News

Ever since the opening of its world-class Subaru Telescope on Maunakea in 1999, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has found creative ways to give back to the host community here on Hawai‘i Island.

The anonymous donation will be used to create three endowments and support numerous collections and programs.

The University of Hawai‘i (UH) today announced a $3 million grant from Strada Education Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening America’s education to employment pathways, to continue the advancement of career pathways in Hawai‘i. In addition, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation provided a $300,000 grant to amplify the work across the state.

The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa received a $2 million bequest from the estate of Clifford and Blanche Hee to expand their scholarship in honor of their sons, Thomas and Michael Hee. Both sons unfortunately predeceased their parents due to complications arising from Hemophilia.

Marilyn Dunlap, associate director of the Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) and director of the Biological Electron Microscope Facility, has donated $45,000 to the University of Hawai‘i Foundation to create a new fund supporting Hawaiian Monk Seal research at the University of Hawai‘i’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) in honor of her late husband, DB Dunlap, and his tireless work researching and protecting Hawaiian Monk Seals on Oahu.

The University of Hawai‘i Foundation is delighted to welcome Hugh R. Jones and Eric Valdescaro to its management team.

Sangik Jung and his wife Kyungsin Lee have donated $50,000 to support the International Program at UH West Oahu.

Kelvin Ro, award winning chef and owner of Diamond Head Market and Grill, has pledged $1 million to support the University of Hawai‘i Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head (CIP). In recognition of this pledge the Open Kitchen in the Signature Restaurant at CIP will be named the “Kelvin Ro and Diamond Head Market & Grill Open Kitchen.”

In recognition of their generosity, the formerly known Ho`oulu Terrace at UH Hilo was re-named the Rose and Raymond Tseng Terrace at a special dedication on March 13^th. More than 80 friends in the community and UH Hilo faculty members were present to celebrate the re-named space with Chancellor Emerita Rose Tseng in attendance.

At a mahalo luncheon on February 28, members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i presented a check for $10,000 to Hawai‘i Community College. The generous donation was made using proceeds from the 19th Annual “A Taste of Hilo” that took place in October 2017.

Building on its longtime support of education in Hawai‘i, American Savings Bank (ASB) has donated $65,000 to the American Savings Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund. The company established this scholarship at the University of Hawai‘i in 1978. Over the last 40 years, this scholarship has been awarded 55 times.

After 14 years at the helm, University of Hawai‘i Foundation President and CEO Donna Vuchinich is planning her retirement from her position. She will serve in her current role until a successor is named and assist with the transition to new leadership.