The May-June 2007 BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter contains the following:
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Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve (photos by Monique Saenz) |
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered the 266 graduating seniors of BYU-Hawaii a series of "concrete suggestions" for success during the June 23 commencement Cannon Activities Center "drawn from the doctrine of the Lord and personal experience."
The June 2007 graduates, including 12 participants in the joint BYUH/PCC Asian Executive Management program, come from 36 different countries.
"I am deeply touched as I contemplate what can occur in the coming years from what you graduates of BYU-Hawaii will do with the knowledge and experience gained at this unique university," Elder Scott said. He pointed out that President Gordon B. Hinckley also recently described BYUH as a "wonderful and unique school. I don't think there is any other institution that can compare with it... Together with the Polynesian Cultural Center, this school is touching millions of lives."
"You are unique among graduating students in the world for having been schooled in an LDS Church university. Therefore, we expect of you future accomplishments far beyond those asked of a graduating class elsewhere," Elder Scott continued. "We expect you to be righteous, effective leaders, to contribute strongly to society, and to build worthy eternal families."
He explained the graduates would "encounter challenges that will test severely your strength and ability," and that while education is a "key to help open the doors of opportunity," it is not a guarantee for success. "It must be coupled with hard work, consistency and devotion to duty."
He also cautioned that graduation carries an "increased freedom to act. There is a lessening of controls, so that you may be able to make more basic decisions on your own. Some erroneously consider this a release from bondage, a removal of shackles, a breaking of restraints," Elder Scott said. "May no one in this graduating class case aside the spiritual heritage that has been acquired over the years of diligent study and obedience."
To help them avoid such pitfalls, Elder Scott offered the a series of "simple yet profound" suggestions:
Elder Scott also reminded the graduates, "You have the potential for making critically important contributions throughout the world. You can form eternal families, orient and raise righteous children, strengthen a host of professions, give caring service and be a potent force for good in a world that desperately needs it. You can share the message of the Restoration by precept and example."
Board of Trustees bestows honorary doctorate on President Shumway
Earlier in the commencement program, Elder Scott read a statement signed by the First Presidency, acting as executive members of the Church Education System Board of Trustees, that praised outgoing BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway for "contributing in many valuable ways" over the past four decades "to the development and growth of the university and the Church in Hawaii, as well as in the Pacific islands and in Asia."
"For his 41 years of inspirational leadership and intellectual contributions to the high academic standard Brigham Young University Hawaii, for his genuine goodness of character and spirit of service to others, for his memorable sermons and encouragement in accountability, for his complete dedication to work of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, on this day, the 23rd day of June 2007, the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University Hawaii takes pleasure in bestowing upon Eric Brandon Shumway the degree of Doctor of Human Letters Honoris Causum."
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As the graduates, faculty and entire audience gave President Shumway a standing ovation, Church Education System Commissioner Elder W. Rolfe Kerr — who is also a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy — placed a new academic hood on him. Elder Kerr then read a "special citation for faithful and devoted service" for both President Shumway and his wife, Carolyn Shumway ('94, Elementary Education) from the Board of Trustees that further recognized their many accomplishments in Laie:
"There is a wonderful spirit on this campus. It is a unique place in all the world. Much of what BYU-Hawaii has become can be attributed to the influence of Eric and Carolyn Shumway. President Gordon B. Hinckley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated that if we talk about institutions being like families, Eric Shumway is the nearest thing to a father figure BYU-Hawaii has ever had."
"At his side has stood his beautiful wife, Carolyn, who has contributed so much to the spirit of this campus. President Shumway describes Carolyn's role at BYU-Hawaii by saying, 'She has been the perfect president's companion and the perfect mother for our campus. Her love of students and her ability to connect one on one with them, together with her warm embrace as a hostess to hundreds of people who have stayed with us have added elegance to love."
"President and Sister Shumway may be considered among the stalwart pioneers in the history of BYU-Hawaii," Elder Kerr continued, noting the couple first came to the campus in 1966. "For more than four decades they have served this institution with all their hearts... Not only have they witnessed many changes across the university, they have contributed in significant ways to its growth, vigor and spirit. Their consistent commitment to excellence has resulted in progress and achievement in every facet of university life. More importantly, they have influenced thousands of students from nearly every part of the world, particularly from the Pacific, Asia, the U.S. and Europe."
"Under the leadership of President Shumway, BYU-Hawaii has expanded, gained a reputation of academic excellence, and made significant contributions internationally to its alumni and specialized programs," Elder Kerr read, adding that the now-retired president "innovated marvelous ways to help students return to their native countries and to make positive differences around the world. His warmth and genuine love have enriched the lives of students, the faculty, the staff and the university itself."
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"Their commitment to the university is unquestionable, and their devotion to the Lord unwavering. Together, Eric and Carolyn Shumway epitomize the 'genuine gold' — people of character, the noble men and women — that President David O. McKay said this university would produce." Then for their "marvelous legacy," Elder Kerr also presented a "special gift for the great esteem and deep appreciation that the Board of Trustees have for you" to the Shumways: a statue of David O. McKay, "one which President Shumway on many occasions has awarded to others. Now, it is for the two of them."
