Thanks to 46 donors and counting, the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) Pitch Initiative (February 2014 – June 2016) at the Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa raised $3 million total, $2 million in current gifts and $1 million in a planned gift, for new programs and a larger, renovated center.

Under the leadership of Dean Vance Roley and Executive Director Susan Yamada, PACE has become the training ground for future entrepreneurs and business leaders as well as the bridge between the academic and business worlds. PACE has expanded to include 20+ programs to cultivate new entrepreneurs, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, spawn new businesses, and rekindle ties with Hawai‘i’s business community.

Susan Yamada stated, “With the outpouring of support during our fundraising campaign, the community has ensured PACE will continue to provide high quality entrepreneurial education to UH students.  Our students now have a home in which to collaborate on creative ideas, learn from each other and find like-minded individuals.  My deepest thanks to all who have supported us during this campaign and in the years past–we would not be here without you.”

John Dean, Chair of the PACE Board of Directors and Executive Chairman of Central Pacific Bank, shared, “I have seen firsthand how an innovative ecosystem can transform a community.  As a supporter of PACE for many years, I believe PACE can provide the University with an entrepreneurial experience which will lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs.”