More than 450 universities Hawaii Alumni and community members gathered at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in August to network and celebrate the alumni impact on our state and beyond. The third annual UH The Alumni Association’s Makers’ Market showcased alumni entrepreneurs and their food and products.
“I just love this event. It shows the incredible creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our graduates,” said President David Lassner (Doctoral thesis ’98, UH Mānoa). “Some of them are fresh out of school and others have decades behind them, but they have all found something they are passionate about and want to share with others in Hawaii and beyond.”
More than 40 alumni-owned or operated businesses showcased their entrepreneurial spirit through a diverse range of food, beverages and products.
“I love being involved in all the different UH Alumni Small Businesses,” said Erin Minaya (BS ’14, UH Mānoa) from Ports + Paws. “There’s always a really good energy and we have so much fun.”
“We participated in the Makers’ Market because we simply love to support and give back in any way we can. UH And UH Alumni,” said Nick Wong (Certificate of authenticity ’13, Kapiolani Community College), from Beer Lab Hawaii.
Makers’ Market also aims to attract future UH graduates to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. It is one of many UH Initiatives of the Office of Alumni Relations.
“I am proud of what they have all achieved and I am also really happy that they decided to spend their evening UH and other alumni,” said Lassner. “We are also incredibly grateful to the many sponsors in the community and other alumni who support our Makers’ Market and the work. UH Alumni do every day to diversify Hawaii‘s economy.”
