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For Immediate Release:

July 12, 1999

Contact: Cheryl Ernst, 808 956-5941, ernst@hawaii.edu

Steve Hirano, 536-5688

Http://www.uhwo.hawaii.edu/clear/aboutclear.html

Art Rutledge Endowment in Labor Studies Established at University of Hawai'i­West O'ahu

One of the most recognized names in Hawai'i labor history now also belongs to an endowment that will provide perpetual support for labor studies at the University of Hawai'i­West O'ahu.

Unity House President Anthony "Tony" Rutledge today signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Art Rutledge Endowment in Labor Studies at UH­West O'ahu's Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR) in memory of his father, who founded Unity House. Joining him for the ceremonial signing at the leeward campus were UH President President Kenneth Mortimer, UH West O'ahu Chancellor William Pearman, former Interim UHWO Chancellor Joanne Clark and CLEAR Director William Puette.

"It is fitting that this endowment be established as a tribute to the founder of Unity House," said UH President Mortimer. "Mr. Rutledge was one of Hawai'i's foremost labor leaders; his grasp of economic and labor policy issues and their application to collective bargaining is legendary."

"This check of $250,000 for CLEAR at UH West O'ahu reflects the Unity House's commitment to the state of Hawai'i," said Anthony Rutledge, presenting the inaugural donation that establishes the endowment. A special fund raiser for CLEAR is planned this fall to celebrate and expand the new endowment.

Income from the endowment will support labor studies at UH West O'ahu, said UHWO Chancellor Pearman. "The endowment will fund the Art Rutledge Lecturer in Labor Studies, who will serve as a faculty member for CLEAR at UH West O'ahu. Faculty development activities and projects that support the development and enhancement of labor studies as well as research projects consistent with the purpose and mission of CLEAR will also be funded," Pearman explained.

Details are being finalized to bring Nobel Peace Prize Winner and former Polish President Lech Walesa to Hawai'i to speak as part of the CLEAR fund-raiser, Rutledge announced.

 

-UH-