BYU–Hawaii News

In an article titled "Laie on the verge," in the Honolulu Star Bulletin, BYU–Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright explained fact-based reasons that support job creation, modern economic development, and affordable housing in Laie and the Ko'olau Loa region. The article covers topics such as balancing the rising cost of living in the academic market to fit current trends, renovating BYU–Hawaii's physical facilities, and maintaining stability when expanding. Read more… Read Full Story

Cross country, school, marriage, pregnancy and graduation: "I am happy that I did everything in order," said June 2009 BYU–Hawaii graduate Amanda Whitford (pictured right) with a big smile. After earning her degree in elementary education, Whitford was asked how she felt about her experience at BYU–Hawaii. Read Full Story

Elder Michael and Sister Annene Hogge, education missionaries at BYU–Hawaii, shared the steps to deepening the roots of an eternal character on the August 25, BYU–Hawaii devotional. Standing side by side with arms around each other, Elder & Sister Hogge took turns sharing a message gleaned through a lifetime learning. Read Full Story

First Term has begun at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, introducing the first full school year under the new academic calendar, and administrators say they can already see the benefits. Some of the positive outcomes reported are facilities being utilized year-round, an increase of parents in attendance at orientation with their children, more than 1,250 First Term students were able to continue their studies, and the university is offering more credits in 2009 than in 2008. Vice President of Academics Max Checketts said that facts already show the university’s three main objectives created under the direction of President Steven C. Wheelwright are being accomplished because of the new academic schedule, which are: Read Full Story

With extra seats arranged on the sides of the auditorium and people filling up another room, the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitor’s Center was filled to the brim as Joe Ah Quin (pictured right), a Laie singing legend who once lost his voice for over two months, drew an overflow crowd when he performed at the August 2, Sunday evening musical fireside. Read Full Story

Elder Tad R. Callister, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency and member of the Quorum of the Seventy, spoke at BYU–Hawaii's devotional on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. Callister, who was joined by his wife Kathryn, is a native of Los Angeles, California. He recently served as President of the Canada Toronto East Mission (2005-2008), and he and his wife are currently based out of New Zealand. Read Full Story

'Conversation with the President' with President Steven C. Wheelwright, which took place Thursday, August 20, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Aloha Center Mall, was a student-driven open forum—an informal setting. According to the event's Facebook page, 'Conversation with the President' allowed "students to have the chance to identify concerns here on campus and also to identify possible solutions with President Wheelwright." Read Full Story

Aaron Shumway (pictured right), a BYU–Hawaii alumnus, former adjunct professor, and son of former President Eric B. Shumway, spoke at BYU–Hawaii's devotional this past Tuesday, August 11, 2009, which was held at the Cannon Activities Center. Shumway, currently practicing law with Ashford & Wriston, began by recounting his strong ties to the university. Read Full Story

A new coach with a familiar face will lead the BYU–Hawaii women's softball team into the 2009-2010 season. Scott Lowe (pictured top) will add to his duties as both the Assistant Athletic Director and the Sports Information Director at BYU–Hawaii and take the reins of the softball team for the upcoming season. Lowe was named to the position after Jackson Mapu, BYU–Hawaii softball coach for the past ten years, retired earlier this summer. Read Full Story

Robert Grow expounded upon the example of the Brother of Jared and his relationship with the Lord at a BYU–Hawaii Devotional on August 4. "I love the story of the Brother of Jared because it is the story of a great man, with great faith, who loves the Lord but also feels paralyzing fear when faced with an overwhelming challenge," said Grow, founding Chair Emeritus of Envision Utah and chief consultant of Envision Laie (pictured top). "It is the story of how the Lord leads him through that fear until he exercises greater faith than any prior mortal. His experiences teach us the process the Lord uses in our lives to overcome our fears and help us act with faith." Read Full Story