Couple from Hawaii honored with Hannibal-LaGrange’s Distinguished Alumni Award

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) recently announced that Wesley and Phyllis (Van Meter) Segawa were awarded this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the school’s highest honor for alumni achievement.

This award is presented to graduates who have made significant, impactful contributions in their professional fields or service to society, embodying the excellence, character and values promoted by HLGU. The award was presented during Hannibal-LaGrange University’s homecoming weekend on Nov. 8-9, 2024.

Originally from Hilo, Hawaii, Wesley Segawa came to HLG in 1970. Although he left without completing his associate of science in general education, a return visit to HLGU with two of his grandchildren in 2021 sparked a conversation with Ray Carty that led Wesley to enroll in his final class. He completed his degree that year, rekindling his connection to HLGU.

His early career included hands-on experience in construction with R. Otani Contracting and Hawaiian Dredging & Construction Company, where he began as a cost engineer and project manager. These foundational roles inspired him to continue his education, earning a bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1975 and later an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Wesley and Phyllis established Wesley R. Segawa & Associates, Inc., a structural engineering firm in Hilo, Hawaii, in 1980. Wesley’s expertise, resilience and adaptability have grown the business into a respected name in structural engineering, specializing in airfield, harbor and highway projects across Hawaii.

His professional accomplishments include receiving Hawaii’s Young Engineer of the Year and Engineer of the Year honors. Wesley also actively supports his profession through memberships in various organizations, such as the Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Wesley has worked with the Boy Scouts of America, where he has received the rank of Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver Award. He has held leadership roles within the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention and served on boards addressing issues such as affordable housing and public health.

Phyllis Segawa was raised on her family’s farm in Lewistown and graduated from HLGU in 1971 with an associate of arts in secretarial science. She married Wesley in 1972 and shortly after moved to Hilo, Hawaii, where she began a career in banking.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to buy Island Supply True Value Hardware in 1987. She later joined
Wesley R. Segawa & Associates as business manager, where she helped expand the family business while raising their three children.

Phyllis has served her community through roles with the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and as the choir director at Kaumana Drive Baptist Church.

To commemorate their connection to the university, the Segawa family established The Aloha Fund, an endowed fund supporting the operational needs of HLGU by helping sustain high-quality facilities, enhance learning resources, support programs and faculty and provide Christian ministry opportunities.