Shidler College of Business’ Development Team headed to Asia last month for two special alumni events. Joined by Dean Vance Roley, Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama, and several Hawai‘i- and West Coast-based alumni, the mixers brought together alumni, students, and friends of the college for evenings of networking, updates, and a renewed sense of community.

Hosted in partnership with the Shidler and TIM Alumni Associations, the events took place on April 22 in Japan at the Tokyo American Club and on April 24 in Hong Kong at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

“We selected these locations due to the robust number of alumni who live in the regions,” said Bianca Mordasini, senior director of alumni & external relations. “We also had several study abroad students in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan who attended these events to mingle with alumni, build their connections, and meet their peers.”

A global ‘ohana reunites

From recent graduates to long-time supporters, alumni in both cities were excited to reconnect with their alma mater and with each other—some for the first time since college.

“These events reminded our alumni that they are part of a larger global ‘ohana,” said Jennifer Lieu, director of development. “From a development standpoint, the events allowed us to personally thank donors and identify new opportunities for giving. And from an alumni relations perspective, they created space for relationship building and peer networking.”

A standout moment came when two alumni discovered they hadn’t seen each other since graduation—until unexpectedly crossing paths at the event. One graduating TIM senior even flew in from Hawai‘i to attend, seeking career connections in Japan.

“After returning to Hawai‘i, it was wonderful to hear that he’s in regular contact with two of our alumni in Japan and garnering lots of good career advice as he plans to make his move to the country and find employment,” Mordasini said.

Introducing PACE@RISE

A highlight of both mixers was a presentation by Fujiyama, who introduced attendees to PACE@RISE—a state-of-the-art innovation hub located across from the UH Mānoa campus.

“I was most eager to convey PACE’s most recent achievements, including the opening of the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center in 2023 and building a dynamic hub for innovation and student success—a testament to the leadership at the Shidler College and the power of collaborative partnerships across the university and broader community,” she said.

“I also emphasized that sustaining this momentum and fully achieving the ambitious vision for PACE@RISE requires the unwavering support and active involvement of our esteemed alumni and community. My message was both a celebration of our collective achievements and an invitation to our alumni to join us in this ongoing journey.”

Many alumni—especially in Hong Kong—learned about PACE and RISE for the first time and expressed interest in how they could support or get involved. Fujiyama noted the incredible engagement and passion of Shidler alumni in Japan and Hong Kong.

Looking Ahead

The recent overseas mixers were a meaningful step in expanding Shidler’s global alumni engagement and planting seeds for future partnerships.

“When our alumni abroad see themselves reflected in the college’s vision, they’re more inclined to stay involved and give back,” said Lieu. “Their support opens doors for students and strengthens the global Shidler network.”

Shidler College extends its warmest mahalo to everyone who attended these events. As the college continues to expand its international presence, gatherings like these are a powerful reminder that no matter where alumni are in the world, they are always a part of the Shidler ‘ohana.

“We appreciate the desire of alumni to remain involved and contribute their time and resources,” Roley said. “It truly exemplifies the enduring spirit of the Shidler community and their commitment to supporting future generations of students.”

View the event photo gallery here.