Stand in the circles of family, Saints and the Savior

Elder Russell M. Nelson, a member of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1984 and an internationally acclaimed heart surgeon, urged 212 Winter 2003 Brigham Young University Hawaii graduates from 27 different countries to guard against spiritual degradation by seeking safety in the circles of family, Saints and the Savior.

Elder Nelson — Photos by Monique Saenz & Leilani Bascom

"Your experience here at BYU-Hawaii is different from that of students at other institutions," Elder Nelson told the new graduates in the Cannon Activities Center on December 13. "In addition to your secular studies, you have also been taught spiritual truths of eternal significance. That difference will become even more evident in the future as the gap between the world and the Church continues to widen."

"Through the years you will develop an increasing admiration for your alma mater. Memories made here will become sweeter when compared with the rude realities of a world ripening in iniquity," Elder Nelson continued. "Let that difference be accentuated because of your being a treasured son or daughter of God. Your personal integrity, trust and virtue will distinguish you from others who lack such noble attributes and character."

"Of all the precious truths you have learned, one of the most important is your privilege of living up to your great personal potential. Each of us has a religious responsibility to reach our divine destiny and also 'to keep...unspotted from the world.' That's not easy in this day of spiritual degradation," he said, explaining that the warning in the Word of Wisdom goes "far beyond counseling us concerning the substances we are to eat and drink. It was a warning that, in our day, people would literally and cunningly conspire to do evil to fellow human beings."

For protection against these "ever-present dangers," Elder Nelson prescribed the students seek the safety of the three circles.

"There is safety in the circle of the family. The family is the most important unit of the Church and of society. The Church exists, in part, to exalt the family," he said, pointing out we actually belong to a series of "interlocking circles that form a chain: We are children in one circle, grandchildren in canteen so on — linked together as foreseen by our loving Lord."

"Each of us has a religious responsibility to start a new family circle and to make that circle a strong link in the chain. You bearers of the Melchizedek Priesthood have been foreordained for that sacred privilege and responsibility," Elder Nelson said. "To you sisters, the Lord has declared that your capacity to bear children is part of Heavenly Father's plan, as prepared before the foundation of the world. Scripture tells us that as you become mothers as He planned, you glorify God."

"Spiritually strong families are forged by strong individuals within the family," he continued, citing the example to guard against pornography that can even exist in our own homes, wired directly over the Internet by "purveyors of pornographic poison. Self-control must be strong — strong enough to keep us from the ever-expanding evil plague of pornography."

"There is additional safety in the circle of the Saints," Elder Nelson said, noting that pioneer Church members migrating to Utah circled their wagons every evening for protection.

He encouraged the graduates to preserve their place within the circle of Saints by paying tithing. "Tithing keeps our names enrolled among the Saints and allows the blessings of the Lord to be poured out upon us."

"There is consummate safety in the circle of the Savior," Elder Nelson continued, noting this circle spans both mortal and post-mortal life.

"Here and now, we keep close to heaven by daily prayer and scripture study. Later, thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, we may be encircled in the arms of His love." Elder Nelson explained this "glorious embrace is implicit in the term atonement. The Hebrew word for atonement is kippur [...that] is related to the Hebrew word kaphar, which means 'village.' Many villages and towns in Biblical times were surrounded by protective walls."

"Thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, we may be encircled in the arms of His love," he said, and that when we each "leave this frail existence," our passing will be "precious in the sight of the Lord" [Psalms 116:15]. "How could death be precious?," he asked. "It is precious to a loving Lord whose arms reach out to a returning son or daughter. That's homecoming! It's another graduation day."

In conclusion, Elder Nelson invoked an apostolic blessing, "that you will continue to feast on the words of Jesus Christ and apply His teachings in your lives. I bless you with success in your families and in your further educational and occupational endeavors. I bless you with the wisdom and strength to seek first to build up the Kingdom of God and to establish His righteousness, that all needful things may thereby be granted unto you and your loved ones."

Elder Nelson and his wife, who accompanied him, also wished everyone a "very merry Christmas."

Earlier in the commencement exercises, BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway and Vice President of Academics Keith Roberts presented Elder John H. Groberg with the university's Distinguished Service Award. Elder Groberg, a member of The First Quorum of the Seventy, previously served several missions in Tonga and was also Area President for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

In accepting the award, Elder Groberg thanked his wife, Jean, and said he could not have done it without her. "None of us live alone. None of us live in a vacuum," he said.

