In 2024, Brigham Young University–Hawaii continued its legacy of transformative education, building on the foundation of prophetic vision and inspired leadership. Reflecting on the wonders of God shared by Elder Michael T. Ringwood during his winter 2024 commencement speech, the students of BYU–Hawaii embraced his words of making their “future the product of [their] present.” The past year has witnessed the university community rising to meet new challenges and opportunities with faith, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
From hosting groundbreaking cultural and educational events to achieving significant milestones in academics, service, and infrastructure, 2024 was a year of growth and progress. Under President Kauwe’s inspired leadership, BYU–Hawaii faculty, staff, and students worked together to create spiritually enriching experiences, furthering global unity and pursuing academic excellence. As the university continues its mission to serve students from Oceania, the Asian Rim, and beyond, this year’s highlights illuminate the collective efforts of a community dedicated to discipleship, leadership, and making a lasting impact on the world.
Below is a summary of news, events, and highlights for BYU–Hawaii in the year 2024.
January
- BYU–Hawaii hosted its first-ever Date Night event, an initiative across all Church Educational System (CES) institutions that aims to improve the dating culture across its campuses.
- BYU–Hawaii international students integrate AI into their studies to use it as an innovative way to advance their proficiency in the English language.
February
- The President’s Council presents Service and Leadership Awards to Rachel Kekaula, Jill Nakachi, Maelanie Valentine, Rainn Takashima, Katsuro Kajiyama, Philip McArthur, Jeff Christensen, and Caryn Houghton.
- BYU–Hawaii hosts the Nā Leo Hou All-State High School Choral Festival.
March
- BYU–Hawaii Culture Night begins as new and returning clubs come together to celebrate cultural diversity and worldwide peace and showcase both debuts and rekindled traditions across campus.
April
- The 2024 Asia Pacific Career Conference (APCC), themed “Navigating Success: Empowering Students in their Educational Voyages,” equipped BYU–Hawaii Students with resources necessary for their future professional journeys.
- Graduation speaker Shareef Basan shares his accomplishments of the impossible through chasing dreams and service to others.
May
- Art preservation work continues at the McKay Foyer as part of the renovations of the BYU–Hawaii campus buildings that are slated to begin in the summer of 2025.
June
- Iosepa, the traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe of BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), returns to sea for the first time in eight years for FestPAC Hawai’i 2024.
- The 2nd annual Church history travel program, an all-expenses-paid journey that takes selected students to significant historical sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, deepens the faith of the participating students.
- BYU–Hawaii announces the discontinuation of the post-completion academic training for J-1 students, beginning in spring 2025.
July
- The BYU–Hawaii mosaic of the David O. McKay building undergoes its first stages of the conservation process with the help of art preservationist Scott M. Haskins.
- BYU–Hawaii faculty and students embark on a marine biology expedition to Christmas Island, Kiribati.
- BYU–Hawaii hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students embark on a journey to Mongolia and contribute to the country’s tourism industry growth.
August
- BYU–Hawaii students present their work on typographic culture to an international audience at TypeCon 2024 in Portland, Oregon.
September
- New BYU–Hawaii students begin their Fall 2024 semester with a sacred visit to the Laie Hawaii Temple as part of their New Student Orientation.
- President John S.K. Kauwe III speaks about “purpose, consecration, and excellence” and how it can prepare students for an exhilarating future.
- BYU–Hawaii students embark on an 11-day Asia sourcing experience trip across Korea, China, and Vietnam to immerse themselves in the world of global supply chains and manufacturing processes.
October
- BYU–Hawaii facilitates the legacy celebration of Leonard and Margaret Fong, who are long-time supporters of BYU–Hawaii, with their significant financial and personal contributions.
- The Golden State Warriors visit BYU–Hawaii for their 2024 training camp, sponsored by Gatorade.
- The Joseph F. Smith (JFS) Library donated 40,000 books to the Northern Mariana Islands.
November
- The BYU–Hawaii Theatre Program brings the classic romantic comedy-drama “You Can’t Take It with You” to the stage.
- BYU–Hawaii celebrates Food Fest 2024 as 36 clubs transform the newly constructed Aloha Plaza into a culinary and cultural community event.
- The 2024 Great Ideas Competition showcases innovation and purpose at BYU–Hawaii as aspiring student entrepreneurs aim for participation scholarships and cash prizes.
- The BYU–Hawaii Seasider Singers, Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir, and Shaka Steel music ensembles present at the 2024 Church Music Festival of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Elder Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund speak about the importance of taking upon the name of Christ and retaining spiritual knowledge.
- BYU–Hawaii hospitality & tourism management embark on an immersive 10-day study tour in Japan to explore the country’s influence as one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.
December
- BYU–Hawaii is now accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Renovations for the Joseph F. Smith (JFS) Library begin with a transition to more digital books beginning in May, and full renovation beginning in December and will last until spring 2025.
- The graduates of fall 2024 share their experiences, insights, and accomplishments from their time as students of BYU–Hawaii.
- New student housing (Hale 11, 12, and 13) is unveiled.