Shidler College 75th anniversary events kickoff with Executive Vineyards

More than $67K raised to support Shidler College students

Link to broll of event: https://go.hawaii.edu/nCm 

The Shidler College of Business Alumni Association, a 501(c)3 organization, held its annual Executive Vineyards fundraiser on March 7 at The Royal Hawaiian. $67,500 was raised, which supports the association’s mission to elevate the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business with alumni outreach efforts, student academic activities, scholarships and more. This year’s event also commemorated the Shidler College’s diamond anniversary, marking 75 years of international excellence, multicultural learning and fostering career readiness among graduates.

The gathering, the association’s largest fundraiser, attracted a diverse audience, with 650 guests.

“We are thrilled to celebrate not only the success of our annual Executive Vineyards fundraiser but also the remarkable journey of the Shidler College of Business over the past 75 years,” said Miki Ikeda, BBA ‘05, commercial real estate loan division relationship manager, Bank of Hawaii.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from all of our sponsors and partners, who make this event come to life all for a great cause,” said Brandon Chu, BS ‘08, event co-chair and general manager of Aqualani.

Attendees enjoyed an array of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, sampled hundreds of wines and spirits, and connected with Hawaiʻi’s business community against the stunning backdrop of Diamond Head and Waikīkī Beach. Local newscaster and UH Mānoa alumna Kelly Simek emceed the event, and guests had the opportunity to try their luck at winning lucky draw items, or place bids in an extensive online auction.

“The college owes much of its success to the strength and reach of our dedicated alumni network,” said Shidler College of Business Dean Vance Roley. “In reflecting on our 75 years of history, the ongoing engagement, support, and volunteerism from our alumni have propelled us forward. Their passion continues to shape the legacy of the Shidler College for generations to come.”

Spirits and wine were generously donated by event sponsors Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Hawaii, and Beverage Marketing & More. Bank of Hawaii, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Mahi Pono, Par Hawaii and The Shidler Group served as platinum sponsors, and Pacific Business News was once again media sponsor.

The Shidler College of Business 75th anniversary celebration will continue through its series of annual events, with Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism (April 10), Business Night (May 2) and more. For a complete list of events and more information on the 75th anniversary, visit the Shidler College website.

About the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association

With more than 40,000 alumni all over the world, the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association is the largest chapter within the University of Hawai‘i Alumni Association. The Shidler College of Business Alumni Association was created in 1997 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the sole purpose to promote and support the Shidler College of Business and its students, alumni and friends.

About the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 

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 gift of $25 million in 2006, Shidler has given approximately $238 million to the college in cash, land leases and in-kind donations. His contributions represent the largest individual donation to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the second largest known gift to a U.S. public university business school.

In 2019, the School of Travel Industry Management rejoined the college. The college is renowned for its multicultural learning environment and its expertise in international business education and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 25 schools for international business by U.S. News & World Report. Long recognized for its Asia-Pacific focus, the college offers a wide variety of degree, certificate and executive programs. The college has the only graduate program in the state of Hawai‘i and Vietnam accredited by AACSB International. For more information, visit shidler.hawaii.edu.