
Aloha,
I’m pleased to report to you that we had an amazing fiscal year in 2022, a record year for outright commitments — more than 22,000 extraordinary gifts totaling $165 million. These are investments that change lives and elevate the teaching, learning and research being done at the University of Hawaiʻi.
And we could not have done it without each of you.
Your ongoing support impacts everyone at UH, from students to faculty to researchers, and it is appreciated more than you know.
Our stories in this issue of Kūpono lead off with a special gift from Bernyce Peplowski, who was undeterred in her own pursuit of a medical education and whose bequest will help medical students at the UH Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine repay their loans and also support the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiʻolani Community College.
We are proud to showcase even more extraordinary gifts. A groundbreaking $3 million to UH Hilo from an anonymous donor endows three $1 million scholarships, including the first ever for students who identify as LGBTQ+ at any UH campus. Mary Lynn and Richard Marrs tell how the rediscovery of Mary Lynn’s grandmotherʻs scholarship inspired them to create a new scholarship to support student musicians. And Hawaii Dental Service Foundation is making healthy smiles happen for Hawaiʻi keiki with its gift supporting a public school dental sealant program.
You’ve all shown tremendous confidence in UH, backed by your support that changes lives and strengthens our economy here in Hawaiʻi. Your generosity shows how much UH means to you, and for all that you do, we offer our heartfelt gratitude.
Mahalo,
Tim Dolan
University Of Hawai‘i Foundation CEO
Featured Stories
$165M raised for University of Hawaiʻi students, programs and research

The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation last fiscal year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) raised a record $165 million. It was a year that included a number of extraordinary groundbreaking gifts such as $50 million for ocean research, a grant that aims to boost the share of residents with college degrees and an endowed scholarship bequest for underrepresented students from Pacific Island countries. » More
Life skills, determination lead to special gift for Hawai‘i students

“What makes you think you can go to medical school?” asked a neighbor when Bernyce Peplowski was a high-schooler in 1960s Pennsylvania. “People from this town rarely go to college, let alone medical school. And you’re a girl!” “My mom was ready to deck him,” says Bernyce. While others in her rural hometown near Pittsburgh underestimated her, Bernyce’s parents would not hear of small dreams or short-sighted expectations. » More
Richardson School of Law announces $1M Dean's Innovation Fund from alumnus Jay Shidler

The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa announced that UH alumnus Jay H. Shidler has donated $1 million in cash to start the Dean’s Innovation Fund. The Fund will allow UH Law School Dean Camille Nelson to bring into legal education the type of innovative approach that drives business. » More
A commitment of the heart for Maui professors

"I can’t think of a better place to put your money than into affordable, available education right here on our island." »
Leaving a legacy of learning

UH Mānoa students spent four days on an ‘ultimate learning trip’ to Kaho‘olawe, a research opportunity funded by the Richard H. & Mildred D. Kosaki student assistance endowment. »
ProService Hawaii CEO’s gift to RISE project supports future small business owners

"Entrepreneurship and small business are at the heart of making Hawaiʻi a more livable place," says Ben Godsey, president and CEO of ProService Hawaii. »
Discovering treasure during a lockdown

“On a Google search,” says Mary Lynn Marrs, “my late grandmother’s scholarship appeared. It was like discovering buried treasure!” »
Scholarship encourages future Hawaiʻi STEM leaders in education

The Jodean Marie Behner-Schneider Dela Cruz Endowed Scholarship was established by Romel Dela Cruz in memory of his wife for education students studying STEM at the UH Mānoa College of Education. »
Notes of gratitude from Mānoa music major

"We are facing family financial problems, such as pondering how to pay for my college expenses, but your generosity gives me an opportunity to gain more knowledge and skills." »
Challenged and motivated — by my English teacher

"I would like to promote an interest in healthcare careers in students from public high schools, to help encourage rural students to become physicians, as it took me many years to realize this was my calling." »
Pūlama Lānaʻi gift strengthens JABSOM medical student training on Lānaʻi

A gift from Pūlama Lānaʻi to the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine allows second-year medical students to participate in the Lānaʻi program for two full months, giving them valuable first-hand experience serving in a rural community. »
$700K in industry contributions to upgrade UH Mānoa engineering labs

Six civil and environmental engineering labs at the UH Mānoa College of Engineering have been officially renamed to reflect their industry sponsors. A targeted campaign recently raised more than $700,000 from more than 80 individuals and corporate donors to provide much-needed upgrades to the facilities. »
Improving health in the CNMI

"Scholarships have allowed me to conduct my dissertation research to understand influences of childhood diet and physical activity behaviors in my home islands of the Northern Marianas." »
Scholarships helped me pursue my passion

"I was on the phone with the counselor of the program every day, and he helped me transfer my transcripts from my four-year college. Two weeks later, I got an acceptance letter from the program, saying, “Congratulations, and welcome to the Fire Science Program at HCC.”' »
The only place for me

"I’m thankful for donors’ support of law students at William S. Richardson School of Law. Seeking justice through social policy is one of my main goals, and I will continue pursuing this now that I’ve graduated." »
Construction scholarships benefit more than 150 students in Honolulu CC apprenticeship program

Scholarships created by gifts from Ward Village and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. were a welcome surprise for more than 150 apprentices in Honolulu Community College’s Apprenticeship and Journey Worker Training program. »
Our mother celebrated others’ achievements

Pat Adams was a UH Maui College professor beloved by students, faculty and staff. Her son and daughter-in-law pay tribute with a new fund for UHMC's construction technology students. »
Tim Dolan, UHF
David Lassner, UH System