University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics is calling on the community to join its largest annual fundraiser—the monthlong Vulcan Challenge—to ensure continued excellence for Vulcan student-athletes in the classroom, in competition and in service to Hawaiʻi Island.
Running from September 16–October 16, the Vulcan Challenge provides critical funding for scholarships, training resources, travel and other essential needs that help UH Hilo’s 12 NCAA Division II teams thrive.
“Vulcan scholar-athletes continue to make a positive impact both on campus and in our community. Support for these student ambassadors will allow our program to continue to flourish,” said Bonnie D. Irwin, UH Hilo’s chancellor.
Patrick Guillen, athletics director at UH Hilo, said the student-athletes continue to inspire everyone with their accomplishments and community support remains vital in helping them reach new goals. “Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of Ambassadors of Aloha, students who represent Hawaiʻi Island and our state with pride.”
“When you give to the Vulcan Challenge, you’re helping us compete at our best, travel to represent Hawaiʻi and earn the education that sets us up for life,“ said Lee, an outside hitter and defensive specialist with the Vulcans volleyball team. “Your support means we can continue to represent Hawaiʻi Island with pride and aloha on every field, court and course.“
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi ʻohana are once again demonstrating their loyal support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts. Their generosity is joined by a $5,000 challenge gift from Charlie and Barbara Umamoto, along with a $13,000 matching gift from the Vulcan Booster Club.
“As student-athletes, we feel the impact of this generosity every day,“ Lee said. “Knowing that the community believes in us—and is willing to match gifts to support our journey—motivates us to give our very best on and off the field.“
UH Hilo Athletics is coming off a record-breaking year. Vulcan student-athletes achieved a 3.32 overall cumulative GPA—the highest in program history—and extended their streak to 14 consecutive semesters with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
On the fields and courts, eight teams advanced to PacWest Conference postseason play, highlighted by the men’s golf team’s third straight conference championship. Off the playing surfaces, student-athletes contributed countless hours to local causes, events and youth programs, strengthening ties with the Hawaiʻi Island community.
“These achievements reflect the heart, discipline and dedication of our student-athletes,” Guillen said. “By supporting the Vulcan Challenge, you’re investing in their future and in the pride they bring to our island.”
To make a contribution to the Vulcan Challenge and support UH Hilo Athletics, visit Vulcan Challenge.
FOR UH • FOR HAWAIʻI, The Campaign for the University of Hawaiʻi, is focused on raising $1 billion to support UH priorities on all 10 campuses across the state, including student success; research that matters; kuleana to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi; sustainability, resilience and conservation; innovation and entrepreneurship; building Hawaiʻi’s workforce; and engaging our community. Learn more at uhfoundation.org/4UH4HI
Questions? / More Information
If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.
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The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. uhfoundation.org
