BYU–Hawaii News

Lorasia Naigia Tavuto, Lora for short, is a senior from Fiji. Upon graduating, she will be the first person in her family to receive a college degree. Before coming to BYU–Hawaii, someone had jokingly announced that Lora would be Fiji's first female prime minister during her high school graduation. That moment motivated her to work towards receiving a bachelor's degree in political science, and she doesn't plan to stop there. Read Full Story

“Already writing a research paper for religion class? Why don’t you also submit it to the BYU–Hawaii Undergraduate Research Conference (URC)?” These are the words from a religion professor that was later replaced by “I was so happy when I heard your name and paper announced! Congratulations on your research paper that was awarded $1,000 and several other prizes!” Read Full Story

The crowd fell silent as the Brigham Young University–Hawaii choir students filed on stage. Within moments a captivated audience listened intently to a slower yet sacred start of a beautiful rendition of "Me-Na-Ri," a Korean piece featuring soloist Dr. Melissa Walker Glenn. It was an incredible start to the following songs performed by the Seasinger Singers, including pieces from Samoa, South Africa, Australia, and East Africa. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its spring 2022 devotional and lecture speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals focus on spiritual learning by fostering greater faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ. Read Full Story

Culture Night is a unique annual tradition at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Culture and special interests clubs on campus gather their members to learn and rehearse dances and skits representing their culture at this two-night event. It is an opportunity for students to develop an understanding and respect for cultures worldwide as they engage through dance and song. Culture Night celebrates the university's mission and cultural diversity and promotes international peace. Read Full Story

Dr. Erica Glenn, a visiting assistant professor of choral activities and voice, and Professor Maclaine Day, an assistant professor of intercultural peacebuilding, both share a deep connection and love for the people of Ukraine. As returned missionaries, Dr. Glenn of the Donetsk Ukraine Mission and Professor Day of the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission (now Dnepr Ukraine Mission) both had fallen in love with the country of Ukraine and its people. They felt a responsibility to act when hearing of recent tragic events in Eastern Europe. Read Full Story

On Friday, March 4, a small crowd gathered for a private screening of the documentary "Waterman," a biography film of Duke Kahanamoku. The screening was held at the Hawaii Journey Theater, at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Amongst this group came a handful of significant figures in the surfing community here on the North Shore. Many received special recognition from Isaiah Walker, Academic Vice President of BYU–Hawaii. He thanked them for the roles they continue to play as fellow watermen of Hawaii. Read Full Story

Beginning in 2023, Brigham Young University–Hawaii will hold two commencement ceremonies each year. Read Full Story

This week, students of the Tongan club gathered to sing for a Tonga relief project they are participating in, a community-led effort to aid and support the people in Tonga. However, this wasn't the first time students gathered together as a show of strength and support to their families and loved ones in Tonga. Just weeks ago, on January 15, 2022, an underwater volcano erupted, causing a tsunami to wash through the isles of Tonga, followed by a blanket of ash that coated their islands, contaminating natural water and food sources. This natural disaster has also made it extremely difficult to communicate with the outside world. As a result, many students from Tonga who are currently studying here at BYU–Hawaii still have yet to hear from their families and friends. Read Full Story

Several students from the BYU–Hawaii Music Program placed in a regional competition through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Dallin McKinney, Brandon Sorilla, Ralph Mallapre, and Aimee Johnson all placed in the competition and study voice privately with Dr. Melissa Glenn. Two singers are advancing to nationals: Mia Malit, who studies with Dr. Melissa Glenn, and Julia Hernandez, who studies with Dr. Erica Glenn. Read Full Story