The June 2005 Alumni eNewsletter contains the following:
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, reminded the 248 June 2005 graduates of Brigham Young University Hawaii that they are "the beneficiaries of prophetic vision, freely contributed labor, professional direction and instruction, and the tithes and sacrifices of millions."
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson (photo by Monique Saenz) |
"You cannot directly repay those whose service and contribution have blessed you with the capacities, talents, and opportunities that are now yours. Many of those to whom you owe such a great debt are, in any case, now beyond the veil," he told the graduates in the BYU-Hawaii Cannon Activities Center on June 18. "But your life and your service and your contribution can bless others in the years ahead as you have been blessed. That will be a fitting expression of gratitude to all who have, directly and indirectly, helped you, and really, they ask no other reward."
Elder Christofferson, who currently has supervisory responsibility for the North American Southeast Area, based the core of his commencement address on three purposes President David O. McKay outlined in his December 1958 dedicatory prayer after labor missionaries completed the first phase of building the Church College of Hawaii campus (which became BYU-Hawaii in 1974):
"...for the blessing of students..."
"You have been blessed to learn in an environment that recognizes the value of both reason and faith, an environment that respects and searches out all truth," said Elder Christofferson, adding that he hoped the "jubilee graduates" would continue to follow the Savior's enjoinder to "seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118).
"I hope no one here ever seriously thought that graduation would represent the end of learning. You must stay up to date with the current fruits of science and reason, and you must pursue spiritual knowledge and understanding with even greater vigor. Don't lose your balance, the balance found in your education at Brigham Young University Hawaii."
"We sometimes categorize truth in different subject areas and distinguish between religious and scientific truths. In time to come we will discover that these distinctions are actually differences in ways and means of learning and that truth does not conflict with truth. Rather all truth is part of one great and complete whole," he continued.
"In the meantime, we must be humble enough to recognize that there is much we do not know, much that will yet be learned and revealed in time and eternity."
Elder Christofferson also pointed out that their BYU-Hawaii education had not abandoned them to the relativism which Korihor seductively summarized [Alma 30:17, 16] that "every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength...."
"You graduates have been blessed with witnesses of enduring, unchanging truth, with sure standards of righteous conduct, with encouraging examples among professors and peers, with a knowledge of the great plan of happiness. Accordingly, you are men and women of great promise. Never let this blessing slip from your grasp by relaxing your devotion to the truths and standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
"...for the advancement of Thy Church..."
Elder Christofferson noted BYU-Hawaii's 50th anniversary golden jubilee year is also the 175th anniversary of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.
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"Have you ever pondered what a blessing it is to live in this day and time when the Church of Jesus Christ is here, stable and prospering?" he asked. "Have you wondered at the fact that not only are you on the earth when the Church, the priesthood, and the gospel of Jesus Christ are present, but that you have become a part of it all? Why is that, and what does it mean? Only your Heavenly Father can fully answer such questions, but at a minimum you must acknowledge that this blessing, deserved or not, is overwhelming."
"With the benefit of your BYU-Hawaii education, how can you use your experience to advance the Church and its work?" he challenged. "I would suggest that your greatest contribution to the advancement of the Church, and the world, will be your witness of Jesus Christ, a witness that I am sure has been clarified and deepened by your experiences here."
"That we have a Redeemer makes all the difference here and hereafter. It is the work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to proclaim this witness and to bring to all who will receive it the saving grace of the Son of God. Without your witness, people (including your own children) will not have faith in Him nor repent nor receive the covenants essential for salvation," Elder Christofferson said.
"With your witness, others will find faith and be encouraged to seek this Jesus and the eternal life He offers. But your witness must be more than words. Others must be able to see in your conduct and countenance as well as your speech something of Him. Your greatest contribution will be the peace and happiness they see in you, even in difficult moments, understanding from the example of your life that the pathway to joy lies in obedience, sacrifice, and consecration to the Lord, Jesus Christ."
"...for the blessing of mankind..."
