Eric Chun ’89 Endowed Financial Aid Fund

Eric Keala Chun ’89 was a gifted waterman, arborist, sculptor, coach, dad, husband and friend to all. He was a member of Punahou’s inaugural ILH-sanctioned Kayaking team, and paddled for both Kayaking and Canoe Paddling teams throughout high school. Eric was also an incredibly gifted artist, taking after his mom, renowned artist Peggy Chun. He earned a degree in sculpture from the University of Hawai‘i and crafted beautiful and deeply spiritual pieces, often using wood he collected from his tree trimming business. In 2008, Eric was diagnosed with ALS and fought a courageous fight against the disease that had taken his mother, grandmother and aunt. Eric worked intensely to raise awareness and find a cure for ALS well before his own diagnosis, and campaigned fervently for new drugs and treatments. He participated in groundbreaking clinical trials, and was instrumental in gaining congressional approval for the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act. Eric’s “cohesive” ’89 classmates and friends rallied to his aid and passionately supported him, his children Indy ’18, Sawyer ’24 and cherished wife, Julia Graham until his body, but not his spirit, succumbed to ALS in 2022.

Eric’s joyful years at Punahou forged lifelong friendships, and deepened his love for the arts and ocean. This fund was established by Eric’s class of ’89 friends and supporters known as “Team Chunzy” to celebrate the memory of their beloved classmate. The purpose of the Fund is to provide support for students at Punahou who qualify for financial aid, with a preference for students who embody Eric’s kindness to all, and who demonstrate a passion for paddling, kayaking or the arts.

This form is for one-time gifts. If you would like to make a pledge, go here and from the drop down list under “directed to,” choose “Other” and type in Eric Chun ’89 Endowed Financial Aid Fund. If you have questions, please contact a member of the Punahou Giving Team!

Any personal data changes made will update your Punahou record. By checking “Anonymous,” your name(s) will be excluded from any future donor lists, printed or online.