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‘Imiloa announces first-ever endowment gift 

Ilima Pi‘ianai‘a had a long career in public service. Now her surviving brothers have established an endowment in her name, so that she may continue to assist her community with access to UH Hilo’s ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.

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A woman who changed the world 

Fifty years before the first women walked through the doors at most Ivy League schools, Alice Augusta Ball earned a master’s degree at UH, the first woman — and first African-American woman — to do so. In 1916 her research led to the first effective treatment for Hansen’s disease, yet her story was nearly lost.

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Shigekunis create a buzz 

Alison and Vincent Shigekuni are passionate about bees. Since the UH Hilo adopt-a-beehive program launched in 2011, they have supported a beehive named in honor of Alison’s parents, Ben and Fusae Fujise. They recently created the Ben and Fusae Fujise Beekeeping Endowed Scholarship, the first endowed scholarship for the innovative program.

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Echoing an ‘extreme act of generosity’ 

For the Kanashiro family, Dr. Arthur Lynn Andrews is remembered for more than his UH leadership. James Kanashiro was working in Kaua‘i’s sugar cane fields before joining the Andrews’ household staff. Andrews sensed potential in the boy and sponsored his education, spurring a journey that led Kanashiro to become one of the first Japanese-American dentists in Honolulu.

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Students make a big splash 

Scholarship recipient, free diving enthusiast and Student Calling Center team member Shannon Yoshikawa has personally raised $100,000 to benefit other UH students like herself. We wanted to learn more about this sterling student fundraiser.

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HCRC addresses affordable housing 

To help address the growing crisis of affordable housing in Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Community Reinvestment Corporation (HCRC) donated $790,000 to establish the HCRC Distinguished Professorship in Affordable Housing.

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Ings help UH Warriors and Wahine win 

UH alumni and steady donors Sheena and Fred Ing are lifelong, dedicated UH sports fans. This couple has been rooting for UH beginning with season tickets in the 1970s, enjoying the men’s basketball Fab Five run, and continuing through the Derek Tatsuno baseball years. The Ings are committed to giving what they can to help our UH student-athletes.

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HDS cares for smiles statewide 

Many of Hawai‘i’s families face serious oral health challenges due to issues that include no statewide fluoridation system and a lack of oral health education. Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) is partnering with UH to improve oral health here by providing grants totaling $211,000 to expand dental services and education.

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Education pioneer rewards good people 

Long-time donor Dr. Edward Kormondy believes “one of the joys of higher education is working with people.” Kormondy formerly served as chancellor of UH Hilo and (the former) West O‘ahu College. Today he is creating endowed funds to support faculty and staff at UH Hilo and UH West O‘ahu.

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New simulation manikin helps Kaua‘i students 

Kaua‘i CC Nursing Program students have a new 3G simulation manikin, thanks to HMSA and Wilcox Medical Center. Two other foundations and the KCC Nursing Department also contributed funds. The program’s previous manikin was at the end of its 10-year life. The new manikin offers nursing students practical training in realistic solutions.

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Scholarship is a win for students 

“The Fujimoto Family Scholarship is a game-changer for our students,” said Drew Martin, dean of the UH Hilo College of Business and Economics. He said a student he met recently is taking the term off from school because he is $300 short for expenses. “Our students walk a fine line between working enough to pay for their educations and finding enough time to study.”

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Dr. Swanson honors work on Kīlauea explosions 

Kīlauea hasn’t always oozed rivers of lava. For 300 years, beginning in about 1500, the volcano on Hawai‘i Island produced explosions instead, shooting hot ash and glassy shards of lava through the air for miles. Dr. Don Swanson of the U.S. Geological Survey has collaborated with UH Mānoa professors and graduate students to study these explosions.

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Hy’s turns 40, celebrates with gift 

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Hy’s Steakhouse gave $15,000 to Kapi‘olani CC in recognition of the school’s role in the flourishing restaurant scene in Hawai‘i. Maintaining close ties with the college doesn’t stop with charitable gifts made over the years – about 15 interns and graduates from the school’s culinary arts and hospitality programs have worked at Hy's.

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