The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges’ campaign “Start Here, Go Beyond,” highlighting authentic student transfer journeys across the 10-campus UH System, has been selected as a finalist in two categories for the Medallion Awards, presented by District 6 of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR):
- Television/Video Paid Advertisement (series): “Start Here, Go Beyond”
- Video Shorts (series): “Start Here, Go Beyond”
The video series highlights how starting at a community college provides an affordable, flexible pathway toward earning a bachelor’s degree, advancing careers and serving local communities. The students’ stories showcase diverse fields—from engineering and law to teaching—demonstrating the ability to achieve career goals while staying rooted in Hawaiʻi.
Watch the videos
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
‘Vital gateway’
“Our community colleges serve as a vital gateway to higher education, and these videos showcase the true power of that journey through the voices of our students,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for community colleges and UH Maui College chancellor. “Being recognized nationally by NCMPR is a testament to the hard work of our team and the incredible achievements of our alumni who inspire the next generation to start here and go beyond.”
The NCMPR Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication among two-year community and technical colleges. Final placement levels—gold, silver and bronze—will be announced during the District 6 conference in October in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Related UH News: New video series highlights UH transfer success, April 20, 2026
