BYU–Hawaii News

Making the transition to a college student can be a daunting, anxiety-filled experience during that first year. It is not uncommon for new students fresh out of high school, from a different country, or even coming back to school after a long absence to struggle with managing their academic requirements, social life, and future goals while living in Hawaii and attending this university. Homesickness, culture shock, and being unaware of the expectations required at BYU–Hawaii all can contribute to a stressful transition to campus and college life. A new online video series developed by students, faculty and staff at BYU–Hawaii is set to help with the transition to college life at the Laie, Hawaii campus. Read Full Story

Students and faculty filed into the CAC to hear Gary Cornia’s devotional centered on measuring one’s life as a child of God. Gary C. Cornia, Dean of the Marriott School of Business at BYU Provo, explained that there is a lot expected from each of God’s children. While nobody is perfect it is important to strive to live up to one’s potential. Read Full Story

The Polynesian Cultural Center celebrated an unforgettable occasion as they opened their doors to the new and improved Gateway Restaurant, during its grand opening on Thursday, November 10, 2011. The newly renovated Gateway restaurant showcases majestic Polynesian tradition and culture, set in a beautiful Hawaiian theme. The much anticipated completion of this restaurant made for a very successful event. Read Full Story

The university is pleased to announce that the groundbreaking for the new multi-use building and new student housing facilities will be held Saturday, December 17, 2011, at 1:30 PM, following the Fall 2011 Commencement exercises held that morning. Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside at the groundbreaking. All are invited to attend and will have the opportunity to break the ground and take a photo following the main program. Read Full Story

What is culture, and what impact does it have on ethical behavior?” This was one of the questions posed by Dr. Lee Radebaugh in his forum entitled “Behaving Ethically in a Global Economy: Does Culture Matter?” Dr. Radebaugh’s forum was presented by the BYU–Hawaii Student Chapter of the BYU Management Society. Dr. Radebaugh is an internationally recognized expert in ethics and leadership, and is the Whitmore Professor of International Business and Director of the Kay and Yvonne Whitmore Global Management Center and Center for International Business Education and Research at BYU in Provo, Utah. Read Full Story

With the international gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) happening in Hawaii on November 8-13, many BYU–Hawaii students were privileged to meet with dignitaries from around the world. One government head with ties to the Church and the university is the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Tu’ivakano, who made time to take the one-hour drive from Honolulu to Laie on Monday, November 14, and meet with students, faculty, and members of the Tongan community. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, Lady Tu’ivakano, and by the Governor of Vava’u; Lord Fulivai. Read Full Story

As many of the leaders and officials from various nations gathered in Hawaii for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), several dignitaries gave some of their time to come and visit BYU–Hawaii. Among these leaders was Peter O’Neill, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. Accompanied by his wife Lynda May Babao, the Prime Minister visited the Laie campus on Thursday, November 10, amid a very tight schedule of APEC-related meetings. Students from the university’s Hawaiian and Pacific Studies program greeted the visitors with a traditional Hawaiian chant, after which students from Papua New Guinea performed a cultural welcome of their native land. Following an official welcome to the university by Vice President for Academics Max Checketts, Mr. O’Neill addressed a gathering held in the David O. McKay Foyer. Read Full Story

BYU–Hawaii’s student body is the most international in the nation, with students from over 70 different countries – many of which are represented at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. APEC holds annual meetings to discuss ways to promote free trade and cooperation in the Pacific Rim. Twenty-one countries are involved, and this year the gathering was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 8-13, 2011. This unique situation afforded students a rare opportunity to meet the leaders of their countries, albeit far from home. Read Full Story

On Wednesday, November 16, 2011, the Music Department will present the ‘Evening of Concertos’ concert, with performers including BYU–Hawaii’s Concert Choir and seven soloists, accompanied by an orchestra comprised of both the Honolulu Symphony and BYU–Hawaii. Read Full Story

John C. Dalton, the Mission President of the Honolulu, spoke about the importance of each individual in his devotional address on November 8, 2011. He focused on missionary work and the worth of each person in the Lord’s work. He started by putting into perspective how many people are on the earth, demographers have recently discovered that there are over seven billion people in the world, then he reminded us that Heavenly Father sees each of his children; he loves them and expects great things from them. Read Full Story