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Isamu Shinshiro Scholarship for Sustainable Technology Education & Training

July 30, 2014
Brunilda DeLeon

Brunilda DeLeon studying different seed germination methods by working with the Prithanda remoto seed.

This year the legacy of a retired sewage treatment plant operator touches the lives of 20 students across the seven campuses of the UH Community College System by helping them pursue their educations in sustainability. 

Isamu Shinshiro led a quiet life and rarely drew attention to himself.  As he grew older, he decided to leave a legacy that would help lower or eliminate financial barriers that prevent students from accessing a good education and training in industries that sustain Hawaii’s natural environment, ecosystems and resources.

When he died at age 96 in 2009, he left an estate of more than $1.6 million to establish an endowment to fund sustainability education at UH Community Colleges. 

Mr. Shinshiro’s thoughtful generosity and foresight is providing $1,000 for each student  awarded the Isamu Shinshiro Scholarship for Sustainable Technology Education & Training. Shinshiro scholarships have benefited 45 students since first awarded in 2012. 

This year’s recipients demonstrate the breadth and depth of Mr. Shinshiro’s generosity for they represent all seven community college campuses and a wide range of areas concerned with sustainability from agriculture to automotive technology to sustainable tourism.

Brunilda DeLeon from Leeward Community College is one of this year’s recipients who wants to pursue a plant biotechnology major.  She describes her response to receiving the scholarship: “It was a very emotional moment when I found out that I was awarded the scholarship; something in me changed. I am more dedicated to my studies and strive to be a better student and person.”

Another student from Kapiolani’s Hospitality and Tourism program shared “One thing that I have learned is to never give up on your dreams and this scholarship has helped reiterate that dreams do come true with hard work, passion, and perseverance.”

Thank you, Mr. Shinshiro.


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.