Student Calling Center

Ricks Aczon

Hi, I’m Ricks! I was raised here on Oahu and am studying Architecture at UH Mānoa. I decided to attend UH Mānoa because it’s close to home and has courses and programs that align with my interests. I started working at the Call Center because I thought it would be an opportunity to build my communication skills. Over time, the Call Center has helped me improve that skill and given me more opportunities to meet new people – like friends and alumni of UH – and connect with them. I’ve also been able to gain more knowledge about the campus that I wouldn’t have known before working at the Call Center.

Aimi Dinh

Aloha everyone! My name is Aimi, and I'm majoring in Finance and Accounting at UH Mānoa. I chose to study here because the Shidler College of Business offers amazing programs – plus, I get to stay close to my family and friends. I love working at the Call Center since it gives me the opportunity to connect with many different people and hear incredible stories about our university! This role has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I've gained confidence in my communication skills and developed a deeper appreciation for the community that supports our university. It's a privilege to represent UH Mānoa and be part of something that helps build lasting connections across generations.

Tayler Dickens

Hi! My name is Tayler, and I am an undergraduate Pre-Nursing major here at UH Mānoa. I’m originally from Hermiston, a small town in Eastern Oregon, and moved to Oʻahu to continue my education at one of the most culturally diverse universities in the country. During my first semester as a freshman, I began working at the Call Center because I was eager to learn more about the university and connect with the diverse community that makes it so unique. Since becoming a student caller, I have significantly strengthened my communication skills. Now, as a supervisor, I have continued to grow by developing my leadership abilities and gaining valuable experiences all while participating in a meaningful cause to support students just like myself.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the Foundation and Call Center have provided me, including the chance to give back and support future generations of UH students!

Alana Fernandez

Aloha, my name is Alana! I’m a junior pursuing a degree in Business Management at UH Mānoa. Originally from Southern California, I chose to attend Mānoa to immerse myself in a community rich in culture and to explore the many opportunities the island has to offer. Working at the call center has given me the chance to connect with alumni, friends, and supporters of UH. I enjoy talking story and learning about the diverse backgrounds, passions, and experiences that have shaped our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help make a positive difference for students, the university, and the community.

Kennia Gonzalez

Aloha! My name is Kennia, pronounced like the beautiful country, Kenya. I am currently a second-year Biology student at UH Mānoa. Originally from Orange County, California, I chose to continue my education here to broaden my perspective of the world and stay focused on my academic goals (plus, the scenery doesn’t hurt). I joined the Student Call Center team to build stronger connections with alumni and friends of the university. Through this role, I’ve developed valuable communication and leadership skills, and I’ve become much more confident, both professionally and in everyday life. It turns out that talking to strangers on the phone is excellent character development.

Alohilani Pahoa-Guzman

Aloha, my name is Alohilani, and I am an undergraduate Molecular Bioscience & Biotechnology student at UH Mānoa. I was born and raised in Southern California, but I came to UH to better connect with my family lineage since my great grandpa grew up on the North Shore and have family across the islands. I applied to work at the Call Center because I have always loved being involved in community outreach, and I look forward to being able to use these skills later on in my healthcare career. This job has been a great opportunity for me to learn more about the UH system, the community, and the value of higher education, and I have loved every minute of it!

Lucas Morgan

Hi! My name is Lucas and I am an undergraduate Quantitative Economics major here at UH Mānoa. I am from San Diego, California, but I chose to study in Hawaiʻi because of the diverse culture and beauty of the islands. I was so excited to work at the Call Center because I wanted to grow my communication skills, as well as meet all kinds of amazing people. I love this job because of our incredible team and how much we do to support the community! 

Phillip Nguyen

Hello, my name is Phillip. I am a third-year student currently majoring in accounting, and grew up my whole life in Oahu. My motivation as a caller is to build meaningful connections for our UH alumni and donors, which really helps me build my speaking skills. My motivation for being a supervisor is to help out my fellow callers and trying to contribute any type of help I can to their growth. I really enjoy working at the Call Center because everybody is trying to help each other improve and the fact that I'm able to speak to so many different people with diverse backgrounds.

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Viliami Otuhiva

Hi! Mālō e lelei, my name is Viliami. I was born in California and raised in the Bay Area. I’m currently an undergraduate student, and I am majoring in marketing and minoring in communications at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. I love how I get to push our student staff into having a successful shift. It’s so rewarding how I get to not only work with so many different types of people at the call center, but also raise money and help thousands of UH students pursue their passion!.

Leila Takamatsu

Aloha! My name is Leila, and I was born and raised on O‘ahu and I’m currently majoring in biochemistry. I chose UH Mānoa because I wanted to stay close to home and enjoy time here with my family. I joined the Call Center as a way to strengthen my communication skills, and I can confidently say that working with the UH Foundation has helped me do just that.

Ericka Vento

Hello, my name is Ericka Vento! I am from the Big Island and currently in my undergradate studies at UH Mānoa, studying Finance! I joined the Call Center to learn more about the UH campuses and the amazing community. My favorite part of the UHF Call Center is being able to make a difference for students and helping friends and alumni of the 10 campuses honor their time and love for UH!