The June-July 2006 BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter contains the following:
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Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve (photos by Mike Foley) |
Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, used the "hallowed greeting, aloha," during the June 24 commencement to teach the almost 300 graduates of Brigham Young University Hawaii five keys to success and happiness.
Speaking before over 3,000 other family, friends and faculty who gathered in the Cannon Activities Center, Elder Scott told the new graduates that each of them "has met the lofty standards of personal worthiness and academic achievement to qualify to be at this singular university. You have kept those standards of righteousness."
"You have not only attained an outstanding secular education, but you have done it while meeting the highest standards of integrity and spirituality," he continued. "Among graduating students in the world you are among that unique body that do so from our Church universities. Therefore, what we expect of you are future accomplishments far beyond those asked of a graduating class elsewhere."
Elder Scott recognized that many of the graduates had "benefited personally and have enriched others' lives by participating in the Polynesian Cultural Center under the able leadership of Von Orgill," and he praised BYU-Hawaii's "exceptionally gifted" President Eric B. Shumway, who "has given over 40 years of outstanding service on this campus."
"For 12 years thus far, he has been an inspiring, motivating, innovative president that has enriched the lives of the student body, faculty and staff. He has directed the cooperative effort of faculty and staff to significantly improve curriculum while greatly increasing the number of students who graduate from this university. I have personally witnessed how skillfully he represents this university before the Board of Trustees and its officers, who are the First Presidency."
"My message to you who graduate today is simple yet, when lived, can have profound significance in your personal life," Elder Scott said, as he then used each letter in the familiar Hawaiian word, aloha, to identify the key concepts.
"A is for Attitude"
"Your life will be full of opportunities and challenges. Your attitude will determine how well you will meet them as well as how much they will fortify your character and capacity to succeed," he said. "Because you are exceptional young men and women, the Lord will accelerate your growth by giving you experiences that will stretch your current capacity."
"Let your predominant attitude be faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, confidence in His teachings, trust in His ability to keep His promises and reliance on His capacity to inspire, motivate, and guide you"
"Let your attitude be that of continuing happiness. The challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, should be like temporary scenes played out on the stage of continuing peace and happiness," he continued. "Your life should be wondrously beautiful."
"L is for Love"
"The highest priority of life should be love of Father in Heaven and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ, manifest in obedience to Their teachings. Love of spouse, children, and parents should be the next priority. There is no love as deep and enduring, as pure and selfless, as motivating and inspiring as that of Our Heavenly Father, and His Matchless Son," Elder Scott said, adding that when this is "understood and appreciated, it will be an immovable, indestructible foundation of peace, happiness and joy in your life."
"Pure love is the incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented well-developed children," he continued. "Pure love bridges deep cultural differences, heals heartache, increases compassion, and solidifies the bonds of friendship. It is the strongest and most effective influence to settle dispute, calm anger, soften hate and resolve serious misunderstanding."
"Never let anyone or anything cause you to question God's ever-present, continuing, all-pervading love for you. He may not appreciate mistakes you make, but He will ever seek to help you overcome those errors. He will never cease to love you. He will encourage you to live to enjoy peace and happiness. Any thoughts or feelings that God does not love you come from the devil. They must be cast out by sincere prayer, even when there is no desire to pray."
"O is for Ordinances"
Elder Scott explained that ordinances, or sacred rites and ceremonies involving covenants between an individual and God and administered through the priesthood have profound spiritual meaning.
"Today I emphasize the ordinances of the temple. One of the most beautiful, comforting doctrines of the Lord, one that brings immense peace, happiness and unbounded joy, is the principle of eternal marriage. This doctrine means that a man and woman who love each other deeply, who have grown together through the trials, joys, sorrows and happiness of a shared lifetime, can live beyond the veil together forever with their family members who also earn that blessing."
"That is not just an immensely satisfying dream, it can be a reality," he said. "If you have not already received the ordinances of the temple decide now that at the appropriate time you will obtain them all. Don't let anything overcome that decision."
"If you are single and haven't identified a solid prospect for celestial marriage, live for it. Pray for it. Expect it in the timetable of the Lord. Do not compromise your standards so as to lose that blessing. The Lord knows the intent of your heart. His prophets have stated that you will have that blessing as you consistently live to qualify for it. We do not know whether it will be in this life or the next, but God will keep His promise as you qualify for that supernal blessing."
