Faces of Serving Our Community Since 1916
Philanthropy
QUARTERLY NEWS FROM THE HAWAI‘I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
2013 ISSUE 2
“I knew that if I wanted to improve my quality of life and support my growing family, I had to go back to school someday.”
Scholarship recipient and college graduate Ikaika Perreira with his family (L to R), mother Ulu, daughter Emalia, and wife Karen.
Setting Sights on College Success Though Ikaika Perreira works with visually impaired and blind youth on Kaua‘i, his own vision is crystal clear. The 33-year-old has always had a definite sense of where he wants to go and a plan for getting there. He had college in his sights by the time he graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1998 and turned down schools on the mainland that were beyond his budget. Instead, the Kaua‘i native attended BYU Hawai‘i and supplemented the scholarships he received by working part-time in the cafeteria and on the maintenance crew… ultimately graduating with a bachelor’s degree in General and Special Education. Life seemed to be proceeding just as Ikaika had planned it: He married his college sweetheart, taught at Kahuku High School, and had a newborn baby boy. That is, until his wife’s maternity leave ended and neither she nor Ikaika could bring themselves to leave the baby with a sitter. As the sole breadwinner, Ikaika dropped out of the UH master’s program he was in, started working nights as a waiter after teaching during the day, and moved the family back to Kaua‘i. “I knew that if I wanted to
improve my quality of life and support my growing family, I had to go back to school someday,” said Ikaika. Once again, he set a plan for himself and, thanks to funding that included the Koloa Scholarship at HCF, was able to complete a master’s degree program through the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Rehabilitation for the Blind. Ikaika is currently responsible for working one-on-one with students from grades K-12 across Kaua‘i, where he teaches reading, writing and math in braille, and provides support to both the families and the teachers of his students. It’s a big responsibility, but one that Ikaika truly enjoys. Now the father of three children under seven years old, he knows that, as hard as he worked to get where he is today, it would not have been possible without the help of people he has never met. And even though he is unaccustomed to being in the spotlight, Ikaika took the opportunity to address a group of HCF donors. “As scholarship donors, you don’t often get to see the joy on the receiver’s face,” said Ikaika. “So here I am to show you what gratitude looks like.” It’s clear his plan is back on track.
OUR
Mission
We help people make a difference by inspiring the spirit of giving and by investing in people and solutions to benefit every island community.
LEADING THE MISSION A message from Paul Kosasa, Board Chair and Kelvin H. Taketa, President & CEO
Investing in the Growing Needs of Hawai‘i’s Students Graduation is imbued with a sense of possibility; higher education opens doors to greater opportunities and academic achievement fosters personal confidence. For all too many students in Hawai‘i, economic Paul Kosasa and Kelvin H. Taketa
limitation is synonymous with education limitation. It is tough to afford college, and even tougher to get
through college. HCF’s very robust program of more than 180 scholarship funds provides financial aid to over 1,500 individuals each year to attend college. But as the cost of tuition rises, the big issue is not college access, but college success. Like many of today’s college and university students, Ikaika Perreira had to juggle school with parenting and working. He would not have been able to pursue the studies he needed for the career he wanted without the assistance of multiple HCF scholarships. His story reminds us of the profound difference funding assistance can make in the life of one student and, by extension, his family and community. The impact of HCF scholarships is felt not only by their recipients, but also by the donors themselves. The greatest tribute Grafton Jhung could give to his mother Caroline Rhym Ing, was to create a scholarship in her honor for graduates of Roosevelt High School, where he and his two brothers attended. Implementing a donor’s personal motivation for setting up a scholarship fund is important to HCF Scholarship Ambassador volunteers who review the thousands of applications that come in to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and help select deserving recipients. Scholarship donors, ambassadors, and students themselves know that education holds the key to fulfilling a person’s promise. And because a thriving community is made up of people who are realizing their full potential, we think of scholarships as meaningful investments in Hawai‘i’s future. Mahalo.
Mahalo!
Many thanks to those who responded to the survey that was included in the last issue. Your feedback on the best ways to communicate is helping HCF to go green, and your participation raised over $1,500 for our Community Scholarship Fund!
