Shidler College of Business host night of mentorship, recognition for 500 students

The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa brought together more than 500 students and business professionals for an evening of mentorship, recognition, and networking.

The 65th annual Business Night honors student achievement while providing opportunities for professional growth through engagement with industry mentors. The event took place at the Sheraton Waikīkī on Thursday, May 7.

The event is organized by a committee of Shidler College of Business students, who pair 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.

With support from alumni and Hawaiʻi’s business community, 51 sponsored awards totaling $122,500 were presented to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students.

“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 visit the Shidler College of Business website.

To sponsor a Business Night award for a future event, contact Jennifer Lieu at 808-956-3597, or jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org.