The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa celebrated its 54th Business Night on May 7. First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) served as the title sponsor for the 10th consecutive year with a $30,000 donation.
The goal of Business Night is to pair students with business professionals to share ideas, exchange valuable information, and give students an opportunity to gain confidence as they enter the workplace. This year’s event had the largest turnout ever with participation by more than 270 students and 260 mentors. In addition, nearly $50,000 in cash awards were handed out to Shidler top undergraduate and graduate students during the event, including a $1,000 Dean’s Spirit Award from First Insurance.
“This event highlights the vital partnership between Shidler College and Hawaii’s business community,” said Steve Tabussi, FICOH senior vice president. “More than 10% of our associates are Shidler graduates. We receive tremendous value from having a world-class institution like Shidler in our own backyard, as do so many other local companies.”
In photo (l to r): Unyong Nakata, senior director of development, Shidler College of Business, Karen Zheng, student and Business Night executive director, Shidler College of Business; Jay H. Shidler; Steve Tabussi, senior vice president, First Insurance Company of Hawaii; Lance Mizumoto, president and chief banking officer, Central Pacific Bank; Vance Roley, dean, Shidler College of Business; and Jana Light, associate director of development, Shidler College of Business.