FEATURED
Profile News YOU CAN USE Getting Hawai‘i Students To College and Through College
Bao Ying Chen, a recipient of the Jhung Family Foundation Scholarship
Now more than ever, Sue and Grafton Jhung
Honoring One Life by Investing in Many At the memorial service for Caroline Rhym Ing in January 2013, a hula
Hawai‘i students are Eric La‘a, Scholarships Officer
relying on scholarships to help defray the cost
of getting a higher education. And while 60% of all jobs in the U.S. economy will require college by 2018, the cost of obtaining that degree has doubled in the last 10 years.
was performed with a mele chosen to reflect her determination, hard
Thanks to the more than 180 scholarship funds
work, and sacrifices to support her three children as a single parent.
established by our donors and clients, the Hawai‘i
Caroline’s three sons—Bryson, Grafton and Finis Jhung—all graduated from Roosevelt High School and became accomplished professionals. Bryson had a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army; Grafton had a very successful career in investment management; and Finis has had a prominent career as a ballet dancer and instructor. “Our successes— diverse as they are—reflect the values our mother instilled in us and are a tribute to her,” said Grafton. The purpose of the Jhung Family Foundation Scholarship Fund at HCF is to assist needy and deserving graduates of Roosevelt High School. Since Grafton and Sue Jhung initiated the program in 1992, it has thus far enabled 36 students to go to colleges of their choice and pursue dreams that would not have been possible without scholarship support. Five of their scholarship recipients have pursued master’s degrees; two
Community Foundation is able to help students pay for college. But we’ve come to recognize that it is getting a lot harder for students to stay in school and complete their education—especially as 75% of students nationally are non-traditional students who are juggling families, jobs and school. Because of our focus on college success, HCF makes it possible for applicants to be matched with all eligible scholarships through a single application. Of the over 1,500 Hawai‘i students who were granted a total of $4 million in scholarships through HCF in 2012, 25% of them received either multiple or renewable awards.
are doctoral level graduates; six have achieved or are working toward
In 2013, HCF received 3,700 completed applications
advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy; and one is a
from Hawai‘i’s students. For many, ongoing
Fulbright Scholar.
financial support will make all the difference in
Says Sue Jhung about the personal impact of supporting Hawai‘i students, “Meeting the scholarship recipients when they are high school seniors and watching them succeed has been very fulfilling for Grafton and me.” That seems a fitting tribute to the legacy of Caroline Rhym Ing, who helped so many others fulfill their destinies.
being able to complete college on time. Please contact me for more information on creating a scholarship or supporting the Community Scholarship Fund at HCF: elaa@hcf-hawaii.org or 808-566-5557.
HCF
Happenings
More than 300 people gathered in August to honor HCF scholarship donors and to congratulate the 2013 scholarship recipients. In an evening filled with gratitude, students had the opportunity to meet some of the people helping them achieve their academic dreams.
Will Henderson of the Will J. Henderson Scholarship Fund with recipient Claire Ea
Marian and Lester Kaneta of the Kaneta Foundation Scholarship (center with flower lei) and recipients (L to R) Eunice Chang, Alex Tom, Grace Kim, Michael Sonson, Kerrie-Ann Nicole Whiting, Stephen Nishihara, Amanda So, Matthew Guerrero, Jamie Jo Uy, and Mozelle Hannah Pangilinan. Those juniors and seniors have received renewable scholarships since entering college.
Dr. Moon Park of the Dr. and Mrs. Moon Park Scholarship Fund (with flower lei) and recipients (L to R) Cody McBrayer, Richard Pajarillo, Caila Westlake, Ferd Nick Pelaez, Megan Allen and Carla Marie Cuizon. The fund supports students through renewable scholarships.
Every year, the generous donors and clients of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation award scholarships to many deserving students in Hawai‘i. A quarter of these students receive multiple scholarships that enable them not only the chance to go to college, but also the support they need to pursue their degrees. Here are just a few of our recent graduates. Congratulations!
Connie Lau and Alan Oshima of the HEI Scholarship Program Fund (with flower lei) with recipients and their guests (L to R) Kenji Kusaka, Geoffrey Kusaka, Tim Holden, Diana Holden, Lance Miyake, Alexis Miyake, David Brown, Dan Brown, Xylia Kathleen Lydgate, Amelita Lydgate, Kent Fong, Jacob Fong, Nicole Lee, Ann Lee. This fund provides renewable scholarships to students.
