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October 5, 2012
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We weren't rich financially, but my parents taught us to work hard for what you have, give when you can, and to be honest in all your dealings.

I was born and raised on Oʻahu in the small town of Makaha on the Leeward coast. I come from a family of seven children. My mom was a homemaker who married my father at age 19. My dad worked for the Lualualei Naval Magazine in the ammunition department. He started working at a very young age to help his single mom support their household. As a result, he dropped out of high school and never completed his education.

After graduating from high school, college was not an option for me due to financial hardships. It wasn't until later, after marrying and having children that I was advised by a guidance counselor to enroll in college after taking a skills and knowledge exam. After reviewing my scores she asked, "Why aren't you in college? You are college material". I explained that I didn't think it was financially possible and she let me know about scholarships.

I enrolled in Leeward Community College in 1993 and completed two semesters before moving to the Big Island where I transferred to Hawaiʻi Community College. In 1997 I graduated with an AS degree in Accounting with honors. Determined to continue my academic journey, I transferred to UH Hilo with the goal of obtaining a BBA. However, after completing 59 credits, I was forced to withdraw from school. My husband of 17 years left me and I had to financially support our family on my own.

I was hired as a full-charge bookkeeper by Hospice of Hilo in 2000. Hospice of Hilo is a nonprofit that provides homecare services for the terminally ill. I am proud to be part of an organization that provides such valuable and needed services to the community.

In 2003 I married a wonderful man and we had two children. My husband became a stay-at-home dad so he could take care of our girls while I continued to work and support our family.

"Without scholarship help college would've been just a dream.

I successfully completed my education at UH Hilo with honors in May 2011. I have a Bachelors degree, with a double major in Business and Accounting.

I am a first generation college graduate in my family. Education has opened doors for me and provided the skills and knowledge needed in today's economy.

Mahalo to The Bernard Osher Foundation. "

– Shirley Dellinger

During a performance evaluation, my employer broached the subject of college. I voiced my desire to complete my BBA. They were happy for me to continue as long as my job performance wasn't affected. With a strong faith in God, my husband's support and encouragement, six children in tow, and a rekindled determination, I returned to UH Hilo part-time in the spring of 2007 while continuing to work full-time. Money was tight. We were living on one income and the costs of school attendance were adding up. Most scholarships require full-time attendance to qualify.

When I was awarded an Osher Reentry Scholarship, tears of joy filled my eyes. Knowing that there was someone who believed in me enough to support my education was a very humbling experience. I determined to cross the finish line this time.

In the fall of 2009 my employer called me in to the office with a challenge to attend school full-time in order to accelerate graduation. I accepted the challenge and began attending college full-time while continuing to work full-time. It was very challenging, but I did it!

Since graduation I have been promoted to Controller and oversee the accounting and HR departments at Hospice of Hilo.


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.