HPU has received a $600,000 grant from the Frear Eleemosynary Trust to support the establishment of a new $1 million computer center. The award is one of the largest given by the 65-year-old charitable trust and will benefit the University’s growing computer science and information systems programs.

“The Frear Trust recognizes the positive impact Hawai‘i Pacific University makes on our state. With 9,000 students coming from more than 100 countries, HPU creates worldwide visibility for Hawai‘i, and ... contributes significantly to Hawai‘i’s economy,” said Frear Trust Chairman Sharon McPhee. “In addition, we are pleased to be able to play a role in [HPU’s] mission to attract students from all over the world to Hawai‘i, which promotes greater understanding and better relations among countries. HPU provides our Hawai‘i students with this very unique environment right here in our islands,” McPhee added.

“Hawai‘i Pacific University is grateful for Hawai‘i’s family foundations such as the Frear Eleemosynary Trust, for their contribution to the growth and success of our University,” said HPU President Chatt G. Wright. “The Frear Trust’s support for a new computer center will give our students the latest in high-tech equipment for innovative interactive sessions as well as hands-on learning of complex computer systems.”

The Frear Eleemosynary Trust Computer and Information Systems Center, a 4,000-square-foot facility, will have classrooms equipped with the latest hardware and networking equipment plus a tech-support and maintenance area in order to provide extensive class instruction and hands-on training in advanced software engineering.

More than 1,000 students are currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Systems, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Computer Information programs at HPU. The new computer center will allow for further growth in these degree areas as the number of students majoring in computer science and information systems increases, said Wright.

“The computer center, with advanced computer and telecommunications capabilities, will enable the University to provide the best education to the expanding number of students in our information systems and computer science programs,” added Wright.

The center is expected to be in operation by summer 2003.

Mary D. and Walter F. Frear established the Frear Eleemosynary Trust in 1936 for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. The Frears devoted themselves to the betterment of the people of Hawai‘i. Mrs. Frear helped organize the YWCA and the College Club of Honolulu, and was active in the Daughters of Hawai‘i. Mr. Frear served as a lawyer, a jurist, Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, and Governor of the Territory of Hawai‘i.