If you, or someone you know of, graduated college with scholarship assistance from HCF, our scholarship department would like to hear from you: scholarships@hcf-hawaii.org
Benjie Allan Baclig
Kailene Nihipali
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• • • •
Attended Waimea High School, Kaua‘i Graduated in Finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Recipient of HCF scholarship funds: – Kaneta Foundation – Cayetano Foundation – George & Augusta Rapozo Kama‘āina
Attended Sacred Hearts Academy Graduated in Humanities from the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu Student speaker at 2013 commencement ceremonies Recipient of HCF scholarship funds: – Blossom Kalama Evans Memorial – Central Pacific Bank Works for You
Ellie M. Robins
Gernani Yutob, Jr.
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Graduated in Education from the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa Currently attending University of Hawai‘iMānoa for a Master of Education Recipient of HCF scholarship funds: – Ka‘iulani Home for Girls Trust
– Dr. Hans and Clara Zimmerman Foundation – Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Attended Farrington High School Graduated in Public Administration from the University of Hawai‘iWest O‘ahu Recipient of HCF scholarship funds: – Victoria S. & Bradley L. Geist
Foundation – Perry & Sally Sorenson
Mahalo TO YOU Each scholarship season, volunteer Scholarship Ambassadors have the difficult task of selecting recipients. Made up of community members, educators, and past scholarship recipients from across the state, these dedicated volunteers truly understand the impact that education can have on an individual’s future. Mahalo to those who have contributed their time and energy to be a Scholarship Ambassador with HCF in 2013. Hawai‘i Island Pomai Bertelman Sandra Dawson Jason Fujimoto Darl Gleed Janet Hara Elaine Johnson David Kaapu Dutch Kuyper Lori Sasaki Julie Tulang Rebecca Villegas Lynn White Jerel Yamamoto Kaua‘i Nolan Ahn Lauren Bundshuh Gayle Carswell Robin Pratt Kathy Richardson Eldean Scott Yolie Yee Maui Eugene Bal III Bradford Ing Glenn Yamasaki Frances Ort Jill Engledow Gretchen Voxland O‘ahu Noe Archambault Bert Ayabe John Bravender
Lisa Bravender Janice Casey Paul Casey Raymond Davidson Lori Eldridge Debbie Halbert Gary Harada Anne Harpham Camille Chun Hoon Michelle Ho Elizabeth Ignacio Kim Coco Iwamoto Anne Swayne Keir Gerald Keir Chuck Kelley Jenny Kelley Suzi Kiss Barbara Kuljis Jodi Lam Cheryl Leialoha Richard Li Alana Pakkala Peter Plotzeneder Sarah Razee Greg Sakamoto Tetine Sentell John Stepulis Ruth Stepulis Janice Taketa Carrie Walter Lynn Watanabe Julie Watumull Marlene Young
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HCF WELCOMES NEW TEAM
Members
Curtis Saiki, Esq. Vice President of Philanthropy and General Counsel
Curtis Saiki, Vice President of Philanthropy & General Counsel
Curtis K. Saiki, Esq. brings 17 years of estate, tax and charitable planning experience to HCF, along with a high degree of enthusiasm for applying his skills to the Foundation’s mission. “I’m honored and excited to be a resource for professional advisors. The chance to partner with them to help their clients give back to the community is meaningful work, indeed,” said Curtis. He is current chair of the Board of Taxation Review, was named among Hawai‘i Business Magazine’s Best Wealth Managers in Hawai‘i, and previously oversaw wealth planning at First Hawaiian Bank. Curtis holds an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Washington and a J.D. from the University of Oregon, where he was a member of the Oregon Law Review. Tammi Chun Vice President of Programs
Tammi Chun, Vice President of Programs
At HCF, Tammi Chun oversees a number of complex strategic program initiatives and is directly involved in creating new programs that are responsive to community issues. “I’m excited to be a part of a team that is partnering with donors, community organizations and government to improve the quality of life for people in Hawai‘i,” says Chun of her role. She brings a strong track record in educational and social policy, most recently with the Office of the Governor, and previously with Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education and the RAND Corporation. Tammi is a former HCF scholarship recipient, receiving the M.M. Scott Scholarship after graduating from Moanalua High School. She earned degrees from Pomona College, the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, and the University of Southern California.