Bank of Hawaii College Assistance Program Pays Full Tuition for 7 Employees to Graduate from Chaminade University

Saturday was a proud night for seven students in Bank of Hawaii’s College Assistance Program as they walked the stage at the Waikiki Shell and received their Chaminade University diplomas – all expenses paid. Their tuition, including fees for textbooks and materials, was paid for entirely by Bank of Hawaii.

Now in its sixth year, this is the largest graduating class of the bank’s College Assistance Program with the following new alumni each receiving their bachelor’s degree:

Alex Duggan, Psychology

Jonathan Enos, Management

Noe Jan Gumboc, Business Administration

David Lammay, Management

Theresa Neal-Viela, Management

Parris Smith, Management

Tony Syxomphou, Business Administration

Understanding that the cost of obtaining a higher education can be a deterrent, the Bank of Hawaii College Assistance Program, or CAP, allows employees without a college degree to achieve their educational goals by paying for their tuition upfront. In addition, participants are given an extra paid day off from work during final exams so they can focus on studying. With the goal of helping individuals reach their educational dreams, employees are not required to remain with the company upon graduation. Previous participants have gone on to apply their degrees to new careers and are encouraged to pursue their goals.

“This program opens doors for those who are able to enroll,” said Sharlene Ginoza-Lee, Bank of Hawaii’s Chief People Officer. “We are thrilled to foster our employees’ long-term aspirations and send a heartfelt congratulations to this year’s record seven individuals for their incredible accomplishments.

Since its inception in 2016, the College Assistance Program has helped 15 students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University or an associate degree from the University of Hawaii Community Colleges.