The November 2004 Alumni eNewsletter contains:
Jeffery N. Bunker, Dean of Admissions and Records, recently reported the university is moving closer toward its long-range target demographics.
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Bunker also said he is concerned that two new federally mandated visa requirements will make it much more difficult for some international students to apply, but added that BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center have already taken steps to lessen the impact of these requirements for future International Work Experience Scholarship (IWES) students.
Bunker explained about three years ago BYU-Hawaii set a long-range goal for 35% of the student body to come from Asia, 25% from the U.S. mainland, 20% from Hawaii, 15% from the Pacific islands, and 5% from the "developing Church," or elsewhere.
"We have actually moved pretty close to those [percentages], with the exception of getting the mainland down to 25%,” Bunker said. He noted the Fall Semester 2004 breakdown shows Asian students comprise 24% of the student body; those from the U.S. mainland, 36%; Hawaii, 19%; the Pacific islands, 16%; and other, 5%.
"When we look at the student body, 30% is Caucasian, and the other 70% is non-Caucasian.”
"Right now we're looking at a very strong applicant pool from developed Asia. That's very favorable," Bunker said. "For example, the number of students from Taiwan has increased to 55. That's up about 40% over what it was three years ago."
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"Our largest group of international students comes from Japan," he continued. "At the start of the term there were about 150 Japanese on campus. South Korea is the second largest group with just under 100 students. Hong Kong is a close third. Among Pacific islanders, Fiji has 69 students, there are 75 from Tonga, 61 from New Zealand, 56 from French Polynesia and 49 from Samoa."
"The 19% from Hawaii comes out to 440 students. This number has increased slightly over the last several years. Clearly I attribute part of the increase to the Hawaiian Studies program. Another reason is the availability of scholarship dollars for freshmen Hawaii students. There's also been an increased marketing effort to get out to the various high school college preparation fairs, and a focus on meetings with high school counselors."
"For the last three years we've invited Provo, Idaho, LDS Business College and Seminaries and Institutes to come over and meet with Hawaii high school counselors. While they're here, we've also done CES firesides. The impact has been positive, not only for us but the other CES schools as well.”
Bunker noted that total enrollment this semester reached 2,511 — slightly less than the year before. "However, that number includes over 100 non-degree seeking students, including faculty and staff spouses, and ITEP [International Teacher Education Program] students in other islands.
He said that adjusting the numbers to "full-time equivalents" brings the fall enrollment to 2,330. "We're approved for 2,350," Bunker added.
The number of applications decline
Bunker noted that while BYU-Hawaii still has high entrance requirements, the number of applications has declined somewhat for several reasons: "We've actually seen a reduction of just under 50 in the number of transfer students. The main reason for that is because of BYU-Idaho going from a two-year to a four-year school."
"But the real concern for us lies in the impact new federally mandated visa requirement initiatives will have on our smallest and poorest countries."
He explained under the new regulations, a prospective student who has received a [Form] I-20 from BYU-Hawaii "now has to report to the U.S. consulate or embassy with the appropriate jurisdiction for an in-person interview. As part of this requirement, the student has to pay a $100 SEVIS fee, which is used to fund security initiatives that are being implemented on a national level. He also has to pay a $100 visa application fee in U.S. funds."
"This means many of our island students must go to Fiji or New Zealand just to apply for a visa," Bunker said.
He pointed out that a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education reports the new requirements have created "visa fears" among prospective students. "Last year across the nation there was effectually no increase in the number of applicants, and this year, for the first time since 1971, there was a decrease in international students. The second largest decrease — almost 6% — was from Oceania."
"Many students now feel the challenge, either real or perceived, is obtaining a visa. BYU-Hawaii is trying to fight the trend, although we have also seen a decrease in the number of applications this fall. It's too early to assess the impact of these requirements, but the university is doing some things in trying to be proactive," he said.
For example, in close cooperation with PCC, Bunker said BYU-Hawaii will assist prospective IWES students. "Just this month, we have identified a list of affected IWES countries, and we're going to pay the $100 SEVIS fee for the students from those countries at the time their BYU applications are approved and get them the receipts so they can set up the in-person interviews."
"Once they get here, then they can re-pay the fees based on a monthly deduction schedule," Bunker said; but he also noted the cost of getting to the interview will be a serious obstacle for many students.
"It may cost a person from Tahiti $1,500 to fly to Fiji and stay there for four-to-five days. Based on the expenses of traveling for the interview, we will reduce the amount of the family's contribution under the IWES agreement.
