The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will kick off its third Vulcan Challenge fundraiser on Tuesday, September 17, in partnership with UH Foundation, to raise funds to support the Vulcan Athletics department.
Vulcan Challenge 2024 will run through October 17, with the goal of raising $150,000 for immediate support of UH Hilo’s student-athletes in the 2024–25 academic year. The last Vulcan Challenge, in 2022, raised $161,120 to support Vulcan Athletics.
“These contributions make a real difference for our student-athletes, enabling them to thrive both academically and athletically,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “The funds raised directly contribute to their success and well-being, empowering them to reach new heights.”
The Vulcans are coming off a highly successful 2023–24 year, when UH Hilo re-captured the PacWest Conference Men’s Golf Championship and the PacWest Hawaiʻi Challenge. One of UH Hilo’s proudest achievements was the academic performance of its student-athletes—setting a new program record by attaining an impressive grade-point average of 3.28.
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi family are continuing their loyal support of the Vulcan Challenge, by matching the first $25,000 in gifts.
“We are so grateful for Toby Taniguchi and his team KTA Super Stores and their steadfast support of the Vulcan Challenge and Vulcan Athletics,” said UH Hilo Director of Athletics Patrick Guillen. “This is the third time they are making a $25,000 matching gift, and it is in loving memory of Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi, KTA Super Stores’ founders.”
Donors can select a sport-specific program or choose to support the athletics director’s general fund, which will help in responding to urgent needs for critical services. Donations can also go toward supporting Vulcan Athletics sports medicine.
For more information go to the UH Foundation website.
