The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges has launched a new video series highlighting real student transfer journeys across the UH System—demonstrating how starting at a community college can lead to careers in law, technology, education and beyond.
Featuring alumni from all seven campuses, the series shares stories of students who built their foundation at a UH Community College before transferring to a four-year UH campus. Profiles include:
- a first-generation student who began at Hawaiʻi CC and is now pursuing a PhD in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) at UH Hilo
- a Honolulu CC student who went on to UH Mānoaʻs Richardson Law School
- a Kapiʻolani CC graduate who transferred to UH Mānoa’s School of Engineering, carrying over all credits, and graduating with no debt.
Flexible online programs
The series also highlights the convenience of UH System online programs, allowing students to stay connected to their communities, and complete UH West Oʻahu degrees from Maui and Kauaʻi without relocating.
“Our community colleges are where many students begin—offering affordable, flexible access to higher education,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for UH Community Colleges. “With clear transfer pathways to our four-year universities and personalized support, students can move forward with confidence and achieve their goals.”
Whether pursuing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, education, law or technology, the message across every story is the same: you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. At the UH Community Colleges, students can start where they are—and go beyond.
The full video series is available on UH Community Colleges’ website.
- Bruce Torres-Fischer finds his calling from Hawaiʻi CC to UH Hilo
- David Grupen finds his path from Honolulu CC to UH Mānoa
- Mele Rita finds her voice from Kauaʻi CC to UH West Oʻahu
- Jenny Brown builds her future from Kapiʻolani CC to UH Mānoa
- Leilani Wendt finds her path from Leeward CC to UH Mānoa
- Dexter Corpuz finds his purpose from UH Maui College to UH West Oʻahu
- Ciera Adversalo-Clarke finds her purpose from Windward CC to UH West Oʻahu
