Former Hawaii Executive Bob Clarke establishes $100,000 scholarship endowment at Shidler

The gift will allow the college to attract top freshmen

From left: Robert and Edwina Clarke and Vance Roley, Dean, Shidler College of Business.

Former Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) executive Robert Clarke and his wife Edwina have donated $100,000 to fund a scholarship endowment for first-year students accepted into the Shidler College of Business Direct Admit Program (DAP).

“Bob and Edwina’s gift will have a tremendous impact on the quality of students we attract at the college and help us develop the next generation of business leaders,” says Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business. “Since retiring, Bob has been involved with the college at every level. From the classroom to the boardroom, Bob has served as a member of the college’s advisory council, an Executive-In-Residence, a lecturer and a mentor to our faculty.”

“Edwina and I are proud to invest in the Direct Admit Program students through our new endowment,” says Bob Clarke. “About 10 years ago, I had the pleasure of piloting the Shidler Scholars program which later evolved into what is now known as DAP. Supporting Vance and the college in my retirement years has been a great investment of time and resources as I get to witness first-hand the impact of mentoring the next generation of business leaders.”

Before retiring in 2006, Clarke had built an illustrious career as a business executive in Hawai‘i. Originally from California, Clarke worked for Dillingham Corporation as a controller and Alexander & Baldwin as senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 1987, Clarke joined HEI as vice president of strategic planning and led the company through its diversification strategy and expansion. He quickly moved up the ranks rising to president and CEO of HEI in 1991 and was named chairman, president and CEO of the company in 1998.

During his career, Clarke sat on several boards including Hawaii Pacific University, the Straub Foundation, The Oceanic Institute, the Nature Conversancy of Hawaii and the American Judicature Society–Hawaii Chapter. He was also a member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable and the Air Force Civilian Advisory Council.

Edwina Clarke began her career at KPMG as an auditor and later moved to Hawaiian Electric Industry Inc. where she led investor relations prior to being promoted to treasurer. Edwina most recently served as treasurer for Kamehameha Schools before retiring.

Clarke received a BA degree in economics and an MBA degree in finance from the University of California at Berkeley. In 2008, Clarke was inducted into the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor. Edwina received a BBA in accounting from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 1985.