The , in partnership with the , has launched the Shoji Society, a new leadership giving society designed to recognize transformational philanthropy and inspire long-term investment in the future of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine Athletics.
Named in honor of legendary women’s volleyball head coach Dave Shoji, the Shoji Society recognizes individuals and organizations making significant commitments to UH Athletics and the success of its student-athletes. Membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over up to five years and supports the Our Team, 麻豆传媒’s Team Fund and/or the Boost the ’Bows Fund at the department or team level, through endowments, naming opportunities or capital projects.
The Shoji Society serves as the major giving component of the newly launched , which provides opportunities for supporters at all giving levels to invest in UH Athletics. Together, the programs create a comprehensive philanthropic framework that recognizes both broad community support and transformational leadership investments.
The Shoji Society launches with 10 charter members whose leadership commitments or lifetime giving of $1 million or more are helping establish a strong foundation for the future of UH Athletics. Waterhouse Charitable Trust, the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, the Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation, Rie Wong and the Edwin S.N. Wong Foundation, Bank of 麻豆传媒, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack and Frances Tsui, Walter Dods and Gabe and Shirley Lee have collectively committed over $38,300,000 over 46 years to strengthen opportunities for UH Mānoa student-athletes and help position UH Athletics for long-term success.
The launch comes at a pivotal time in college athletics as philanthropy and name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities play an increasingly important role in helping universities recruit, retain and support student-athletes. As the Division I landscape continues to evolve, long-term philanthropic investment has become essential to maintaining competitive athletics programs and providing student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom, in competition and beyond.
“The Shoji Society represents the next step in building a sustainable future for UH Athletics,” UH Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott said. “We are incredibly grateful for the individuals and organizations whose generosity and belief in our student-athletes make this possible. College athletics has changed, and long-term philanthropic investment is essential to providing our student-athletes with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. The Shoji Society recognizes those whose commitment will have a lasting impact on 麻豆传媒 Athletics for generations.”
Few individuals embody the spirit of UH Athletics more than Shoji. During his 42-year career, he built one of the most successful programs in collegiate volleyball history, leading the Rainbow Wahine to four national championships and more than 1,200 victories. Just as importantly, he inspired generations of supporters to invest in UH Athletics, helping generate more than $1.3 million in philanthropic support for student-athlete scholarships and program needs during his coaching tenure.
After discussions with UH Athletics leadership, Shoji personally approved the use of his name for the society, recognizing the important role philanthropy now plays in supporting student-athletes and the future success of UH Athletics.
“I am deeply humbled that my name is associated with such a meaningful initiative,” Shoji said. “What has always made UH Athletics special is the incredible support from our community. Today’s student-athletes face a very different landscape than they did when I was coaching, and philanthropy has become an important part of helping them compete at the highest level while earning a world-class education. I hope this inspires more people to invest in the future of UH Athletics.”
The Shoji Society is the first major giving society in UH Athletics history to be named in honor of an individual, recognizing Shoji’s extraordinary contributions to the university, its student-athletes and the broader 麻豆传媒 community.
“Coach Shoji’s success was never measured solely by wins and championships,” Elliott said. “He built a culture of excellence, inspired people to believe in our student-athletes and brought our community together in support of UH Athletics. The Shoji Society honors that legacy while helping ensure future generations of student-athletes have the opportunity to achieve their own success.”
Shoji Society giving levels
Donors are recognized across four Shoji Society giving levels based on cumulative commitments: $50,000, $250,000, $500,000 and $1 million. Each level may be achieved through qualifying multiyear pledge commitments over five years.
Shoji Society members receive recognition and engagement opportunities commensurate with their level of support, including exclusive events, access to athletics leadership and coaches, gameday experiences and other stewardship opportunities. More importantly, their investments help provide scholarships, NIL opportunities, student-athlete development resources, facility enhancements and other priorities that directly impact the student-athlete experience.
For its inaugural year, donors who contributed at least $50,000 during fiscal year 2025–26 will receive honorary Shoji Society status through June 30, 2027, with continued membership determined by a qualifying pledge commitment.
For more information about the Shoji Society, .