Gifts in Action
Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.
Since its founding in 1965, Hawai‘i Pacific University has grown and thrived thanks to the vision and generosity of our community. From the merger with Hawai‘i Loa College in 1992 to today’s vibrant downtown campus, HPU’s journey has been shaped by transformative gifts that created scholarships, strengthened academic programs, and built the spaces where our students learn, live, and lead.
Every milestone in HPU’s history carries with it the story of donors who believed in the power of higher education to change lives. These gifts remind us that one person’s vision can shape the future of thousands.
Living Our Values: Pono, Kuleana, and Aloha
At HPU, giving is more than generosity, it’s a reflection of who we are as a university community. Gifts that support student wellness through the S.A.F.E.R. Fund, inspire service through initiatives like Beyond the Cap: Senior Giveback Day, or create programs such as the Food Pantry, embody our shared commitment to pono (doing what is right), kuleana (responsibility), and aloha (compassion).
The following examples show that every gift, large or small, becomes a living expression of our values, touching lives on campus and throughout Hawai‘i.
- A Home for Scientific Discovery—Thanks to donor support, HPU built our Downtown Science Laboratories on Fort Street Mall, a state-of-the-art science facility offering cutting-edge teaching and research spaces for disciplines like chemistry, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, environmental sciences, and more, embodying our commitment to hands-on learning, innovation, and preparing future leaders.
- Students Leading the Way—Each year, graduating students come together to leave their mark by supporting future Sharks. Through the Sharks Legacy Gift Program, seniors contribute to causes they care about—such as scholarships or the S.A.F.E.R. Fund—ensuring that future students have the resources they need to thrive.
- Alumni Lighting the Path—HPU graduates invest not only in the university but also in its people. Through HPU’s Career Connection program, alumni open doors for current students, offering guidance and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
Together, these stories illustrate how generosity of all kinds—whether contributed in time, mentorship, resources, or tangible support—creates ripple effects that uplift our campus. They open doors to opportunity, foster belonging, and empower tomorrow’s leaders.
Your Legacy, Our Future
Planned giving is one of the most powerful ways to leave a lasting impact.
A legacy gift could:
- Endow a scholarship for first-generation students.
- Provide enduring support for programs in areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, health sciences, and global studies.
- Ensure that HPU’s values of pono, kuleana, and aloha guide the university for generations to come.
Your gift becomes more than a donation—it becomes a story of transformation, shaping the future of HPU and Hawai‘i.