We first offered the Torch-Bearer Award to Dr Amefil Agbayani, a dearly beloved civil rights champion in Hawaii who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, and after more than six decades of service she shows no sign of slowing down!

Robin Campaniano gave a beautiful introduction to her lifes work and presented her with the award. They have been good friends and compatriots for many years.

Hawaii civil rights pioneer Dr. Amefil “Amy” Agbayani is an Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Diversity at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Amy was born in the Philippines. Named after the combination of the words American and Filipino -- Manang Amy as many call her -- she has dedicated her life to fighting for social justice and equal access to higher education for Filipinos and other underrepresented groups.

At UH, Amy advocated, developed and administered student equity and diversity programs for Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, students with disabilities, women, LGBTQ students, senior citizens, immigrants and other underserved groups.

Amy shared with us that at this time her primary focus is on immigration rights. We were honored to present her with our Torch-Bearer Award.