Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU) is proud to announce that Wesley and Phyllis Van Meter Segawa have been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award, HLGU’s highest honor for alumni achievement. This prestigious 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 November 8-9, 2024.
About Wesley Segawa
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 Dr. Ray Carty that led Wesley to enroll in his final class. He completed his degree that year, marking a meaningful achievement and 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.
In 1980, Wesley and Phyllis established Wesley R. Segawa & Associates, Inc., a structural engineering firm in Hilo, Hawaii. Over the years, 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 the State of Hawaii 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’s commitment to community and service is exemplified by his work with the Boy Scouts of America, where he has received the rank of Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver Award. He has also held leadership roles within the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention and served on boards addressing critical issues such as affordable housing and public health.
About Phyllis Segawa
Phyllis Segawa was raised on her family’s farm in Lewistown, Missouri, 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. In 1987, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to purchase Island Supply True Value Hardware. Later, she joined Wesley R. Segawa & Associates as Business Manager, where she played a vital role in expanding the family business while raising their three children.
A longtime resident of Hawaii, Phyllis has served her community through roles with the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and as the Choir Director at Kaumana Drive Baptist Church. Her dedication to service and community has made her an exemplary ambassador of HLGU’s motto, “Knowledge for Service.”
A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Service
Married for 52 years, Wesley and Phyllis have built a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and service. They are active members of Kaumana Drive Baptist Church, where they have dedicated themselves to numerous roles over the years. Together, they have instilled their love of learning, faith, and dedication in their children, who have each made significant contributions to their fields.
To commemorate their connection to the university, the Segawa family established The Aloha Fund, an endowed fund supporting the operational needs of HLGU. This fund helps sustain high-quality facilities, enhances learning resources, supports outstanding programs and faculty, and provides Christian ministry opportunities.
Wesley and Phyllis have frequently returned to HLGU’s campus, reflecting on the influence of their education and the values instilled during their time at HLGU. As they receive this award, they credit HLGU for planting seeds of Christian values that have guided their personal and professional lives.