"Congratulations and thanks for all that you have done, but most especially for all that you are," Elder Kerr said.
"Have you ever knelt down to pray, and all you could say is thank you, thank you, thank you," Sister Shumway responded tearfully.
"We are very grateful for the sweetness of the honor that has been bestowed upon us today," President Shumway added. "I feel that in all honesty we must share this honor with all of the faculty and staff who have worked so closely and so well over the years to create where we are at this point as a university. We are endowed with many gifted people on the campus, and while I am very grateful for this honor, I in turn want to extend our deep gratitude to the President's Council, the deans, the directors, the department chairs, supervisors, everyone throughout the organization who has created a culture of beliefs, a system of working to help one another, which we hope is moving us toward a true Zion university."
President Shumway, who has been called as president of the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple, also said he and his wife "pledge, wherever we are called, to do our very, very best. As President Hinckley indicated, when you serve the Lord and you wear out on one side, He just turns you over and wears you out on the other side; and we should be grateful for that opportunity. When we cease serving, then we become stagnant and self-centered, and we lose the opportunity to be effective in the world."
"...The Lord and His Spirit works upon this campus to do many things, even though small, that will impact for good the whole world toward the establishment of peace internationally."
Read more on the university and community celebration for the Shumways...
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Also earlier in the commencement program, Grace Tin Yan Lee, an English major from Hong Kong, and David Rainey, a biology (pre-med) and music (cello) major from Idaho, represented the graduates as co-valedictorians (follow this link for more information).
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Lee thanked her parents and "every teacher who has taught me, particularly my English professors who have given me personal attention and instruction" before she focused on "uncertainties," preferring to use the term "negative capability" as coined by the 19th century Romantic poet John Keats: "When man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubt, without any irritable reaching after facts and reason. That is, person tolerates uncertainty and ambiguity in his life and does not try to impulsively escape it." Rather, she continued, we should strive to see uncertainties "as new opportunities," which requires patience, humility "and trust in our intuition — not our reasoning power."
Rainey noted that BYU-Hawaii serves as a metaphor "representing each one of us individually" and "would not exist were it not for inspired leadership efforts and resources to help the institution succeed. So ought we to remember that we would not be here without the guidance, nurture, love and support of parents, teachers, Church and community leaders, and others who have donated their time, effort and resources to help us succeed. May we never forget our debt of gratitude to Deity and all who have blessed our lives."
"Like this school, we are now grown beyond our childhood. Like this school, we have a charge and a mission to fulfill," he said. "The world is hungering for you. Talent and skills can be found at every college or university; but our charge is to offer the world — in addition to that — integrity, commitment to high standards of excellence, truth and the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what it means to be a graduate of this school."
For more on the June 23, 2007, commencement...
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BYU-Hawaii President
Steven C. Wheelwright and his wife, Margaret |
Speaking from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, via a direct broadcast to the university 'ohana [family] gathered in the Cannon Activities Center in Laie on June 5, President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that Dr. Steven C. Wheelwright, the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus at Harvard Business School, would succeed Dr. Eric B. Shumway as president of Brigham Young University Hawaii, effective immediately after the June 23 commencement exercises.
President Shumway retired at that time after working at BYU-Hawaii for 41 years — the last 14 of them at the head of the university. He announced in February that he and his wife, Carolyn, have been called to serve as president and matron of the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple, starting in September, but said he did not know who his successor was at that time.
In announcing the new president, President Hinckley, who is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees for BYU-Hawaii, described the university as "a wonderful and unique school. I don't think there is any other institution that can compare with it. It's 2,400 students come from 70 nations. With 46 percent of them originating outside the United States, BYU-Hawaii is the most international university, per capita, in the country. Together with the Polynesian Cultural Center, this school is touching millions of lives."
Of President Wheelwright, President Hinckley said, "The Board of Trustees has chosen a man who we are confident will take BYU-Hawaii to even new heights" and described him as "an internationally renowned emeritus scholar from Harvard Business School. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. His books and publications in scholarly journals are many and are widely recognized. The honors he has received, the many distinguished associations he has enjoyed, all bespeak his tremendous qualifications as a scholar."
"But Dr. Wheelwright is known for more than his academic accomplishments. His colleagues describe him as wise, energetic and optimistic with a profound, personal commitment to the gospel. He's a master teacher who has a genuine love for the students he works with and the institutions he represents. Through his expertise and many associations I'm confident he will expand the influence of BYU-Hawaii and bless the lives of all who come to this illustrious school."
President Hinckley also described Margaret Wheelwright as "a lady of charm and grace and capacity who will add much to the atmosphere and tone of this great university. I am confident the Wheelwrights will win a place in the heart of every student."
