Additional Bulletin Coverage Winter 2018: Aloha President Jim Scott
By Erin Teruya ’93 Kinney
Continuing his worldwide farewell tour, this time in California, President Jim Scott ’70 bid alumni and friends a fond aloha and mahalo ahead of his retirement from Punahou at the end of June.
Earlier this year, Punahou Alumni Association Northern California and Punahou Alumni Association Southern California each hosted a reception to celebrate Scott’s 25-year tenure as president. Guests at both events were treated to orchid lei, commemorative wine glasses, Punahou-baked caramel cuts and touches of buff and blue decorations and spirit.
Scott was appreciative of the send-off and reflective as he addressed the crowd at the Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco, noting that he had given diplomas to about a third of the guests in the room. “When I came to Punahou in 1994, I challenged the community to imagine a big vision for the School,” he said. “I really believe that people and resources are attracted to a big vision, a place that’s always looking at itself in the mirror, always in the process of becoming.”
The California events were preceded by similar receptions in London, Portland, Seattle, Boston, Washington, D.C. and New York City. The farewell tour then continued to Tokyo in late March, and a final event to honor Scott’s distinguished legacy is scheduled for June 5, in Honolulu.
President-elect Dr. Mike Latham ’86, who begins his Punahou presidency in July, was among the alumni who attended the Los Angeles reception at the California Yacht Club.
Parting Gifts to Jim
U.S. Flag
The flag was given to Jim by the Punahou Alumni Association Mid-Atlantic chapter. At the request of U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, the flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of Jim’s 25 years of leadership at Punahou and dedication to advancing education in Hawai‘i.
Baseball Jersey
The Punahou Alumni Association gave this gift to Jim at the Punahou Alumni Association Golf Tournament in March. The jersey is the number he wore when he played baseball at Punahou.
Football Helmet
This helmet from the 1971 Punahou football team was presented by Meade Wildrick ’73, in Southern California. Wildrick had been holding on to the helmet since he graduated, and felt it was time to return it to the School. He was close to Doug Scott ’73 – Jim’s brother – who passed away several years ago.
During his 25 years as Punahou president, Jim Scott ’70 led efforts to rebuild the Junior School with inspired learning environments. The School is also more economically and ethnically diverse, 20 percent of students receive financial aid, and students continue to achieve in academics, athletics and the arts.
As part of the Ku‘u Punahou campaign, there are two funds dedicated to Scott’s legacy. To contribute, please visit www.punahou.edu/givenow.
James Kapae‘alii Scott ’70 Playground at Sidney and Minnie Kosasa Community for Grades James Kapae‘alii Scott ’70 Endowed Financial Aid Fund