HILO, Hawai'i – In partnership with UH Foundation, the University of Hawai'i at Hilo Athletics is calling on the community to join its largest annual fundraiser — the month-long Vulcan Challenge — to ensure continued excellence for Vulcans student-athletes in the classroom, in competition and in service to Hawai'i Island.
Running Sept. 16 – Oct. 16, the Vulcan Challenge provides critical funding for scholarships, training resources, travel and other essential needs that help UH Hilo's 12 NCAA Division II teams thrive.
"Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with their accomplishments, but we cannot achieve these results without community support," Hawai'i Hilo Director of Athletics Patrick Guillen said. "Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of ambassadors of aloha, students who represent Hawai'i Island and our state with pride."
Imani Lee, a senior on the Vulcans Volleyball team and president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, emphasized how donor support makes a direct impact.
"When you give to the Vulcan Challenge, you're helping us compete at our best, travel to represent Hawai'i and earn the education that sets us up for life," Lee said. "Your support means we can continue to represent Hawai'i Island with pride and aloha on every field, court and course."
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi 'ohana are once again demonstrating their loyal support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts. Their generosity is joined by a $5,000 challenge gift from Charlie and Barbara Umamoto, along with a $13,000 matching gift from the Vulcan Booster Club.
"As student-athletes, we feel the impact of this generosity every day," Lee said. "Knowing that the community believes in us — and is willing to match gifts to support our journey — motivates us to give our very best on and off the field."
Hawai'i Hilo Athletics is coming off a record-breaking year. Vulcans student-athletes achieved a 3.32 overall cumulative GPA — the highest in program history — and extended their streak to 14 consecutive semesters with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
On the fields and courts, eight teams advanced to PacWest Conference postseason play, highlighted by the men's golf team's third straight conference championship. Off the playing surfaces, student-athletes contributed countless hours to local causes, events and youth programs, strengthening ties with the Hawai'i Island community.
"These achievements reflect the heart, discipline and dedication of our student-athletes," Guillen said. "By supporting the Vulcan Challenge, you're investing in their future and in the pride they bring to our island."
To make a contribution to the Vulcan Challenge and support Hawai'i Hilo Athletics, visit HiloAthletics.com/VC.