Elder Christofferson also told the graduates he believe the Lord expects them to become a blessing to the peoples and regions from which they came, citing several ways they can be of specific help:
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2005 island-style graduation: Brother and sister Paliku (left) and Kieiki Kahalepuna, who also served together as student body VP and president, respectively. |
"You can and should be those who bring integrity to business enterprises. Such enterprises develop resources and products that contribute to the welfare, health, and happiness of God’s children. They provide honorable work to men and women and means of sustenance for themselves and their families."
"You can and should be those who bring integrity, wisdom, and sound administration to government," he said, reminding the graduates that "governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them" (D&C 134:1).
"You can and should be those who improve agriculture, advance science and medicine, serve in the law, promote excellence in the trades, and further develop the wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) world of technology. Many specifics could be mentioned, but you will be relieved to know that I am not going to discuss all the possibilities. What is important is that you remember what constitutes greatness in your life and vocation."
"You can and should be those who use your skills and talents, your mind and learning, to be of service to your fellowman, to bless as many in this world as your positive influence can possibly reach."
"Remember that, above all else, it will be in the seemingly small things and in your own home and family where your life will have its greatest impact."
"And so as you go forward from this pinnacle of achievement, I ask you to remember the prayer of a prophet at the inception of this school — that Brigham Young University Hawaii be a blessing to its students, advance the Church of Jesus Christ, and bless all mankind," Elder Christofferson said.
"You are here at this time according to the foreknowledge of God, and He has been preparing you to be a blessing to those among whom you will live and work and raise your families. May each of you fulfill the divine destiny and mission He has given you...and may the blessings of eternity be yours now and forever."
Other commencement news
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Dr. Hammond |
BYU-Hawaii presented its prestigious Distinguished Service Award to retired professor, Dr. Dale A. Hammond, who started teaching at CCH in 1959 when he established the first chemistry program and lab on campus. Over the decades he also taught math, geology, oceanography and natural history, in addition to putting in place the record-keeping and other mechanisms necessary to the foundation of the university. He retired in 2003.
Dr. Hammond served for many years as an officer and board member of the Laie Community Association and rendered significant input during the early 1990s when the community was dealing with planning and environmental issues. He was also a former BYU-Hawaii 9th Ward bishop, and is currently serving along with his wife, Carol Hammond ('89, Elementary Education), as director of the Laie Family History Center.
In part the citation reads that Dr. Hammond was honored "...for his progressive organizational skills which helped build this university; the willing enthusiasm he brings to every assignment; his goodness of heart and genuine spirit of service to others; his abiding love of the Lord and His children; his absolute dedication to his calling of teacher; and for his unfailing faith in the ability of the students of this university to effect change for good in the world beyond their studies."
"It's very humbling for me to receive this award," Dr. Hammond responded. "I'm greatly honored to be placed in the company of the past awardees. Thank you very much. God bless this great institution."
Earlier in the commencement program, BYU-Hawaii valedictorian Alisi Langi ('05, Political Science) — the daughter of alumni Samuela Langi ('67, Social Sciences Education) and Dorian Thoene Langi ('70, Elementary Education) of Laie — told the audience that "as a student, I thirsted after knowledge. I asked many questions, had a few answers, and have asked many, many more."
Langi recalled a devotional by Elder David Bednar, now of The Quorum of the Twelve, in which he challenged the students who had been given much in the way of educational facilities and teachers, to do more. "Have you risen to this challenge?" she asked. "Personally, the challenge for me has not been to develop a desire to learn, but rather to answer the question of what I am going to do with what I have learned."
In officially inducting the graduates, Alumni Association President Les
Steward ('73, Business
Management) urged them to "always remember those who made it possible for
you to be here this day: Your parents, your family, your priesthood leaders,
the labor missionaries, and the many wonderful individuals in and out
of this great Church who have given generously of their means to build
these buildings and to provide the scholarships that have made it financially
possible for you and I to have our education."
"Every one of you now has a responsibility to do your part in replenishing
the bishop's storehouse, like so many others before you have done," he
said. "When your time comes, we hope you give generously so that others
may come behind you to enjoy the same blessings you have gained here
on this great campus."
