Raised in a background of domestic violence, homelessness, and substance abuse, followed by recent health and financial hardships within her family, single mother Cady Gaspar is driven to create a better life for her young son.
Gaspar, a Wai‘anae resident, is on her way to that brighter future. She graduated with an Associate in Science in Teaching with Honors in May 2024 from Leeward Community College Wai‘anae Moku and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu — accomplishments she credits to encouragement from her parents, as well as a variety of scholarships she has received.
“My thank-you message to donors: I want to express my sincere gratitude, for you to take the time to fund these scholarships, you don’t understand how truly beneficial it is for us,” Gaspar said.
Gaspar opened up about her inspiring academic journey as a featured speaker at the He Lei Mahalo Donor Appreciation Luncheon, which took place on Sept. 26 at the UH West O‘ahu Campus Center multi-purpose room.
The annual event, presented by UH West O‘ahu and the University of Hawai‘i Foundation, celebrated the generous donors who made gifts to support academic programs and student scholarships at UH West O‘ahu, and also honored the student scholarship recipients.
At the He Lei Mahalo luncheon, UH President Wendy Hensel addressed donors in the audience: “Your support (for students), in saying, ‘I see your value, I am excited about your future, and I’m here to stand up and support you,’ is so much more than the amount of money that you’re giving at that time. It’s really an expression of community that lasts not just for that student’s experience, but potentially generations of their family thereafter. … So, mahalo to all of you for all that you do every single day to support this university and our students, faculty, and staff.”
This year’s event also highlighted Eddie and Myrna Kamae’s Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, an example of one of UH West O‘ahu’s valuable partnerships, that helps the university in fulfilling its mission to embrace Native Hawaiian culture and tradition while fostering excellence in teaching, learning, and service to the community.
Student Life Director Rouel Velasco served as the master of ceremonies of the program, which showcased music from Eddie Kamae performed by UH West O‘ahu students Sophia Johnasen, Noah Padilla, and Mia Maynard; oatmeal raisin cookies — Eddie Kamae’s favorite treat — made by Leeward Community College’s ‘Āina to Mākeke entrepreneur Brittany Egnew; and lunch catered by Da Spot.
The program also featured words of gratitude to donors and of praise to students by guest speakers UH Vice President of Advancement and UH Foundation CEO Tim Dolan; Lilinoe Chinen, a fall 2024 graduate of UH West O‘ahu and former E Ho‘omau intern who worked with the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, James & Abigail Campbell Library, and ‘Ulu‘ulu Moving Image Archive; and UH West O‘ahu Chancellor Maenette Benham.
“To all of our students, recipients of these wonderful scholarship awards, congratulations,” Benham said. “You know that you are the reason we gather and your achievements inspire all of us. … You always remind us that education is not just about knowledge, but it is about carrying forward hope and purpose for our community and our lāhui.”
Benham added, “And to all of our donors … your giving nurtures our students, and their success is the gift that returns to all of us in this room and beyond. So mahalo.”
Gaspar emphasized her appreciation to all donors for supporting students.
“I think the best way to sum it up is to just know how grateful students like me are for their kindness and generosity,” Gaspar said. … “These scholarships and their donations allow us to be successful, not only academically, but in our personal lives as well.”
Gaspar continued, “I just want them to know that they are truly making a difference. Especially in today’s world, they don’t have to donate and do the things that they’re doing for students like us. But to support students in our community to be able to better themselves is really important and I’m just grateful that there are people out there who are willing to do that.”
To make a donation to UH West O‘ahu or to learn more about donating, please email darian.padilla@uhfoundation.org or call 808-594-6851.