University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges launched a new video series highlighting real student transfer journeys throughout the university system — demonstrating how starting at a community college can lead to careers in law, technology, education and beyond.
The series features alumni from all seven community college campuses throughout the state, sharing stories from students who built their foundation at a University of Hawai‘i Community College before transferring to a 4-year University of Hawai‘i campus.
Profiles include:
- First-generation student Bruce Torres-Fischer who began at Hawai‘i Community College and is now pursuing a PhD in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.
- A Honolulu Community College student who went on to Richardson Law School at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
- A Kapi‘olani Community College graduate who transferred to University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Engineering, carrying over all credits and graduating with no debt.
The series also highlights convenience of University of Hawai‘i online programs, allowing students to stay connected with their communities, and complete University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu degrees from Maui and Kaua‘i without relocating.
“Our community colleges are where many students begin — offering affordable, flexible access to higher education,” said University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges Interim Vice President Lui Hokoana in a university release. “With clear transfer pathways to our 4-year universities and personalized support, students can move forward with confidence and achieve their goals.”
The message throughout every story is the same: you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin.
At University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, students can start where they are — and go beyond.
Jenny Brown builds her future from Kapiʻolani Community College to University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. (Courtesy Photo: University of Hawaiʻi)- Bruce Torres-Fischer heads from Hawaiʻi Community College to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. (Courtesy Photo: University of Hawaiʻi)
- Ciera Adversalo-Clarke finds her purpose from Windward Community College to University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu. (Courtesy Photo: University of Hawaiʻi)
Videos highlight:
- Bruce Torres-Fischer heads from Hawaiʻi Community College to University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
- David Grupen finds his path from Honolulu Community College to University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
- Mele Rita finds her voice from Kaua‘i Community College to University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu.
- Jenny Brown builds her future from Kapiʻolani Community College to University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
- Leilani Wendt finds her path from Leeward Community College to University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
- Dexter Corpuz finds his purpose from UH Maui College to University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu.
- Ciera Adversalo-Clarke finds her purpose from Windward Community College to University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu.
The full video series is available on the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges website.