President Wheelwright, who is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, served as a missionary in Scotland as a young man before earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Utah. He then earned his M.B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, taught one year at the European Institute of Management in France, and then joined the business faculty at Harvard for the next nine years. He later taught for several more years at Stanford before returning to Harvard Business School where he served as the Senior Associate Dean responsible for the M.B.A. program. More recently, he interrupted his educational career to serve as president of the London England Mission from 2000-2003.
Returning to Harvard, Dr. Wheelwright was a Baker Foundation professor and senior associate dean and director of the school's publication activities. He also oversaw major on-campus construction projects. After retiring in 2006, he and his wife were serving as special assistant volunteers to his former Harvard colleague and current BYU Idaho president, Dr. Kim Clark, when the Board of Trustees picked him for the BYU-Hawaii assignment.
Following his announcement, President Wheelwright came to Laie and delivered his first devotional address on June 7. He also met with the university 'ohana.
"I am grateful for President Shumway and for so many others who have provided that foundation upon which we can build, and I look forward very much getting to know the faculty, staff and students," President Wheelwright said. "We're excited because we believe in the mission of BYU-Hawaii. BYU-Hawaii has as the center part of its mission the combining of an education in secular knowledge with an equally outstanding education in spiritual knowledge. This is an environment that I look forward very much to being a part of."
"I also look forward to helping students develop and strengthen their character and the attributes that will stand them in good stead for a lifetime of learning and service throughout the world."
The students, faculty and staff also look forward to working with him. For example, Randall Kim, a junior biochemistry major from Wahiawa said, "I think it's going to be great for the school. Coming from Stanford and Harvard, I think he's going to have a lot of good influence on the school academics-wise. Also, I believe the Lord will prepare him: He'll learn about the local ways."
Dr. Marcus Martins, chairman of the Religious Education Department, said, "As usual, President Hinckley picked somebody with great stature and great experience in the educational world. We're ecstatic right now." And international business management professor Dr. Craig M. Allen said, "We're very grateful for the confidence the General Authorities have shown the university by selecting such a fantastic person. This is two of Harvard's very best they've sent our way — very faithful people in the Church."
And retired President Shumway said, "I could not be happier for a number of reasons: One, I think the Lord has prepared the right man. I'm very pleased with his personality, his testimony, his cheerful nature, his love for students, his ability to be a quick study, his articulation and his natural outgoing personality to win friends. He knows he's going to have to learn a lot, but I didn't sense he is intimidated by it. He welcomes this new experience, and I think because of his spiritual qualities, he's going to fall in love with this place, and this place will fall in love with him."
"We have prayed very earnestly that the Lord would bring the man that He had prepared, and I think we've got him. If our faculty and staff embrace him with love and trust the way they've given it to me, I think President Wheelwright will provide great leadership."
"I also think, with all of his good cheer, there's a no-nonsense quality about him, and everyone is going to be expected to raise the bar."
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The Concert Choir tour group in the Forbidden City, Beijing (top photos by Mike Foley) |
BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir, university officials and PLC members tour China, Mongolia
The 62-voice BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir under the direction of music professor Michael Belnap, along with former President Eric Shumway, PCC Vice President John Muaina ('90, Human Resource Development), several members of the BYU-Hawaii/Polynesian Cultural Center Presidents' Leadership Council and others toured four cities in China and the capital of Mongolia between May 7-29. All agreed the tour — including concerts, cultural exchanges with local university students studying English, meetings with alumni, various officials and others — was a unique, wonderful opportunity filled with miraculous experiences.
The choir started its odyssey in Urumqi, in far northwestern China, where the majority of the people are Turkic Uyghurs whose culture is more middle eastern than Chinese. Concerts and cultural exchanges followed in Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, where the tour group also had the opportunity to view the famed terra cotta warriors museum. In Beijing the BYUH Seasiders connected with the BYU Provo Young Ambassadors, who had been touring southern China, for a "musical social." This was the first time performance groups from the two sister campuses have appeared together. The choir also performed in Tianjin, China, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, before returning to Laie.
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BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway explained the Concert Choir's tour marks the successful completion of 25 years of the joint BYUH/Polynesian Cultural Center Asian Executive Management intern training program and is "part of the overall tapestry of President David O. McKay's prophetic vision that the university would produce men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally, especially in Asia and the Pacific."
Typical of BYU-Hawaii's broad diversity, students from 15 different countries — including Mongolia and China — comprise the Concert Choir. The BYUH group also came at the invitation of the China Friendship Association and the Consortium of Mongolian Colleges and Universities.
President Shumway, who has been called as president of the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple after serving for 41 years at the Laie campus, also explained that in Mongolia where a mission was established in 1994, Latter-day Saint leaders told him the choir's visit was "historical in what it has done in terms of opening doors, eyes and hearts. They believe this will be the beginning of a new era." There are about 6,000 members of the Church in Mongolia, and about 110 fulltime missionaries.
