BYU–Hawaii News

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world," asserted 20th century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. BYU-Hawaii Associate Professor of Religion Keith Lane quoted Wittgenstein as he addressed the students and faculty of BYU-Hawaii at this year's University Convocation. [Pictured above- BYU–Hawaii faculty members preparing to enter convocation] Read Full Story

With the rededication of the Laie Temple approaching, BYU-Hawaii listened to a devotional from the Laie Temple President, H. Ross Workman, on the topic of Sacred Places. Read Full Story

Upon driving around the Flag Circle into the entrance of Brigham Young University – Hawaii, the scene that captures the attention of most visitors is the grand mosaic depiction of President David O. McKay at the flag-raising ceremony of the local elementary school. The scene resonates in the hearts of all who understand the prophetic mission of the University. For Norman Burr, the sight brings back a humbling sense of accomplishment. Read Full Story

Michael Preece, former president of the London South Mission, promised to teach BYU–Hawaii’s students and faculty some of the most important things he knows at a devotional held on Sept. 28. Read Full Story

BYU-Hawaii had the opportunity to hear from one of the members of the first Seventy, Elder Gary E. Stevenson at a weekly devotional on September 21. Read Full Story

Practical application of classroom learning is often a difficult aspect of teaching. However, David Bybee, assistant professor of biology at BYU–Hawaii, seems to have found the solution: service. For the last two terms, Bybee has brought his subject to life by taking his Conservation Biology and Biology 100 classes to help with native Hawaiian forest restoration projects. The projects are located behind the University along the Ko’olau Summit Trail and near the Kahawaiinui Trail at a site recently burned by forest fire. Bybee calls the fire site “the battlefront” and describes it as a war raging between the native Hawaiian rainforest and the invasive plants that have gained a foothold since the fire. Read Full Story

The BYU–Hawaii Ohana honors the memory of Jack Van Johnson who passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at the age of 69. Johnson is remembered for his service to the University, his family, and the Lord. He was born September 9, 1941, in Preston, Idaho, and came to Hawaii to teach in 1964. He met his eternal companion, Cassandra Hom, in Hawaii and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 31, 1968. During his time at BYU–Hawaii, Johnson served simultaneously as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Associate Vice President of Academics for more than a year. When the College of Arts and Sciences was reorganized in November 1996, Johnson was appointed Dean and had responsibility over the seven divisions the college included. Read Full Story

Paralleling the Book of Mormon chapters in Helaman to the world today, BYU-Hawaii biology Professor David Bybee spoke on how to live righteously when surrounded by wickedness at the Aug. 24 devotional. Read Full Story

Recently-retired Max Stanton was much more than a teacher during his years at BYU–Hawaii. Initially a student at Church College of Hawaii, then professor of Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Religion, and Tourism, and head of the Sociology Department for three years, Stanton’s work at BYU–Hawaii has been vast and varied. Read Full Story

Although thinking of and remembering our Father in Heaven seems like a basic gospel principle, President Finau Hafoka spoke on this topic at a weekly devotion on August 17 to remind students and faculty of what they have learned and should remember. Read Full Story