Aloha,
As the year draws to a close, I thank you for your heartfelt, continued support. You make it possible for UH to open doors of opportunity for students from every background, empowering them to shape brighter futures through education. Your commitment also sustains the wide range of programs, research and community partnerships that define our university and strengthen our islands.
In this issue of Kūpono, we proudly highlight the people and the stories, which symbolize our collective impact. These are moments of innovation, resilience and generosity made possible by supporters like you.
This season invites us to reflect on all we have accomplished together and to look with optimism toward the opportunities ahead. Your belief in our mission makes a profound difference every single day, and we are deeply grateful.
Thank you for all you do to uplift our UH community.
Wishing you and your ‘ohana a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Tim Dolan
UH Foundation CEO and
UH VP of Advancement
Featured Stories
Rick Fried serves up major support for UH Men’s Tennis
From battling Arthur Ashe on the court to building one of Hawai‘i’s top law firms, Rick Fried has never lost his love for tennis. And now he’s helping to elevate UH Men’s Tennis into the national spotlight. Discover how his passion is shaping the future of the sport in Hawai‘i. »
Investing in understanding: How 3D Wealth is rewriting script on financial literacy
With a new online learning hub, one-on-one guidance and a growing campus-wide initiative, 3D Wealth is helping students take control of their financial futures – and ending the refrain, “I wish I knew this when I was young.” »
Building confidence, creating community: The Lunalilo Scholars journey
The Lunalilo Scholars Program empowers students by building confidence, fostering belonging and opening doors to higher education once thought out of reach. »
Hawai‘i Gas fuels culinary dreams
A Hawai‘i Gas scholarship transformed obstacles into opportunities, fueling a culinary dream for Kamana Kalani, a second-year culinary student at UH Maui College. »
Fluent in Purpose: When a fellowship lets passion lead
For 14 years, the Bilinski Educational Foundation has supported close to 100 dissertation fellowships and pre-dissertation research. »
A lifelong learner, a lifelong giver: Sharon Weiner’s journey with UH
Decades after earning her MBA at UH Mānoa, Sharon Weiner returned to campus to earn her doctorate degree. Her enduring connection to UH, from business leader to benefactor to scholar, reflects a lifelong belief that giving back builds something greater. »
UH Hilo names first PhD recipient of Daniel and Lydia Makuakāne Endowed Scholarship and Fellowship
With support from the Daniel and Lydia Makuakāne Endowed Scholarship and Fellowship, UH Hilo PhD student Nick “Kealiʻi” Lum is advancing Hawaiian language and culture through music – honoring a legacy that continues to uplift generations of ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi leaders. »
Kam Scholar helps future nursing students
These scholarships cover tuition and books while easing the financial burdens that often stand in the way, helping more Maui residents pursue their dreams of becoming nurses and strengthening the island’s healthcare workforce. »
Keeping Windward CC student-parents on paths to degrees
Combining childcare with cultural learning, Ke Kula Kamaliʻi ʻo Hānaiaulu empowers student-parents to earn degrees, inspiring families to keep education thriving. »
Building a future where hope grows
Dr. Naoto Ueno and Miwa Ueno have announced an estate gift to the University of Hawai‘i Foundation to establish the Michiko, Miwa, and Naoto Ueno Memorial Fund, an endowed fund that will provide, into the distant future, unrestricted support for the Cancer Center’s greatest needs. »
Hope, close to home
A breast cancer survivor and longtime veterinarian, Dr. Suzanne Palumbo recently made a gift to the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center in honor of her friend Diane Ono, a passionate advocate whose support has helped shape the Center’s future. »
Feeding the future
The Ke ʻŌ Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems is shaping a more resilient and equitable future for food in the islands. »
‘It came to me in a dream’: A fellowship for the future of ecological resource economics
The goal is long-term human welfare: “It’s a balancing act. How fast you extract, how you invest in other forms of capital, how you conserve.” »
Nā Leo: Voices of Leadership
An inspiring evening in Hilo with community leaders who share a deep commitment to our students and the transformative power of education. Mahalo for believing in UH and helping strengthen Hawaiʻi’s future — together, we make a difference. »
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.
