Students at Shidler College thank donors as more than $1 million in scholarships awarded

Nearly 300 donors and students attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business’s annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Nov. 6.

The event provided donors with an opportunity to meet their scholarship student recipients and learn first-hand about the impact of their gifts.

In academic year 2022–23, Shidler College awarded more than $1 million dollars to more than 300 deserving students. Scholarship support enables students to focus on their academics, study abroad and participate in extracurricular activities that may not be accessible without financial support.

“We are so proud of the many alumni, donors and friends who see the value in the gift of education,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business. “Many Shidler students receive scholarship support during their time at the college, so it is an honor to witness our students and donors come together at this annual gathering to share a meal and connect.”

Ren Hirose, BBA ’85, former regional vice president of HEI Hotels and Resorts was this year’s keynote speaker. In 2022, Hirose established a $50,000 endowed scholarship benefiting students from Maui high schools to give them opportunities to attend Shidler’s School of Travel Industry Management to prepare them for promising careers in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Hirose said, “Education has been a constant presence throughout my life. My hope is that other alumni will be inspired to give back and support the next generation of professionals.”

Jett Zenthoefer served as undergraduate student speaker, and shared how his scholarship allowed him to pursue higher education in Hawaiʻi without financial barriers and study abroad, solidifying his goal of becoming an international human rights lawyer for the United Nations. Jordan Reed, graduate scholarship and master’s in business administration candidate, also provided remarks, highlighting the many opportunities he was afforded due to scholarship support and his decision to return back to Hawaiʻi after earning his undergraduate degree, in pursuit of his MBA.

The Shidler College of Business Alumni Association served as a gold sponsor for the event, and Hawai‘i Business Magazine served as exclusive media sponsor for the sixth year.

For a complete list of scholarship awards and recipients, visit Shidler’s website. To support Shidler College, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at Jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org or 808-956-3597.