"Elder Christofferson and President Shumway, in behalf of the graduates and the thousands of alumni worldwide, I express deep appreciation and mahalo to you, the Board of Trustees, the administration, the faculty and staff for your faith and investment in the young adults of the world. We deeply appreciate the spiritual and temporal knowledge we have received from this great university: For the caring and generous efforts of faithful professors, Church education and labor missionaries, and the spiritual leaders of the campus stakes and wards and the Laie Hawaii Temple."
"God bless each of you new graduates in your new endeavors," he added. "We love you. You are the lights to the world President David O. McKay envisioned."
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Gladys Knight to perform first-ever Hawaii
concert as part of Golden Jubilee
Eleven-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight
will perform her first-ever live concert in Hawaii on Saturday, October
15, at Brigham Young University Hawaii to help launch a week-long celebration
of the university's 50th anniversary "golden
jubilee" (1955–2005).
The concert will be held in the BYU-Hawaii Cannon Activities Center, starting at 7:00 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are on sale at the university's Aloha Center front desk (phone 808-293-3545) and at all Ticketmaster™ outlets.
Knight, who most recently won her 11th Grammy for the duet, Heaven Help Us All with Ray Charles, has wowed audiences for over five decades in a wide variety of rock and roll, R&B, soul, pop, adult contemporary and inspirational music as well as stage and screen acting and television appearances. She has won numerous other awards, including gold and platinum records, a Clio for advertising, a Cable Ace for producing, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and places in both the Rock 'n Roll and Rhythm and Blues Halls of Fame.
More recently Knight, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which opened BYU-Hawaii in 1955, has formed Saints Unified Voices, a multi-cultural choir based in Las Vegas that includes approximately 20 BYU-Hawaii alumni. She and an ensemble of Saints Unified Voices members will present a fireside on Sunday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the BYU-Hawaii Cannon Activities Center for community members, with a repeat performance at 8:00 p.m. for students.
"We're absolutely thrilled to have Gladys Knight come to our campus as part of our 50th anniversary celebration to perform for our students, faculty and staff, and community," said BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway. "Along with her great music, she brings a passion for building multi-cultural understanding that has been a hallmark of our campus mission for the past 50 years."Fine Arts display seeks submissions
BYU-Hawaii alumni artists and others affiliated with the university in
any way are invited to submit
pictures online of their art pieces for consideration, or mail the pictures
to Netta Memea ('72, Business: Executive Assistant), BYUH Fine Arts Dept.
#1953, 55-220 Kulanui Street, Laie, HI 96762; or call 808-293-3892 for more information.
The art exhibit will be on display during the Golden Jubilee week.
Other reminders and repeat notices
The following items have previously run in our Alumni eNewsletter and
other places, but are still timely:
Chinese society holds first-ever conference
outside Asia at BYU-Hawaii
The university's Center for Instructional Technology and Outreach
(CITO) hosted the Global Chinese Society for Computers in Education annual
international conference, which was held for the first time ever outside
Asia on our campus. Faculty member Dr. Yee-Kong
Peter Chan ('95, Information
Systems), a member of the Alumni Association board of directors, chaired
the local organizing efforts for the prestigious conference. Read
more here
. . . and still
more here...
School of Business honors Yamagata, Kimball
The BYU-Hawaii School of Business named Gene Yamagata, founder of Yamagata
Enterprises and a major BYU-Hawaii benefactor, as its annual Executive of
the Year, and the faculty selected accounting professor
Kevin Kimball as Professor of the Year during the school's graduation banquet
on June 17.
Dean Brent Wilson explained that Yamagata "has made financial contributions that are used to support international students when they travel on internships. He is also supporting the activities of the Center for International Entrepreneurship, and his Yamagata Foundation is co-sponsoring with us the business plan competition that will occur this fall in Japan."