"H is for Home and Family"
"Your home should always be a haven of peace free of conflict and dissention. It is in your home where the gospel is most effectively taught and lived. Make the place where you live, no matter how humble or temporary, the embodiment of a clean and righteous environment where the Spirit can dwell," Elder Scott counseled.
He also strongly encouraged them, as their families grow and they make their own traditions, to consistently "obey this principle":
"Make your first priority your membership in the Church of Jesus Christ, and His teachings the foundation of your life. Where traditions and customs are in harmony with His teachings, they should be cherished and followed to preserve your culture and heritage. Where family or national traditions, or customs conflict with the teachings of God, throw them away."
"A is for Atonement"
Elder Scott explained that peace and happiness — the precious fruits of a righteous life — "are only possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
"Each of us makes mistakes in life. They result in broken eternal law. Justice is that part of Father in Heaven's plan of happiness that maintains order and guarantees that we will receive the blessings we earn for obeying the law. Justice also requires that every broken law be satisfied," Elder Scott said. "If not resolved, broken law can cause life to be miserable and will keep us from the presence of God in the hereafter. Only the life, teachings, and particularly the Atonement of Jesus Christ can release us from this otherwise impossible predicament."
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"The demands of justice for broken law are satisfied through mercy. That mercy is attainable by continual repentance and obedience to the laws of Jesus Christ. Such repentance and obedience are absolutely essential for the Atonement to work its complete miracle in your life," he continued.
"The Redeemer can settle your individual account with justice and grant forgiveness through the merciful path of repentance. Through the Atonement you can live in a world where absolute justice reigns in its sphere so the world will have order. This selfless act of infinite consequence, performed by a single glorified personage, has eternal impact in the life of every son and daughter of our Father in Heaven — without exception."
"By understanding the Atonement, you will see that God is not a jealous being who delights in persecuting those who misstep. He is an absolutely perfect, compassionate, understanding, patient, and forgiving Father. He is willing to entreat, counsel, strengthen, lift, and fortify. He so loves each of us that He suffered His perfect, sinless, absolutely obedient, totally righteous Son to experience indescribable agony and pain and give Himself in sacrifice for all."
"Today, as you commence the balance of your life, recognize that the Lord has placed divine influence in your life that will lead you along the individual plan He would have you fulfill here on earth. Through much prayer and pondering seek through the Spirit to identify and carefully follow that influence."
"Oh, how I would encourage you to weave deeply into the fabric of your soul the recognition that your life now is a part of a much bigger plan the Lord has for you," Elder Scott said. "What you decide to do now will affect how well you fulfill that divine plan He has for you.
"My desire is that the counsel that has been shared will not only benefit you who graduate, but all who have been or will be influenced by this exceptional university. In the future when you say Aloha, I hope that sometimes you will remember the five keys to happiness and success: Attitude, Love, Ordinances, Home and Family, and the Atonement."
"As an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ I invoke a blessing upon each one of you, conditioned upon your obedience and faith, that through the Holy Ghost the Lord will guide you to make the correct choices in the important decisions you now face."
* * * * * * * * *
Earlier in the commencement program, valedictorian Peggy Badstubner, an accounting graduate from Blackstone, Massachusetts, asked the other graduates: "We will always be busy, we cannot escape that, but are we busy about the right things?"
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(Left-right): Hans Ta'ala ('78, Industrial Education), son Hans M. Ta'ala ('06, Psychology), and Theone Bell Ta'ala ('93, Home & Family Development) |
"We each have unique talents that bring opportunities, but there are certain things that we are best suited to accomplish today that we won't be able to do tomorrow. We must be busy using our talents to act on the opportunities that are presented to us."
"We can't trifle life away with 'someday maybe I'll be rich enough and have done enough that I can help others.' We need to make it happen today. Make and work towards goals but also look for opportunities to serve," she added. "The world is in need of new knowledge always and we have the ability to bring that to the world. Act now. Become the genuine gold that President McKay saw. We have entered to learn, now let's go forth to serve."
