Elaine and Bill Blitman

Elaine and Bill first got involved in 1976 with the Foundation for Study in Hawai‘i and Abroad as chaperones for 19 high school students in a short study program in Tokyo, Japan. After that, with the encouragement of Sig Ramler, emphasis and interest in global education became an important part of both Bill and Elaine’s professional lives. When the Wo International Center was created this interest and involvement was further strengthened.

During a 17-year connection with the FSHA and the newly established Wo International Center, Bill was involved in programs that brought high school aged students to Punahou and Hawai‘i. The students were from diverse areas, including Japan, Tahiti, Micronesia, China, France and Germany for the purpose of experiencing the rich culture that is Hawai‘i. Elaine provided support in her capacity as Supervisor and later as Curriculum Director.

It is this interaction between the youngsters from many differing cultures and experiences with those of the Punahou community as well as Hawaii in general that prompted Elaine and Bill to establish this endowment for the Wo International Center. In the interest of promoting and increasing understanding of all cultures it is hoped that Punahou and the Center will fulfill Sig Ramler’s and our vision of a positive global education experience.

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Punahou School

1601 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
808.944.5711