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Scores of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumni and fans traveled from near and far to fill the air with school spirit at a Rainbow Warrior Football Pre-Game Rally in San Jose on November 1. Held before the UH football game against San Jose State in the Gold Room of Citizens Equity First Credit Union Stadium, the event was the latest in a series organized by the UH Foundation Office of Alumni Relations (UHFAR) to strengthen the lifelong bonds between alumni and the UH community.
From left:, Joe Zesiger, Gerry Somers, Cindy Chen, Kyle Oura, Brennon Morioka, Ken Kawahara
A special guest at the rally with more than 50 attendees was UH Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott, who spoke about the future of the department.
“It’s inspiring to see the passion our alumni bring, no matter how far from Hawaiʻi they are,” said Elliott. “Their support fuels our student athletes and reminds us that we’re part of something much bigger than just the game.”
This was Elliott’s second UHFAR pre-game rally. Earlier in September, he made the trip to the Grand Canyon State when the football team played Arizona.
Staying connected
The successful evening also celebrated the growing UH Alumni Association Northern California Bay Area Chapter. The chapter keeps the momentum going year-round by hosting multiple events, including pre-game rallies, watch parties and summer meetups.
“Our mission is to keep the aloha spirit alive and thriving,” said Gerry Somers, president of the UHAA Bay Area Chapter. “These gatherings are more than just events, they’re a way to stay connected to our roots and each other.”
As the UHFAR continues to expand its alumni engagement efforts beyond the islands, vibrant events such as the San Jose Pre-Game Rally strengthen the vital connection between the UH and its graduates.