Next, President Shumway presented the BYU-Hawaii Distinguished Service Award to Glenn Y.M. Lung ('79) and his wife, former Alumni Association president and valedictorian Julina Jensen Lung ('57) for their "many years of service to the Church and the Hawaii community throughout their lives."
President Shumway cited Brother Lung first for his career with the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and the Honolulu Fire Department, then after retiring, for his second career of 14 years with the Presiding Bishopric Area Office in Honolulu, and his many years of service in the Kaimuki Ward, where both he and two sons have served as bishop. In addition, he served as Honolulu Stake president and was the first Regional Representative of Chinese ancestry in the Church. The citation also noted that in addition to her family responsibilities, Sister Lung taught in the state Department of Education and the University of Hawaii community college system, served in the Governor's office as a training specialist, was an administrator for the state Hotel and Restaurant Training Trust, and also worked for the Hawaii Department of Labor. Together, the couple served as president and matron of the Laie Hawaii Temple from 2001-04.
Prior to the awarding of degrees, President Shumway recognized long-time BYU-Hawaii Registrar Vernelle Arakaki Lakatani ('69, Business Education) for correctly pronouncing each of the graduate's names, year after year.
After the new graduates switched their cap tassels, Alumni President-Elect Arapata Meha ('83, Music) welcomed each of them "into our unique, worldwide organization. Most of you will soon associate with one of more than 50 alumni chapters. Some of you may be invited to establish new chapters in places where non now exist."
"We encourage you to actively participate in our Alumni Association," he added. "Our alumni around the world are eager to assist you."
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Gene and Allyson Yamagata (photo by Monique Saenz) |
BYU-Hawaii School of Business Dean Brent Wilson had his first opportunity at a special banquet in the Ballroom on June 23 to present the crystal trophy that goes with the Executive of the Year award major benefactor Gene Yamagata received in absentia in 2005 for his outstanding business success and exceptional generosity in funding the university's international student internship program for the past several years.
After accepting the trophy, Yamagata handed BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway a check for $300,000 to continue funding the unique program that enables international students to return to their home countries during their junior or senior year to gain valuable practical experience and help prepare them for meaningful employment opportunities back home after they graduate.
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was in Laie to deliver the BYU-Hawaii commencement address the next morning, expressed the "gratitude of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to Gene and Allyson Yamagata. What you’re doing has blessed so many, many lives."
Elder Scott, who is Executive Committee chairman of the Board of Trustees for all Church universities, also recognized President Shumway for promoting the internship program: "He's had this vision for a long time, and has been able to convince the officers of the Board, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to support the idea."
Elder Scott additionally invoked a Priesthood blessing on the program and its beneficiaries, several of whom spoke earlier that evening.
[Editor's Note: A longer BYU-Hawaii Home Page "what's new" version of this story can be found online, and a more detailed story is slated to be published in the October issue of BYU-Hawaii Magazine. Please contact the Alumni Office if you do not usually receive the magazine.]
It seemed that banquet and serving tables covered almost every foot of the Cannon Activities Center floor as hundreds of graduates, even more parents, guests and the CCHers (1955-64) Network reunion group got together June 22 for the Spring 2006 graduation luau. The luau, sponsored by the Alumni Association, is traditionally held on the Thursday evening before Saturday morning commencement.
As people flooded into the CAC, it was fun to see alumni who were there for their own children's graduation, such as Adolf Singh ('81, Business Management) and his wife, Avis Cabucungan Singh ('78, Secretarial Science) — co-chairs of the San Diego, California, chapter, whose son, Asher, earned a degree in International Business Management; Larry Nihipali ('78, Accounting) and Peggy Tam Nihipali ('80, Office Management Secretarial), from Hauula, for their daughter; Uimaitua Poloa'i and Lapataume Neria Poloa'i, from Utah, for their daughter; or in the case of Theresa Kalama Meyers Bigbie ('57), her oldest and first grandchild, Joelle Meyers ('06, ICS Cultural Anthropology).
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CCH alumni Alan Barcarse ('64, center) and Ish Stagner ('61, right) lead the hula line during the June 22 graduation luau banquet |
"We were the pioneers," said Bigbie, one of the CCH alumni, "and for many of us, we were the first in our families to begin a generation where higher education would become the norm, rather than the exception."
