Ralph Moltzau was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a high school student employee at the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, in 1929 he made the first successful graft of the macadamia nut which made it possible to produce selected stock for commercial purposes. Though offered a job with the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company upon graduation from high school, he was inspired by one of his teachers, a graduate of WSU, to go to college and subsequently enrolled in WSU to take special horticultural courses related to the macadamia nut. Ralph found a home in Pullman with Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity his first year at WSU. His new brothers were really helpful to him as a new student. After attending WSU Ralph returned to Hawaii to work for the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company, he worked in cooperation with the Experiment Station in horticultural research and the selection of the best varieties for commercial purposes. This research extended from planting a seed to putting the nut in a jar for sale. All of the above work made it feasible for the successful macadamia industry after the War. He was manager of the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company until it was sold in the 1960’s. Just before the war there was a hiatus in the interest in the macadamia industry which made Ralph move into the pineapple industry for the next 35 years.
Award Requirements
The interest income generated by this fund shall be used for scholarships for students interested in horticulture. The award will be based on scholarship and financial need. Priority will go to members of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.