"We appreciate BYU-Hawaii in so many ways. One of our sons graduated from here, and another daughter attended for a time," said Elder Groberg, who was recently the subject of the feature film, The Other Side of Heaven, about his youthful missionary experiences in Tonga.

"The stronger and purer our faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ, the better conduit we become for His healing power, both physically and spiritually, to flow into the lives of others," he added. "You have a deep responsibility to tell people everywhere to love and serve the Lord. BYU-Hawaii has helped you along that road."

This year's valedictorian, Sterling T. Swallow, a history major from Utah, encouraged his fellow graduates to "establish a life-long tradition of active learning. I believe the more men and women who seek the truth, the more peace we will have," he said.

Of BYU-Hawaii's 212 Winter 2003 graduates, 40% are international students.

Graduates enjoy final BYU-Hawaii luau

The December 2003 graduation banquet in the Cannon Activities Center, sponsored by the Alumni Association, featured a traditional luau menu and entertainment by the Polynesian Cultural Center's promo team. Kurt C. Faux ('82, English), who is a surety and construction attorney in Las Vegas, was the alumni guest speaker.

Faux's vivacious wife, Christie de Rama Faux ('78), who was a member of Showcase Hawaii, said she met him when he was a canoe boy at PCC. "He was the most handsome haole man. It didn't take too long to convince him it was a good idea to marry me." She added that when the couple went to law school at BYU, "we had nothing but our babies and each other."

Kurt Faux

Since then, Faux's legal practice has done very well in the booming Las Vegas construction business, and he frequently lectures and writes on surety bonds, Nevada construction law and legal ethics.

Faux said when he first came to BYU-Hawaii, "I quickly found out I had a lot to learn." For example, he cracked everybody up when he said one of those things was the orange part of the papaya is better to eat than the black seeds.

He added another lesson he learned that is "etched in my heart" and has guided his legal practice: "You must possess character beyond reproach. In my business, your credibility is absolutely vital."

Faux told of recently visiting a successful, well-educated client in Reno who asked him, "What do you find the greatest challenge in running your law firm? I responded immediately, finding good people."

He stressed the employers need people of good character, who come to work on time, are not afraid to share, are attentive to clients, and use the Internet for proper purposes. "It's very important to have those types of attributes," Faux said.

He added when he attends various national meetings, even without telling them, after a while people will ask if he's a Mormon. "They recognize character and conduct," Faux said. "If there's anybody who should understand character above reproach, it should be a graduate from this university."

Faux pointed out that developing such character was an important part of President David O. McKay's vision for BYU-Hawaii. "I can guarantee you the education you received here is beyond reproach," he continued, adding that one's character "is not necessarily demonstrated by pursuing the impossible dream, but by the little decisions and actions, including being a good father and mother."

In response, President Eric B. Shumway said what Faux said "was absolutely true. Every time I go somewhere in the target area...it never fails that I run into alumni. It's amazing that our graduates are everywhere."

He said he always asks them what BYU-Hawaii "has done for them, and how they're representing the school." One student replied, "BYU-Hawaii defined my life morally, spiritually and intellectually."

President Shumway told of meeting another young alum in the San Francisco airport who graduated 10 years ago: "He talked about his wife, his children, his six-figure salary. In fact, he's making twice as much as I am," the president said.

"I asked him what are you doing for the Church, for the Lord? He said, I'm doing my best. I teach 14-year-olds...young men who desperately need good role models," and added that they're now focused on service and becoming Eagle Scouts.

"I asked him how that came about. He said, I was a good student at BYU-Hawaii, but I wasn't a good man; but BYU-Hawaii helped make me a good man. Everything I do that is good these days, I thank BYU-Hawaii."

"The reason I'm saying this," President Shumway continued, "is when you understand the purpose of this wonderful campus...when you understand that David O. McKay actually envisioned you, there is an extra responsibility and stewardship that we all must bear as graduates of BYU-Hawaii."

"It is the character that shines forth. It is the integrity, the goodness, the things of God that radiate through you that will really make your experiences here truly what President McKay envisioned for you."

"Please know we love you and cherish you," President Shumway concluded. "May you always wave the BYU-Hawaii banner high — not as a flag, but in the way you radiate goodness and caring for others."

Earlier in the banquet program, Patchanok Kanjanapanjapol, one of six students from Thailand attending BYU-Hawaii on a government scholarship, told how the University "has changed my perspective when looking at people...regardless of who they are."

"I've learned that stereotyping is an obstacle," she said, pointing out that Thai people have a long history of poor relations with their neighbors in Cambodia, but here on campus she has made friends with them. Her parents came from Thailand for her graduation.