Another very familiar face on campus, "Uncle" Bill Wallace ('72, History) — head of the Hawaiian Studies program — came to the banquet in honor of his wife, Nihipora Kereama Wallace ('06), who first attended CCH in 1969 and has now finished her degree in Pacific Island Studies. "Auntie Niki," as she is often called, who teaches Maori at BYU-Hawaii and works at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Maori village, was named salutatorian of the class.
Polynesian Cultural Center Promo Team musicians provided the appropriate music, as did some of the graduates and a talented segment of the CCH alumni group, started off with a hula by Napua Kalama Baker ('61).
Representing the students, ICS Humanities graduate Takahiko Yamashita ('06) from Fukuoka, Japan, said he had come to understand that Laie is "a place of love, learning and progress of the spirit. ...My past four years here were filled with blessings." He also said he struggled and pondered many days to determine how to help establish peace internationally.
"One day I was praying and I felt I had to be more active, to get involved with the people," he continued. So, he became president of the Japanese Club which taught him "how to achieve a goal in leading people"; or, Yamashita added, he had to "escape himself [and] consider the different points of view of others."
"With my self-interest in line, I was able to understand the needs and feelings of others, or what needs to be done to unify us and reach our goal," he said.
Yamashita, his wife, Airi Takahashi Yamashita ('03, ICS Communications) and their son have returned to Japan.
As the alumni guest speaker and a member of the organizing committee for the CCHers reunion, two-time student body president, Dr. Ishmael Stagner II — who first earned an associate's degree at CCH in 1959, and then re-enrolled and earned his bachelor's degree in 1961 after Church College of Hawaii became a four-year institution — compared the roles and responsibilities all BYU-Hawaii alumni share to a traditional line-up of paddlers.
"In a Polynesian canoe," he said, "every paddler has a purpose and a function":
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Stagner |
"Together, they spell ALOHA, or love or peace," Stagner pointed out. "Thus, in the intervening years since I first heard President McKay speak [at the groundbreaking for BYU-Hawaii...], the message, mission and purposes have never changed, deviated, or been modified."
Stagner, who went on to become the first Polynesian to earn a doctorate from BYU in Provo, asked, "What have we done as alumni since we left Laie, and what do we plan to do when we leave now?"
"I am reminded that everything he [David O. McKay] envisioned and asked of my CCH friends was met and exceeded by all of the people who are here tonight; and more importantly, even more will be done by those of you who are about to embark on your own journeys shortly," he added.
In response, BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway said that Yamashita's decision he was too focused on himself and his prayerful inspiration to get more involved with others was "profound. I thought to myself, that's exactly why we pray." The president also reminded us that during the last commencement, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve taught us:
"If you don't know how to get revelations through prayer, you're not going to survive. If we learn everything else on this campus, but not learn how to get answers to our prayers, then somehow we have failed," President Shumway said.
"I fear that many of my prayers were 'help me, help me,' but as you pray the idea is to help others. I feel that is the great message of Ish Stagner tonight. In all our education, we must be educated to focus not on our own needs, but the needs of others. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we gain ourselves."
President Shumway praised his wife, Carolyn Shumway ('94, Elementary Education), who graduated the same year he took over the reins at BYU-Hawaii. Years ago Sister Shumway had almost finished her degree at BYU in Provo when she put those plans on hold for the sake of her new family. "She's been a wonderful mother to the campus and to thousands of students who have come here, and I want to say thank you for her willing service. She has taught me when you pray, you pray for strength to help others."
President Shumway also thanked the CCH alumni "who are here tonight. These are the men and women who came to this campus in the 50s and early 60s, established the traditions, started many of the goals and objectives, and articulated the mission. They did all of those things that have grown and become so precious to all of us today."
"I want to reaffirm to everyone, that those early pioneers were truly imbued with the spirit of the prophecy of David O. McKay, and that spirit still carries forward even to this very day."
