High school sweethearts Lance Leong ’83 and Andrea Hussey Leong ’83 know that a good education can open doors to a brighter future. It did for them – both earned degrees in business management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and are thriving in the newspaper and lending fields.
Education has also opened doors for their daughters Lauren ’12, who has an interest in sports medicine; Lindsey ’13, an aspiring pharmacist, and their youngest Leiana, a third grader at Punahou School, who has the potential to do anything she sets her mind to.
For years, the business-minded couple saved and budgeted their money wisely to buy a home and provide a quality education for their keiki. In September, they took some of that hard-earned money and established a scholarship for needy students through Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation. Their decision had the full support of their daughters.
“We could’ve splurged the money on an Alaskan cruise or Las Vegas trip but the excitement would’ve only lasted a few weeks,” said Lance. “Establishing an endowed scholarship will help needy students pursue their dreams of higher education and bring a sense of accomplishment and peace to our hearts – not just for a few weeks – but each and every day of our lives.”
Lance and Andrea stretched the value of their dollars by taking advantage of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation’s matching incentive program. The program helped boost the value of their endowment by contributing a dollar for every two dollars donated.
The Leong 'ohana gave a generous $13,500 and the Foundation contributed $6,750 for a total of $20,250. The minimum amount needed to create an endowed scholarship is $20,000. The principal amount of the endowment will remain intact and the interest earned will fund annual scholarships in perpetuity.
“Educational support is vital to the students of our Hawaiian community,” said Kalei Stern, executive director of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation. “With ongoing partnerships of generous alumni and friends like the Leong ‘ohana, we are confident that the Foundation will continue to support students who pursue leadership experience, which will in turn benefit our Hawaiian community.”
As for the Leongs’ Vegas trip, it may have to wait until next year. For now, they are betting on a brighter future for a needy college student. Lance and Andrea believe that it was a wise bet indeed.
“It is such an easy choice to make a short-term sacrifice in order to make a long-lasting difference in the life of others,” said Lance. “We hope that in the future, each of our children will find it in their hearts to establish a scholarship fund in their names as well, to carry on our tradition of giving.”
Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Foundation provides Kamehameha Schools alumni, ‘ohana and friends an avenue to make gifts in support of loved ones, and in celebration of special occasions and milestones like class reunions. For details on creating an endowment and other ways to give, click here.
Scholarship criteria:
The Lance ’83 and Andrea Hussey ’83 Leong Scholarship was established in September 2009 to support students, who despite financial and social hardships, continue to strive for excellence in their post-high educational endeavors. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited educational institution full-time, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have demonstrated community service and financial need. The application period for the scholarship is from February 17 through April 1, 2010.