Francis Tso-Ping Zee died March 29 in Hilo. Before he retired from USDA PBARC in 2014, he was the Supervisory Horticulturist and Curator of the Tropical Fruit and Nut Germplasm Repository at Waiakea. He received his MS and PhD from the CTAHR’s Horticulture Department in 1979 and 1985, respectively. 

We’re on a mission to spread the word about some incredible job opportunities – right here within our vibrant community at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

The FDM 495: Capstone Portfolio class had the great opportunity to talk story with two local fashion designers and entrepreneurs, Summer Shiigi (Ten Tomorrow) and Rumi Roberston (Rumi Murakami label). The two designers discussed their background information, their triumphs, trials, and tribulations in owning a small business. The fashion gurus encouraged our soon-to-be graduates to ask questions in regards to the fashion industry and in owning a small business in this current business climate, what to expect after graduation, as well as what advice they can share with new fashion graduates in a very competitive field. The FDMseniors were thrilled that the designers disclosed their experiences and insights and are grateful to have met with Summer and Rumi. We are truly appreciative to have Summer and Rumi’s unyielding support all these years. They have been the best mentors to FDM students in our internship program, as well as very active FDM Advisory Board members. Mahalo, Summer and Rumi!

By Abby Cristi-Kim

The 2023 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Alumnus goes to Ken Kamiya, founder of Kamiya Gold, Inc. Since graduating from CTAHR in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Tropical Crop Production, Ken has shown a significant and lasting impact in the local papaya industry, applying his expertise in agriculture and knowledge in collaboration with CTAHR. He is an exemplary individual and we are proud he is our alumnus; his dedication to our college, the Hawaiʻi agriculture industry, economic vitality, and people is immeasurable. 

Raised on a sugar plantation on Hawaiʻi Island, Lorraine Inouye rose to become the first Filipino-American woman in the United States to serve as mayor of a U.S. County. A public servant for more than four decades, she has faced tough decisions on controversial issues, but through them all has remained true to her core values: “Work hard. Always be honest. Help one another whenever possible.”