President Shumway noted that Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve gave the choir a blessing before the tour began, in which he said they would "sing and radiate the spirit of the gospel, that people would have a desire to hear the message of Jesus Christ. That blessing has come to pass through the light, music and sweetness of our choir."
He added Elder Scott's blessing also indicated that through the students' "countenances the Spirit of God would move upon these people, and we have sensed that and loved it. It's a glorious thing to witness how this diverse student body at BYU-Hawaii can come to China and Mongolia, and make such an impact."
President Shumway encouraged the choir members to memorize the message of Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve in the last General Conference: "When music is reverently presented it can be akin to revelation. At times it cannot be separated from the voice of God."
"We have seen the literal fulfillment of this beloved statement," he continued. "We have had people come up after our concerts and exchanges and ask what it is they are feeling when they hear and see our young people perform. We ask, what do you think you feel? And they describe precisely what you and I know to be the Holy Ghost moving upon them."
"A man in Xi'an came up to me and said, I felt when your students were singing that the heavens were opened, and angels reached down and enfolded me in their arms of love. And several others suggested there was a connection between heaven and earth in the music of these young people."
V. Napua Baker, BYU-Hawaii Vice President of University Advancement, said one official here told her the choir "sings with their hearts, not just their voices." She, in turn, told the students, "This has been a spiritual journey. The impact you have made is far beyond our comprehension."
For more detailed information on the Concert Choir tour, go to the BYU-Hawaii "Newsroom" and scroll down.
Many members of the tour group spoke of "experiencing miracles every day." For example, a choir member who normally stood in the back row while performing told of hearing voices singing behind him during many of the concerts.
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And when the grandparents of BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir soprano Melody Meyer, a freshman from Utah, heard she was going to China, they asked her to look for a young woman they had worked with as missionaries in Germany a few years ago. They helped her to get baptized before she returned home, but they didn't know where she lived in China, which has a population of approximately 1.3 billion people.
"They loved her so much, and basically took her in as their daughter," Meyer said. "At the alumni musical social in Xi'an I started talking to this lady. I asked her how she had heard about the Church and become a member, and she told me when she was in Germany some people taught her. I told her my grandparents served in Germany. Do you know Elder and Sister Meyer? And when I said the name, her eyes just lit up and she gave me a big hug. It was her. I found her. Out of a billion people she was here."
"I couldn't believe it," Meyer continued. "She had so much love for my grandparents. She said she wanted so much to be able to talk to them and thank them for baptizing her. When I called my grandparents and told them, they were so excited. To me, this proves that God is involved in each of our lives and He will never forget us."
BYU-Hawaii women's tennis team captures ninth national title
The top-ranked BYU-Hawaii women's tennis team claimed their second consecutive NCAA II national championship on May 12 in Altamonte Springs, Florida, by overwhelming fourth-ranked West Florida, 5-0. The championship victory, which is added to seven others in the last nine years, marked the Lady Siders' 60th straight win. Head Coach Dr. David Porter added that none of the team's top six singles players lost a singles match during dual match play this season. For more information...
In other BYU-Hawaii sports news: Former CCH men's volleyball coach Carl McGown is now coaching the Lausanne University Club professional volleyball team in Switzerland. After leaving Laie he coached at BYU Provo.
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Gene Yamagata (center) and his wife, Allyson (right), greet BYUH internship students |
Yamagata Foundation funds internship travel program again
During a special program in their honor on Friday, June 22, Gene and Allyson Yamagata of Las Vegas once again generously provided a $300,000 contribution that enables international BYU-Hawaii students to return to their home countries on internships. Several of those students personally thanked the couple during the program.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity you granted me," said a Thai student who did a management internship in Thailand last summer. "Because of that experience, I am graduating tomorrow and going back home... Coming here to school has brought so many great things in my life."
Katoa "Toa" Sailusi, a junior International Business Management student from Tuvalu who left the following week on his internship, gave his "personal thanks to Brother and Sister Yamagata. Thank you for your huge support for the welfare of many students... On behalf of my brothers and sisters, from our hearts to yours, we're very grateful for what you've done. You make it easy for poor students like myself to go home to share the skills and knowledge we have learned here on this campus." He added that there are only 50 members of the Church, including three Priesthood holders, in his home branch: "My father, who has been the branch president for five years, his counselor, and myself. I hope I can use this opportunity effectively so I can become an instrument in the Lord's hand in the future. Thank you once again."
Another student, who did her internship last summer with an airline in Guangzhou, southern China, said the opportunity enabled her to learn "to build relationships with co-workers and become familiar with the environment of the work place. The internship also helped me improve my communication skills in Chinese...and implement the knowledge learned in the classroom."
President Shumway then presented the Yamagatas with a framed picture signifying the David O. McKay Circle. "Those who have given major donations to the university become members of this sacred circle," he explained. "Encircling his portrait are the flags of all the countries from which our students come. You are now part of the heart and soul of the David O. McKay circle." He also presented the Yamagatas with an album of thank-you letters and pictures "from the students who have taken advantage of the internship program, so you can see the students you have blessed with your generosity."