"This is brand new. It's been approved, but hasn't even been implemented yet. For example, if a family from Tahiti has a $2,000 annual contribution requirement, the university will reduce that contribution the first year to appropriately offset the increased travel burden of the visa requirement. We haven't even identified what those fees are yet, but they will determined."
Bunker added in the case of some of the lesser-developed island countries, the university is still working on details to allow IWES students to apply for a travel grant.
"For a lot of students, however, the impact of the in-person interview may be minimal. A student in Taiwan or Japan already has several options.
Bunker said the new visa requirements "just became effective this year. That's why it's hard for us to determine what next year's demographics are going to look like. If there's a silver lining in all of this, it's the generosity of the PCC and the Church in providing travel assistance to obtain the visa up front."
Graduation numbers are on par
In the meantime, Bunker said the number of BYU-Hawaii students graduating "remains at or near 500 per year. About 250-280 will participate in the December graduation; and, of course, we're all excited about President Hinckley coming. We've had a lot of students asking about the number of tickets available."
Bunker said he also thinks the percentage of international graduates returning to their respective homelands is increasing. "I think that's because of the combined impacts of initiatives the university has started; They emphasize and clearly articulate the intent of returnability from the admissions process through graduation."
He stressed that "with BYU-Hawaii's reinforced focus on career planning, placement initiatives that are being made to help students in-country, international internships that have been made possible through the generosity of friends who understand the divine mission of the university, I am extremely confident returnability is going to play a positive role in the interest of students coming here."
"When we go out and talk to Church leaders and potential students and their parents, nearly every one is strongly supportive of the returnability initiative," Bunker said.
"I believe we have the mission, and the support for the mission, to respond to whatever obstacles come up in the future."
President Hinckley to return to dedicate
Hale Laa Blvd., other projects
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The landscaping is in, the
lights are on, and Hale Laa Blvd. is absolutely beautiful. |
Following up on a desire he expressed a little over a year ago when he broke ground for the Hale Laa Boulevard beautification project, President Gordon B. Hinckley gave himself the assignment to come to Laie in December to dedicate the spectacular new gateway stretching from a meditation garden at Temple Beach along the beautifully re-landscaped road leading to the Hawaii Laie Temple.
When then-93-year-old President Hinckley was in Laie in October 2003 for the 40th anniversary of the Polynesian Cultural Center, he broke up the large crowd at the Hale Laa Blvd. groundbreaking ceremony with laughter when he said, "Hopefully, I can be able to make it [laughter], but to the contractor I want to say, hurry [lots more laughter]."
While in Laie this year, President Hinckley will also dedicate the new front entrance to BYU-Hawaii, address the December commencement, conduct a special mini-regional conference, and decide whether to dedicate the renovated Temple Visitors Center. The Visitors Center, which was tentatively slated for completion in December, will probably take until early next year to complete.
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Jubilee Calendar coming
A new Golden Jubilee souvenir calendar is currently at the printer's and
will be available in about a week for $10, plus shipping and handling.
The calendar features some beautiful new photography and original graphic
art, as well as a schedule of Golden Jubilee activities, historical notes,
a chapter listing, and greetings from our association president, Les
Steward.
Pre-order your copy now by sending a check (US$14) to BYU-Hawaii, University Advancement, Attention: Golden Jubilee Calendar, 55-220 Kulanui St., Laie, HI 96762, USA. For more information on the calendar…
Third annual Asia-Pacific Tournament
The third annual BYU-Hawaii/Polynesian Cultural Center Asia-Pacific Invitation
Basketball Tournament featured teams from Tahiti, Fiji, Guam and, of
course the Seasiders.
The 'Siders proved to be overpowering hosts by dominating the court, controlling the boards and generally demolishing the competition; but in the end they also proved to be good sports by sharing the spirit of aloha with the visiting teams. For more on this year's tournament…
Other sports reports
Cross country: BYU-Hawaii runner Chelsea Smith became only the fifth woman in NCAA II history to win two cross country individual championships when she successfully defended her national title on November 20 in Evansville, Indiana, with a 6K time of 21:33. Smith, who graduates a year early in December, won every race she competed in this past season.
Later that same evening, Smith was honored as the NCAA II National Women's Cross Country Runner of the Year. She was also recently named NCAA II West Region Women's Cross Country Runner of the Year.
More BYUH basketball: The Pacific West Conference defending champion Seasiders have been testing their mettle in two pre-season match-ups against NCAA Division I powerhouses BYU and 13th-ranked Louisville.
