A stunning video showcasing the University of Hawaiʻi “from Poʻipū (on Kauaʻi) to Pāhoa (on Hawaiʻi Island)” illustrates the passion and purpose of the historic $1 billion For UH • For Hawaiʻi campaign. UH Foundation launched the public phase of the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign in Hawaiʻi’s history on November 1, to raise $1 billion for current and future students, faculty and researchers at all 10 UH campuses.
“Our vision was to create a uniquely UH video, grounded in a strong sense of place and authenticity. A video that inspires a deep sense of connection to and pride in UH. We focused on the people of UH, their diverse voices and expertise, and shared some of the depth and breadth of UH’s impact in our words, through b-roll and the aspirational script,” said UH Foundation CEO and UH Vice President Tim Dolan. “UH truly is the place where we move from mystery to discovery, from problem to solution, from aspiration to graduation. I’m so grateful to our UH students and faculty who participated in this ambitious video project, and so incredibly proud of the UH Foundation team who produced this, all of whom are also UH alumni!”
The video features 22 voices and multiple location shoots, beginning with Institute for Astronomy Director Doug Simons on Maunakea at sunset, and concluding with UH Mānoa marine biology graduate student Maluhia Kinimaka on Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island).
UH talent behind the scenes
Dolan and UH Foundation Associate Vice President of Communication Margot Schrire provided vision and direction. Four UH Foundation staff members, who are also UH alumni, stewarded the project from concept to completion.
Writer Michell Dwyer (UH Hilo) developed the script in July and August. A list of on-camera participants was created with the help of the UH Foundation fundraising team. In September, three weeks of shooting video across the state commenced with Associate Director of E-Communications/Multimedia Scott Nishi (Leeward CC, Kapiʻolani CC, UH Mānoa) behind the camera, assisted by Web Manager Brien Ing (UH Mānoa). This was followed by three weeks of editing and post-production. Brand Manager Stacia Garlach (who earned a PhD from UH Mānoa last year) provided graphics support throughout.
Nishi said, “We are extremely humbled and grateful for the response to the campaign launch video. The 22 university voices that represented our UH ʻohana in this production deserve all the recognition. Individually, they felt insignificant, with a single line of dialogue. United, their lines told the story of pride in our university.”