"It's always a great pleasure to be here," Yamagata responded. "The spirit is wonderful, and Allyson and I always look forward to the time we come to Hawaii." He added that the results of the internship program "have been wonderful. When we first got involved, we didn't know it would have this large a magnitude. We really feel that we've been tremendously blessed because of our involvement."
Yamagata also thanked all "who have made this program possible and successful for us. The investment we put in is just a small part of this highly successful program, and I want to thank the many people here who are involved in it. I also want to congratulate the students who are here at BYU-Hawaii, especially the foreign students who have probably walked through a tremendous trial to get their education. I congratulate you for making that possible for yourselves, especially those of you who have been able to qualify for this program."
"Both Allyson and I are always thankful to be here. Our testimonies have definitely grown, being involved in this program. I know it's the Lord's will to help people who have challenges in their lives to be successful," he said. His wife then presented "the check for the coming year" to Presidents Shumway and Wheelwright.
"We appreciate so much what you have done for this campus and all of CES," President Shumway responded.
In closing remarks, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was on campus to deliver the commencement address the next day, said for him it was a "tender moment to look around the room and see how many people cooperate to bless the lives of these extremely gifted and wonderful students."
He thanked the Shumways for their 41 years of service, and invoked a special blessing on the Yamagatas "for what they've done, and continue to do, to bless the lives of the internship students who qualify. I extend that blessing to everyone who serves on this campus, whether it's in a very senior role or one of the growing roles of service, that you'll be blessed to identify those things that are strong and supportive, and continue to strengthen them; and that those who possibly need encouragement, you'll have the promptings and guidance to do that. The genius of working together is that we get more than the arithmetic sum of the efforts of each person. There seems to be a magnification of each person."
"President Hinckley is very interested in this campus," Elder Scott continued, noting that President Wheelwright will be looking at the infrastructure requirements of school that have been needed for some time.
Volunteer tax assistance program to end
BYU-Hawaii accounting faculty and their student volunteers recently provided approximately $42,800 worth of complimentary income tax preparation services — based on a conservative estimate that each taxpayer would have had to pay H&R Block $100 for both returns — to the BYUH and Laie community, according to Dr. Clayton Hubner, Dean of the School of Business. "They are unsung heroes on our campus."
Dr. Hubner explained that, unfortunately, this will be the last year the BYUH volunteers can offer the free help because U.S. Internal Revenue Service requirements "are too restrictive, and the university cannot sign their agreement... More importantly, we don’t have sufficient faculty to staff the program any more, since we need to focus on meeting the needs of our growing accounting program."
"We regret we cannot continue this program," said Dr. Hubner, who encouraged those who have benefited in the past to make alternate plans for the future.
BYUH SIFE team finishes in top-60 at national exposition
The BYU-Hawaii Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team secured a top-60 finish in May during the organization's national exposition in Dallas, Texas. Read more...
'First family' pays tribute to BYU-Hawaii at graduation luau
Rather than having a single alumni speaker at this June's graduation luau, 11 alumni members of the extended Shumway family — 10 of them graduates — paid tribute to the university during the traditional luau banquet on June 21 for the new graduates and their guests.
The "first family" alumni members included Jeffrey Shumway ('92, History/Political Science) and his wife Kathy Shields Shumway ('92, Accounting); Sister Carolyn Shumway ('94, Elementary Education); Aaron Shumway ('95, English) and his wife, May Villanueva Shumway ('93, Art Education); Emily Shumway Pfeifer ('98) and her husband, Jon Pfeifer ('98, History/ICS Humanities); Heather Shumway Murdock ('98, Music) and her husband, Morgan Murdock ('00, Elementary and Special Education); and Douglas Shumway ('04, ICS Communications) and his wife Jennifer Spear Shumway ('04, Music). Each of them shared their thoughts. For example:
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Shumway children, spouses and grandchildren perform during the semi-annual Alumni graduation banquet |
"It was here on this campus that I gained a testimony of the human family," said Doug Shumway, youngest of Shumway children, "that all of us are equal children of a loving Father in Heaven. I will be forever grateful for the spiritual and temporal blessings that I've received in my life because of my association with this sacred place." His wife, Jennifer, recalled that she had planned to come to BYU-Hawaii for a brief adventure, but when it came time to leave, "I couldn't do it. My heart ached because I had found a place where I could become the best version of myself... I came to love Heavenly Father more because I saw Him in the faces of the students here, and I felt spiritually nourished."
"As I contemplate my entire life connected to BYU-Hawaii, I feel like the luckiest person to have the experiences this campus has given me," said Heather Murdock, the fifth Shumway child. "It has been one of the main references of my life as I've interacted with people and grown in the gospel. BYU-Hawaii has given me countless opportunities to serve... I truly love my brothers and sisters on this planet, and am excited to get to know people from everywhere."
