$122K awarded as Shidler marks 65th Business Night celebrating students, mentors

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The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa hosted its 65th annual Business Night on May 7, at the Sheraton Waikiki. The signature event brought together more than 500 students and business professionals for an evening of mentorship, recognition and networking.

With support from alumni and Hawaiʻi's business community, 51 sponsored awards totaling $122,500 were presented to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. Each year, Business Night honors student achievement while providing opportunities for professional growth through engagement with industry mentors. First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) served as title sponsor for the 21st consecutive year, while Hawaii Business Magazine returned as media sponsor for the ninth year.

Planned by a committee of Shidler students, the event pairs each student with a professional mentor whose experience aligns with their academic interests and career goals. The evening included a networking reception, dinner and an awards presentation.

"This year's event reflects our theme 'First Spark: Igniting Potential' by celebrating the dedication and growth of Shidler students as they take meaningful steps forward in their academic and professional journeys," said Eileen Liu, a Shidler student and executive director of this year's Business Night committee. "We are deeply grateful to the Shidler faculty, generous sponsors and committed mentors whose support helps ignite that potential and make this event possible."

This year's keynote speaker was Shidler alumnus Mark Tawara, BBA '91, principal of Manageability and CEO of Bright Light Digital. Through personal stories, Tawara highlighted how one conversation can shape a career, encouraging students to proactively create opportunities, invest in relationships and take risks even without certainty.

"Each year, Business Night showcases what is possible when talent, mentorship and community come together," said Shidler College Dean and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management Vance Roley. "Our students bring curiosity, ambition and drive, and it is through the support of our partners and alumni that those qualities are developed into meaningful careers and leadership pathways. This event is a celebration of that shared commitment."

For a complete list of the 2026 Business Night award recipients and sponsors, visit the Shidler College website. If you are interested in sponsoring a Business Night award for a future event, please contact Jennifer Lieu, [email protected] or call (808) 956-3597.

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

Shidler College of Business was founded in 1949 and 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 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 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 Hawai'i and Vietnam accredited by AACSB International.