Register now for Festival of Ideas and Alumni Week
Punahou’s inaugural Festival of Ideas will take place from June 7 – 9, with keynote speakers Steve ’76 and Jean Case opening the three-day, virtual conference focused on innovation in Hawai‘i and beyond. The festival is part of this year’s Punahou Alumni Week, with virtual programs and online gatherings scheduled from June 7 – 13.
Punahou has a long tradition of graduating world-changing innovators and global leaders, and Festival of Ideas will offer a range of opportunities for connection across the Punahou network through discussions, brainstorms, hands-on activities and workshops. Participants will have the chance to learn, share ideas, foster collaborations and even pitch ideas.
Case, a global tech pioneer who founded AOL and recently retired as a Punahou Trustee, will kick off the festival on June 7 with his opening address. His wife, Jean, chairman of the Board of National Geographic, and CEO of both Case Impact Network and the Case Foundation, is among the noteworthy innovators and entrepreneurs participating in various discussions and activities scheduled over three days.
“I’m excited about the opportunity the Festival of Ideas presents to explore society’s pivotal issues and further connect our students and faculty to the amazing community outside the walls of Punahou, especially our own alumni,” President Mike Latham ’86 said.
Events will be planned to accommodate most time zones. Meanwhile, Alumni Week 2021 will be a celebration for all Classes this year, with a full week of virtual offerings – live and prerecorded. Classes ending in 0, 1, 5 and 6 will be our honored guests and will enjoy special events and activities throughout the week.
Other featured online events taking place during Alumni Week include a State of the School Address with President Mike Latham ’86 and administrative leaders; a virtual Holoholo Punahou 5K run; and a virtual campus tour, culminating in the Saturday, June 12 Buff ’n Blue Together: Virtual Alumni Lu‘au.
“Our buff ’n blue spirit is strong, and despite the current challenges, we are connected to our traditions and to each other,” said Alumni Relations Director Doug Rigg ’84. “This pivot allows alumni from all over the world to join in the celebration, and we look forward to our biggest celebration yet.”