Dean Wilson also explained that Kimball, a CPA formerly with Deloitte Touche in Luxembourg who came to BYU-Hawaii in '97, "has been one of the leading faculty members in terms of using technology in teaching, and has been instrumental in introducing and helping other faculty to use technology not only in the classroom, but in having students using computers in technologically advanced concepts."BYU-Hawaii students help out
in Cambodia
Five BYU-Hawaii students and three professors recently completed a three-week
study abroad tour of Cambodia. The students said they gained a deeper
appreciation for what they have in the U.S. and also provided volunteer disaster
relief and humanitarian aid. Read
more...
Alumni speaker shares advice, insights
at graduation luau
BYU-Hawaii alumnus Gordon Morton ('91, Organizational Behavior),
who helped organize the international network marketing company, XanGo,
LLC, which has 400 employees and 300,000 distributors, shared several pieces
of advice with the June 2005 graduates during the traditional Alumni Association
graduation luau in the Cannon Activities Center on June 16.
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Morton |
For example, Morton suggested they place their commencement in a historical perspective. He pointed to several significant occurrences in the last 30 days, including the final installment of the movie Star Wars, and former FBI official Mark Phelps revealing that he was the mysterious Watergate source, "Deep Throat," who contributed to the case against Richard Nixon, "proving that the press is in fact more powerful than the president of the United States. But what has happened to you graduates in the last four years, I will venture to say, is more important than all of the above. You'll remember this week for a long time."
"BYU-Hawaii defined me as a person. When I started I was spiritually defiant and I needed to find myself in many ways. I was ignorant in geography and culture," continued Morton, who grew up in a farming community in Ontario, Canada. "[But] I learned a deep respect for cultures and other nations...and I left BYU-Hawaii with a feeling of social responsibility and community."
Morton suggested the graduates "give a hug to any of your professors who made a difference in your life before you leave this school. I didn't get that piece of advice before I left, and there were several people at this school who made profound impacts on my life."
"Leaders are readers. I certainly hope that you don't think your education ends when you get that piece of paper [i.e. diploma] in two days," Morton continued.
"You can get whatever it is that you want in this life, if you learn to give that thing up. If you want money in life, you need to learn to give a piece of it up early in life," he said, citing the examples of paying tithing and putting money into savings and investments. "If you give up a little now, you can get bushels full later. If you want time to serve a mission with your wife, invest time now by not watching television. Give it up. Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to watch television. I was given the advice, Heavenly Father put us on earth to be on television. If you invest your time now, you can get all the time you want later on in life."
"If you want praise in life, learn to praise other people. If you want love, learn to love. You're at the greatest university in the world to learn that. Take the 'ohana spirit with you when you leave this wonderful university."
At the conclusion of the luau, BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway thanked the parents of the graduates. "We know that this occasion is a vindication of your own commitment to your children; and we hope that we, as a university, have been worthy partners with you in helping your children move to the next level of their progress in this life."
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Fiji chapter alumni met
with President and Sister Shumway during his tour through the South Pacific in May. |
"I pray that the things we have learned on this campus will sink deep into your hearts," he continued, "...and you will go away, not only rejoicing in the good that you were able to acquire here, but also be filled with a sense of responsibility of what you must do."
Alumna runs to help cancer research
BYU-Hawaii alumna Debbie Reynoso ('04, ICS: Humanities) is training
to run the Adidas Dublin Marathon on October 31, and in the process hopes to
raise $5,300 in contributions to cancer research in honor of "my dear
friend, Celva Boon To'a ['98, Business Teacher Education]."
"Celva was a co-worker, mentor, friend and 'mother' to me. As we worked side by side in BYU-Hawai University Communications, we confided in each other and shared many special moments. Last Christmas she complained of feeling extra tired and achey. A couple of months later she passed away of cancer. At that time all I could offer were my prayers and faith."
Reynoso now hopes others will join in the fundraising efforts by mailing contributions payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by July 21, to Debbie Reynoso, 3801 Inwood Landing Ct., Orlando, FL 32812, phone 808-256-1094. The contributions are tax deductible in the U.S.
