Val Marciel ’57

Immediately after retiring, Val Marciel ’57 was contacted by his Class Reunion committee chair to lead communications for their 45th celebration. Not one to rest on his laurels, he happily accepted the opportunity and began to send email blasts and track the mass of information coming back from classmates. Thanks to his technological bent, he created a class website to better manage the inflow of notes.

That was 15 years ago. Remaining committed to his role, Val facilitated communications and the website for his 50th and 55th class reunions as well. “It was so interesting to hear about what was happening in people’s lives and what my contemporaries had accomplished,” he says. Reunion organizers value his dedication and call him the “backbone of the planning committee.”

Despite his tremendous contributions, Marciel is very humble. He has a jovial laugh, and it booms as he describes his 14 years at Punahou: “I’m not sure if I flunked kindergarten or what” and his teachers: “I always had crushes on them.” Jokes aside, he was an active member of the student body. He played varsity football, was a kahili bearer in the May Day court each year and sang in the choir.

Marciel met his wife-to-be at the University of Hawai‘i and worked at Hawaiian Electric Company for 38 years. As assistant superintendent, he was in charge of capital construction. He also worked with the Coast Guard Reserves to provide harbor security.

Today, Marciel shares his passion for singing in the Punahou Glee Club, performing at the third-grade lu‘au, Carnival and Reunion, and at retirement homes during the holidays. “Music is a form of expression that allows for a mental release,” he explains.

Dedicated volunteer, friend and organizer, the Punahou community is grateful for Marciel’s numerous contributions.