More than 1,000 elementary school students went to college at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on November 22, to learn about the campus and experience a Rainbow Wahine basketball game.
Groups of students toured the campus with UH tour guides, who explained features, programs and areas of study, while also providing fun facts along the way.
“We want students to think about attending college at an early age,” Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Nikki Chun said. “Being exposed to the possibilities that an advanced education can bring raises the likelihood of a student attending college after high school. Many of the students talked about the types of jobs their parents are involved in and what types of careers their favorite subjects could lead to.”
The students were from schools including: Kūhīo, Hokulani, Palisades, Mokapu, Ala Wai, Lincoln, Enchanted Lake, Pohakea, and Lunalilo elementary schools, and from neighboring Mid-Pacific Institute.
Students were thrilled to be able to see the Wahine basketball players, and loudly cheered them on. The game against Louisiana Monroe also kicked off the Bank of Hawaiʻi Classic.
“We’ve been wanting to have an Education Day for a while, but had to work on the logistics to make it a reality, and today exceeded all expectations,” said UH Athletics Director of Marketing and Fan Experience Eric Mathews. “We’re constantly trying to come up with ways to help fans create memories when they come to one of our events. Today, 1,200 students walked out of SimpliFi Arena with a great memory!”
The students each received clear stadium bags courtesy of sponsor Bank of Hawaiʻi filled with goodies from sponsors such as Raising Cane’s and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Each student also received a free hot dog courtesy of head coach Laura Beeman and a $5 voucher from food service provider Sodexo.
