BYU-Hawaii, celebrating 50 years of educating and graduating tomorrow's leaders, graduated 248 more today in its Jubilee commencement exercises.
Of the 248 "jubilee graduates," 76 or 31% are international students from 31 different countries. Next to the U.S., Japan had the highest number of graduates at nine with Tonga following at eight. Other countries represented ranged from Cambodia to Papua New Guinea.
The diversity of the graduating class directly reflects the culturally diverse demographics of BYU-Hawaii's student body—the most international in the nation—and the university's mission of training students to become leaders back in their home countries.
President Eric B. Shumway, who recently returned from China where he accompanied Governor Linda Lingle and a contingency of leaders in government, business and education on a goodwill tour for Hawaii, read a letter from Governor Lingle to the graduating class.
"As you embark on a new journey into the next phase of your life, remember that learning never stops," she said. "Each experience in your life offers a valuable lesson to be learned from.
"You have much to share with the world, and our island community has grown stronger through your commitment to excellence," she continued. "No matter how far your future may take you, we hope that you will always consider Hawaii your home and keep its values and aloha spirit close to your heart."
The commencement address was given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy—a governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which founded BYU-Hawaii—and former associate general counsel of NationsBank Corporation (now Bank of America).
Elder Christofferson first recounted some of the inspired circumstances in which BYU-Hawaii was founded and quoted from the prayer offered by President David O. McKay of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the dedication of the school 50 years ago.
"I dedicate and set apart this building, each of these halls and rooms, for the purpose for which it has been built," said President McKay, "and pray, O God, that each may be protected and utilized for the blessing of students, for the advancement of thy Church, and for the blessing of mankind."
Elder Christofferson then quoted Doctrine and Covenants 88:118—"seek learning, even by study and also by faith"—and reminded students that one way BYU-Hawaii blesses students is by teaching them both secular and spiritual knowledge.
"I hope no one here ever seriously thought that graduation would represent the end of learning," Elder Christofferson quipped. "You must stay up to date with the current fruits of science and reason, and you must pursue spiritual knowledge and understanding with even greater vigor. Don't lose your balance, the balance found in your education at Brigham Young University Hawaii."
With its students empowered with knowledge and testimony, BYU-Hawaii can then accomplish its other two purposes—advancing the Church and blessing mankind— through their influence. In light of the ethnic diversity of the graduating class and the mission of the university to "assist individuals ... in their efforts to influence the establishment of peace internationally," he particularly encouraged the graduates to "become a blessing to the peoples and regions from which you come."
"You can and should be those who bring integrity to business enterprises. ... You can and should be those who bring integrity, wisdom, and sound administration to government. ... You can and should be those who improve agriculture, advance science and medicine, serve in the law, promote excellence in the trades, and further develop the wonderful world of technology."
"There are many answers and opportunities," he continued, "but may I suggest that your greatest contribution to the advancement of the Church, and the world, will be your witness of Jesus Christ, a witness that I am sure has been clarified and deepened by your experience here."
"[And] what is most important is that you remember that above all else, it will be in the seemingly small things and in your own home and family where your life will have its greatest impact," he concluded. Read more...
The valedictory address was given by Alisi Langi, a native of Hawaii with Tongan, Hawaiian and Chinese ancestry who majored in Political Science. Langi was also a 2004 recipient of the prestigious Truman Scholarship award and the Hoomanao Presidential Scholarship.
In her address, Langi reminded her fellow students that they have been given much in the way of educational facilities and dedicated teachers, and that much is going to be required of them now that they've graduated.
She also posed the question, "What are we going to do with what we've learned?" In answer to her own question, Langi expressed her "desire and need to serve the people of Hawaii—which I consider my homeland—and the Pacific Islands."
This past semester she completed an internship with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. This summer she will intern in Tonga to help establish a Ministry for Families. Afterwards she plans to pursue a law degree at the University of Hawaii and a graduate degree at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Service and International Relations at Princeton.
In addition to recognizing the graduates, BYU-Hawaii honored Dr. Dale Hammond, retired professor of BYU-Hawaii, with a Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to the university and the community of Laie.
Hammond, who has been associated with this university since 1959, established the first Chemistry program and lab on campus. He also taught Math, Geology, Oceanography, and Natural History.
In addition to his teaching duties, Hammond was instrumental creating the organizational structure of BYU-Hawaii in its early years by putting in place the record-keeping and other mechanisms necessary to the foundation of the university.
Hammond is also a respected neighbor and leader in the community of Laie, having served as president of the Laie Community Association from 1975-1978 and then as a board member for several years.