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Left to right: Felix Eichberg, Benjamin Alejo III, Princess Paradise Pascua, Nicholas Uriostegui-Valadez, Grace Ramirez, Shyla Bowles, Kaitlyn Samantha Paulo, Yusuf Najjar, Kalea Ajel, Hunter Hurtado, Aleiah Leilua-Toloai. Joining the SGA officers are Director of Student Engagement Robyn Serge and Assistant Directors Dyson Chee and Tian Robinson (back row).
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Campus Activities Board recognizes its network of active general members who assisted with hosting events throughout the year. Nevaeh Guillen (on stage, center) was recognized as Member of the Year. Left to right, bottom row: Raelynn Ruddell, Carmen Rovira Moreno, Justin Alday, Kanon Morimoto, Trinity Bradford, Jonah Stokes, Kayleigh Mosher, Ziomara Ramos, Princess Paradise Pascua. On stage, front row: Dyson Chee, Makayla Martinez, Nevaeh Guillen, Rebecca Raynoschek, Ericka Gabriel Lumbo. On stage, back row: Tian Robinson, An Vo, Robyn Serge.
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The Peer Mentor team is recognized for fostering a sense of student belonging and success at HPU. Left to right, front row: Caitlin Duncan, Leasuone Vaeoso, Emily Nguyen, Leigha Dick, Ericka Gabriel Lumbo, Princess Paradise Pascua. Back row: An Vo, Jonah Stokes, Justin Alday, Aleiah Leilua-Toloai, Makayla Martinez, Dana Nguyen. On stage: Drs. Erica Chun and Dexter Asuncion.
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SGA's incoming cohort for 2025-26 takes their oath of office.
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Dr. Brenda Jensen, Emerging Leader awardee Kylee Therese Torres, and Tian Robinson.
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Dyson Chee, Legacy Award honoree Justin Alday, and President John Gotanda.
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Student Leader of the Year awardee Caitlin Duncan, Robyn Serge, and Dr. Jennifer Walsh.
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Criminal Justice Club receives the RSO of the Year Award.
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Step Up Warrior Dance Crew receives the Emerging RSO of the Year Award.
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Sharks United receives the Service and Advocacy Award.
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Leaders for a Sustainable Future receives the Impactful Program of the Year Award.
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CAB leaders received the CAB Event of the Year Award for 'Da Shark Show' in honor of its 20th Anniversary celebration.
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'Vital Contacts,' which received the SGA Initiative of the Year Award, was accepted by Hunter Hurtado.
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On behalf of 'CNCS Fest,' Leigha Dick and Grace Ramirez accepted the SGA Initiative of the Year Award.
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On behalf of the Center for Academic Success, Drs. Erica Chun and Dexter Asuncion accept the Student Success & Belonging Award from Director of Student Engagement Robyn Serge.
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The Community Advisory Team receives the Resiliency Award (Housing and Residential Life).
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Community Advisor Emma Stanley receives the Resiliency Award (Housing and Residence Life). She is joined by staff Daniel Traylor, Dakota Jackson, and Vanessa Tackman.
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Nā Māno ʻO Ke Kai receives the Excellence in Lōkahi Award.
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Pickleball Club receives the Best Collaborative Event Award.
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Faculty member Paul Tran receives the Outstanding Advisor Award.
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The Collaborative Campus Partner Spirit Award honors was presented to the Libraries and Learning Commons, represented by Director Dr. Sabrina Thomas.
Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Student Engagement team—led by Director Robyn Serge and Assistant Directors Dyson Chee and Tian Robinson—hosted its annual Leadership Banquet at the Aloha Tower Marketplace Sunset Ballroom at the end of the spring semester. This cherished end-of-year tradition honors the dedication and accomplishments of HPU’s student leaders, whose efforts are supported and uplifted by faculty and staff across the campus community.
The evening brought together more than 100 students, faculty, and staff for a night of celebration. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere featuring a chocolate fountain, delicious pupu (appetizers), and a lively photo booth.
The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions from individuals and organizations across campus. The following listing of awards and awardees are listed in the order they were presented:
- Emerging Leader Award: Kylee Therese Torres (Christian Student Organization)
- Legacy Award: Justin Alday (Student Government Association)
- Student Leader of the Year: Caitlin Duncan (Pre-Health Club, Run Club, Neuroscience Club, HUI SRC, Nā Māno ʻO Ke Kai)
- Emerging RSO of the Year: Step Up Warrior Dance Crew
- RSO of the Year: Criminal Justice Club
- Service & Advocacy Award: Sharks United
- Impactful Program of the Year: Leaders for a Sustainable Future
- CAB Event of the Year: 20th Anniversary: Da Shark Show
- SGA Initiative of the Year:
- Vital Contacts
- CNCS Fest
- Student Success & Belonging Award: Center for Academic Success
- Resiliency Award (Housing and Residence Life):
- Community Advisory Team
- Emma Stanley (Community Advisor)
- Best Collaborative Event: Pickleball Club
- Excellence in Lōkahi: Nā Māno ʻO Ke Kai
- Outstanding Advisor Award: Paul Tran
- Collaborative Campus Partner Spirit Award: Libraries & Learning Commons
To give non-attendees a glimpse into the spirit of the evening, the banquet featured heartfelt presentations, highlighting just a few of the many exceptional awardees:
- Emerging Leader Award
Presented by Dr. Brenda Jensen, Acting Provost
This award honors a first-year or new student leader who has shown great potential and made a meaningful impact early in their leadership journey. The recipient, Kylee Therese Torres, stepped into the role of president of her Registered Student Organization (RSO) mid-year, bringing fresh energy, inclusivity, and innovation to the Christian Student Organization. - Student Leader of the Year
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Walsh, SVP, Strategic Initiatives & Chief Strategy Officer
Caitlin Duncan was recognized for her extraordinary leadership across five RSOs and her consistent dedication to collaboration, excellence, and community building. Her impact has been felt across campus through her tireless efforts and inspiring vision. - Legacy Award
Presented by President Gotanda
Justin Alday received this prestigious honor for his enduring contributions to student leadership at HPU. With three years as a peer mentor and two years in the Student Government Association, Alday’s legacy is one of passion, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to the student body.
Following the awards presentation, students continued the celebration at an After Party in Sharky’s Cove, closing the evening with music, laughter, and community spirit.