"Growing up in Laie, BYU-Hawaii was a part of my life for as long as I can remember," said Aaron Shumway, number-four child, "but it wasn't until I enrolled here as a fulltime student that I began to appreciate more fully the wonderful privilege it was to study at this fine institution...under eminently qualified professors who both knew their academic disciplines and knew the gospel of Jesus Christ." For example, he told of a writing professor who gave him a "generous B--" grade. "That class and that professor stretched, pulled me and molded me in ways I had never dreamed, and helped shatter the 'I can just get by' attitude that had begun to lull me into the comfortable prison of mediocrity. The professors at BYU-Hawaii are second to none, and I'll be eternally grateful for their faithful discharge of their sacred duty to mold, hone and shape the precious minds that come through these doors."
His wife, May Shumway, said she was glad her "parents forced me to come to BYU-Hawaii" which has had "such a powerful and immeasurable impact on my life. What I am and what I do today all derive from the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned here at this wonderful university... As an international student, I also learned to appreciate and adapt to the different cultures."
Jeffrey, the third child and the first to attend BYU-Hawaii, offered a montage in which he recalled skim boarding on the fields after heavy rain, learning how to swim from Sister Emma Ernestburg, attending his mother's children's choruses, living in TVA when their first child was born, playing basketball with friends from six or seven different countries, and being inspired by a professor who would "not let me drop his missionary preparation class. He inspired me to work hard and catch up...and I learned a very valuable life lesson."
"My most important experience here at BYU-Hawaii came as I removed prejudices I didn't even know existed," said Kathy Shumway. "I learned to love so many different people and cultures of the world."
The collective Shumway children and grandchildren also sang Fill the World with Love, accompanied by Carolyn Shumway, who recalled "taking classes with our amazing students. But the greatest blessing of BYU-Hawaii in my life has been standing next to my beloved husband, Eric. He is one of the main reasons that our family feels Heavenly Father's love every day." She added "BYU-Hawaii has practically given me my life. We arrived at the Church College of Hawaii in 1966, and have been blessed every day since."
In his remarks, President Shumway said, "Every time I have addressed the graduates in the last 13 years, I have held a very deep desire in my heart that everyone present would go away with fire in their bones, knowing that they have had the privilege of being trained at one of the great universities on the planet; and that they would also feel in their hearts they are truly — not just theoretically, not virtually, but truly and really — part of that prophetic statement in the beginning when President David O. McKay stood a few yards from here on land recently cleared from being a cane field, with a little group of people, no students yet, no faculty hired, no buildings, and uttered some of the most amazing things about what this school is and would be, and what the product would be. Those words forged the mission and defined the product."
Referring to his "favorite symbol of higher education on this campus — that is, the breadfruit and the breadfruit tree," President Shumway recalled how a Samoan neighbor planted one in the yard of "new home" 32 years ago. "I love breadfruit, and my kids will learn to love it, too. 'Oh this tree won't be just for you,' he answered. 'It will produce much more than you can eat. That is its value. It will feed many families, especially those who don't live on as fertile soil as you, or have no room to plant in their own yards."
"For over 32 years our tree has produced abundantly. For all of those years, people we don't even know have come and picked the fruit," President Shumway said, adding he would also give it away to needy students at TVA. "To me, the breadfruit is the perfect icon for continuous education, because like the tree, education is what nourishes our society, especially spiritually."
"True education is a relentless pursuit of both truth and beauty, substantive knowledge and aesthetic appreciation. It is truly like the giving tree of Polynesia."
As a symbolic gift of "true education" to President Wheelwright and his wife, Margaret, the Shumways gave him framed kapa or Hawaiian quilt done in breadfruit motif. "What a blessing to this campus to have these two people called as the 'father and mother' of this campus."
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Earlier in the program, outgoing Alumni Association president Les Steward ('73, Business Management) noted, "It truly is a worldwide experience to be together this evening, to witness the great strength, spirit and unity of you and the students here on campus. It's an honor to recognize the graduates, as you become members of the Alumni Association. This is our way of welcoming you into our great worldwide alumni organization. We hope you take the time to become familiar with the chapters you will belong to in your various countries." For more on Les Steward...
Tiffany Waimarie Wells ('07, Social Science Education), a student leader from New Zealand who spoke on behalf of the graduates, told how coming to BYU-Hawaii gave her a broader view of the world and the gospel in action. "Working with BYUHSA was definitely one of the highlights, and working with students from many different nations opened my eyes to new visions that my life had never offered me before. The Polynesian Cultural Center is also a cherished experience of mine." She also said during her internship in Fiji she came away learning more than the 75 children she taught.
"Coming from various parts of the globe, our lives have been enriched by attending BYU-Hawaii," she said. "I am so excited about what the rest of my life has to offer, and I invite each of you to join me as we follow the prophet's [David O. McKay] admonition to go forth..."
Meha succeeds Steward as Alumni Association president
Arapata Meha ('83, Music) succeeded Les Steward as president of the BYUH/CCH Alumni Association following commencement exercises on June 23, and Meli Lesuma ('87, Human Resource Development) has been named the new president-elect. V. Napua Baker ('72), Vice President of University Advancement, recognized Steward during the Alumni luau on June 21 for reorganizing the board and "growing the number of chapters from 42 to 62. He has been dedicated, committed and focused on his responsibilities."
