Vulcan Challenge fundraising campaign enters final days at UH Hilo

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s annual Vulcan Challenge is entering its final two days, with the monthlong fundraising campaign set to end Friday, Oct. 23.

There is more than $46,000 in matching gifts available to support the university’s 12 NCAA Division II athletic programs.

The campaign, conducted in partnership with the UH Foundation, raises money for student-athlete scholarships, team travel, training and other essential resources.

KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi family are matching the first $25,000 in donations. The Vulcan Booster Club is contributing a $13,000 matching gift, while the Hawaii Rush Soccer Club Big Island is providing an additional $5,000 match specifically for women’s soccer.

UH Hilo Athletics Director Patrick Guillen also will match the first $250 donated to each athletic program, including sports medicine, for a total of $3,250.

“Vulcan student-athletes continue to inspire us every day with their dedication, academic excellence, and accomplishments both in competition and throughout our community,” Guillen said.

“The annual Vulcan Challenge helps provide our teams with the scholarships and resources they need to thrive, and we are deeply grateful to the community and donors who make these opportunities possible.”

The fundraising drive follows a record-setting academic year for UH Hilo Athletics. A total of 75 student-athletes earned recognition on the Division II Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Awards list after maintaining cumulative grade-point averages of 3.50 or higher.

Across the university’s 12 varsity programs, student-athletes posted a combined record GPA of 3.37 during the 2025-26 academic year, surpassing the previous high of 3.32.

Vulcan student-athletes also contribute to communities across Hawaii Island through volunteer work, youth outreach and other community engagement activities.

Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin said community contributions are essential to helping student-athletes succeed both in competition and beyond the playing field.

“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,” Irwin said.

Kendall Oda, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a member of the UH Hilo women’s basketball team, said donor support helps student-athletes pursue their goals while preparing for life after sports.

“Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us chase excellence and build a future beyond sports while representing Hawai’i everywhere we go,” Oda said.

“It’s because of our donors that we can reach our full potential here in Hilo and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

To donate to the UH Foundationʻs Vulcan Challenge, click here.