VNR: UH Mānoa students explore resources, opportunities at Welina Mānoa event

Contact:

Link to video and sound (details below): https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/fYeXqTljOs

***SUGGESTED VOSOT SCRIPT BELOW***

WHAT: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa hosted its annual "Welina Mānoa: Kick-Off!" event, bringing students, faculty and staff together for an afternoon of exploring campus resources, activities, food, entertainment, games and prize giveaways.

Originally scheduled for the first day of the fall semester, the event was postponed because of Tropical Storm Moke.

WHO: More than 2,000 UH Mānoa haumāna (students), faculty and staff participated, and about 60 campus departments and programs showcased resources, services and opportunities.

WHY: Welina Mānoa is designed to connect new and returning students with the many resources, activities and opportunities available on campus while fostering community and connection across UH Mānoa.

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 3-6 p.m.

WHERE: Campus Center Courtyard, Kuykendall Lawn and Legacy Path

Visit this website for more information: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/welinamanoa/welina-manoa-kick-off/index.php

VIDEO:

BROLL: (1:44)

0:00-1:44 - Video of Welina Mānoa: Kick-Off!

SOUNDBITES:

Vassilis L. Syrmos, UH Mānoa Chancellor

(0:18)

"So actually it's wonderful after the summer break to see the students back on campus, see the energy, see the young people we bring here to educate, having fun at Warrior Center, having fun at Campus Center, going around our facilities. It is a great, great vibe."

Natasha Maʻafala, UH Mānoa junior journalism major

(0:22)

"I think the most valuable thing about this event is just the students getting involved and the students knowing what resources are available to them, knowing what support they have on campus and that even though college and campus seems super scary, super big, they're not going through this alone and so many others are here looking for those resources too."

Possible teaser soundbite:

Maʻafala

(0:08)

"It's good to see everyone come together and learn about the resources on campus as well as how they can get involved and just grow within Mānoa."

VOSOT SCRIPT:

INTRO:

UH Mānoa students got a chance to connect, explore and have some fun at Welina Mānoa today.

NATS UH BAND PERFORMING

VO:

The annual event brought students, faculty and staff together across Campus Center, Kuykendall Lawn and Legacy Path.

About 60 campus departments and programs shared information about resources, activities and opportunities.

There was also plenty of food, music, games and giveaways.

SOT:

Vassilis L. Syrmos, UH Mānoa Chancellor

(0:18)

"So actually it's wonderful after the summer break to see the students back on campus, see the energy, see the young people we bring here to educate, having fun at Warrior Center, having fun at Campus Center, going around our facilities. It is a great, great vibe."

Natasha Maʻafala, UH Mānoa junior journalism major

(0:22)

"I think the most valuable thing about this event is just the students getting involved and the students knowing what resources are available to them, knowing what support they have on campus and that even though college and campus seems super scary, super big, they're not going through this alone and so many others are here looking for those resources too."

VO:

The event gave students a chance to learn more about what UH Mānoa has to offer-and connect with the campus community.