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May 8, 2014
  • Dorrance Scholarships

Photo Caption: Bennett and Jacquie Dorrance in 2012 with the first cohort of UH Hilo Dorrance scholars at Puʻuhonua place of refuge on the west side of the island.

“The Dorrance family has become a valuable partner in UH Hilo’s effort to help more students shatter that proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ by becoming the first member of their family to obtain a college education. Their gift to the past, present and future cohorts will have a profound impact on the lives of those students.”

—UH Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney

Nine Hawaiʻi Island students who will begin their studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in fall 2014 have been awarded Dorrance Scholarships. The Dorrance Scholarship is an innovative, four-year award designed to benefit local students who are the first in their family to attend college. Each year, the program awards up to 10 students need-based scholarships of $8,000 per year to attend UH Hilo.

This year’s awardees are the third cohort to receive the prestigious scholarship. Prior to the start of fall classes, the students will take part in a custom-designed summer bridge program to help them transition from high school. They will also participate in international travel and employment preparation in subsequent summers, bringing the total estimated value of each award for the entire four-year period to more than $60,000.

The 2014 recipients include:

  • Kapuanani Arsiga, Christian Liberty Academy
  • Kawena Case, Kealakehe High School
  • Tifaine Crivello, Hilo High School
  • Kamrie Koi, Kaʻu High School
  • Melissa Mizuguchi, Waiakea High School
  • Kodie Solis-Kalani, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi
  • Kalena Spinola, Kealakehe High School
  • Tara West, Hilo High School
  • Turfa Zaman, Kealakehe High School

UH Hilo’s program is an extension of the highly successful Dorrance Scholarship Programs that have operated in Arizona for the past 14 years. The program is credited with opening the doors of higher education while boosting graduation rates for more than 600 first-generation college students.


If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.