No major university can grow and excel without a healthy mix of public and private funds. Private contributions leverage public funds and maximize taxpayer dollars. Through partnering with philanthropic investors, our university can sustain excellence and enhance the student experience, making our campuses learning destinations of choice.
Many of the donors who give major gifts to the University of Hawaiʻi do so to support a program, school, or area of study that they believe in. Without exception, their gift has a major impact on our students, faculty and campus community as a whole.
Recent Impact Stories
Dr. Kuwada received an award to support a key pilot study. For Kuwada the study is personal. “Being awarded the Masami Horio grant to study gastric cancer is special for me since I too share a personal family connection to gastric cancer here in Hawai‘i. Both of my grandfathers were second generation Japanese, and, one died from gastric cancer and the other from colon cancer.” More about the pilot study and award.
Non-college-bound students like Thomas are graduating from college, pursuing dreams, and on track to live longer thanks to an innovative program.
Kama and Kamato Akamine immigrated to Hawai‘i from Oroku, Okinawa, in the early 1900s. Their hard work and personal history inspired their daughters to endow a fund in their honor.
Watching her divorced parents both struggle while working two jobs ignited Char’s determination to do her best. Today, she is an inspiration to others. Read her story.
A remarkable journey that involved historical leaders from China and Hawai‘i forms the colorful backdrop to UH alumni Chee Kwon and Sau Chun Wong’s philanthropy.
Since 1990, the Hilo High School Class of 1940 has provided scholarships for more than 50 students, including NASA intern Christina Cauley. Read about the vibrant donors behind the endowment that is opening doors for Hawai‘i Island students.
"This scholarship relieves the burden of being deeply in debt. I am better able to manage financially, allowing me to keep balance in my life as a businessperson, parent, partner and student.” Moving sentiments from A. Eunny Cook and more about the scholarship program at the Shidler College of Business.
With help from Kaiser Permanente and HICORE, the Kaneohe Elementary School unveiled a water bottle filling station and water bottles for every child. The project is part of strategy to help reduce health disparities and childhood obesity.
Perseverance and the utmost confidence to succeed were the core values in my life decisions and professional goals, which I imparted to my students.
