Student-athletes at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa who grew up in Hawaiʻi will have more opportunities to succeed in school and in their sport, thanks to a generous endowment established by Rie Wong, a devoted supporter of UH Athletics.
The $1.05 million gift from Rie Wong establishes the Edwin & Rie Wong Endowment Fund to provide academic and student support for UH Mānoa student-athletes who are graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools. The endowment is open to men and women student-athletes in any sport and extends to helping them with the costs of attending summer school.
Ed Wong was a UH Mānoa alumnus and one of the founding members of the Nā Koa Football Booster Club who also served as its president. Ed Wong was posthumously elected to the 38th class of the UH Sports Circle of Honor in 2021, along with national champion high jumper Amber Kaufman, Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan and broadcaster Robert Kekaula.
During his life, Ed Wong served on the boards of various UH and community organizations, including the UH President’s Club and the UH Alumni Association, and was a successful businessman who served as senior vice president of Alexander & Baldwin and was chairman, president and CEO of Waterhouse, Inc.
“We have been associated with UH Athletics for many years and wouldn’t be able to make this donation without the great relationships from Hugh Yoshida, Jim Donovan and Coach June Jones,” Rie Wong said. “We are confident the future is bright under AD Craig Angelos and his team and hope this gift will encourage others to support and appreciate Hawaiʻi Athletics like we have.”
“Throughout the years, [Rie and Edwin Wong’s] support have impacted areas such as the Wong Hospitality room, Alec Waterhouse Weight room, and starting the Nā Koa Football club, and this amazing gift cements their legacy with our department,” UH Mānoa Athletic Director Craig Angelos said. “On behalf of all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, thank you for your dedication and loyalty to Hawaiʻi Athletics. Go Bows!”
