Gathered for the signing of Alakaina Foundation’s gift of $1 million to Chaminade University are, from left, at the table, Chaminade president Brother Bernard Ploeger and Alakaina Foundation board president Michael Kimo Wong. Standing are Chaminade and Alakaina officials, (Photo courtesy of Chaminade University)
The Alakaina Foundation gave $1 million to Chaminade University Aug. 11 to establish an endowed scholarship for students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. The presentation was made at the Pacific Club.
The scholarships, which will be available in fall 2017, will benefit students studying business, environmental and interior design, communications, political science, history, international studies, education, criminal justice, behavioral sciences and other subjects.
Vaughn G.A. Vasconcellos, the principal at the Alakaina Foundation and also the chairman of Chaminade’s board of regents, has been a longtime supporter of the university and advocate for its Native Hawaiian students.
“Over the years, I have been privileged to meet countless Chaminade students who persist in achieving excellence while overcoming significant barriers,” Vasconcellos said in a news release. “The Foundation seeks to invest in helping them to succeed.”
Chaminade president Marianist Brother Bernard Ploeger said, “We are grateful for this truly magnanimous gift. This will mean expanded possibilities for our Native Hawaiian students.”
The Alakaina Foundation is a nonprofit, Native Hawaiian organization that promotes leadership and educational initiatives for the youth of Hawaii, especially those among rural areas.
The foundation, which has supported Chaminade over the years, will preserve its legacy through this scholarship that will benefit future generations of Native Hawaiian students for years to come.
