Longtime University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo employee Kelly Leong, who spent more than 25 years as the athletic department sports information director, passed away on April 6, 2019, at the age of 58.
Most recently, Leong was a project specialist with the division of student affairs, a position he held since 2016. Previously, he was the first full-time sports information director for the Vulcans, assuming the post in fall 1989.
“Kelly gave almost three decades of his life to Vulcan athletics and our program,” said UH Hilo Athletic Director Patrick Guillen. “I am truly grateful for his service and know he made an impact on students with his caring demeanor. In my brief time of working with him, he was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially when it came to students. Rest in peace, Kelly.”
As sports information director, Leong oversaw the publicity of 13 UH Hilo athletic teams. He served on the Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame committee, worked on corporate sponsorships and negotiated radio rights for the department.
“Kelly’s contributions in providing unique learning experiences for countless students and the lifelong relationships he developed with student-athletes will have a lasting impact on the many lives he touched,” said UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai. “On behalf of the entire UH Hilo community, I extend my deepest condolences to Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, along with the rest of Kelly’s family, colleagues and friends.”
A celebration of life is set for Saturday, May 4, 10:30 a.m. in the Vulcan gymnasium.
