SALUTING OUR STUDENT MARSHALS
Congratulations to the three CSS graduates who will serve as student marshals at UH Mānoaʻs 2025 Commencement at the Stan Sheriff Center on Saturday, May 17. Student marshals are chosen based on their academic achievements and service to the campus and community, and they will direct graduates and members of the stage party to their seats.
The three are:
Tulabelle May Roderick, who earned a double BA majoring in Political Science and History. Roderick was accepted twice into the Mānoa Political Internship Program – in the state Public Defender’s Office and Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Rizu Saisu, with a BA in Sociology, who served as a congressional intern for U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, and actively participated in the College’s MINA (Mālama I Nā Ahupuaʻa) program, which focuses on environmental stewardship.
Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai Lopes, who earned her MA in Communication. The 2024 Miss Aloha Hula was a graduate assistant in Native Hawaiian Student Services, and is an experienced Hawaiian language tutor.
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
Two CSS students were honored for their stellar teaching and employment performance at the 2025 UH Mānoa Awards Ceremony. Receiving the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching was Sara Maaria Saastamoinen, a PhD student in Political Science. And the Student Employee of the Year Award was presented to Shayla Spotkaeff, an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History in the Department of Ethnic Studies.
