The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, regional university. Scholarship and research are an important part of faculty work and student engagement, but the primary focus is on providing high-quality baccalaureate and limited postgraduate education.
Ten of the 14 world climate zones exist on the island of Hawai‘i, making it a living laboratory for the study of volcanoes, astronomy, agriculture, marine science and other natural sciences.
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MISSION STATEMENT
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to ensuring a positive student-athlete experience that fosters a lifetime of learning, balance and success through the values that are represented by the Aloha Spirit.
WHAT IS A VULCAN?
Previously known as the “Little Rainbows,” a process was started in 1965 to adapt an individual identity for what would best represent the Big Island of Hawai‘i and active volcanoes was immediately thought of.
One of the first considerations was “Pele,” the goddess of volcanoes in Hawaiian mythology, but out of respect for the Hawaiian culture, the committee elected not to commercialize the Hawaiian deity.
In 1966, the University officially adopted “Vulcan” as its nickname, named after the god of fire in Roman mythology.
NCAA DIVISION II ATHLETICS
Division II is all about balance. Students participate in highly competitive athletics, have the best access ratio to NCAA championships of any division and can earn athletics scholarships, but their college experience includes so much more than sports participation. The balanced approach in athletics, academics and community engagement allows Division II student-athletes to focus on their academic pursuits, internships, studies abroad and all that interests them.
Among the most distinguishing features in Division II is its athletics scholarship model, which awards partial scholarships that students combine with academic or need-based grants to construct their financial aid package. Division II believes it is important to acknowledge and financially reward students’ athletics abilities. This partial scholarship model keeps athletics budgets more closely proportioned with the total institutional budget.
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PACIFIC WEST (PACWEST) CONFERENCE
COMMISSIONER: Jessica Harbison Weaver (2023)
SENIOR ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER: Piper Brewster (2023)
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER: Joe Reinsch (2022)
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Russ Blunck (2022)
SPORTS: 15 – Seven Men's, Eight Women's (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Women's Volleyball)
SCHOOLS: 11 Full Members (Academy of Art, Azusa Pacific, Biola, Chaminade, Concordia University Irvine, Dominican, Fresno Pacific, Hawai‘i Hilo, HPU, Point Loma Nazarene, Westmont College)
FOUNDED: 1992 (History: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4)
