Shidler College awards $1.2 M+ in scholarships as students thank donors
More than 300 students and donors gathered at the annual luncheon to celebrate scholarship support that’s shaping Hawaiʻi’s business leaders.
At its annual Scholarship Luncheon, the Shidler College of Business at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa celebrated the power of giving and learning. On November 3, more than 300 students and donors came together at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, marking the meaningful connection between scholarship benefactors and recipients.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, the college awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students thus far. These awards have enabled recipients to concentrate on their studies, gain global experience and engage in extracurricular and community activities they might not otherwise have been able to afford.
“Witnessing the transformative impact of scholarship support in a single room is incredibly moving,” Shidler Dean Vance Roley, said. “Each story shared today is a powerful reminder of what can happen when generosity meets opportunity.”
Donor speaker Roland Casamina, BBA ’76, chairman and CEO of House of Finance, Inc., and founding president of the Filipino Community Center addressed students: “Growing up in Kalihi, I didn’t see people like me in leadership roles…with grit, curiosity and purpose, anything is possible.”
The student speakers were undergraduate Siddalee Amaral and graduate Tracyn Nagata. They shared how scholarship support eased financial burdens, enabling them to study abroad and inspired them to give back.
Shidler’s recent achievements point to the impact of this support. Amid a national downtrend, undergraduate enrollment is up and more than 90% of graduates secure employment or pursue a graduate degree within three months.
Enterprise once again served as title sponsor for the event and the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association served as gold sponsor, with Hawaii Business magazine continuing as exclusive media sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. La Tour Bakehouse provided favors, and The Orchid Lei Company served as lei sponsor.
To support future scholarships, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org or (808) 956-3597.
