Myron “Pinky” Thompson earned his MSW from the University of Hawaiʻi in 1953. A noted leader in the struggle for the preservation and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture, he was at the vanguard of the Hawaiian Renaissance movement in the 1970’s. While serving as the Executive Director of the Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s Center, he helped revitalize traditional healing practices such as hoʻoponopono and dream work. With Kumu Mary Kawena Pukuʻi and members of the Hawaiian Culture Study Committee, he assisted in the development of Nānā I Ke Kumu (Look to the Source), a seminal, two-volume reference book on indigenous healing practices. Among his many career achievements, Thompson helped to establish ALU LIKE, Inc. and Papa Ola Lōkahi; served as a Bishop Estate Trustee, and as president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Throughout his life, he sought guidance through the wisdom and knowledge of his ancestors to pioneer modern day initiatives that would help ensure the future of Native Hawaiians and all people of Hawaiʻi. Pinky Thompson passed away on Christmas day, 2001. The UH Board of Regents approved the naming of the School after him on September 19, 2008. In support were his wife, Laura Thompson, daughter Lita Blankenfeld, sons Myron and Nainoa, U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, Papa Ola Lōkahi, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and the National Association of Social Workers, Hawaiʻi Chapter.