻi Education and Research Center’s Heritage Center on Friday, August 23 at 4 p.m. Members of the Honoka`a High School Jazz Band will perform for the opening.

“Honoka`a Loves Music” is an exhibit that celebrates the legacy of musicians and music in the Hamakua community. It begins with Hawaiian oli (chants) of Hamakua, which had the second oldest community band on the island in 1884. The Honoka`a Band was reorganized after World War II and became known as the Hamakua County Band.

The exhibit also features plantation bands that toured from camp to camp playing at manso dances (a type of taxi dance) and other events. Groups like the Harmonizers and Bob Fernandez Orchestra were largely made up of plantation workers who would spend their weekends playing music.

This year marks the 35th year since Honoka`a High School music teacher Gary Washburn started at the school and created the Jazz Band and Ensemble. The exhibit contains a retrospective on the band as well as some featured performers who have gone on to careers in music.

The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 8 – 4 p.m, and Saturdays, 9-1 p.m. The Center is located at 45-539 Plumeria Street in Honoka`a.