College of Business to continue renovations

By Matthew Marzi

More improvements are on the way for the Shidler College of Business thanks to a $1 million pledge by real estate entrepreneur Jay Shidler. $526,000 has already been used since Shidler pledged the money earlier this month, as seen in the renovation of two classrooms. The remainder of the donation will be used on various projects to improve the College of Business campus.

Campus makeover 'unveiled' to public

The Shilder College of Business held an event on Friday, September 7 to celebrate the major changes that it has undergone over the past year. "A Grand Unveiling" featured tours of the building, music and refreshments for attendees.

The College of Business has seen great deal of improvements recently, including a new name to honor alumnus Jay Shilder. His contributions can be seen in the capital improvements made to the building, including new landscaping, lighting, tables, benches and a resurfaced courtyard.

The College of Business also celebrated its ranking as the 19th best international business school according to US News & World Report. UH was ranked among such schools as New York University, University of Chicago and Georgetown University. The Shilder College of Business came in 11th of the public schools.

 

“We want to create a campus within a campus,” said Dolly Omiya, who is in charge of the college’s External Relations Office. “Recently we’ve made improvements all around the college to make students feel more welcome and safer. We want students to be inspired by their surroundings”

Jay’s vision has been to soften the buildings and making it more inviting for students,” said Omiya, referring to the dated architecture of the campus built in 1969. 

Future projects for the College of Business have not been decided yet, but ideas for the $484,000 are already springing up. “One idea is to create a larger food court for the students at the college,” said Omiya. 

This $1 million donation brings Shidler’s total to $26 million in private fundraising for the College of Business. The first phase of the campus makeover began in June, including resurfacing, painting and

Public art, improved lighting, new gardens, benches, tables and other drastic changes have been made to the college thanks to the private donations.

New signs and banners have also been erected with the help of Shidler's donations. Banners in other languages, including Japanese and Chinese, can be seen around the campus to reflect the international focus of the college.

Instead of monetary donations, Shilder, an alumnus of the College of Business, works with the university to discuss possible improvements and subsequently pays for the necessary construction according to Omiya.

"I’m genuinely honored and humbled to have my name associated with the University of Hawaii’s business program. It’s my school. It helped prepare me for a career in business and launch The Shidler Group,” said Shidler in a statement last year. “Having a strong business school will enhance our state’s ability to play a larger role in national and international commerce.”


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