HONOLULU – Longtime University of Hawai'i supporters Kent and Dora Youel were named the recipient of the 2024 Charlie Ushijima Award, which is presented by 'Ahahui Koa Ānuenue, the fundraising organization for UH Athletics.
 
The award is presented annually to an outstanding volunteer(s) for dedicated and unselfish service to UH Athletics. The Youels will receive their award during halftime of the Feb. 13 men's basketball game at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
 
Over the years both Kent and Dora participated in multiple Booster Clubs including Na Koa, men's and women's basketball and women's golf, volunteering their time to support the coaches and their players to raise funds and care for their athletes.
 
The Youels hosted the Kent Youel Invitational Women's Collegiate Golf Tournament and often had the women's golf team at their home for meals and other festivities to make them feel "at home".
 
"Whenever they saw me, they always asked what more they could do," said women's golf head coach Julie Brooks. "They are so deserving of this award not only for what they have done for women's golf, but for other teams."
 
Kent Youel has volunteered as an 'Ahahui Koa Anuenue Director, served as a UH Foundation Trustee, is on the ESPN Events Committee, and was a member of the Athletics Department's Blue Ribbon Committee addressing COVID-19 Impacts.
 
For many years the Youels volunteered at the Murphy's Pigskin Pigout and have helped the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic and the Hawai'i Bowl since its inception. They are currently supporting the Letterwinners Club's new 'Legacy Initiative' to honor former players and teams. As fans they are H-Club members with season tickets for six sports.
 
This couple has also been philanthropic leaders with Athletics, establishing an endowment for scholarships, being  founding members of the Athletic Directors Pupukahi I Holomua Fund, providing funds to support travel for the band, cheerleaders, and the Rainbow Dancers and having the UH Foundation named as a beneficiary for a portion of their estate to add to their endowment.
 
Originally entitled the Rainbow Service Award, the Ushijima Award was later re-named after its first recipient, the late Charlie Ushijima who was responsible for the building of the first on-campus baseball stadium. In addition he fulfilled countless hours of volunteer work as President of the UH booster club for baseball.