The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa announced the revitalization of two spaces frequently used by students: the Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard and the Sunset Reference Center (SRC) within the School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School). These newly refreshed areas were redesigned to enhance student experiences and create collaborative environments.
Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard
The Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard now features 32 brand-new tables, each fitted with umbrellas, generously donated by Jay H. Shidler. The space was officially renamed in honor of Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr., with a nameplate dedicated to the couple for their significant contributions.
With the upgrades, the courtyard has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming hub for students to gather, study and socialize. The courtyard is frequently used for college commencement ceremonies, club recruitment week, careers fairs, Shidler Day and other student-focused events. A blessing ceremony to celebrate the renaming and the enhancements was held on September 30, and brought together the Flores family, faculty, staff and students.
Eddie Flores is chairman of L&L Drive-Inn/L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and founder of the Eddie Flores Real Estate School and Sun Pacific Realty. In 2007, Eddie and his wife Elaine established a $2 million endowed scholarship and in 2017, they established the college’s annual Real Estate Lecture Series. Flores earned his bachelor’s degree from the college in 1970. He was inducted into Shidler College’s Hall of Honor in 2005 and was honored as a University of Hawaiʻi Distinguished Alumni in 1999.
Sunset Reference Center
The SRC at the TIM School now offers a dynamic and versatile space designed with students in mind. The refreshed center features sleek, modular furnishings that support collaboration, group projects and interactive learning. A multi-screen teleconferencing system has also been installed, enabling virtual meetings and providing a central platform for students, faculty and industry experts to convene.
To further enhance the SRC’s outdoor patio area, classic wood rocking chairs were donated by TIM alumni. The interior upgrades were made possible through the generous support of late former U.S. Ambassador Bill Lane (to Australia, Nauru and at-large to Japan), who was also CEO of Lane Publishing that published Sunset Magazine and others and the late former Dean Chuck Gee, whose vision was to create innovative, student-friendly spaces. A blessing ceremony was held on September 24 with faculty, students and TIM Alumni Association members in attendance.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from our alumni and supporters in making these renovations possible,” said Shidler Dean Vance Roley. “The Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard and the Sunset Reference Center are not just physical spaces; they are key gathering spaces that will inspire collaboration, innovation and community. These refreshed areas will undoubtedly enhance the student experience, fostering a sense of belonging and creating opportunities for learning and growth.”
