Shaping the Future, Strengthening Global Connections

L to R: Jeannie Rolles, Charles Salmon, Jr., and Carol Mon Lee

THE EAST-WEST CENTER STANDS AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN POLICIES, CULTURES, AND IDEAS— its mission extending from Hawai‘i’s shores to the broader global stage. For donors like Carol Mon Lee, Jeannie Rolles, and Ambassador Charles Salmon, Jr., their commitment to EWC reflects a shared belief in the Center’s ability to shape futures, whether through educational opportunities, innovative exchanges, or strengthening US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

LOCAL IMPACT, GLOBAL REACH. For Legacy Society donor Carol Mon Lee, education has always been a cornerstone of her life’s work. A former law professor and advocate for education, Carol established the Lee Bentley China Endowment Fund in honor of her late parents—Elsie Chang Lee and Mong Q. Lee—and her late-husband, the esteemed historian Jerry Bentley. “East-West Center is a cultural bridge, and one that encourages dialogue and understanding from both sides of the Pacific,” she shares. Her fund supports students and programs, helping to ensure the Center remains adaptable in how it allocates resources. “It allows East-West Center to be nimble in how support is allocated,” Carol says, “And the results are tangible.”

Her philosophy aligns closely with Hawai‘i’s communal values. “I’m not alone in supporting,” she acknowledges. “But I do know that we can all help.” For Carol, giving to the Center is not just about honoring the past—it’s about shaping the future, ensuring EWC remains a vibrant part of the educational and cultural fabric of the region.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO THE ARTS

Jeannie Rolles understands that access to cultural experiences is just as vital as academic support. In 2024, she established the Arts Program Transportation Fund, an endowed fund that helps cover travel costs for school groups, students, and audiences from Hawai‘i to attend EWC Arts Program activities—from gallery visits to live performances. It also provides funding for artists and experts collaborating with the program, providing opportunities for authentic connection and creative exchange. By making global arts more accessible to local audiences, Jeannie reinforces the idea that culture and education go hand in hand. Jeannie’s support of the EWC is grounded in her belief that “Through the EWC, I can touch the world from Hawai‘i,” reinforcing Hawai‘i’s strategic role in the region.

ADVANCING US INTERESTS IN THE REGION

Ambassador Charles Salmon, Jr., whose diplomatic career spanned decades across Southeast Asia, also sees EWC as a vital institution that plays an important role strengthening US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Having served as US Ambassador to Laos and in numerous State Department leadership roles, Charlie understands firsthand the geopolitical significance of fostering relationships through education and dialogue.

After moving to Hawai‘i, he sought to further that mission by establishing the Ambassador Charles B. Salmon, Jr. Scholarship to support students at EWC. “The East-West Center is unique,” he says. “It serves an important role with active alumni across the region and is an informal part of US policy. No place else does this quite like EWC.” Charlie’s deep involvement as an Adjunct Senior Fellow, former Foundation Board member, and former Friends of the East-West Center President reinforces his belief in EWC’s role as a strategic asset for the United States. Looking at today’s global landscape, Charlie sees the Center’s mission as more critical than ever before.

Every scholar and student who comes through EWC benefits from the generosity of donors. Whether they receive direct support or engage with others who do, the impact multiplies. Charlie’s personal policy—one shaped by decades of diplomatic service—is to continue investing in the Center’s future, ensuring that the dialogues and relationships fostered here continue to impact global affairs.

A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Carol, Jeannie, and Charlie share a commitment to the East-West Center’s mission. From supporting education and cultural endeavors to strengthening America’s ties across the Indo-Pacific region, their contributions ensure that EWC remains an essential institution— one that connects communities, nurtures global leaders, and advances international understanding for generations to come.