HYS Hires Its First-Ever Director of Advancement!
“It is an honor to get to work with the inspiring staff and musicians of HYS. I am proud to have been given the ability to work on developing more enhanced relationships within the community to advance the opportunities and engagements of the HYS organization.”
—Rudy Rückmann, Director of Advancement
Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) is proud to introduce its first-ever Director of Advancement, Rüdiger Rückmann, commonly known as “Rudy.” Rudy will be joining the HYS team on October 19, 2020 and will work to further HYS’ vision to make music a right, not a privilege, for the students of Hawaii and beyond.
“As we continue to cultivate a culture of philanthropy to better serve our students and community, we are thrilled to welcome Rudy Rückmann into our HYS ohana,” said Randy Wong, President of Hawaii Youth Symphony. “A seasoned fundraiser and talented, worldly individual, Rudy brings his appreciation for music and learning, along with his wonderful experience in donor stewardship and engagement, to this new position for HYS. We are confident he will be a great resource for strengthening support of our organization, and our ongoing efforts to develop youth to their fullest potential, broaden access to music education, and seek new opportunities.”
In his new post, Rudy Rückmann will direct HYS’ advancement and fundraising, to include annual appeals, special events, legacy giving, corporate sponsorships. He will seek new donors and deepen relationships with existing partners, community leaders, and families.
A former Fulbright scholar, speechwriter for a Japanese Embassy, and tennis writer, Rudy has worked as a Director of Development or Advancement for more than 20 years. He most recently led Pacific Buddhist Academy’s Advancement Office where he worked since he and his family moved to Hawaii in 2014. Growing up in Appalachia, Rudy played the piano, trumpet, and bassoon, and was a member of the Chautauqua Youth Orchestra.
“It is an honor to get to work with the inspiring staff and musicians of HYS,” said Rudy Rückmann, Director of Advancement. “I am proud to have been given the ability to work on developing more enhanced relationships within the community to advance the opportunities and engagements of the HYS organization.”
In addition to his musical achievements, Rudy has finished 29 marathons and is a published journalist and poet. Rückmann’s musical grandfather was also a concert pianist in the Rust Belt.
For more information on Hawaii Youth Symphony, please visit www.www.hiyouthsymphony.org. For information on additional staff and faculty members, please visit https://www.hiyouthsymphony.org/about/faculty-staff/.
About Hawaii Youth Symphony
Established as a non-profit organization in 1964, the Hawaii Youth Symphony promotes and celebrates the importance of music study on academic achievement and social-emotional development. Its programs service youth through orchestral music education, performances and community engagement. Each year, the organization serves more than 600 students ages 7 through 18 from over 100 schools statewide. For more information, call (808) 941-9706 or visit HiYouthSymphony.org.
Say Hi to Rudy!
Rudy@HiYouthSymphony.org
(808) 941.9706 ext. 300
