MEDIA ADVISORY: UH Mānoa to honor pioneering alumna Alice Augusta Ball
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Alice Augusta Ball
WHAT: On February 28, the University of Hawaiʻi commemorates Alice Augusta Ball, the first African-American and woman to graduate from UH Mānoa with a master’s degree in chemistry in 1915. At the age of 23, she made groundbreaking contributions as a scientist by discovering an injectable form of the oil from the chalumoogra tree, which became the most effective treatment for Hansen’s disease (leprosy) in the first half of the twentieth century.
WHO: UH President David Lassner, UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, retired UH faculty librarian Paul Wermager, retired professor Kathryn Waddell Takara, PhD candidate La Joya Shelly, campus curator Noweo Kai, students and UH and community members.
WHEN: February 28, 12–12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Chaulmoogra Tree next to Bachman Hall on the UH Mānoa campus where a dedication plaque is placed in her honor. The tree was planted in her honor by the King Prajadhipok of Siam in 1935.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
- Gov. David Igeʻs 2022 proclamation declared February 28 as “Alice Augusta Ball Day” and was reaffirmed by Gov. Josh Green in 2023. Green will also sign a proclamation for Alice Augusta Ball Day in 2024, which will be read by Lt. Gov. Luke.
- Read more about Alice Ball and the universityʻs celebration in 2022.