More than $90K awarded to Shidler students at mentoring Business Night event

Steve Petranik, Todd Takayama, Jenny Lau, David Okabe and Vance Roley (Photo credit: Paula Ota)

Shidler student committee members (Photo credit: Paula Ota)

The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa celebrated its 62nd Business Night on May 4 at the Sheraton Waikiki, hosting more than 400 students and business professionals for an evening of mentorship and networking, professional development and recognizing deserving students for their scholastic achievements.

With the support of alumni and Hawaiʻi’s business community, 52 sponsored awards, totaling more than $90,000, were presented to undergraduate and graduate students.

The student-organized event pairs Shidler students with a professional business mentor whose experience is relevant to their degree, with a networking hour, followed by dinner and an awards presentation.

“This evening is about more than just celebrating our collective achievements—it’s about creating a brighter future for everyone in our community,” said Shidler College of Business senior Jenny Lau, who served as executive director of the student committee and received the Special Student in Sustainable Marketing Management award. “Learning from one another, sharing experiences and wisdom and cultivating meaningful, long-term connections is what Business Night is all about.”

The function featured Shidler alumnus David Okabe, executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer at Hawaiʻi Pacific Health who spoke on his career journey, leadership and the importance of serving the community. First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) served as title sponsor for the 18th consecutive year and Hawaii Business magazine returned as the media sponsor for its seventh year.

“This is personally one of my favorite events of the year,” Shidler Dean and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management Vance Roley said. “The buzz around the room is palpable and it is amazing to see our students and business professionals come together for an evening of networking and deepening their professional relationships. We are appreciative of the business community for the many student award sponsorships, which allows us to recognize shining stars at the college. We are especially grateful for First Insurance Company of Hawaii for once again serving as title sponsor.”

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with the college and offer our steadfast support for Business Night,” FICOH President and CEO Todd Takayama said. “Mentorship is invaluable, especially during a pivotal moment in one’s life such as their college journey. We’re happy to champion an event that helps students learn and grow as they prepare for their careers.”

For a complete list of the 2023 Business Night award recipients and sponsors, visit the Shidler College of Business’ website. If you are interested in sponsoring a Business Night award for a future event, contact Bianca Mordasini at bianca.mordasini@uhfoundation.org.

About Business Night

Since 1961, Business Night has paired students with business professionals for an evening of learning and sharing. Each year, Business Night has successfully led to internships, job opportunities, life-long mentorships, and business partnerships. More than 40 awards, sponsored by companies, organizations and individuals, are presented to top Shidler College of Business undergraduate and graduate students. The event is organized in partnership with students.

About the Shidler College of Business

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.

About UH Mānoa

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa serves approximately 20,000 students pursuing more than 225 different degrees. Coming from every Hawaiian island, every state in the nation, and more than 100 countries, UH Mānoa students thrive in an enriching environment for the global exchange of ideas. For more information, visit manoa.hawaii.edu. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/uhmanoa and Twitter www.twitter.com/UHManoaNews.

About UH Foundation

The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. Visit us at uhfoundation.org