New chapters formed, others get new leaders
The Alumni Association Board has recently approved the following new chapters:
New leaders for existing chapters include:
CCHers ('55-'74) looking to reunions, accomplishments
Gary Wong ('60), chair of the CCH alumni constituent group, has been aggressively building the email database for everyone who attended Church College of Hawaii, and is also busy keeping track of all kinds of alumni activities and accomplishments (some of which appear below in the Personal Updates section), including:
Sorry to hear that Dottie Behling Hemaloto ('60) — a Family History Center missionary in Salt Lake City, Utah where she and husband Vili Hemaloto Jr. ('65, Math/Science Teaching) live — was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. As soon as she heard the news Lynne "Glassball" Glassford-Christy ('59) went to visit Dottie at the hospital, who asked her to share the following:
My main thought right now is to gather people of faith, a community of like-minded people to come together to be a witness to this miracle. That concept is wonderful to me. It lifts the burden of being alone in calling a blessing on my own head. After being told she could die within weeks to six months, the doctor who told the news looked for shock on my part, but I was calm. After the doctor left, the wife of my zone leader called. She talked about calling upon those who are people of faith and dedication to help me know the will of the Lord. Science and logic have done well, but I need to know, through powerful prayer, what the Lord would have me do. I have served thirty months on my mission and would like to continue another twenty-four... Whatever happens, I am a missionary. I will either live unto the Lord or I will die unto the Lord.
As I lay here, I must tell you about the blessing that my dear friend, Ambrose Velasco who lives in Waipahu, gave me on the phone. I had asked Elder Dallin Oaks at one time if it was possible to give blessings on the phone, thinking of Ambrose and his ability to do that. Elder Oaks said, 'We have many in the Church with special gifts.'
I called Ambrose and told him about my illness. He told me from Hawaii that he would give me a blessing but needed time to prepare for it so that he would have the power and wisdom to bless me. He approached the Lord with his weaknesses and shortcomings, then called me. In his blessing he said: 'In the name of Jesus Christ, I bless you that the cancer will dissolve completely away, that your systems will function properly, and that you will have a complete healing. I bless you that the cancer will dissolve naturally through the waste systems. The food and drink that you take in will have a positive effect and will rejuvenate you. The power of the Priesthood will send a guardian angel, a healing, and negative thoughts will be silenced.'
Part of the blessing that Ambrose gave me was that I was to tell everyone. This is a contrast to parts of the New Testament where Christ would say to his followers: "Tell no one." I feel that the Spirit is teaching me this concept: invite all who want to believe this miracle to be part of it. We know that the Lord can do anything, but will he do something specifically for us? My blessing was specific in that I still have something to do.
Friends can call Vili Hemaloto at 801-835-3883 or 801-237-0717.
Like to stay in the dorms again this summer?
Richie Norton ('04, International Business Management), who's working with the CITO Office, said accommodations in the dorms are available to visiting alumni and family for $35/night. He also said CITO has a:
Reminders:
In case you missed them in a previous issue, or you're new to our Alumni eNewsletter:
We invite you to submit your comments and memories of President and Sister Shumway to the Alumni Blog at http://w2.byuh.edu/alumni/blog/index.php
1950s & 60s
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Guilin, China, by John Aki Jr. ('59) |
John Aki Jr. ('59) reports he and his wife, Lydia, recently returned from their second genealogy trip to China where they had "a spiritually exhilarating experience... Now I know why the Lord sent me to Hong Kong on a mission and why I married a Chinese girl — to do saving work for thousands of Chinese relatives that probably would not otherwise have been done." John added he found the "majestic strange mountains" of Guilin "definitely better than the Great Wall, terra cotta soldiers and the Forbidden City. One is God-made, the others are man-made."
Ishmael Stagner II ('61) reports that his new hula book, translated by Alan Barcarse ('64, English) is only currently available in Japanese but "my brain trust is negotiating for the English language printing rights. Alan is already translating the second volume into Japanese. I have been told that the first of the English language versions won't be out until Christmas." Doug Losse ('61), who describes himself as "haole boy of Seattle," and many other have already put in a request for the English version. Meanwhile, Honolulu Mayor Muliufi "Mufi" Hannemann, who went to Harvard but has family ties to Laie, named June 1 Ishmael Stagner Day.
Speaking of the Stagners, a nice story in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin recently told how Carmen Cuizon Stagner ('65) was inspired by her aunt as well as Ish, her "English college professor at Church College," to go into education instead of becoming a flight attendant. Carmen has since taught at seven different schools, including a "154-foot ship that served as a character-building class for at-risk students."
