UHNews.org posted nearly 1,600 stories in the very eventful 2025. Here are top stories UH News stories from each campus in alphabetical order:
Hawaiʻi CC
From incarceration to inspiration: Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui transformed Drew Camacho
Camacho enrolled at Hawaiʻi CC in 2021, initially pursuing a certificate in substance abuse counseling, while working at Bridge House. However, after experiencing burnout, he pivoted to liberal arts and found his true passion in caring for the land and learning about his culture.
UH Hilo
From deep trauma to triumph: UH Hilo helps Mom rebuild life
Nearly 10 years ago, Renee Rivera traveled to Hawaiʻi Island looking for a fresh start. She had spent years drifting from state to state, unsure of her path. The UH alumna is now preparing to enter a doctoral program in fall 2026—proof of how far she’s come since finding a place to heal and grow.
Honolulu CC
Hawaiʻi’s 1st advanced manufacturing training program launches at Honolulu CC
The program is a collaboration between Honolulu CC, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, and Kuʻi Hao, a strategic workforce initiative building Hawaiʻi’s skilled trades pipeline to support advanced manufacturing and national defense readiness.
Kapiʻolani CC
Kaneta Foundation’s $1.5M gift empowers Lunalilo Scholars to lift others as they rise
The transformative power of community and education continues to thrive at Kapiʻolani CC thanks to a gift to expand the Lunalilo Scholars Program and help more students access higher education and wraparound support services.
More Kapiʻolani CC
Culinary Institute of the Pacific to help transform school meals with local flavors
Bellman to boss: Kapiʻolani CC alumnus leads nation’s No. 1 eco-friendly hotel
Kapiʻolani CC Paralegal Program celebrates 50 years of serving Hawaiʻi’s communities
Kapiʻolani CC students soar with white tern research in urban Honolulu
Kauaʻi CC
Waiʻaleʻale Project lifts Kauaʻi CC sons, mom on path to college success
Precious Kahokuloa saw firsthand the difference the Waiʻaleʻale Project made in her sons’ lives—creating a path to college they may not have otherwise taken. Inspired by their example, she enrolled at Kauaʻi CC in 2023. As a liberal arts major, she is thriving academically and is on track to graduate in 2027.
More Kauaʻi CC
Physics at your fingertips: Kauaʻi CC instructor delivers hands-on labs statewide
From Waimea to wiring: Kauaʻi CC sparks a bright future for 1st-gen grad
From empty to electric: Performing Arts Center lights up Kauaʻi CC
Kauaʻi CC place-based science internship inspires next generation of stewards
Leeward CC
Impact of Leeward CC’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center showcased
Fifteen local entrepreneurs debuted their Hawaiʻi-made food products to a crowd of nearly 150 at Leeward CC’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center’s ʻĀina to Mākeke Showcase, marking the culmination of a 12-week food business course and the one-year anniversary of the center’s opening.
More Leeward CC
Helping those with substance use disorders heal often leads to self-healing
Transformative technology, support for food entrepreneurs spotlighted
ʻUmeke Lāʻau art installation open to public at Leeward CC Waiʻanae Moku
Waiʻanae Moku grad turns pain into purpose, future in social work
UH Mānoa
Bizarre ‘bone collector’ caterpillar discovered by UH Mānoa scientists
This member of the Hawaiian Fancy Case Caterpillar group has been named the “bone collector” caterpillar due to its macabre habit of adding insect body parts into its silken, portable case. Researchers have observed them measuring and attaching fly wings, weevil heads and earwig abdomens to their cases.
More UH Mānoa
10 top UH Mānoa stories 2025
UH Maui College
Nā Hōkū award for UH Maui College’s Lahaina tribute album
Originally intended to celebrate West Maui through song, the project took on deeper meaning after the 2023 wildfires devastated Lahaina. Institute of Hawaiian Music students responded by composing original mele that reflect the town’s rich history and their hopes for its future.
UH West Oʻahu
Chancellor Benham to step down from UH West Oʻahu
As the first Native Hawaiian female chancellor in the UH System, Benham’s legacy is defined by her commitment to pilina, or authentic relationships, and her advocacy for Indigenous knowledge. She began her chancellorship in 2017, and previously served as the inaugural dean of the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge.
Windward CC
National award for Windward CC recognizes institutional transformation
Windward CC earned the 2025 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation from the American Council on Education. The award honors institutions that have successfully implemented transformative changes to meet the evolving needs of students and their communities.
