Michael Pietsch ’64

A Hawai‘i businessman, champion of children’s education and one of Punahou’s longest serving trustees, Pietsch was honored with Punahou Alumni Association’s (PAA) 2024 “O” in Life Award at a special luncheon in May. 

Pietsch’s 34-year term at Punahou spanned three presidents – Roderick F. McPhee, James K. Scott ’70 and current president Michael E. Latham ’86. He served as Board Chair from 2001 – 2004, and left an indelible stamp on the Punahou campus as chair of the Buildings and Grounds, Audit and Compensation and Scholarship committees. He retired from the board in June 2022.

“Mike has very much been a proponent for melding the new with the old,” said Trustee Constance Hee ’70 Lau. “Even when I joined the board, almost 30 years ago, there weren’t very many women on the board. Mike was very invested in broadening the diversity of the board and the different representations. It was so important that Punahou really represent the whole community.”

Pietsch prioritized the student experience and valued international understanding and life-changing service learning. He and wife Judy, a former college counselor in the Academy, have generously supported student travel opportunities to expand educational horizons.

In addition to serving at Punahou, Pietsch is chief executive officer of Title Guaranty, a family business that is Hawai’i’s oldest and largest title research and insurance company. He and Judy have been steadfast supporters of children and education throughout Hawai‘i, and have backed important causes at organizations like the University of Hawai‘i, St Andrew’s Schools, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Children’s Discovery Center, Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Hawai‘i and the YMCA of Hawai‘i.

“He is a consummate leader, but quietly. He doesn’t need accolades or awards. He doesn’t look for them. And of course, that makes this award that much more meaningful,” said colleague and former Board member David Fairbanks ’58. 

The Pietsch family ties to Punahou run deep. Mike’s mother, Leslie Long ’39 Pietsch and brothers David ’62 and James ’69 attended Punahou, as did Mike and Judy’s children, Stephanie ’93, Michael ’96 and Noel ’00. Their family legacy continues with grandchildren Aka ’25, Makayla ’27, Nalu ’28, Madeline ’29, Eliza ’31 and Jordan ’34 who attend or have attended Punahou. 

“I thought it was fantastic that Mike was honored with this award,” said Lau, “because he really has exemplified Punahou. It has been his great, great, love, so it’s wonderful to see Mike honored this way.”