Hundreds of alumni and BYU-Hawaii friends in the western U.S. used the Seasider-Cougar game as a good reason to get together for the reception before the game. The 'Siders lost, 85-70, but the "sea of red" shirts in the Marriott Center seemed to enjoy the game, anyhow. Read all about it…
Back home, on the second night of the BYU-Hawaii Invitational Tournament, the Seasiders also lost to Louisville on November 20, 89-79, but they threw a scare into the Cardinals by closing the gap to within three points with under three minutes left in the game. More on that game…
On the first night of the tournament, the Seasiders shot a blistering 63% from the field -- including almost 60% from the three-point range -- to trounce Northwood University of Michigan, 104-63. Read more…
Winona State and Hawaii Pacific University were the other two teams in the tournament.
Earlier, BYU-Hawaii ranked at 20th in an NCAA II poll, which is the first time the Seasiders have been recognized with a national ranking at the opening of the pre-season. Last season they climbed as high as 15th in the rankings before ending at 25th.
Water polo: Most recently, the men's water polo team defeated 17th-ranked Whittier, 11-9, to claim a fifth-place finish at the Western Water Polo Association Championships, bringing BYU-Hawaii's record for the season to 16-4.
Also, for the third consecutive year at the conclusion of the tournament, senior Vanja Kalabic claimed First-Team All-WWPA honors and Jordan Brink was named Honorable Mention. Kalabic, a three-time All-American who led the Seasiders in scoring for the fourth straight year with 58 goals, ended his Seasider career with 299 goals scored.
Women's volleyball: The BYU-Hawaii women's volleyball team suffered a 11-12 losing season when they lost their final match to Chaminade on November 11.
In better news, outside hitter Noelle Filimoeatu from Lindon, Utah, Pacific West Conference coaches named the Pacific West Conference Freshman of the Year. Filimoeatu averaged 3.09 kills and 2.48 digs per game while playing 79 games for the Lady Seasiders. Also, outside hitter Yu Chuan Weng was named to the Pacific West Conference All-Conference Second Team, and middle blocker Lilly Tufuga gained Honorable Mention recognition.
Fans can log-on: BYU-Hawaii sports fans can now log on to Seasider games: Check the web site for schedules.
Remember, the Alumni Association office... is now located in the Aloha Center, where the Plantation Store used to be (by the front desk). Please stop by whenever you're in Laie. The University Advancement department has expanded into the Snow Administration Building space previously occupied by the alumni office.
Arizona: Chairman Kepi Foliaki ('95, Accounting) reports the chapter luau on October 23 "was a great success. The meal was soon followed by door prizes that included Hawaiian memorabilia such as coconuts, Hawaiian Sun soda, chocolates, BYU-Hawaii tee shirts, hats, and license plate holders that were donated to us by Rowena Reid and her crew from Laie. The evening came to a grand finale by the Tausala Dance Group, performing a Polynesian revue which took us all back to our days at PCC."
Event coordinator J. J. Newell ('94) added, "I am happy for the success and support of those alumni in the area. Marilyn Johnson was so kind to offer her home, and Kepi and his wife, Shauna, were a great asset to the whole event. I can't say enough about everyone and how helpful they were in helping us make this luau such a great success." Newell also indicated the next chapter function will take place in April 2005.
Nevada: BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway joined Las Vegas alumni on November 16 to share updates on the upcoming Golden Jubilee and officially welcome Mike Sanft ('98, English) and his wife, Kara Urie Sanft ('97, Psychology) , as chapter chairs. Mike, a former BYUHSA student body president, went on to graduate from the BYU Law School in 2001, and now practices law in Las Vegas.
Mahalo nui to outgoing chapter chairs Kurt Faux ('82, English) and his wife, Christie de Rama Faux ('78), for their years of service.
Washington, D.C.: New chairs Joseph Fa'amuli ('77) and Salei'a Afele-Fa'amuli ('76) held a chapter organizational meeting on November 13, at which the following officers were elected: Benjamin Billings ('96), activity coordinator; Yvette Yamagata ('96, Mathematics Education), secretary/treasurer; and Nikki Bullock, outreach coordinator, along with Yamagata.
Mahalo nui to outgoing chapter chairs Folototo 'Koko' and Noelle Aiolupotea for their years of service to the chapter.
1950s & 60s
In memoriam: Ralph D. Olson, dean of students in the 1960s and 70s, passed away November 6 in Ogden, Utah. At age 17, Olson started a three-and-a-half-year mission in Tonga and later returned there to serve at Liahona High School before coming to Church College of Hawaii, where he served as dean for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, Delsa. Their children — Dallas ('65), Blair ('68, Speech and Drama Education), Candis Olson Scoville ('68), and Kim ('71) — also attended CCH.
