$1.4M+ in student scholarships celebrated at Shidler College annual event

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business celebrated the generosity of its scholarship donors and the achievements of its student scholars at its annual Scholarship Luncheon, held November 2, at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort.

The event brought together approximately 300 scholarship donors, students and college supporters to celebrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on higher education. During the 2026-27 academic year, the college awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to more than 470 students, helping to alleviate financial barriers and create opportunities for academic achievement, professional development and experiential learning.

Established in 2005, the annual Scholarship Luncheon provides a special opportunity for donors to meet the students who benefit from their generosity, fostering meaningful connections between supporters and the next generation of business leaders.

"Scholarships do so much more than provide financial assistance. They open doors for students to fully engage in their education, pursue valuable learning experiences and prepare for successful careers," Shidler College of Business Acting Dean Jing Ai said. "We are incredibly grateful to our donors, whose generosity continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students."

Appreciation from students

The luncheon featured remarks from two scholarship recipients who shared their educational journeys, career aspirations and appreciation for the support they have received.

Undergraduate speaker Landon Momohara, a marketing and international business major, spoke about his experiences at Shidler and his aspirations to pursue an international career in digital marketing. Momohara serves as president of the college's International Business Organization and supports marketing and student mentorship initiatives through the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship.

Graduate speaker Tyler Guard, a master of accounting student and associate at Accuity, shared his journey from a career in marine engineering to accounting. Recognized with the 2026 Business Night Award for Outstanding Master of Accounting Student, Guard hopes to apply his skills to support Hawaiʻi's business community.

The event also featured a keynote address by alumnus Allan Ikawa, chairman and founder of Big Island Candies and a 2017 Shidler Hall of Honor inductee. Ikawa shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey, which began with the founding of Big Island Candies in Hilo in 1977 and grew into one of Hawaiʻi's most recognized confectionery brands.

Shidler's academic excellence, student success

In addition to celebrating scholarship achievements, the luncheon highlighted the college's continued momentum in academic excellence and student success. Shidler's international business program was recently ranked No. 23 nationally in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, while undergraduate enrollment at its School of Travel Industry Management increased by more than 13% over the past year.

The college also continues to emphasize career readiness and experiential learning, with more than 450 students gaining professional experience through internships in Hawaiʻi, across the continental U.S. and internationally.

The 2026 Scholarship Luncheon was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Enterprise, title sponsor; Shidler Alumni Association, gold sponsor; Hawaii Business Magazine, media sponsor; The Orchid Lei Company, lei sponsor; and Big Island Candies, favor sponsor.

Through the continued generosity of alumni, businesses and community partners, the Shidler College of Business remains committed to expanding educational opportunities and preparing the next generation of business leaders in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

About the Shidler College of Business

Founded in 1949, the Shidler College of Business was named in 2006 after alumnus Jay H. Shidler, founder and managing partner of The Shidler Group. Since his initial $25 million gift, Shidler has contributed approximately $238 million to the college through cash, land leases, and in-kind donations-the largest individual donation in the University of Hawai'i's history and the second largest known gift to a U.S. public university business school.

Rejoined by the School of Travel Industry Management in 2019, the college is recognized for its Asia-Pacific focus, multicultural learning environment, and excellence in international business education. Shidler consistently ranks among the nation's top schools for international business by U.S. News & World Report and offers the only AACSB-accredited graduate programs in Hawai'i and Vietnam.

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