Real estate entrepreneur Jay Shidler's generous gift of $25 million to the University of Hawai'i's College of Business will surely do much good on campus, but the real value is in its potential to have far greater repercussions.

That's the payoff of a wise investment in public education, and the dividends to the entire state can be enormous.

Shidler says his donation is a reflection of his sense of pride and gratitude for Hawai'i and the opportunities afforded him. It's always heartwarming to hear of an alum giving back to his alma mater.

But this also should be seen as a major investment of private money into the highest levels of public education in the state. It's one that will provide much-needed scholarships for students and help attract the best scholars and teachers.

V. Vance Rolley, dean of the business college, has set a timetable of seven years to catapult the school into the top 25 of business schools in the U.S. That's a worthy goal. And it's a measurable outcome that makes sense considering the school's international focus and the state's proximity to the hot Asian market.

Indeed, the benefits are clear. A strong business school makes for a more vibrant business community. It also better prepares students for local employment and improves the chances that Hawai'i's best business students will stay here rather than go elsewhere for college.

Let's also hope Shidler's giving inspires others.

Imagine what could get done if other businesses and individuals stepped up to give to public education at all levels in the state. That support is crucial as budgets for public education are increasingly strained and schools are asked to do more with less.