BYU–Hawaii News

The leaders from four independent universities in Hawaii – BYU–Hawaii, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University and Argosy University – met in Laie on May 5 for an annual gathering of the institutions which form the Hawaii Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (HAICU). Approximately 100 participants attended, including Steven C. Wheelwright, president of BYU–Hawaii; Brother Bernard Ploeger, president of Chaminade University; Chatt G. Wright, president of Hawaii Pacific University; and Warren Evans, president of Argosy University. [Above right: Brother Bernard Ploeger (Chaminade), President Steven C. Wheelwright (BYU–Hawaii), and President Warren Evans (Argosy) pose for a picture following a session at HAICU 2011.] Read Full Story

Brother Michael Murray, former president of the Pennsylvania Philadelphia mission, shared his thoughts on true happiness at a BYU–Hawaii devotional on May 3, 2011. Brother Murray’s words centered on the following message that received regularly from his missionaries during his time as mission president: “Dear President Murray, I’ve never been happier in my life.” Read Full Story

BYU–Hawaii President Steven Wheelwright addressed the faculty and staff during the Ohana meeting that took place at the McKay Auditorium on Monday, April 25, 2011. Three major points discussed were the support from Church leaders, excellence on campus, and the progress on planning for the future. Read Full Story

Every semester and spring term students have the opportunity to join one or many clubs that are sponsored by BYUHSA Clubs and Organizations. World Fest is the time at the beginning of the semester that students look forward to learning about the different cultural, academic, and special interests clubs. Cultural clubs are among the most popular because, “they help you meet people you wouldn’t otherwise… help you have a social life and do things you wouldn’t normally do,” according to Mariah Hunt a junior in ICS World Humanities and Culture, from Folsom, California. Latino club, Samoan club, Filipino club are some of the clubs that represent the diversity of the school. Read Full Story

Brother David Allsop of the Presidents' Leadership Council and the David O. McKay Circle spoke to students, faculty, and staff at devotional on April 26, 2011. He quoted Elder Neal A. Maxwell in choosing the theme of his talk: "I thank him for helping me, even forgiving me, when I fall short, when I testify of things known but which are beyond the border of my behavior, and for helping me to advance that border, bit by bit. His relentless redemptiveness exceeds my recurring wrongs." Read Full Story

The BYU–Hawaii art department’s recent addition of a graphic design emphasis has resonated well with students. Brandon Truscott, a faculty member in the art department, was hired one year ago with the special task of assisting in the creation of the graphics track. He currently teaches three of the four required classes in the track. “Fortunately or unfortunately,” Truscott laughs, “anyone going through this track is going to learn [graphic design] from me and from their own investigation.” Read Full Story

Brother Clayton Christensen of the Harvard Business School urged students, faculty, and staff at a devotional on April 19, 2011, to “follow God’s ways, and not our own, as we wield our sickles with our might.” Brother Christensen recounted some of his personal experiences with missionary work and gave some tips for sharing the gospel more effectively. Read Full Story

On April 19, 2011, EcoEffect radio (KGU-AM 760) featured students from BYU–Hawaii on its daily sustainability show. The show, “Charlene on Green” is hosted by Charlene Brown, a graduate from BYU (Provo), and focuses on household and organizational efforts to move toward a more sustainable community. BYU–Hawaii students Chad Jansrikesorn, Lani Harris, Molly Alofipo, and Theresa Holmes discussed various campus initiatives they have been involved in through employment and academics. Read Full Story

During the winter semester, BYU–Hawaii Marketing Research students participated in a consulting project with Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, and on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, the students presented their recommendations to Turtle Bay Resort executives, including the general manager and resort manager. The project dealt particularly with the Turtle Bay Escape Club and was given to students early in the semester with a Request for Proposal. Throughout the semester, students prepared a proposal, conducted and transcribed two focus groups, wrote and collected data on two surveys, and analyzed the data before presenting their findings and recommendations to the manager of the Escape Club. Dr. Lenard Huff, the Marketing Research professor, stated, "The general manager was so impressed that she wants to talk with us about setting up some permanent student internships for BYU–Hawaii students." Read Full Story

Approximately 380 students participated in the BYU–Hawaii commencement exercises on April 9, 2011. As the distinguished guest speaker, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his vision of the future with graduates. The audience laughed at his observation, "There is good news and bad news," and listened intently to his hope for the future. Read Full Story