HILO, Hawaii — The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s student-athletes hope to get a boost as the third Vulcan Challenge fundraiser, partnered with UH Foundation, kicks off today, Sept. 17 and runs through Oct. 17.

Vulcan Challenge 2024 has the goal of raising $150,000 to support the Vulcan Athletics department and its student-athletes in the 2024-25 academic year. The last challenge in 2022 raised $161,120.

“These contributions make a real difference for our student-athletes, enabling them to thrive both academically and athletically,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin in a news release. “The funds raised directly contribute to their success and well-being, empowering them to reach new heights.”

Coming off a successful 2023-24 year with UH Hilo recapturing the PacWest Conference Men’s Golf Championship and the PacWest Hawaii Challenge, the proudest achievement of the student-athletes was their academic performance — they set a new program record by attaining a grade-point average of 3.28.

KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi family will continue their support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts, according to the release.

“We are so grateful for Toby Taniguchi and his team KTA Super Stores and their steadfast support of the Vulcan Challenge and Vulcan Athletics,” said UH Hilo Director of Athletics Patrick Guillen. “This is the third time they are making a $25,000 matching gift, and it is in loving memory of Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi, KTA Super Stores’ founders.”

Supporters can choose to donate to a sport-specific program, Vulcan Athletics sports medicine or the athletic director’s general fund that responds to urgent needs for critical services.