Dora and Kent Youel are longtime generous UH supporters despite having never taken any classes at the University. In addition to their philanthropic support, they are active volunteer leaders who have played key roles in UH athletic programs’ booster clubs, ʻAhahui Koa Ānuenue, and with the UH Foundation.
Both are strong believers in public education and actively support opportunities for women in both academics and sports. They have also worked both professionally and as volunteers in numerous community and environmental projects over the years.
How did your relationship with UH begin?
Dora and I began by buying basketball tickets, joining booster clubs and with me serving on the ʻAhahui Koa Ānuenue (AKA) board. Then we hosted the Kent Youel Invitational Women's Golf Tournament and funded a scholarship. Later came UH volunteer and fundraising projects including buoying upper campus initiatives for programs like music and microbiology. I'm now a UHF Trustee. (Chair: strategic planning committee, member: executive, venture, and estate and gift planning committees)
Why do you support UH as donors and through your leadership?
We donate because we are strong believers in public education and see it as opportunity for all people to uplift themselves and enhance society. Historically, cultures prosper when highly augmented with educated citizens
Why are you a strong advocate for estate and gift planning?
Many people in Hawai‘i are house rich and cash poor so for them, making large donations is difficult. We believe estate planning is an excellent way for us and them to make a major impact and create a lasting legacy. Just imagine, 100 years from now the Kent and Dora Youel Endowed Scholarships will still benefit students. Now that's really cool!
Where would you like UHF to be in 10 years?
I think in 10 years UHF will be providing significantly more support for the community colleges, West O‘ahu and the neighbor island campuses. That's where the growth action will be and I'm thrilled to be involved in the early stages of planning for these exciting future endeavors.