Wilson K. Ho ('64), who lives in Waimanalo, wrote that he enjoys receiving the CCHers emails: "It's so interesting to read all about the kolohe [rascal] things you guys did prior to our arrival. I knew a lot about what George and Eddie Akiona ('62) did when they were there because the were from Waimanalo, but you guys sure set a mean pace. That's the 'punishment' you get: Temple president, stake presidents and bishops. I'm glad I was a quiet person when I attended CCH. My life's best memories were at CCH and PCC. Thanks for having me in the network."
Margaret Peggy O'Neil Wareing ('67), who lives in Blackfoot, Idaho, emailed: "I only attended a summer session in 1967, but have many wonderful memories."
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1977: Shumway (center), first president of the new BYU-Hawaii Stake, and his counselors: Wes White (left) and the late Herbert Kamaka Sproat (right) |
1970s
Choon Huay James ('79, English), in addition to her real estate business, produces a weekly public access TV talk show on Oahu 'Olelo channels 52 and 53 that recently featured her husband, Mark (see the next item), Dr. Tevita Ka'ili ('93, Accounting) and J. Matt Kester ('99, History) talking about the Mormon Pacific Historical Society and the Uho o Tonga organizations.
Following a presentation last month in Beijing at the 5th International Conference on English Language Teaching in China, BYU-Hawaii TESOL professor Dr. Mark O. James ('79, English/TESL) and his wife, Choon, traveled to Guangzhou where he delivered a lecture to 500 faculty and staff at the Guangdong University of Finance. Mark has accepted an invitation to become a visiting professor at the university.
1980s
Siak Lian Victor Ng ('89, Information Systems/Business Management), who is originally from Singapore and is now a senior consultant in Los Angeles, California, wrote to say he is "grateful for the opportunity to study in this place of learning and growth."
1990s
Jonathan Bradshaw ('98, Information Systems), who received his MBA degree from Westminster College in Salt Lake City on June 2, was the only student selected to speak during the school's overall commencement program. Jonny, his wife Ivalani Uluave Bradshaw ('04, Music) and family live in West Valley, Utah.
2000s
K C Folsom Chavez ('06, ICS Anthropology) said the first week she got back home to Shelbyville, Kentucky, she met Mauricio Chavez-Blanco in an Institute of Religion class. The couple were married in the Louisville Kentucky Temple on May 26
• Thomas Patten ('57, Automotive Technology) passed away April 24 in Houston, Texas. His wife, Helen, recently visited the Alumni Office to share his love of Hawaii, so much so that he requested his remains be "returned home." CCH alum Joe Ah Quin ('64, Music Education) sang at his services. Two of his daughters also attended BYU-Hawaii. Alumni Executive Director Rowena Reid reports he would occasionally call her to talk about his girls. In one of his last calls he told Reid of his cancer and "talked about the CCH reunion and how he was going to try really hard to hang on for it. I was so sad to hear of his passing, but almost relieved for him as I know he was in a lot of pain."
• Stanley Honda ('61) passed away recently in Wahiawa. He and his wife, Roberta Figuerres Honda, lived in Lahaina, Maui, and have four children.
• Former educational missionary Jack A. Richards, 89, an attorney for 64 years who taught business law for two years at BYU-Hawaii, died at his home in North Ogden, Utah, on May 31. Dr. William Neal, who was then the Dean of the School of Business and now Assistant to the President, recalled when he completed his mission, "He received a standing ovation from all the students who appreciated is excellent teaching, positive outlook, sense of humor, and love for the students. He remained a strong supporter of BYU-Hawaii after his mission, attending the Golden Jubilee in 2005."
• Responding to the notice in the last issue of the Alumni eNewsletter that former visiting Religion/History professor Davis Bitton passed away, former visiting professor Jerry Glenn wrote: "I just read Davis' devotional address and noted it was given just one year to the day of his death. I so enjoyed his address that day. It was special. I attended the funeral of this gentleman, Saint and scholar, and remembered the great times we had in Hawaii together. Thanks for noting his passing in the newsletter. I only hope the students at BYUH appreciated his classes, for they were his last in this life."
Editor's Note: The last week of the Spring Term and June commencement marked a truly historic milestone at BYU-Hawaii, with the retirement of President Shumway and the start of President Wheelwright's new tenure. When I first came to Laie on the way home from my mission in Samoa in 1967 I already had the desire to study Teaching English as a Second Language — but at the University of Hawaii. Brother Eric Shumway, a young instructor, was one of the first people I met who helped easily convince me I belonged at CCH. He certainly impacted my life then and since, and most likely the lives of many of you over the past 41 years he served here. Manuia le malaga, Samoans say: Bless the journey, as the Shumways prepare to serve in the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple; manuia fo'i le fa'amuli: bless those who remain.
— Mike Foley ('70, TESL), Editor
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The BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter is published by the University Advancement office, under the direction of Napua Baker ['59-61 and '70-72], Vice President; Dr. Duane Roberts, Director of Communications & Public Relations; and Rowena Reid ['76, Social Work], Alumni Relations Executive Director. Brigham Young University Hawaii 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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