Hope Kuo Staab began teaching at Punahou in 1976 and was a pioneering educator who launched the Academy Mandarin Chinese language program and started Punahou’s global languages after-school and summer school programs. From the time Hope joined the Punahou ‘ohana, she gave generously to the School’s living endowment, now the Punahou Fund. In addition to her consistent unrestricted giving, Hope supported capital projects like Case Middle School and Omidyar K – 1 Neighborhood as those facilities were being constructed.
Hope was appointed co-director of Wo International Center in 1995 and in 1998 became its director, a position she held until 2013. Earning numerous honors during her tenure at Punahou, she was known as an inspiring teacher, a visionary leader and a good friend to students and colleagues.
In 2013, Hope named Punahou as a partial beneficiary of her 403(b) retirement account. Following Hope’s passing in 2014, The Legacy Fund was established through her bequest, and provides unrestricted support to the overall mission and educational initiatives of the School.
Ka Punahou Society honors individuals who have chosen to support Punahou through a planned gift. There are currently 290 members. Mahalo to the many donors who have contributed to the Ku’u Punahou campaign with a planned gift.
If you have included Punahou in your estate plan or would like more information about Ka Punahou Society and gift planning, please contact Carrie Ogami, director of gift planning, at 808.944.5845 or cogami@punahou.edu.