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Church College of Hawaii (which became BYU-Hawaii in 1974) alumni from 1955-64 held their first reunion on campus from June 21-25, 2006. Some who attended the university's Golden Jubilee celebration in October 2005 said that gathering spurred their desire to meet more of their "old" classmates and at least two of their faculty: Wylie Swapp and Ruth Smith Silver. (Photo by Monique Saenz) |
By Ish Stagner II ('61)
Over a hundred relics of the pre-PCC, and pre-BYU-Hawaii days, known as the Church College of Hawaii Alumni Network or CAN, met on the Laie campus this past Wednesday-Sunday, June 21-25, 2006, for a reunion that can only be described as nostalgic, tear-jerky, and overwhelmingly sentimental and fun.
Some of the group arrived early to play golf at Kahuku on Wednesday, and by Thursday, it seemed that people were coming in from all over the country and the South Pacific to register, kiss, hug, cry, squeeze...then kiss, hug, cry and squeeze some more. There were representatives from every class, starting with the Class of 1956, and going to the class of 1965.
Headlining Thursday's events was the graduation banquet speech I gave. On Friday, there were three events in a row: an early morning Temple session, a mid-afternoon picnic at Kakela, and a rip-roaring evening of rollicking kanikapila, heavy pupus, and a very teary stroll down memory lane, especially remembering classmates lost over the years.
Saturday found several of the intrepid group attending the 2006 Commencement activities, and then meeting with the rest of the class for a BBQ luncheon at PCC, which lasted until the group got chased out so that the evening luau show could be put on.
But without a doubt, the highlight of the whole event was the testimony meeting on Sunday in the Aloha Center Ballroom, which went from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and which could have gone on longer in the estimation of those who didn't get a chance to bear their testimonies.
It is said that, "Faith sees the tree, when others see only the seed." For those who were at the reunion those momentous four days, time went by too, too fast, and hats off to Gary Wong ('60), John Aki Jr. ('60), Frank ('64) and Gladys Chu Kalama ('61), Theresa Kalama Meyers Bigbie ('57), her sister Napua Kalama TeNgaio Baker ('61, '72), and yours truly.
The group unanimously voted to start a CAN endowment fund for BYU-Hawaii, and also took time out to recognize one of the university's major donors and contributors, Gene and Allison Yamagata of Las Vegas, by presenting them a ceramic Hawaiian ipu made by my wife, Carmen Cuizon Stagner ('65).
Words are inadequate to report the tremendous outpouring of love, fellowship, camaraderie, cooperation and fun that characterized the reunion. Everyone was unanimous in wanting another one as soon as possible. In fact, the Arizona, Utah, California and Nevada CAN groups are already scheduling a get-together in January 2007.
However, it goes without saying that the real heroine of the reunion was Alumni Association Executive Director Rowena Reid ('76), whose Herculean efforts insured the success of all of the activities. One is suffused with a tremendous feeling of regret that such a great time came and went so quickly.
Concert Choir appears in New York at Carnegie Hall, Harlem Chapel
The BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir, under the direction of Professor Michael Belnap, recently performed Mozart's Requiem in an ensemble of six choirs at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, and the following evening helped put on a fireside in conjunction with the newly formed New York Alumni Chapter at the new Latter-day Saint chapel in Harlem. It was the first time the choir sang in the fabled hall, but perhaps not the last. Read more...
BYUH tests its first CD-ROM-based course in the Philippines
For the past two years BYU-Hawaii's Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship, the Center for Instructional Technology and Outreach (CITO), and two of our alumni — Devin Moncur ('04, International Business Management) and Lalaine Lim ('05, Accounting) — working in cooperation with the Church Employment Resource Services office in Makati City, the Philippines, are beta-testing the University's first-ever CD-ROM based course.
The entrepreneurship course, based on case studies developed as part of the annual BYU-Hawaii business plan competition, will eventually roll out to other remote locations and also be taught online. Read more...
School of Business names alum 'professor of year':
The BYU-Hawaii School of Business named hospitality and tourism professor Bill Hsu ('76) its teacher of the year. Dean Brent Wilson said Hsu gets his students "out of the classroom and engaged in the community. He spends countless hours outside the classroom working with the students, and I frequently see him with students in his office, or out in front of the building talking with students."
Hsu, who is originally from Hong Kong, left Laie right after graduation to begin serving as president of the Kaoshiung Taiwan Mission. Read more...
