When It Mattered Most

In a moment marked by uncertainty and rising costs, the East-West Center community demonstrated what it means to come together with flexibility, resilience, and purpose. Through an extraordinary outpouring of philanthropic support, donors, alumni, and partners helped ensure that students and participants could continue their academic journeys while navigating financial pressures beyond their control.

During the spring of 2025, the East-West Center Foundation launched a scholarship fundraising drive in response to the urgent need to sustain student support. In just one month, more than $530,000 was committed by donors in Hawai‘i and around the world—an affirmation of confidence in the Center’s mission and in the students who carry it forward.

“The additional scholarship support enabled the Center to navigate through unprecedented uncertainties in our federal funding, and uphold our commitment to supporting degree students, both current and new,” said Kanika Mak-Lavy, Associate Dean of the Education Program. “Current scholarship students were assured they would be able to continue their studies and participate in activities integral to the EWC student experience, such as The Exchange weekly seminars and the annual International Graduate Student Conference.”

That support proved critical as the Education Program recruited new students for the 2025-26 academic year while providing reassurance to those already at the Center. Donor support also helped bring in new students eager to join the EWC community and contribute to its mission.

Alongside scholarships, donors’ generosity strengthened another essential element of student support: the Student & Participant Emergency Fund. Designed to provide short-term, one-time assistance during unexpected crises, the fund addresses challenges ranging from personal emergencies to broader economic pressures such as record-high food prices.

“The Emergency Fund provides an additional pillar of support to EWC students so they can meet their academic, professional, and personal goals,” Mak-Lavy said. “Unanticipated challenges—whether the sudden passing of a loved one or community-wide issues like rising food costs—can pose formidable barriers to students’ success and well-being.”

In several instances, emergency grants enabled students to travel home following the unexpected loss of a family member—expenses that would otherwise have been prohibitive, especially for international students. “The funds provide a measure of comfort and care when a student needs it the most,” Mak-Lavy added.

In the summer of 2025, alumni and supporters rallied again during the Student & Participant Emergency Fund Drive, raising more than $30,000. The effort was strengthened by a $10,000 matching gift from Greg and Karen Knudsen, demonstrating the power of collective giving during times of need.

Mak-Lavy emphasized that access to emergency funds reflects the Center’s values. “At the East-West Center, pilina— or relationships—are integral to how we work,” she said. “Having flexible resources allows us to deepen those relationships and respond to students’ most critical needs in meaningful ways.”

Students themselves have shown remarkable resilience—organizing fundraisers, adapting events, offering free student-led workshops and classes, and advocating for one another. Their creativity and commitment underscore how resilience at EWC is built not only through institutional support, but through community care.

Looking ahead, philanthropic support continues to shape the future of the East-West Center. “It’s not simply about the money,” Mak-Lavy said. “It represents a shared belief in our students—the next generation of leaders—and their ability to make positive change in the region and the world.”