Pearls of opportunity
When the late Paul S. Honda was starting what would become his highly successful international gems trading business, he had to trade a very special possession of his own. To found Honda & Company, he sold a seven-strand pearl necklace given to him by his mother—a gift that would end up having a lasting impact on the lives of many. Read about his life and legacy that funds learning beyond the classroom.
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A day in the life of a Bilinski Fellow
Monica Vidal and Raina Heaton, with their eyes on the world, give us a glimpse into the life of a Bilinski Fellow. The Bilinski Educational Foundation supports the UH Mānoa Department of Linguistics and Department of SLS students with Dissertation Fellowships, Pre-Dissertation Fellowships and Pre-Dissertation Research Awards.
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Funding Mini-Medical School longevity
Dr. Rosita G. Leong is ensuring that the Mini-Medical School on Healthy Aging (MMS) at the John A. Burns School of Medicine has funding in perpetuity. Dr. Virginia Hinshaw shared, “Our state has the highest proportion of people over 65 in the nation and we also live longer. We launched the MMS to offer Hawai‘i’s citizens information on the best way to maintain health and well-being throughout life.” Read why Dr. Leong made this gift.
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Committed to education, social justice and equality
Margaret Ushijima had been counseling students on the importance of higher education for many years before retiring from her post as UH Hilo dean of students. She then kept working for social justice with a second career in law. Before passing, Margaret worked with our estate and gift planning team to ensure that her philanthropic aspirations live on.
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Verizon stands strong against violence
College students experience dating violence at staggering rates and face unique obstacles in accessing services to escape an abusive relationship. Men of Strength, a campus organization at UH Hilo Student Health and Wellness Programs, is dedicated to ending violence. The group is gaining positive momentum thanks to a $10,000 grant from Verizon Foundation.
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Scholarships help Hannah stay home
Hannah Fukushima is able to stay in Hawai‘i and pursue her dreams thanks to the Fun Factory Scholarship. Hannah has dreams of a career in nursing.
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HEI aloha helps UH reduce carbon footprint
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) has donated four Smart ForTwo Electric Drive vehicles to UH for the UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu, UH Hilo and UH Maui College campuses. UH President David Lassner said, “We are committed to becoming net zero by 2035 and part of that involves transportation, so this is a great way to help us.”
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UH was there every step of the way
UH alumnus, economics professor, teacher and lifelong learner Ward Mardfin is making generous annual gifts to help fund a graduate economics student’s education. We asked him about the role UH has played in his life and his giving back. Here is what he shared.
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PaCES: Opening eyes and opportunities
Windward CC Pacific Center for Environmental Studies (PaCES) is a six-week summer program for high school students interested in environmental science, research and stewardship of the ‘āina. Since 2007, Minami Community Foundation has supported PaCES and provided students like Brittany with a college-like experience that exposes them to laboratory and field activities.
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Segawas’ gift funds UH Hilo scholarships
Business leaders and UH alumni Wesley and Phyllis Segawa are honoring Wesley's parents Herbert and Kay Segawa for their years of giving back to Hawaiʻi Island. UH Hilo Chancellor Don Straney said, “Our alumni are the most important advocates for our university. They know firsthand the strengths and value of a UH Hilo education.”
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Superfan buys Big Green
When the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Cheer team was in need of a new flag, superfan Keali‘i Torco stepped up to the plate and helped to purchase “Big Green” – a green 10-by-16-foot flag emblazoned with the mighty H logo.
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