The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Ralph and Joyce Hook, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business. Together with Shidler Matching Gift Fund, the scholarship endowment totals $50,000. The Fund will provide scholarships to undergraduate students majoring in marketing or graduate business students at the Shidler College of Business. This is the second scholarship established by Emeritus Professor Ralph Hook and his wife Joyce. In 1996, the Hooks established the Ralph C. Hook Endowment Fund for marketing students attending the Shidler College of Business.

"Dr. Hook is truly an inspiration to all of us for his life work in higher education and dedication to our College," said V. Vance Roley, dean of Shidler College of Business. "He embodies all that the school stands for — helping students to achieve the knowledge and skills needed in a global business environment, nurturing their community involvement and inspiring them to achieve their dreams."

"For more than 40 years, Dr. Hook has dedicated his life to enriching the lives of thousands of students," said Virginia Hinshaw, UH Mānoa Chancellor, "Through the Ralph and Joyce Hook, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Hooks will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our current and future students."

Ralph C. Hook has served as a champion of business and entrepreneurial education in Hawaiʻi for 40 years. As Dean from 1968-1974, he presided over the construction of the present business school building and enabled the college to gain AACSB accreditation for its MBA program. He later served as chair of the Marketing Department from 1983 to 1988.

Hook earned a BA in 1947 and an MA in 1948 from the University of Missouri. In 1954, he earned a PhD from the University of Texas. Before coming to UH, Hook taught at the University of Missouri (1947-1948), Texas A&M University (1948-1951), Kansas City University (1953-1958), and Arizona State University (1958-1968).

A respected professor at the University, Hook has been an inspiration to many at the College and within the Hawaiʻi business community. Throughout his career he generously gave his time and expertise to many business, civic and community organizations.

Hook received numerous honors for his accomplishments and contributions over the years including Hawaiʻi Jefferson Award for Volunteerism in 2004, Junior Achievement Hawaiʻi Business Hall of Fame in 2000, Marketing Educator of the Year in 1998, and the Wayne A. Lemburg Distinguished Service Award from the American Marketing Association in 1995. Hook’s other honors included serving as the Commandant of the U.S. Army Reserve School (Pacific) in Honolulu from 1974-1977 and advisor to Pi Sigma Epsilon, a national marketing fraternity, from 1974 until his retirement in 1995.

Following his retirement, Hook continues to advise the College on its programs and goals, and is an emeritus director on the board of the College’s Family Business Center.