More reminders and repeat notices
We've run these items before, but they're still timely:
1970s
In memoriam: Elder Pita Vamanrav ('71, Electronics), Area Authority Seventy for Tonga and the Pacific Islands, passed away from cancer on June 10. In addition to his Church work, Elder Vamanrav was also the alumni career service ambassador for Tonga and a former Polynesian Cultural Center manager. Condolences to his wife, Seini Pasi Vamanrav ('72), and their family.
In memoriam: CCH alumnus and former PCC dancer Bert Miyamoto ('72) passed away May 30 in Kalihi Valley while hiking, one of his favorite activities. He also loved camping and over the years was very involved in Scouting and enjoyed working in his garden. Miyamoto was a supervisor for TheBus Company, where he had worked for many years. He and his wife, Ahlan Boyd Miyamoto, have eight children.
In memoriam: Michael K. Mahuika ('73), who is originally from New Zealand but has been living in Vancouver, Washington, passed away March 27 of Hodgkin's lymphoma. His widow, Nancy Grange Mahuika ('70), who went on to graduate from Provo in clothing and textiles, reports that "all six of our children spoke at his funeral. He is a Maori, and we hand-carved his casket. It was an amazing funeral: 1,000 people attended and a lot of missionary work was done."
Larry Hunt ('75, Art Education), an elementary school principal in Florence, Oregon, writes: "I was called by Pres. Eugene Hill to come to CCH to start an Indonesian Zone at the Asia-Pacific Language Training Mission. This work was one of the great joys of my life. My wife, Claudia, who worked in the CCH library, and I had just been married for a few months. I finished my undergraduate work while in Laie and did my student teaching in Waialua. Our first child, Hyrum Kamaka Hunt, was born before we left Hawaii. The year-and-a-half that we lived in Laie and the friends we met there have had a lasting impact on our lives."
John Elkington Jr. ('75, Business Management) and his wife, Deborah Cummings Elkington ('71, Elementary Education), have lived in Laie ever since school days. John, Director of Housing for the university, writes: "My best experience at CCH/BYU-Hawaii was meeting my wife and partaking of the whole experience: Live temple sessions, dancing at the PCC, playing rugby, the weekend bus trips to Ala Moana Shopping Center, the birth of our son at Kapiolani Children's Hospital, serving as a ward clerk to Bishop Roger Gull, getting creamed at Pounders, stung by a school of Portuguese man 'o war at Temple Beach, midnight madness studying to pass Dale Keliiliki's stats class, corn beef munchies in our rooms, meeting lifetime friends, and actually graduating. Wow, I'm glad the students today have raised the bar -- they are much smarter, but I wouldn't trade my experience in 'Camelot' for anything."
1980s
Yin Huat Roy Thong, CFM, CIMA ('81, Accounting) and his wife, Priscilla Lau Thong ('81, Business Management and Office Management) now live in Mukilteo, Washington. Thong, who works in international wealth management for Merrill Lynch in nearby Bellevue, writes: "Priscilla and I are planning to attend the Golden Jubilee week in October. As a result, a swell of emotions is flooding back. The most poignant is the heavenly feeling I had during my lunchtime strolls of the villages when I was working for the Polynesian Cultural Center. I love everything about the school and PCC. It is one place on earth I could be very happy working for free because it is the place where special students are divinely placed. Mahalo."
Victorialei Nohea Bersamin-Nakaahiki ('84), who was named the year 2000 Paralegal of the Year by a professional magazine, has now been selected as one of the top-15 paralegals in America. "I am fortunate to not only represent the State of California, but also Hawaii because the majority of my career was at Carlsmith Ball law firm in Honolulu. Although I went on to get married and start a family, and did not have the opportunity to finish my studies at BYU-Hawaii, I have a special place in my heart for the school and am proud to call myself an alumna," she writes.
