In 2023, Brigham Young University–Hawaii stood at the forefront of transformative change, echoing the visionary aspirations set forth by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland during his address at the inaugural ceremony for President John S.K. Kauwe III in October of 2021. Then, he asserted, "What we have done in the past has led us marvelously to this day, but in no way is it sufficient for the trajectory the Church and the university are on now...The great work of BYU–Hawaii is still ahead of us...[And the] great purposes of BYU–Hawaii will demand the very best of us."
As the university continues its mission to prepare students from Oceania and the Asian Rim to be disciples of Jesus Christ and global leaders, many remarkable events and milestones illuminated last year's journey. Under inspired counsel and direction, President Kauwe joins other university leadership, faculty, and staff to navigate future courses and provide spiritually uplifting student experiences as the university's student body pursues academic dreams and accomplishments.
Below is a summary of news and events for BYU–Hawaii in the year 2023.
January
- Church leaders testify to BYU–Hawaii students of the importance of and strength in making covenants with God.
- U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, Richard. L. Buangan, meets with Mongolian students at BYU–Hawaii.
February
- A new initiative unites BYU–Hawaii with Bicol University in the Philippines, providing BYU–Hawaii graduates preferred admission.
- Brother Milton da Rocha Camargo, first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, shares how the mission God has for you’ can be found through seeking education.
- BYU–Hawaii choir students tour Big Island for first time in over 20 years.
March
- BYU–Hawaii students present research to industry-leading professionals at Communications Conference.
- BYU–Hawaii holds annual Culture Night event showcasing 31 special interest and culture clubs.
- BYU–Hawaii holds annual Undergraduate Research Conference with theme, "I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope - Through the past is future,".
- Asia-Pacific Career Conference (APCC) kickoff event featured BYU–Hawaii alumna Sylvia Hussey.
April
- Princess of Tonga visits Pacific Islands Research room at BYU–Hawaii Library to conduct genealogy research.
- Recent BYU–Hawaii graduate, Luisa Kava Kavea Soloai, celebrates a long-awaited moment at Winter 2023 Commencement.
- BYU–Hawaii students leave lasting impressions on visiting attendees of the Asian Perspectives on Human Dignity Conference.
- Elder Cordón, General Authority Seventy tells BYU–Hawaii graduates to build their life the same way Nephi built a ship.
May
- President John S.K. Kauwe III invites students to seek for covenant belonging.
- How BYU–Hawaii prepared three alumni for postgraduate achievements.
- Pacific Island students attend United Nations Conference in New York City.
- Sister Craven, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, counseled students to move forward towards Christ.
- Elder Schmutz, General Authority Seventy, asks BYU–Hawaii students, ‘Are we making ourselves available to the Lord?’
June
- Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship provides practical training to enable students to make meaningful contributions to the economic landscape of Oceania and the Asian Rim.
- Intersections: Journal of Asia Pacific Undergraduate Research launches first-ever inaugural print following Undergraduate Research Conference.
- BYU–Hawaii and Polynesian Cultural Center announced plans to sail Iosepa as part of the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture in June 2024.
July
- New travel study program takes BYU–Hawaii students to Church history sites.
- President John S.K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica Kauwe traveled to Mongolia and Korea to meet with BYU–Hawaii alumni, church members, and prospective students.
August
- Updated CES Standards help students grow closer to Christ.
- New McKay Complex renderings were released with an emphasis on centering the new welcome building around Jesus Christ.
September
- President John S.K. Kauwe III invites students to know Jesus Christ and live by Honor Code.
- BYU–Hawaii alumnus Benjamin Candari shares how heritage and culture can be preserved through architectural design of new McKay Complex.
October
- Bishop L. Todd Budge, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, outlines 5 things both President Nelson and prophet Mormon taught at BYU–Hawaii devotional.
- Utah Jazz ignite excitement at BYU–Hawaii during pre-season training camp.
- Kiribati students from BYU–Hawaii pioneer 'regenerative tourism' to transform Christmas Island.
- President Alfred Grace celebrates the Polynesian Cultural Center's 60th anniversary and highlights the shared mission and vision of the neighboring institutions.
- BYU–Hawaii students inspire at the International Center for Law and Religion Symposium.
- BYU–Hawaii to generate 100% of power from solar in coming years.
November
- BYU–Hawaii hosts the Pacific Church Schools Principals Conference.
- Ke Alaka’i News Wins 20 Awards at National College Media Convention
December
- VP Steve Tueller Prepares to Serve as Mission President
- BYU–Hawaii students showcase their proud Pacific Islander heritage at the 25th Biennial Conference of the Pacific History Association in Australia.
- Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability student employee, Quinn Evans, makes meaningful efforts to restore beehives and improve Lanihuli Gardens ecosystem.
- Elder Kearon invites BYU–Hawaii graduates: ‘Put your hand into the hand of God’ at the Fall 2023 Commencement.