Siope L. Kinikini from Tonga by way of Salt Lake City was the other graduate speaker. He said he has learned two important lessons at BYU-Hawaii: "First, our education here has been a gift from our Heavenly Father. Second, only a small percentage of those who apply are accepted. Does that make any of us better? Absolutely not, but it should make us grateful."

"I am so grateful for the time I have spent here, and the people who have made it possible," he added.

 

Keith and Carol Jenkins double their matching fund
and place new emphasis on the Ma Manuhi'i Legacy Endowment

Keith and Carol Jenkins (right) and BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway sign the agreement extending the generosity of the Jenkins matching fund.

During their recent visit to BYU-Hawaii, Keith and Carol Jenkins committed a second million dollars to their matching scholarship fund.

The Jenkins of Leesburg, Virginia, who were in Laie to attend meetings of the BYU President's Leadership Council as executive committee members and also to participate in the Polynesian Cultural Center's 40th anniversary celebration, agreed to the generous additional contribution with several modifications to the terms of their original matching plan:

• The new Keith and Carol Jenkins Matching Gift Program (Phase II) focuses on student, alumni, staff and faculty donations made solely to the BYU-Hawaii Ma Manuhii Legacy Endowment. The Manuhii Endowment is a general scholarship fund named after the Hawaiian woman who helped care for the boy missionary Joseph F. Smith in 1854. In 1919 she was among the first Hawaiian Saints endowed in the newly completed Hawaii Temple.

• The Jenkins fund will match student contributions up to a maximum of $25 at a $6 to $1 ratio. For example, if a student donates the full $25 to the Manuhii Endowment, the Jenkins Matching Fund (Phase II) will provide an additional $150.

• The Jenkins fund will match alumni, staff and faculty donations to the Manuhii Endowment up to a maximum of $500 at a $4 to $1 ratio. In other words, the Jenkins fund will match an alumnus contribution of $20 with an additional $80.

• In the Jenkins' desire to influence the gift of "treasure" as well as the gift of "time and talent" from currently enrolled BYU-Hawaii students, their matching fund will contribute additional sums based on the percentage of students who either donate cash or participate in service projects approved by the President of BYU-Hawaii, at the following rates: $12,500 for 65% participation; $15,000 for 80% participation; and $25,000 for 90% participation.

Alumni Association board reorganizes
The BYU-Hawaii/Church College of Hawaii Alumni board of directors recently voted to reorganize the association, adding new directors from each of the schools and major divisions at BYU-Hawaii, and strengthening ties with current students and recent graduates.

Alumni president Mike Foley ('70, TESL) explained the association worked closely with the administration and faculty in setting up the new organization. "This change means our board now more closely mirrors the BYU Alumni Association and provides for more correlation and better communication among all alumni, some of whom are perhaps more aligned with their major departments than with the rest of the University. Of course, Provo takes this one step further by also having separate organizations, such as the management, law school and nursing societies, but this is a good move for us at this time," he said.

"We also added several new directors with close ties to current students and recent graduates; and last year, as we had new directors join the board, we took steps to insure a better geographical representation. We have since directed each of our board members to get more involved with alumni chapters in the areas where they live and travel," Foley added. "We will continue this initiative as we fill existing and future vacancies on the board."

The new board members, who were appointed by their respective BYU-Hawaii Schools, include:

BYU-Hawaii sports reports

Basketball: The BYU-Hawaii Seasiders put a solid spin on the early season by defeating top-ranked Humboldt State, 108-97, on November 29 in the CAC. Most recently the 'Siders defeated Notre Dame de Namur of California. 68-52, on December 13 in the CAC, bringing their season record to 6-2.

The team next hosts the Hawaii Surf 'N Slam Tournament on December 19, 20, and 22 in a round-robin play with Baylor, Northern Illinois, and San Jose State.

Volleyball: The American Volleyball Coaches Association recently named BYU-Hawaii sophomore middle blocker Chun Yi Lin to its All-America First Team for the second consecutive year. Teammates Yu Chuan Weng, an outside hitter, was named to the All-American Second Team and setter Kaala Lo was given Honorable Mention status. Lin, who is from Pingtune, Taiwan, was previously named the Pacific West Conference Player of the Year. Lin and Weng were also named to the Daktronics Pacific Region Volleyball All-Star First Team — Weng for the second consecutive time.

Men's water polo: The BYU-Hawaii men's water polo team finished the season ranked 16th in the Collegiate Water Polo poll released December 12 — their highest finish yet.

For more news of BYU-Hawaii athletics...