Wo International Center
History and Giving
History
The Wo International Center has its roots in the 1960s, when Sigfried Ramler founded the Foundation for Study in Hawai'i and Abroad.
In the early 1990s, Mr. Ramler was asked by Punahou President Rod McPhee to shape the vision and implementation of an international center. With a generous gift from Jim ’43 and Bob ’41, a dedicated facility was built in 1993. The 150-seat Luke Lecture Hall, honors a major gift by K. J. Luke and his family. The Center currently houses the Luke Lecture Hall, the Luke Center for Chinese Studies, the Siegfried Ramler Conference Room, three classrooms, and office space for Wo International Center program administration as well as for the Advancement Department.
When Sig Ramler retired in 1996, Bob Torrey and Hope Staab became co-directors of the Wo International Center. When Mr. Torrey retired, Ms. Staab became the Director in 1998 and built a program that has enjoyed national and international recognition.
For over 25 years, the Wo International Center has worked to integrate global education as a core part of the Punahou student experience. Our vision for Punahou students is that they will become global citizens equipped with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge required to flourish and to lead within an interdependent global society.
When Sig Ramler retired in 1996, Bob Torrey and Hope Staab became co-directors of the Wo International Center. When Mr. Torrey retired, Ms. Staab became the Director in 1998 and built a program that has enjoyed national and international recognition.
For over 25 years, the Wo International Center has worked to integrate global education as a core part of the Punahou student experience. Our vision for Punahou students is that they will become global citizens equipped with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge required to flourish and to lead within an interdependent global society.
Jim ’43 and Bob ’41 Wo
Jim ’43 and Bob ’41 Wo were a team in many aspects of their lives. After working together to take over and transform the family business, C. S. Wo and Sons, they continued their partnership in commitment to community organizations. The brothers’ exposure to worldwide business led them to support global studies opportunities for students throughout Hawai‘i. In addition to the Wo family's generosity, Jim served as a Punahou Trustee from 1970 until 2001, acting in a number of leadership capacities.
