HONOLULU – Former University of Hawai'i pitcher and past president of the UH Letterwinners Club Riley Mende is the 2010 recipient of the Kane Fernandez Community Service Award. Mende was honored at the men's basketball game against Louisiana Tech last Thursday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Mende is the 10^th recipient of the award, presented annually to a past UH letterwinner who has volunteered his or her support unselfishly to further advance their community. He was unable to receive his award in person due to a prior commitment, however, current LWC president Artie Wilson accepted on his behalf.

Mende, a co-captain of the UH baseball team from 1972-75, served as president of the LWC during 2009-10 and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. During his term as president, Mende spearheaded events and set fundraising records.

He also served as a board member on the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and former baseball booster club Kinipopo. He is currently Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking for American Savings Bank and a very avid supporter of UH Athletics.

The award is named for the late Kane Fernandez, chairman and chief executive officer of Fernandez Entertainment, who passed away in January 2001. He was one of the original members of the UH Letterwinners Club.

Past Kane Fernandez Award Recipients

2001    Artie Wilson

2002    Daniel Lau

2003    Dr. Charles Araki

2004    Dennis Chai

2005    Clifford Sanchez

2006    Thomas Shimabuku

2007    James Donovan III

2008    Ed Gayagas

2009    Erika Buder-Nakasone

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