Trailblazers, changemakers and Class champions took center stage at the 2025 Punahou Alumni Association Awards, where a night of celebration honored those who embody the best of Punahou alumni values and purpose.
The “O” in Life Award, created in 1954, is the Punahou Alumni Association’s most prestigious award. It honors an individual who exemplifies the ideals of service to Punahou and the community.
“O” in Life Award
Constance Hee ’70 Lau
When Connie Hee ’70 Lau walks into a room, she brings with her not just decades of groundbreaking leadership and experience, but also a quiet strength and warmth that immediately puts others at ease. As one of the first women to rise to the top ranks of Hawai‘i’s corporate world – leading Hawaiian Electric Industries as president and CEO – Lau didn’t just break glass ceilings, she built new paths for others to follow.
Lau, a Punahou Trustee for nearly 30 years, was awarded this year’s “O” in Life Award by the Punahou Alumni Association. The award is the organization’s most prestigious honor, given to an individual who exemplifies the ideals of service to Punahou and the community. A luncheon in her honor was held on May 5 at the President’s Pavilion. Fellow trustees, past “O” in Life awardees, school administrators and family members were present to celebrate her.
“Connie was among the very first trustees that I met when I interviewed for my current job,” recalled Punahou President Mike Latham ’86. “Here was, I realized, a brilliant and experienced leader who was also extraordinarily kind. She encouraged me to stretch myself and really to stretch the School to pursue the goals that matter. And she was always supportive and encouraging.”
As a trustee, Lau has chaired several committees, including the Investment and Governance Committees, and also served as board chair for two years. One of her legacies, according to Latham, is Lau’s commitment to building a culture of leadership within the board of trustees and thinking carefully about the future of that group.
“She is knowledgeable and skilled,” said fellow trustee Ethan Abbott ’72. “She always has an insightful and interesting view.”
A Yale graduate, Connie received her MBA from Stanford and a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco. She began her career as a corporate attorney in San Francisco, and then returned to Hawai‘i to join Hawaiian Electric Company. She and her husband, Russell, a fellow 1970 classmate, raised three children, Jennifer ’04, Gregory ’06 and Eric ’10, who also attended Punahou. Nationally recognized in her sector and celebrated locally, Lau took on leadership roles when very few women had risen to that level. As a board member for Kamehameha Schools and the Consuelo Foundation, she has been a champion for fairness and pono, fearlessly stepping up during challenging times and rising to positions of extraordinary influence and impact.
“I am really, really proud to be an alum of this school. Punahou indeed made me the person that I am today, including that deep sense of responsibility for the community,” said Lau. “We know our school is special because when we talk with alumni, some of whom have moved far away from this wonderful place, they remember their years here with great warmth and emotion. It really is a community. And this is us. This is our community here.”
“I see a strong link between Connie and Punahou’s new mission statement,” said Trustee Wendy Crabb. “I think Connie is someone who, throughout her lifetime, has woven a mat that seats so many.”
Charles S. Judd Jr. ’38 Humanitarian Award
Awarded to a Punahou alumnus who has made outstanding contributions to society in Hawai‘i in the fields of public service, humanitarian or charitable efforts, arts, letters or sciences.
Ryan Catalani ’11
Ryan Catalani’s unwavering dedication to ending family homelessness sets him apart as a compassionate and visionary leader. As Executive Director of Family Promise of Hawai‘i since 2022, he has combined innovation, advocacy, and heartfelt service to support families experiencing housing instability across the islands. In 2024, the non-profit organization served 500 families, twice as many as the year before and an organization record.
Emerging Innovator Award
Created to honor and recognize visionary alumni who have demonstrated empathy and forward thinking and provided insight into a better, brighter future for their community and the world.
Jennine Sullivan ’07
Jennine Sullivan is a visionary leader whose work is reshaping the way Hawai‘i addresses food insecurity. As Executive Director of The Pantry since 2020, the organization has provided thousands of local families with nutritious and familiar food staples. She has transformed food distribution – modeling pickups after online shopping – and brought dignity, personal choice and cultural sensitivity to the sometimes stigmatized process.
Old School Award
Created in 1976, Punahou Alumni Association Board of Directors wanted to recognize individuals who support Punahou in so many ways and who exemplify the spirit of Punahou through outstanding service to the school.
Jean Matsukage ’50 Eldredge embodies the heart and spirit of the Punahou community – steadfast, joyful and deeply committed. A familiar face at countless buff ’n blue sporting events, she proudly supports her athletic family and their teams. Beyond the sidelines, Jean is a tireless volunteer who helps anchor key alumni traditions. From her participation at the annual Punahou Alumni Association Golf Tournament to her decades-long role as Class Correspondent, she brings energy and aloha to everything she does.
A self-described “campus brat” and son of a Punahou teacher, Rocky Higgins ’68 grew up roaming the campus and “living in the Lily Pond.” Rocky returned in 1973 as a coach with the varsity football team, then later took up a 30-year coaching career that included girls’ kayaking, intermediate and JV football, and boys JV and varsity canoe paddling. In 1998, he was hired as a full-time PE teacher, retiring in 2023. Rocky has passionately taken up the restoration of the Lily Pond and spends many days stewarding groups of volunteers at work days.
Heaton L. Wrenn III ’75 is a devoted member of his class, known for his welcoming spirit, kindness and unwavering generosity. A respected leader and connector, he has built friendships across classes, generations and affinity groups. Heaton recently chaired his Class’ 50th reunion, inspiring classmates with his personal outreach, including dozens of phone calls and regular Zoom gatherings. Beyond reunions, Heaton’s Punahou pride shines through his active role with the O-Men and school traditions – from picking fruit for Carnival to working the imu pit at Alumni Lū‘au.
Certificate of Appreciation
Mahalo to these alumni who were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Punahou Alumni Association for their dedication to their Class and the larger alumni ‘ohana:
Kellie James ’01 Schmidtke
Malcolm Leong ’88
Christina Chun ’01 Utoafili
Lauren Hiramoto ’01 Smith
Jimmy Bennett ’96 (not pictured)
Senior Award
Every year, PAA recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to both Punahou and the community. PAA is pleased to award each honoree $1,000.
Ashley Jisue Hong ’25
Hong is a curious and dedicated student whose passion for science and math has driven her to pursue advanced coursework and research, including a scholarly publication effort. She led the creation of the first-ever Carnival app, mentors younger students in math and biology, and tutored North Korean and Ukrainian students.
Hanalei Nesti ’25
Nesti is a standout student who embraces challenges with purpose and heart. She pursues Punahou’s most rigorous courses and is known for her ambition paired with humility. A passionate environmentalist, Nesti helps lead the Rocky Hill Conservation Corps and Key Club, while also engaging in creative and academic pursuits like drawing, writing, Model U.N. and the Artists & Writers Group.
Isaiah Tanaka ’25 (not pictured)
Tanaka is a driven and engaged student, known for his leadership in the Design Technology and Engineering Club and Key Club. He serves as a teaching assistant in elementary chess and AP Physics, competes in robotics, and volunteers as an Admissions ambassador and Outdoor Education counselor. Recognized for his problem-solving skills and enthusiasm, Tanaka also helped lead Punahou Carnival 2024 as a Division Head.