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April 28, 2003---Honolulu, HI---When it comes to travel and tourism, Ed and Lynn Hogan are among the most successful innovators in Hawaii. So when they return to Chaminade University of Honolulu Thursday, May 1, they’ll also have some good advice for the first graduating class of Hogan Entrepreneurs. The 17 graduates and 20 incoming students will celebrate with some of Hawaii’s most well known leaders including Eddie Flores, Mike Fitzgerald, Ted Liu and Evan Dobelle. They’ll be joined by over 30 Hogan Advisory Board members including Rick Tanaka, Robin Campaniano, Allen Uyeda, Clif Kagawa, Mike Hartley, Ann Namba, Gary Hogan and Dan Goo.
Commencement speaker and program founder Ed Hogan will talk about the role of entrepreneurs in today’s softening economy and how he launched his passion for flying into a lifetime of financial success. “We would like to think that the students who participate in this program will act as leaders and catalysts for change and innovation, where ever their careers take them,” said Hogan, who embarked on the entrepreneurial journey 44 years ago when he started a family business. Today Pleasant Holidays, LLC generates $500 million in sales annually.
“ By making possible this academic offering, the Hogan family has opened new doors for young people to help them realize their dreams and their potential,” said CUH President Sue Wesselkamper. She notes that Hogan students learn about risk taking and hear first hand from entrepreneurs, tapping into the rich experiences of Hawaiian business leaders serving as Hogan Program advisors.
“ I would not have started my business if I had not become a Hogan Entrepreneur,” says Ellen Watson, a CUH MBA student who launched Pacific Enterprises of Hawaii to conduct mold management and research.
“ I’m living what I learned in the Hogan classroom. What I do best is understand mold and fungi. Because of the Chaminade MBA program and the Hogan Program, I was able to find business experts to guide me in making business decisions.”
Business Management student Matthew Harrell reflects on how talking with entrepreneurs about risk taking has helped him cope with his fears of failing. “It is so nice to know that people can fail and rebound to a positive level, and there is actually life afterwards. The confidence displayed by the speakers is encouraging.“
Entrepreneur and secondary education major Erin Smith has already attempted his own business startup and is eager to skip the school of hard-knocks when he tries again. “Being flexible in both a personal and business sense is one of the most important lessons that I have derived from listening and talking with the entrepreneur speakers to date. Perseverance is another trait that I gleaned from the speakers: none of them gave in to pressures that assailed them in business.”
The Hogan Entrepreneur induction and graduation ceremonies Thursday, May 1 begin at 9:15 am in the Mystical Rose Oratory at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Chaminade’s entrepreneurial program was launched last year and is open to all juniors, seniors and graduate students with at least a 3.0 GPA. Choosing from a one or two year curriculum, students conduct case studies, develop business plans, serve at least 25 hours in the community and participate in entrepreneurial internships. The Hogan Family Foundation launched a similar program at Gonzaga University in Washington.
Program Director Dr. John Webster draws upon his 25-year career with IBM, KPMG and various high level assignments before coming to Hawaii. He hopes the program will inspire and develop students for entrepreneurial and “intrepreneurial” work in business, government and non-profit organizations.
For more information on the program, contact Dr. Webster at (808) 739-4667.
Founded in 1955 by the Catholic Marianist Order, Chaminade University of Honolulu is committed to educating future leaders equipped with both talent and character. With 22 undergraduate degree programs and five graduate degree programs, CUH enrolls some 2,500 students at its scenic Kaimuki campus overlooking Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. CUH also operates nine satellite locations around O’ahu military bases and parishes offer day, evening, online and accelerated courses to meet the needs of working professionals.
