The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa honored the legacy of Alice Augusta Ball on February 28 with a moving ceremony at the chaulmoogra tree next to Bachman Hall. Held annually, Alice Ball Day serves as a powerful tribute to perseverance, innovation and the lasting impact of Ball’s contributions to science and history.
A UH alumna and groundbreaking chemist, Ball developed the first effective treatment for Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy), transforming countless lives. Ball died on December 31, 1916, at the age of 24, before publishing her groundbreaking work. Students, faculty and community members gathered to reflect on her achievements and the barriers she overcame.
Emcee LaJoya Shelly, a lecturer in ethnic studies and educational administration, led the event. Featured speakers included UH President Wendy Hensel, UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno, Valerie Monson, executive director of Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa, and other distinguished guests. Shelly recited a poem about Ball by Kathryn Waddell Takara, emeritus professor of ethnic studies, who was unable to attend.
Former UH President David Lassner, who established this annual event and helped elevate Ball’s legacy, was also in attendance. Lassner played a key role in supporting the installation of a life-sized bronze bust of Alice Ball at Hamilton Library in December 2024.
“Her contributions may have been overlooked for decades, but together, we stand here today to ensure that Alice Augusta Ball is remembered and celebrated,” Hensel said before reading Gov. Josh Green’s official proclamation declaring February 28, 2025, as Alice Augusta Ball Day.
Among the speakers was Naava Lee Simckes, a UH Mānoa undergraduate in mechanical engineering, who shared how Ball’s story has inspired her own academic journey.
“Alice Ball’s determination proves that we, too, can push boundaries and create change,” Simckes said. “Her legacy drives me to push myself further as a woman in STEM, appreciate the opportunities I have, and never take them for granted. She inspires me to follow in her footsteps.”
The ceremony also recognized Paul Wermager, a retired UH science librarian who founded the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship in 2017 and is finishing up a comprehensive biography of Ball. While Wermager was unable to attend, Bruno applauded his dedication.
“Paul has dedicated years to uplifting Alice’s story and ensuring future generations are inspired by her,” Bruno said, as current scholarship recipient Rachel Jun was presented with a lei.
The event concluded with an oli led by Nōweo Kai, campus arboretum curator, as attendees placed lei and flowers at Ball’s plaque beneath the chaulmoogra tree. Donated in 1931 by the King of Siam in gratitude for Hawaiʻi’s efforts in combating Hansen’s disease, the tree stands as a tribute to Ball, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire students and researchers alike.
Expanding recognition for Ball’s contributions
Ball’s legacy also extends with the annual Remembrance Walk organized by the Black Student Association and Sister Circle at Mānoa. Participants visited the bronze bust of Ball at Hamilton Library before gathering at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services for a screening of The Ball Method film.
Announced by Lassner at the 2024 event, the American Chemical Society had unanimously approved Alice Augusta Ball’s nomination for the National Historic Chemical Landmark designation in recognition of her groundbreaking treatment for Hansen’s Disease. Further details on the official recognition will be shared at a later date.
More UH News stories on Alice Ball.
