Aloha,
This past fiscal year, the UH Foundation reached a milestone that speaks volumes about ourcommunity’s belief in higher education. More than 17,000 donors gave a record $171.7 million, marking our fifth consecutive year surpassing $100 million. Each gift is a vote of confidence in UH’s power to transform lives, strengthen Hawai‘i and shape the future.
Philanthropy is a vision in action. We see it in Walter Dods’s dream to bring the Metcalf Château to life, celebrating Hawai‘i’s artists and preserving their legacy for generations. We see it in the extraordinary $1M pledge from the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Charitable Trust, which builds on its initial $2 million gift to support Kam Scholars with UH Maui College's nursing program.
Also in this issue of Kūpono, you will meet donors, students and faculty who show us that the true value of philanthropy lives in the lives it touches and the opportunities it creates.
Every donor contribution — large and small — makes these moments possible, creating opportunities that ripple across our communities. And with the $1 billion For UH • For Hawai‘i campaign well underway, we are writing the next chapter of that story — one of vision, impact and hope for generations to come.
Mahalo for standing with UH. Your generosity is shaping lives today and building a brighter Hawai‘i for tomorrow.
Tim Dolan
UH Foundation CEO and
UH VP of Advancement
Featured Stories
Paipai o Ko‘olau helps to break barriers and build futures
For more than a decade, Windward CC’s Paipai o Ko‘olau program has supported hundreds of students—first-generation learners, single parents and those overcoming immense challenges. »
Accelerating futures with Honolulu CC’s Summer Auto Academy
For 20 years, Honolulu CC’s Summer Auto Academy has been jump-starting careers for Hawai‘i’s high school students. »
A brother’s tribute to a complicated life
Mark Holst is honoring the story of his sister, Ruth, with a Ulu Lehua Scholarship at the William S. Richardson School of Law, giving future students the support and recognition Ruth’s life exemplifies. This is a story of grit, compassion and the enduring power of being truly seen. »
Gabe and Shirley Lee cherish a lifetime of UH pride
The Lees deepened their commitment by making a $1 million matching gift to UH Athletics, which will strengthen student-athlete development and expand programs across UH Mānoa sports. »
Medical training program on Kaua‘i tackles physician shortage
With support from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Kaua‘i’s future physicians are already on the front lines, gaining hands-on training, serving local families and building a healthier future for the island they call home. »
Reefs, rainforests and resistance: C-MĀIKI’s microbial mission
At the forefront of a biological revolution, C-MĀIKI leverages Hawai‘i’s unique backdrop toward solutions for the world’s most pressing problems. »
UH Mānoa alum commits to 'repairing the world'
Studying social work at UH Mānoa in the 60s "opened up great vistas” for Paula Cohen. “I was amazed at how much I learned and how much I grew." »
Former Kaua‘i CC nursing director continues lifelong impact
Jo Cortezan Duvauchelle developed the nursing program. Then she established scholarships to help students succeed in it. »
Taking chances she never thought possible — in the state legislature
Kari Sochor’s internship at the legislature turned into full-time employment with a state representative. »
Founding Institute for Astronomy director was a man of vision
Solar physicist John T. Jefferies joined the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa faculty at age 39 in 1964. Within a year, he set into motion the beginnings of UH’s Institute for Astronomy, of which he was founding director. »
Wailea Community Association continues to support Maui’s newest nurses
To date, Wailea Community Association has contributed more than half a million dollars so that Maui’s healthcare providers may offer healing for Maui’s people. »
Kapiʻolani CC indigenous garden initiative receives $58k in support
A recent grant from the Veolia Corporate Foundation will help Māla Māunuunu grow deeper roots—preserving Hawai‘i’s rare plants and nurturing the next generation of land stewards. »
Native Hawaiian Organization support at the University of Hawai'i
Native Hawaiian Organizations advance academic excellence, cultural preservation and community development through their ongoing support of University of Hawaiʻi students, research and programs. »
More gifts and announcements
Did you know that thousands of U.S. companies offer matching gift programs?
For example:
- Hawai‘i Gas — Matches donations 1:1 up to $2,500 annually per employee.
- Home Depot — Matches donations 1:1 up to $3,000 annually per employee.
We know that you, our UH donors, care deeply about our students and programs. Your employer may offer an opportunity for you to double your gift impact!
See if your company has a matching gift program by searching our database.
Companies with a matching gift program include:
First Hawaiian Bank
Hawaii Dental Service
HawaiiUSA FCU
Johnson Controls
Macy's
Matson
Omidyar Group
FOR UH • FOR HAWAIʻI, The Campaign for the University of Hawaiʻi, is raising $1 billion to support UH priorities on all 10 campuses across the state, including student success; research that matters; kuleana to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi; sustainability, resilience and conservation; innovation and entrepreneurship; building Hawaiʻi’s workforce; and engaging our community. Learn more at uhfoundation.org/4UH4HI.
