Marcia Reed '54 Wythes

After attending the University of Washington, Wythes studied French and history at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, but says "Punahou made me so much of who I am today. I believe it's our responsibility to remember the education we received and to help others receive that same benefit."

In 2004, she presented a gift in honor of her 50th reunion. Through the Marcia Reed '54 Wythes Endowed Scholarship Fund, students have access to "the best teachers and the best education," says Wythes. "The teachers that I had when I was at Punahou were as good, and in many cases, better, than any I had at the university level."

Although Wythes resides in California, with husband Paul, she also finds time to stay involved with the Punahou community. She revisits campus every Reunion, spends each January on the Island of Hawai'i, and regularly keeps in touch with classmates. "A small group of Punahou alumni in Northern California gather to occasionally hear about Punahou activities, and, of course, 'talk story,'" Wythes says.

For Wythes, a mother of three and grandmother of eight, if education and family are her life's work and passion, then "doing good for others" is a way of life – something she has been sharing with others for the past 50 years.