Adding Up to Success

For Keyn Isono, 3+3 equals Seattle University and a pathway to success.

The 2026 graduate and Albers School of Business and Economics Scholar Award winner from Waikele, Hawai’i, left the islands to come to Capitol Hill to take part in SU’s unique Bachelor/JD 3+3 Pathway, allowing high-achieving students to complete both their undergraduate and law degree in six years rather than the typical seven.

It worked out, as Isono excelled en route to getting his bachelor’s in business administration and now will pursue his JD at Seattle University School of Law. Along the way, Albers Associate Dean Colette Hoption, PhD, says Isono made the most of his undergrad experience.

“His scholarly initiative was evident in three independent studies on workplace communication and a competitive education-abroad experience in the European Union, where he engaged with international business leaders,” Dr. Hoption says.

“He served as a Senior Teaching Assistant mentoring peer educators, supported students in the Albers Undergraduate Leadership Program and held officer roles in organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi and the Albers Investment Group.”

In this Q&A Isono shares advice for incoming students, highlights his most impactful professors and looks ahead to the future.

Name: Keyn Isono
Graduation Year: 2026
Major(s): Business and Law
Hometown: Waikele, Hawai’i

What made you decide to attend Seattle University?
Two reasons: The 3+3 program and the class sizes. First, the 3+3 Business Law Program allowed me to attain an undergraduate and law degree in six years. I wanted to be an attorney since high school; this program presented a good opportunity to start my legal career a year early. Second, the smaller class sizes ensured professors were accessible to answer questions and allowed me to form genuine connections with them.

What have you liked best about Seattle University?
The people. My friends, classmates and professors have all made this experience incredibly valuable and memorable. Moreover, the faculty and staff were truly invested in my growth.

How did you feel about winning a Student Excellence Award?
I am honored to have received the Albers Scholar Award. I believe it is equally important to recognize my support system—my family, friends, professors and classmates—because they played a paramount role. They enabled me to succeed.

What would be your advice to incoming students?
Find the courage to take initiative and calculated risks. Four years fly by quickly. Put yourself out there, get involved, so you can learn and grow as both a scholar and a person.

What are you hobbies/what do you like to do for fun?
Hanging out with my friends, playing tennis, learning how to golf, and trying new foods in the Seattle area.

Have you had any professors who have been particularly impactful to you?
I’ve had many, however, the professor who had the greatest impact on me was Dr. Bryan Ruppert. He helped refine my communication skills, both as a student in his Business Communications class and later as his Senior Teaching Assistant. He taught me various skills that I used during my past internships and will continue to use in my future career.

What are your plans for the summer?
I am doing research with Seattle U Law Professor Steven Tapia on the current U.S. regulations for artificial intelligence and comparing them to their European counterparts. I also plan to visit my family in Hawai’i and travel to Barcelona for a short vacation.

What are your career ambitions?
My goal is to become an attorney specializing in wealth planning and corporate transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions.