The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation recently named 10 Hawaiʻi high school graduates who plan to pursue business degrees as recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year.
A total of about $185,000 was awarded this year, with each student receiving $20,000 over four years to pay for tuition, books, housing and other fees.
Mark Fukunaga, trustee of the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation, told Aloha State Daily by email, “The scholarship was founded by my grandfather, Peter H. Fukunaga, in 1950 to encourage students to pursue business careers in Hawaiʻi by providing them with financial support along the way. An initial investment of $6,000 — over $60,000 in today’s dollars — was placed in an endowment fund, plus ongoing donations and support from Servco Pacific Inc. Today, that endowment has helped provide over $5.5 million to local students, or [more than] $9.2 million in present value.”
In 1919, Peter H. Fukunaga founded Servco Pacific Inc., which started as a two-car repair garage in Waialua, its website states. Peter Dames currently serves as the company’s president and CEO.
“Over the years, we’ve consistently heard that the scholarship provides more than just financial support — it also gives students a sense of confidence and an entry point to their professional network,” said Mark Fukunaga, who is also executive chair for Servco. “Many recipients stay connected to the foundation and each other long after their college journey, which can lead to a long and successful career.”
He gave the example of Servco’s current director of brand marketing, Judy Relosimon Ng, an alumnus of the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation. “In preparation for her Fukunaga Scholarship interview as a high schooler, Judy wrote that her dream was to one day become a director. She has now been with Servco for over 10 years,” he said. “Her journey is a powerful reminder that this scholarship doesn’t just support college — it plants the seed for lifelong leadership and career confidence. We're proud to see past recipients grow into leaders and mentors who give back to their community.”
Scholarship recipients are selected based on leadership, community service and academic excellence, “typically GPAs 3.9 and above,” said Emily Fukunaga, foundation committee member. She describes the process as “holistic and rigorous.”
“This year’s cohort stood out for their entrepreneurial mindset — some recipients are already launching side businesses or leading sustainability efforts in their schools,” she told ASD. “With students enrolling at top universities nationwide and pursuing competitive fields — such as economics and entrepreneurship — the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation is an investment in Hawaiʻi’s next generation of business leaders. This year’s cohort is representative of my great-grandfather’s vision, which we aim to continue for years to come.”
Also vice president at Servco, Emily Fukunaga added that the goal of the program is to support the next generation of business leaders across the state. “It’s also meant to develop and inspire students who are not only academically strong, but who want to give back to their community, as well.”
“This aligns perfectly with Servco’s core value of service to our community — it’s part of our name and our DNA,” she said. “Because of that, the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation has become one of our leading charitable giving initiatives, and we’re glad to continue this program and reinvest in our community each year.”
When asked how the foundation’s leadership aims to sustain the program over the next 75 years, Mark Fukunaga replied:
“We’re honored to have supported over 570 students over the past 75 years — with 40 students currently enrolled in colleges and universities nationwide.
“As we look ahead to the next 75 years, we’ll continue refining our program and contributing more financial support to ensure its success and support the needs of local students, alumni and our community. We’ll also lean into our core value of innovation by modernizing the application process, staying agile and responsive to the student experience, and growing mentorship opportunities and alumni engagement.”
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
