The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Shidler College of Business has completed renovations to its computer lab, UH officials recently announced.
The $600,000 project was funded by the estate of Clifford and Blanche Hee and named in honor of their son Tom Hee, who was an alumnus of the college and "an accomplished banking professional, computer expert and community-minded volunteer," according to officials. Lab upgrades include new furnishings, upgraded computer systems, sound dampening technology, large digital displays and flexible working spaces designed specifically for group collaboration.
The renovation was managed by Bowers + Kubota Consulting.
“The transformation of this highly-used student space is amazing to witness,” said Shidler College of Business Dean Vance Roley, in a statement. “Every day, students rely on the computer room for projects, group work, research and more, and they now have a modern, functional space to be proud of. We’re grateful for the Hee family’s generosity and are honored to be able to commemorate alumnus Tom Hee in such a meaningful way.”
A blessing was held for the Tom W.S. Hee Undergraduate Computer Room on Thursday.
“I am delighted that Shidler will be dedicating this new Undergraduate Computer Lab for current and future students,” said Tony Ching, trustee and brother of Blanche Hee, in a statement.
“Although my nephew Tom Hee lived with many challenges, he never allowed these obstacles to define his life," Ching said. "While Tom and his parents are not here to witness the transformation, I know that they are celebrating the advent of ideas and technology being pooled together to make for learning and enhancement of our community.”
Clifford and Blanche Hee first established an endowed scholarship in 2002 in honor of their sons Tom and Michael Hee, who predeceased their parents. The estate later committed to a $2 million bequest to the college to support additional student scholarships as well as the modernization and naming of the undergraduate computer room.
Tom Hee graduated from UH in 1978 with a degree in accounting and management information systems. During his academic career, he co-founded the Management Information Systems club and received the outstanding senior in management information systems award at Business Night.
After graduating, he rose in rank over the years to become vice president in the controller’s division at First Hawaiian Bank, and was also the founder and co-owner of Star Computer.
“It’s heartwarming to see the Hee family’s legacy of giving to honor their son’s memory expand to upgrading a much-used computer lab that will benefit hundreds of Shidler undergraduate students starting with the new school year,” said Tim Dolan, UH vice president of advancement and CEO of UH Foundation, in a statement. “Their generosity, which has already resulted in scholarships for more than a dozen Shidler students, ensures Tom’s legacy will support even more students going forward.”