1990s
Joey Pauga ('97), who now lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Jennifer Noonan Pauga ('97, Physical Education), writes: "I always read the eNewsletter and even forward it to people I know were once at BYU-Hawaii. I love BYUH dearly and I always want to do something to bring its name out of obscurity. In all my interviews, interviewers generally note that I attended BYUH and it's always a topic of nice discussion. In other conversations, I always mention BYUH, and when people at church and elsewhere talk about school, I always recommend my beloved BYUH. In my entire school life I only attended three years outside of the CES, and I have discovered the difference. At California for my final year of my undergrad and the beginning of my MBA, I saw what it really meant to 'educate the body, mind and spirit' as the slogan goes in the BYU-Hawaii mission statement. It was a true blessing to have had an education of the Spirit. NU in San Diego did not provide such an all-engulfing education. I'm so grateful I went to BYUH, a place I hold dear."
2000s
Megan Cline ('02, Hospitality and Tourism Management), now lives in Hermiston, Oregon and is a part-time hospitality and tourism instructor at Blue Mountain Community College. She writes: "I am often asked by members of my stake if I would recommend attending BYU-Hawaii. A big smile spreads over my face and the answer is always a resounding yes. BYUH has so many things in place, so many things together. The experiences, the education, the cultures, and the gospel all come together to make it a once in a lifetime learning experience that will impact a person every day fro the rest of her life. Thank you, BYU-Hawaii!"
Yohei Araki ('02, ICS: Communications) and his wife, Tiffany Li Araki ('02, International Business Management), now live in Mililani. Araki, who works as a language training coordinator and database specialist, writes: "Everything significant that has happened in my life is attributed to the fact that I attended BYU-Hawaii and worked at the PCC. I enjoyed every minute of my time as a student and wish I could do it all over again. The International Cultural Studies major is the best major on campus and presented limitless opportunities for me. My year-and-a-half working full time over at University Advancement after graduation was a tremendous learning experience. I enjoyed contributing to the mission and objectives of BYU-Hawaii and associating with many wonderful people. My experiences in Laie, BYU-Hawaii and the PCC will always have a special place in me.
Maria Rabuka ('02, Information Systems) lives in Suva, Fiji, where she is a computer teacher for the Church Educational System. Maria writes: "BYU-Hawaii has made me the person I am today. It taught me about life, responsibility, time management and the importance of having the gospel as part of our everyday living. I have many great memories, especially the temple sessions, baptisms, sealings and endowments done with our wards; the delicious cafeteria food; the great relationships with the professors, making it possible for me to have graduated and go on with my career; making noise in the Hale and being counseled by Mum Berta; and having midnight birthday parties, especially with the Tongans. I have made eternal friends with people from different walks of life and that is one thing that makes BYUH so unique. But most important of all, attending BYUH assisted in my desire to serve my mission and strengthen my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ."
New graduate Shakeel Inayat ('05, International Business Management), who is now in Sialkot, Pakistan, said the BYU-Hawaii web site is a great way to help him stay in touch, and that he would love to hear from his friends.
Another new graduate Erena Teriirere ('05, TESOL) said, "Four years of my life happened here and it has had a great impact on me. There are no words to describe how the spirit of this institution has changed my life for the better. Much mahalo."
Editor's Note: There's nothing like an island-style graduation, with some people getting so many leis they could hardly see above them. My heart bursts with pride at the accomplishments of the hundreds of our fellow alumni as they graduate from BYU-Hawaii, and hope for their future. I still clearly remember the moment my own graduation procession entered the McKay Auditorium as one of the most significant moments in my life, and have been grateful all the years since for the lessons learned and experiences shared in Laie. Congratulations to the newest graduates. All the old-timers know you've gotten a superlative start and look forward to hearing of your achievements in the years to come.
— 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 Relations Executive 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.
You have received this e-newsletter because you are an affiliate of BYU-Hawaii. If necessary, please update your alumni profile. If you have received this e-mail inadvertently, or wish to unsubscribe, please send a message with NEWSLETTER UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line and your e-mail address in the body to alumni@byuh.edu. If you are aware of other BYU-Hawaii alumni who have not received this newsletter, please forward a copy and encourage them to update their profiles. Mahalo.
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