Kauaʻi resort launches scholarship program

Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa has debuted a new scholarship program to support the continued education of its employees and their ʻohana.

The resort awarded $3,500 scholarships to 14 employees and their dependents this year “to help them pursue their academic and professional goals,” according to a recent announcement from the company.

Michael Murphy, general manager of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, said in a statement, “At Hyatt, we care for people so they can be their best. This scholarship program reflects our culture of care, learning and advancement for our team, and we’re honored to help empower our hotel ‘ohana as they take the next step in their educational journeys.”

According to the resort, recipients plan to use their scholarships toward furthering their education in trade schools, community colleges and four-year universities across the country, in programs such as nursing and culinary arts, pre-medical, welding and more.

“At Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi, it is our purpose to care for people so they can be their best, and that commitment begins with our own team and their ʻohana,” Bobby Raquel, director of food & beverage at Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed statement. “We are dedicated to supporting our colleagues in achieving their personal and professional goals, and that’s what inspired us to create this scholarship program.

“Whether team members are pursuing a career in hospitality or exploring a different path, continued education opens the door to greater opportunities and a bright future for them and their families. We’re proud to invest in their growth and honored to help them take the next step in their education journeys.”

The resort confirmed that proceeds generated from yearly fundraising events all went toward this year’s scholarship fund. This includes monies raised from the annual Bon Dance sponsored by Hyatt’s Asia Pacific Islander Colleague Chapter, the Colleague Golf Tournament and The Great Ball Drop, banana bread and Valentine's Day flower sales, among other efforts. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa's annual Bum Run goes toward other fundraising initiatives, officials said.

“We are excited to continue this scholarship program and hope to expand it in the years ahead,” Raquel told ASD. “We look forward to seeing our team members and their loved ones reach new milestones through education and thrive both in and beyond the workplace.”

The resort also supports local nonprofits such as Kaua’i United Way and YWCA Kaua’i, as well as the Surfrider Foundation Kaua’i Chapter for beach cleanups, among other community initiatives.  

Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa is a 605-room oceanfront resort that overlooks Keoneloa Bay. For more information about the resort, click here.

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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.