NCAA approves Pac West Conference changes
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) granted the Pacific West Athletic Conference its request to add Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, and Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, to the four continuing members, including: BYU-Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University of Honolulu and the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
The NCAA, which normally requires a minimum of six universities to form a conference, had given the four Hawaii-based schools a waiver to continue playing while they attempted to expand the conference, which has now been accomplished; but until then, consequently, they did not guarantee the Pac West champions a berth in NCAA Division II playoffs. This approval will now allow the Pac West to function as a full-status conference.
For the latest in BYU-Hawaii sports news...
SIFE team from BYUH places among top-40 in the nation
The ten-members BYU-Hawaii team placed among the top-40 of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) national competition held in Kansas City, Missouri, from May 21-23. This is the ninth year the Seasiders have been to the SIFE nationals, and the second consecutive year they've ranked among the top-40. SIFE is a nonprofit cross-disciplinary organization that focuses on service and creating economic opportunity through community outreach in market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business ethics. Read more...
In Memoriam
"Colonel" Vernon R. Hardisty, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who served as managing director of the Polynesian Cultural Center from 1969-75, passed away June 5 at his home in Windsor, California. His wife, Bernice, their five children, 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, survive him.
Oldest son and Honolulu Alumni Chapter co-chair Rob Hardisty ('77, Accounting) reports that his father referred to "his years at the Center ‘as the greatest time in my life.’ He often said thereafter that ‘working at the Center made everything I did in the service before and in business afterwards pale by comparison.’
"The Polynesian Cultural Center and the peoples of Polynesia deeply influenced my dad’s life from that first day on the job until his passing," Rob continued. "Words cannot express the depth of his love for the people he worked with there and for the Center as a whole."
After retiring, Colonel Hardisty and his wife served as ordinance workers in the Oakland Temple for 10 years and filled an 18-month mission at the Winter Quarters Visitors Center in Nebraska.
One name omitted from tennis honors:
Oops, we inadvertently left the name of Tetyana Bula off the list in the May 2006 Alumni eNewsletter of those Seasider tennis players who recently received honors. Tetyana was named Senior Player of the Year for the NCAA Division II West Region.
Jubilee DVDs are now on sale:
Three new Golden Jubilee-themed DVDs are now available for sale for $10 each (plus shipping and handling) through the BYU-Hawaii Bookstore:
Contact the Bookstore at 808-293-3563; or write: BYU-Hawaii Bookstore, BYUH #1961, 55-220 Kulanui St., Laie, HI 96762; or contact the Alumni Office, phone 808-293-3648.
A new Alumni Blog:
We've launched a new Alumni Blog at: http://w2.byuh.edu/alumni/blog/index.php
Based on the success of our Golden Jubilee "Favorite Faculty" and "Alumni Scrapbook" blogs — which drew about 600 responses throughout 2005, and can still be seen online through our Jubilee web site — we decided to add an ongoing "blog" (which is a contraction of "web log") as another means of our alumni to share their thoughts, comments, pictures, etc. Like the Jubilee blogs, our new Alumni Blog will be refereed: That is, all submissions are subject to review, acceptance and possible minor editing; and all photos are subject to acceptance and possible optimization for display purposes.
Log on today. Check it out . . . and then send us your mana'o (thoughts).
New graduates names sent to chapter leaders:
Alumni Association Executive Director Rowena Reid and Student Alumni Association assistant Jeremiah Lim ('06, International Business Management) has sent the names and permanent addresses of the June 2006 graduates to their respective Alumni chapter leaders to facilitate communications and contact. It's already been reported, for example, that the Japan and Utah Chapters sent congratulatory messages to their respective new members.
BYU-Hawaii 13th Ward (Bishop Harry H. Brown Jr., '91-'96) reunion:
Members of Harry Brown's ('86, Secondary Education) BYU-Hawaii 13th Ward from will hold a reunion with the bishop and his wife, Donna Brown ('88), in the spring of 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Details, as they develop, will be posted online.
