Sparking Innovation

John F. Scarpa received an honorary doctorate from Hawai‘i Pacific University in 2024. From left: Lance Wilhelm, John Gotanda, John F. Scarpa, Jennifer Walsh.

John F. Scarpa, pioneering entrepreneur in radio, cable TV, and cellular communications, has made a $700,000 gift to Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) to establish the John F. Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway—a bold initiative designed to spark innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across all academic disciplines.

Through the John F. Scarpa Foundation, Scarpa has made landmark contributions to institutions such as Villanova University and Stockton University. It also funded the John F. Scarpa Technical Education Center of Cumberland County in Vineland. 

Scarpa co-founded the American Cellular Network Corporation, the first publicly traded cellular company in the U.S., and UNITEL, which brought cellular service to rural areas across the nation. In 2024, he received an honorary doctorate from HPU for his enduring commitment to education and innovation.

“We are incredibly grateful to John Scarpa for his visionary support,” said HPU President John Gotanda. “This initiative will empower our students and faculty to embrace innovation, take risks, and lead with purpose. It’s a transformative step forward for our university community.” 

Formally launching in Fall 2025, the Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway will include:

• Faculty Change Makers – A flagship program awarding six faculty fellowships annually to embed entrepreneurial thinking across HPU’s colleges.

• Scarpa Entrepreneurship Challenges – First-year student competitions focused on both traditional and social entrepreneurship.

• Entrepreneurs in Residence – Real-world innovators who will mentor students and share their experiences.

Entrepreneurship is about more than starting businesses. It’s about solving problems, taking initiative, and creating value for others. Scarpa sees this gift as an investment in HPU to educate the next generation of changemakers.

“I am providing the funding to launch this groundbreaking initiative—the John F. Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway at HPU—with tremendous enthusiasm and joy,” said Scarpa. “It is critical that our educational institutions move forward with vision and opportunity and innovation so that our youth today are prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow’s world. I am excited to see how transformative this Entrepreneurial Pathway can be for both students and faculty.”