Giving Week arrives at important moment for UH Mānoa Athletics
From the court to the classroom, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa student-athletes represent Hawaiʻi every day—and Giving Week is an opportunity for the community to invest in their success.
UH Mānoa Athletics has started its Giving Week campaign –– “Our Team. Hawaiʻi’s Team.” –– which will complement homecoming festivities until Oct. 19.
Giving Week comes at a pivotal moment in UH Mānoa Athletics as the program enters a new era as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.
Over the past year, UH Mānoa student-athletes achieved remarkable success, including a national championship, a March Madness appearance, a Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl victory, multiple conference titles and a historic combined student-athlete GPA of 3.33.
“As we begin an exciting new chapter in the Mountain West Conference, donor support is more vital than ever,” UH Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott said. “Giving Week gives our entire community the opportunity to directly impact the resources our student-athletes need to excel, build on our championship culture and shape the future of Hawaiʻi’s team.”
Supporters can learn more or make a gift during Giving Week.
UH Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos said the success of UH student-athletes extends beyond competition and reflects the university’s broader commitment to student success.
“Our student-athletes are representing Hawaiʻi wherever they go, while pursuing their education and preparing for their futures,” Syrmos added. “We are proud of the way they succeed both on the road and in the classroom, and grateful to the supporters who help make those opportunities possible.”
The 11-day initiative serves as an opportunity for fans, alumni and supporters to invest directly in the future of UH Mānoa Athletics. Contributions directly impact student-athletes by funding essential resources, including scholarships, facility upgrades, nutrition, mental health care and academic support services.
“Every day, we see the commitment our student-athletes bring to the court, in the classroom and to our community,” said Khaliliah Mitchell, head coach of UH Mānoa women’s basketball. “The resources made possible through Giving Week allow us to give our student-athletes the support they need to grow and compete at the highest level. When our community comes together behind our teams, our student-athletes feel that support, and it makes a difference.”
Kānaka Foundation launches $1.5M Kuʻupau Endowment to support UH student-athletes
A $1.5-million gift from Kānaka Foundation comes at a timely moment as University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics builds momentum on its annual Giving Week (October 9–19) campaign.
The historic gift has established the Kuʻupau Endowment, creating a permanent funding stream for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Named in honor of the Hawaiian concept kuʻupau—meaning to exert all effort, give everything or “go all in”—the endowment builds on the Kānaka Foundation’s previous $1-million gift for STEM students and ensures student-athletes receive long-term NIL support and competitive resources.
The Kānaka Foundation expressed its excitement about creating opportunities for student-athletes while preserving and honoring cultural roots. Through the Kuʻupau Endowment, the Foundation envisions a lasting impact that extends across generations, encouraging student-athletes to go all in as they pursue bright futures.
University of Hawaiʻi Foundation leadership praised the Kānaka Foundation’s forward-thinking vision, emphasizing the strategic role of endowed NIL support in modern college sports.
“In today’s rapidly evolving athletics landscape, permanent endowed support for NIL is a true game-changer,” University of Hawaiʻi Vice President of Advancement and University of Hawaiʻi Foundation CEO Tim Dolan said. “This gift represents a powerful vote of confidence in University of Hawaiʻi Athletics, giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed both in competition and in the classroom.”
University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott added that the endowment strengthens the department’s long-term vision as the program enters a new era as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.
Building a sustainable future for NIL
As NIL compensation has become an increasingly important part of Division I college athletics, UH Mānoa is working to build a sustainable funding model to attract and retain student-athletes and remain competitive in the Mountain West Conference and nationally.
University leaders estimate that UH Mānoa needs approximately $5 million annually in NIL support to remain competitive. The Kuʻupau Endowment represents a significant step toward that goal, providing a permanent source of funding to support student-athletes for generations to come.
The Kānaka Foundation is now the 11th member of the Shoji Society, a leadership giving society named in honor of legendary UH women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji that recognizes individuals and organizations making significant philanthropic commitments to UH Athletics.
The need for sustained investment comes as UH Athletics continues to build momentum, highlighted by recent championships and postseason success in the 2025–26 academic year. Nearly 500 student-athletes compete in UH Mānoa programs, with more than 170 degrees earned by student-athletes last year.
“I believe we are only scratching the surface of what UH Athletics will become,” Elliott said. “If we build this foundation the right way–with support from both the public and private sectors—we can retain local student-athletes, compete at a high level and continue creating opportunities for student-athletes who want to stay home, earn their degrees and represent Hawaiʻi with excellence.”