Alaska:
Cari Giliam ('88, Elementary Education) reports the Alaska Chapter luau on June 3 was "a most memorable event." Shari Card Auna ('87, English) and family did the decorations. Fotu Si'ufanua ('72, Business Management) was the emcee and sang with the band all night, while his wife, Diane Walker Si'ufanua ('68) helped with the dance. George Scanlan ('86, Biological Science) and his wife, Lili Taumalolo Scanlan ('81), "and crew served an absolutely delicious meal, and the group of dancers were magnificent. There were door prizes of BYU-Hawaii shirts. We sold candy leis at the door, and a professional photographer was there to help children dress up in Polynesian costumes and take photos. [Chapter chair] Carol Fautanu ('89, Mathematics Education) and her sister, Ula Scanlan Suapaia ('91, English) were in charge of the tickets and money."
"Like Cari said, all the hard work on everyone's part was worth it," replied Fautanu. "We had a wonderful time and we just know that next year's event will be even better."
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Heading out to the Harlem fireside from their hotel near Grand Central Station (left-right): Debbie and Alan Frampton, Cromwell and Jenebie Wong, Napua Baker, Kathryn and Frank Sutton, Rowena Reid and Harry Surya. |
New York:
Cromwell Wong ('03, International Business Management) — who was called as a bishop a few weeks ago — and his wife, Jenebie Castillo Wong ('02, Social Work) report that more than 200 members and friends filled the Harlem Chapel in New York City recently for a special fireside with the BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir. "This was the first official event for our newly created chapter covering New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Chapter chairs Frank Sutton ('91, Travel, Hotel and Restaurant Management) and his wife, Kathryn Hyett Sutton ('90, English) were pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by those present. Tony Herrera ('91, Human Resources), a member of the local stake presidency, helped in organizing
the fireside and conducted that evening. We
assisted the Suttons in hosting the choir that day: We met them at the
hotel, escorted them through the subways and on to Harlem, and passed out the more than 70 lunches and treats the Sutton family bagged for the entire choir."
"Rowena Reid formally introduced the Suttons at the fireside and asked the local alumni to support and assist to build the Alumni Association in New York and surrounding areas. Three choir members were able to share their testimonies and the choir rendered beautiful testimonies of the Savior through their music."
"Vice President of University Advancement, Napua Baker, offered her
appreciation to the choir and the mission they have fulfilled thus far
for the University and the Church. Next year, she said, the choir will be touring
China and Mongolia."
"For many of the choir members, although it was a privilege to sing at
Carnegie Hall and tour New York City, one of the highlights of their
trip was our fireside at Harlem Chapel. The spirit was so strong in the
room, you could feel that those who there, especially guests who came with
missionaries, were touched!"
Taiwan:
Chapter chair Alex Kou ('96, Accounting) reports everyone there's been busy with the 50th anniversary of the Church in Taiwan, but some of the alumni still attended the engagement party for chapter members Kim and Shelly, where they also brainstormed an activity for later this summer. In addition, the chapter is planning to hold a stress management seminar on September 16 taught by a Taiwan University professor.
Washington, D.C.:
DC Chapter online communicator Christy Nichols ('95, Pacific Island Studies) reports the group's luau on June 17 was a success, "and the scholarship committee now has money in our account. We would like to use it to award scholarships to local BYU-Hawaii students." She added that monthly chapter meetings will be held at the home of co-chairs Joe Fa'amuli ('78, Political Science) and Salei'a Afele Fa'amuli in Rockville, Maryland.
Reminders:
In case you missed them in a previous issue, or you're new to our Alumni eNewsletter:
1950s & 60s
Dr. Max Stanton ('65), BYUH professor of anthropology and geology, recently retired after teaching in Laie for the past 35 years. As a pakeha undergraduate at CCH, Stanton was invited to join Polynesian Cultural Center's evening show Maori section. "I cannot even begin to recount the great blessing my year as a performer at the PCC has been to me," said Stanton, who is now conducting field research for a textbook he's co-authoring on the Hutterites. Read more...
In Memoriam: Cheryl Ann Keola Nunies Horita ('68, Business Management) of Aiea, Oahu, passed away on June 16. She is survived by her husband, developer Herbert Horita, three daughters, a son, and other relatives.
