Maui philanthropists Dorvin and Betty Leis have donated $1 million to Maui Community College — the largest gift ever to the school.

The University of Hawai'i Board of Regents yesterday voted to accept the gift.

The regents also approved renaming the school's fine-dining facility the Leis Family Class Act Restaurant.

"We are very pleased to support MCC and its leadership role in sustainability," Dorvin Leis said in a news release from the college. "Higher education is one of our most powerful resources in creating a sustainable future and ensuring long-term prosperity in Maui County and the State of Hawai'i."

The Leises are well-known philanthropists on Maui. In 2003, the Aloha Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized them with its Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

Dorvin Leis is founder and chairman of Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc., the largest mechanical contractor in the state, according to UH. He serves on MCC's Provost Council and is a trustee of the University of Hawai'i Foundation.

The gift will establish an endowment to be known as the Dorvin and Betty Leis Sustainability Fund.

The fund will initially help the college's culinary arts, construction technologies and agriculture programs, as well as be used to develop courses in renewable fuels and energy conservation.

The University of Hawai'i Foundation will manage the endowment.

"Mahalo nui loa to Dorvin and Betty for their record-breaking generosity," MCC chancellor Clyde Sakamoto said. "I applaud their giving and their commitment to a better future to Hawai'i."

UH Foundation President Donna Vuchinich said, "This gift is a natural extension of the Leises' goodwill for Maui County, the University of Hawai'i and the State of Hawai'i. I thank them for their donation as well as their lifetime of dedication to improving our communities."

The gift is part of the UH Foundation's Centennial Campaign. With a $250 million goal, it is the most ambitious fundraising campaign the university has undertaken.

"Dorvin and Betty Leis' generous support of MCC's efforts in sustainability spotlight the talent and innovation that is thriving across the UH system's 10 campuses," UH President David McClain said.