Former Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) executive Robert “Bob” Clarke and his wife Edwina donated $100,000 to fund a scholarship endowment for first-year students accepted into the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business Direct Admit Program (DAP).
“Bob and Edwina’s gift will have a tremendous impact on the quality of students we attract at the college and help us develop the next generation of business leaders,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business. “From the classroom to the boardroom, Bob has served as a member of the college’s advisory council, an Executive-In-Residence, a lecturer and a mentor to our faculty.”
“Edwina and I are proud to invest in the Direct Admit Program students through our new endowment,” said Bob Clarke. “About 10 years ago, I had the pleasure of piloting the Shidler Scholars program which later evolved into what is now known as DAP. Supporting Vance and the college in my retirement years has been a great investment of time and resources as I get to witness first-hand the impact of mentoring the next generation of business leaders.”
Originally from California, Clarke worked for Dillingham Corporation as a controller and Alexander & Baldwin as senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 1987, Clarke joined HEI as vice president of strategic planning and led the company through its diversification strategy and expansion. He became president and CEO of HEI in 1991 and was named chairman, president and CEO of the company in 1998.
Edwina Clarke began her career at Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) as an auditor and later moved to Hawaiian Electric Industry Inc. where she led investor relations prior to being promoted to treasurer. She most recently served as treasurer for Kamehameha Schools before retiring.
For more on the Clarke donation, go to the Shidler College of Business website.
Find more about the Shidler College of Business at UH News.
—By Dolly Omiya
