'Vulcan Challenge' energizes support for UH Hilo athletic programs

UH Hilo women's volleyball

UH Hilo’s men’s golf team captured its third consecutive Pacific West Conference Championship.

UH Hilo Vulcan student-athletes

VIDEO: UH Hilo Athletics Director

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrated another successful Vulcan Challenge, raising nearly $167,000 from September 16 to October 16. The annual month-long campaign continues to strengthen support for student-athletes by funding scholarships, enhancing training and travel opportunities, and sustaining academic and wellness programs across UH Hilo’s 12 NCAA Division II teams.

“On behalf of our student-athletes and our entire UH Hilo Athletics Department, mahalo for your generous support of the 2025 Vulcans Challenge,” said Vulcans Athletics Director Patrick Guillen in a video address. “Over 600 unique donors throughout the state and across the country donated and supported our cause of providing the best experience possible for our student-athletes as they represent the state of Hawaiʻi and our Big Island community.”

UH Hilo’s athletics program has distinguished itself not only on the field of play but in the classroom. Student-athletes achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.32 during the most recent academic year and extended their streak of 14 consecutive semesters with a GPA above 3.0.

“Vulcan scholar-athletes continue to make a positive impact both on campus and in our community,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “The generosity shown during this year’s campaign means our program can continue to flourish, offering our students the resources, mentorship and opportunities they deserve.”

With resources from the Vulcan Challenge, the university can sustain and build on this momentum, particularly important for a smaller campus on Hawaiʻi Island that partners with its community to deliver high-impact student experiences.

“Mahalo especially to our friends and partners at KTA Superstores for their lead matching gift,” Guillen said. “Mahalo also to our Vulcans Booster Club, Chancellor Irwin and Barbara Umamoto, and several other anonymous donors who pledged matching gifts and gave so generously to make this year’s campaign so successful.”

About the Vulcan Challenge

Organized in partnership between UH Hilo Athletics and UH Foundation, the Vulcan Challenge is the largest annual fundraiser for UH Hilo’s Vulcans sports. Donors may designate gifts to a specific team or contribute to a general athletics fund, helping meet a range of needs from scholarships to travel funds and performance support.

For more information or to make a gift, visit UH Foundationʻs Vulcan Challenge.