Reading time: < 1minuteExceptional faculty and staff were honored at the awards celebration.
At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, excellence in teaching, service and innovation were recognized during the 2026 End of the Year Awards Celebration on May 13.
The annual event honored faculty and staff members whose work has made a lasting impact on students, the campus and the broader community. Retirees and employees celebrating years of service were also recognized.
Award recipients
Award recipient Kekoa Harman.
Kekoa Harman, associate professor of Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language, UH System Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award and UH Hilo PūlamaʻIke Award
Elisabeth Gallant, assistant professor of geology, UH System Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Adriane Lewandowski, instructor of nursing, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Luzviminda Miguel, associate professor of nursing, UH Hilo Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation
Hollind Paiva, UH Hilo Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance Award
Kathleen Hughes, UH Hilo Excellence in Service Award
Maunakea snow removal operator Tracy Miyashiro honored for 40 years of service at UH Hilo.
