Hawaiʻi Pacific University has received a $700,000 donation from the John Scarpa Foundation to establish the John F. Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway. According to Hawai'i Public Radio, the program is intended to support Hawaiʻi Pacific University students and faculty in developing and advancing new ideas.
Scarpa, who previously helped expand cellular networks in rural U.S. areas, has given a major gift to Hawai‘i Pacific University. “Scarpa sees this gift as an investment in HPU to educate the next generation of changemakers,” the university stated. HPU President John Gotanda said the program will focus on innovation, risk-taking, and preparing community members for future challenges. The effort is led by Amy Nguyen-Chyung, Ph.D., Dean of Hawai‘i Pacific University’s College of Business, who said, “It’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity, creativity, and experimentation.” Scarpa has also supported institutions such as Villanova and Stockton University and received an honorary doctorate from Hawai‘i Pacific University in 2024, as reported by Hawai‘i Pacific University.
The Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway will fully launch in fall 2025, featuring programs such as Faculty Change Makers and Entrepreneurs in Residence. These initiatives will provide workshops, networking events, and competitions, including the Makerspace Competition held in spring 2025, to engage students from their freshman year. The pathway is designed to promote cross-curriculum innovation and hands-on problem-solving. A recent report notes that 36% of Generation Z and 39% of millennials identify as entrepreneurs.
