A Sense of Pride

Stephanie, a fixed income portfolio manager at First Hawaiian Bank, can pinpoint exactly when she found her calling. As a sixth-grader, her interest was piqued, and she credits Mrs. Ann Kennedy '63 "for teaching us about stocks. Because of her, it's where I found my interest in the financial markets."

Evan, an account supervisor at advertising agency MVNP, has fond memories of a freshman course.
"Interdisciplinary Curriculum Experience (ICE) combined biology, social studies and English. It was an odd mix, but Mr. [Harry] Grzelewski, Mr. [Mark] Hanington and Ms. [Terry] Yamamoto made it one of my favorite classes at Punahou," recalls Evan.

"Punahou has given us both so much. It helped develop who we are today. We're happy to give back in the hopes that others got to experience what we did, and develop the same sense of pride."

"Even though we had two different experiences, we had the same understanding of what Punahou provided us," said Stephanie. As staunch supporters, the couple has contributed to their Class of 1997 Legacy Fund as a way to further acknowledge Punahou's tremendous impact.

Their involvement is a way to show how proud they feel to be a part of the Punahou community. Stephanie's high-school enthusiasm (she was a cheerleader!) is in evidence as an alumna, rallying her classmates via social media and attending all Class Reunion meetings.

With a contagious Buff 'n Blue spirit, the Nomuras continue to be energized by Punahou. "We're so impressed with the different classes Punahou provides students. For a 171-year-old school, it still feels young. Punahou never ceases to evolve and improve. Punahou has given us both so much. It helped develop who we are today. We're happy to give back in the hopes that others get to experience what we did, and develop the same sense of pride."