Judy Kimball Skinner ('57), who lives in Ramona, California, recalls when she was at CCH, "the classes were very small back then and as a class, we would get together to study after-hours for exams in someone's apartment. I always felt that we had the best education any university of the time could offer because of this. We all helped each other to do our best and to understand the material. I don't know what it is like today, but years ago, most of the students were using English as a second language and had to do all of their work, first in their home language and then again in English. These impromptu study groups helped those students as well as the rest of us who spoke English from birth. I only attended CCH for one semester, but the closeness of all of the students there at that time will always be a part of my life. I could only wish that every student anywhere in the world could experience working in a group like that, without competition, just trying to help each other succeed."
Congratulations to Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin ('64), Member of Congress for American Samoa, who was recently re-elected to his 9th term in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
Paula Matthews Yarnot ('67), who is now a high school English teacher in Boise, Idaho, writes: "My time at CCH was an equal blend of delight and dismay. The totality of time was worth a million bucks in academics and life learning in general. I regret most deciding to leave for the mainland and losing contact with faculty mentors and fellow students."
1970s
Annie Pinegar Jones ('71, Music) says her training in music "kept me playing the trumpet, and I still perform, which seems strange to some, I guess. Not many 72-year-old grandmothers play trumpet [smiley face]."
Congratulations to Alumni Association board member Falema'o Pili ('74, Accounting), who was recently elected a member of the American Samoa House of Representatives.
Bode Uale ('79, Political Science), a family court judge in Honolulu, recently succeeded Wally Thiim as president of the Honolulu Stake.
1980s
Anne Haenga ('87), who lives in Huntly, New Zealand, is a teacher in a Maori school. She writes: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at BYU, and hope that my own children will attend school there."
Rebecca Huier Chen ('89, Information Systems) returned to Taiwan after graduating, and began working in teaching English. "I am so very grateful for the wonderful knowledge I received from the School of Business. Even in an educational environment, teachers — and especially administrative people — need management skills. I am so glad for what I learned in school," writes Chen, who is in charge of a bilingual program in a southern science park.
1990s
Jared Martineau ('95, Psychology) and his wife, Eunyoung Kim ('95) live in Orem, Utah, where he's a staff psychiatrist for Intermountain Health Care. He writes that BYU-Hawaii had "quality professors, personalized attention, a positive learning environment, a real sense of caring and respect between students, a clean and tidy campus and the opportunity to learn from other cultures. I would definitely attend again if I had to do it all over again."
Lisa Merryweather Roberts ('97) is a counselor in the Beaverton, Oregon, school district. She lives in Cornelius.
Janey Allen Dunford ('99, English), who lives in Delta, Ohio, writes: "BYUH was such a great experience for me. The education was excellent, but what was more important was the exposure I got to other cultures and ways of life. I will forever be indebted to all of the international students that were friends to me and taught me how to open my eyes a little wider."
2000s
Jamie Johnston ('01, Exercise and Sports Science) lives in Escondido, California, where she's an operations supervisor for a college loan firm.
Megan Castellaw ('02, Hospitality and Tourism Management) now lives in Hermiston, Oregon. "I just wanted to write and remark that I am so grateful for the chance I had to be part of one of the finest institutions of higher education that there is. I learned more than can ever be expressed. Thanks to all of you who make it the place that it is."
Kathleen Crow Kerr ('02, Accounting), who lives in Columbus, Ohio, writes: "I loved my time at BYU-Hawaii. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I will never forget it or the friends that I made. I believe that the time I spent at BYU-Hawaii has better prepared me for life, both educationally and spiritually. I miss Laie and all the people that I met there while attending BYU-Hawaii."
Editor's Note: Having just enjoyed Thanksgiving, I want to say how grateful I am for the inspiration that led me to Church College of Hawaii and the great influence BYU-Hawaii has been in my life ever since. I also want to add my fa'afetai tele lava to all of you who have supported our e-newsletter by submitting updates.
— Mike Foley ('70, TESL), Editor
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The BYU-Hawaii Alumni Newsletter is published by the University Advancement office, under the direction of Napua Baker ['59-61 and '70-72], Vice President; Rob Wakefield ['75, Asia/Pacific LTM], Director of Communications and Media Relations; and Rowena Reid ['76, Social Work], Alumni Association Director. Brigham Young University Hawaii Campus is a four-year comprehensive undergraduate institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. About 2,400 students from 70 nations are currently enrolled.
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