1970s
In Memoriam: Fuatai Stevenson Macatiag ('79, English and TESOL) passed away on June 9 in Murray, Utah, where she was a Title I Specialist/Educator at West Lake Junior High. After she married Andres "Andy" Macatiag Jr. ('75, Electronics Technology), she worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center and later taught at Kahuku High. As part of her eulogy, son Kenneth Macatiag ('93, Information Systems) explained that after his mother earned a master's degree in 1997, she started working in Utah "to share what we in Laie take for granted." Fuatai is survived by her husband, three children and 14 grandchildren.
1980s
Cynthia Betia Schwenke ('81, History-Government), a long-time Customer Service Manager for American Airlines in Los Angeles, California, who is originally from the Philippines, was featured in the company's May issue of American Way as one of their "outstanding Asian/Pacific employees." For instance, Cynthia helped form a local chapter of American's Asian/Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group in 2000. "Whenever I see anyone in need of help, I try to get involved," she said. Cynthia and her husband, Dean Schwenke ('82, Vocational Management), are co-chairs of the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter. Dean added that Cynthia's "professional life has always mirrored what BYU-Hawaii's mission is to the world. She's grateful for the foundation BYUH instilled in her as a young student from the Philippines."
1990s
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The Revillo family |
Charlie G. Revillo ('94, Psychology), CES coordinator in the Philippines, writes with some "great news": "President Thomas S. Monson called us and issued the call to preside over the newly created Philippines Butuan Mission, effective July 1. I believe I am the first Filipino alumnus of BYU-Hawaii called as a mission president. After graduating, I went to Provo to get my MPA degree from the the Marriott School of Management in 1997. I am grateful I returned to the Philippines after that. Being a BYUH and a BYU alum has played a big role in my being called at a young age. I just turned 37 last month. I will be eternally grateful for my experiences at both campuses. It was at BYU-Hawaii that I found my great wife [Pierne Parayno Revillo ('00, Behavioral Science)], married in the temple and grew spiritually, mentally, socially and emotionally. Aside from my full-time mission, it was also there where I trained well how to serve in the Church."
Dr. William L. Phillips, chair of the Department of Special Education and Director of the International Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at BYU-Hawaii from 1994-99, has been named the new dean of the College of Education at Eastern Kentucky University. After leaving Laie, Dr. Phillips served as Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania.
In Memoriam: Carolyn Harvey ('95, Education diploma), wife of retired language professor Dr. T. Edward Harvey, passed away June 15. She had been living in Provo, Utah.
2000s
Natalie Overson ('04, ICS: Communications) recently shared the story of her battle with breast cancer that started one semester before she graduated. Read more on the BYU NewsNet...
The BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir performances in New York prompted Catherine Whitaker ('05, Biological Sciences) to write that they "made me miss my island home and family so very much! Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for BYUH and all the incredible faculty/administration who love the Lord and continue in Him to move forward the mission of His University. Everywhere I go I love to talk about this unique and most wonderful place. It has been an incredible missionary tool in sharing the gospel with those I meet. The longer I am away from Laie, the more I have come to realize the precious and vital lessons I learned there. The lessons learned are universal, but their instructions came in a one-of-a-kind way. BYUH above all else has taught me that God loves His children, and how to exercise the reality of the Atonement in my life daily. It would be amazing to return again some day."
Gary Ka Wai Wong ('05, Computer Science and Mathematics), who is now working for BYU-Hawaii as an Applications Software Analyst, writes: "Sharing all the success of alumni with current students is a great way to encourage them to strive for the best while they're in school." He and his wife, Kwok Wai Chi ('00, Hospitality Tourism Management) live in Laie.
Editor's Note: This is a double-issue of our Alumni eNewsletter for two reasons: A convergence of outstanding events around June graduation generated a lot more content than normally goes into a single issue; and throughout July and into August I will be in in Shanghai and Beijing, China, with the BYU-Hawaii Study Abroad program. In reference to the former, it was a great blessing to have Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve on campus for a couple of days. Each time he spoke publicly, he shared powerful messages. Regarding the latter, I'll periodically share some of my impressions of China on our new Alumni Blog that's mentioned above. I hope you'll check it out, then add your own comments.
— 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; Duane Roberts, Director of Communications & Public 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 over 70 nations are currently enrolled.
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