Robert Toonen, a faculty member at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), was honored as the 2025 recipient of the UH Board of Regents (BOR) Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service. The systemwide award recognizes a UH employee whose commitment and performance has made a significant impact on the university. Toonen was presented the award at the July 17 BOR meeting at UH Mānoa.
“Rob’s career at HIMB has been distinguished by a spirit of generosity and service to the community, his colleagues, and his students and postdocs,” said Megan Donahue, HIMB director. “We are thrilled to see this recognition of his work.”
A nomination letter for this award noted that Toonen, who is the director of the Marine Biology Graduate Program and the Ruth D. Gates Endowed Chair of Coral Reef Systems at UH Mānoa, is “widely recognized for his selflessness, his willingness to go above and beyond, and his genuine care for the well-being of his colleagues and students.”
‘Excellence thrives alongside mutual support’
Another nominator wrote, “Rob consistently advocates for junior faculty members, ensuring our voices are heard and our concerns addressed. This inclusive approach contributes to a collaborative environment at HIMB where all faculty feel valued and supported. Rob has created an environment where excellence thrives alongside mutual support—a rare combination that has made HIMB an exceptional place to work.”
Toonen joined HIMB in 2003 as an assistant professor and since that time he has been a lead or co-author on more than 300 peer-reviewed publications related to diversity of marine organisms and their life-history, coral reef ecology, design of Marine Protected Areas, and origins of invasive species. In 2012, he was awarded the Peter V. Garrod Distinguished Graduate Mentorship Award, and in 2019, the UH Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Research in recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community.
While at UH Mānoa, Toonen has advised 42 graduate students, mentored 28 postdoctoral researchers, served on the graduate thesis committees of 73 additional students, and advised 13 undergraduate students on their thesis research.
A faculty nominator wrote in their letter, “Rob Toonen is a true leader who shows how to lead by doing it—serving others in his world means investing in those people whom he serves, especially those in need.”
The Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service is named in honor of long-time UH administrator and secretary to the Board of Regents, Willard Wilson, who set a standard for service to the university during his 40-year career.
- Related UH News stories: Meet past Willard Wilson honorees.
For the entire story, see the SOEST website.
—By Marcie Grabowski
