This past February marked the 55th anniversary of BYU–Hawaii's groundbreaking (February 12, 1955), which was presided over by then president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O. McKay. At such a time, it is natural to reflect upon the past, take inventory of what we now have, and look forward to what our hopes are for the future. (pictured: reenactment of the groundbreaking ceremony during the Jubilee five years ago)
President Steven C. Wheelwright, ninth president of BYU–Hawaii, reflected on the great history that led to the building of this institution, stating, "We are 'standing on the shoulders of giants.' There is an incredible history of building the kingdom from here."
In speech delivered over a decade ago, President Gordon B. Hinckley touched on the magnitude of the great work among Polynesia’s faithful: "We've never had greater heroes in this church, in my judgment, than those who laid the foundations of the work among Polynesia … and many of you who sit in this congregation today, who have been gathered from those islands, are here because of their efforts. I hope you never, never, never forget that" ('Pioneers in the Pacific' Sesquicentennial Celebration, 1997).
Wheelwright sees a bright future in store: "Most people think of [the University's] potential from what they've seen in the past. The Lord, however, has a grander perspective of what it could do, and the effect it can have on the world. We haven’t even scratched the surface."