Photo by Douglas Ferreira
In 2025, Brigham Young University–Hawaii entered its 70th anniversary year with renewed purpose—reaffirming its identity as a Christ-centered institution and strengthening its mission to prepare disciples, leaders, and peacemakers for communities across the Pacific and Asia. Under President John S.K. Kauwe III’s inspired leadership, the university advanced spiritually, academically, and culturally while navigating one of the most transformative periods in campus history. From historic devotionals and global achievements to construction milestones and cultural celebrations, 2025 was a year defined by faith-driven progress and a deepened sense of belonging.
Below is a summary of news, events, and highlights for BYU–Hawaii in the year 2025.
January
Photo by Monique Saenz
- BYU–Hawaii announces a new initiative granting one-year, full-tuition scholarships beginning fall 2025 to all incoming freshmen from Hawaii who completed four years of high school and seminary in the state, expanding educational access for local families.
- President John S.K. Kauwe III opens the new semester with a devotional encouraging students to seek divine guidance and prioritize faith during times of uncertainty.
- Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, and President Camille N. Johnson speak at a historic devotional gathering, urging students to build their lives on Christ, give Him equal time, and anchor themselves firmly to the Savior.
February
- BYU–Hawaii’s CFA student research team earns a major victory in the 2025 CFA Society San Diego Local Finals, outperforming top universities and advancing to the Sub-Regional Challenge.
Photo by Monique Saenz
- BYU–Hawaii celebrates its 70th anniversary by opening a 20-year-old time capsule honoring labor missionaries, alumni, and the university’s legacy of learning and aloha.
- Culture Night preparations begin as the Myanmar Club joins BYUH’s diverse roster of cultural organizations, making its debut later in March.
- President John S.K. Kauwe III teaches about finding “Freedom From Fear” through unwavering discipleship.
Sister Monica Kauwe follows with a message on trusting the Lord’s plan even when paths seem unclear.
- Sister Andrea M. Spannaus reminds students that faithfulness creates spiritual protection and resilience.
Photo by Douglas Ferreira
March
- Culture Night 2025 brings together 25 clubs from around the world for a two-night cultural showcase in the Cannon Activities Center, strengthening campus unity through vibrant performances, storytelling, and traditional arts.
- The BYU–Hawaii Theatre Program presents Aida, earning campus-wide praise for its compelling portrayal of love, conflict, and cultural identity.
- Sister Susan L. Gong invites students to recognize their divine identity and potential, while Elder Gerrit W. Gong reassures them of a bright, Christ-filled future.
April
- The Asia Pacific Career Conference (APCC) transforms BYU–Hawaii into a global hub for interviews, employer networking, and career mentorship, preparing students for industries across the Pacific and beyond.
- The Empower Your Dreams (EYD) Competition showcases student innovation as participants develop practical solutions to challenges within their communities.
- The 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) highlights the scholarly accomplishments of students across all majors under the theme “Perseverance Is Power.”
- BYU–Hawaii hosts the third annual Human Dignity & ASEAN Conference, strengthening international collaboration in religious freedom, peacebuilding, and humanitarian leadership.
- Eleven students participate in the 2025 Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience (ASEE), gaining firsthand exposure to global supply chains and leadership environments in Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea.
- Elder Bunhuoch Eng reassures students of the Lord’s constant remembrance and covenant care.
May
- The Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir performs “Worldwide Requiem” at Carnegie Hall, representing the cultures of BYU–Hawaii on one of the world’s most respected stages.
- President John S.K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica Kauwe give a joint devotional on healthy communication and Christ-centered relationships.
- Sister Tracy Y. Browning reminds students of the unique, divine influence they bring into the world.
Photo by Kevin Tumaliuan
June
- BYU–Hawaii announces a new Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) major, preparing students to lead infrastructure and operations across the Pacific and Asia.
- The voyaging canoe Iosepa returns to the ocean, giving students hands-on experience in traditional Polynesian navigation and cultural stewardship.
Photo by Monique Saenz
July
- President John S.K. Kauwe III marks five years of leadership at BYU–Hawaii, reflecting significant expansion, strengthened mission alignment, and increased student access across the Pacific.
- Banyan Dining Hall earns the national grand prize at the 2025 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for its award-winning “Pista Sa Nayon” Filipino cultural festival.
- Construction continues across campus as new housing and academic buildings advance toward completion, with Hale 12 now open as one of BYU–Hawaii’s newest on-campus residence halls for female students.
August
- BYU–Hawaii breaks ground on the new McKay Complex, initiating one of the most significant academic building projects in campus history.
- HTM students contribute to sustainable tourism work in Kiribati, assisting government leaders and local communities.
- Eight Filipino BYU–Pathway Worldwide students reunite on campus as IWORK recipients, celebrating their shared spiritual and educational journey.
Photo by Douglas Ferreira
September
- Students gather to bid farewell to the Aloha Center, a core part of campus life for more than fifty years, ahead of its demolition.
- The newly completed A4 TVA building opens to students and families as part of ongoing housing improvements.
- Monica S. Kauwe counsels students to seek daily companionship with the Holy Spirit.
- President Kauwe encourages students to embody excellence in their academics, discipleship, and service.
- Elder Wan-Liang Wu inspires students to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Elder Jared V. Ormsby shares insights on knowing God and discovering one’s divine identity.
Photo by Waibenua Atema
October
- BYU–Hawaii HTM students represent Kiribati at the United Nations General Assembly during a high-level side event.
- BYU–Hawaii launches its Hope Squad chapter, strengthening peer-support networks for mental health and connection.
- Students gather in the Cannon Activities Center to honor President Russell M. Nelson during the live broadcast of his funeral.
- BYU–Hawaii Students participate in the 32nd International Law and Religion Symposium, strengthening global understanding of faith and human dignity.
- HTM students travel to Japan for Expo 2025 Osaka to experience global-scale hospitality and tourism management.
- The Asia Pacific Career Conference: Philippines Edition connects Filipino students—who comprise about 23% of BYU–Hawaii’s enrollment—with industry leaders in consulting, manufacturing, outsourcing, hospitality, and healthcare, helping them explore purpose-driven career paths back home.
November
- BYU–Hawaii celebrates Food Fest 2025, transforming the campus into a vibrant culinary showcase featuring global dishes from student clubs.
Photo by Kevin Tumaliuan
- Ke Alaka‘i staff attend MediaFest 2025, winning awards and participating in national journalism workshops, while representing BYUH among the top collegiate media programs.
- The BYU–Hawaii Theatre Program presents Into the Woods, filling the McKay Auditorium with a blend of humor, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling.
- Students present original research in Seoul, Korea, at the World Congress on Kinesiology & Sport Science.
- The Willes Center hosts the annual Great Ideas Competition as student entrepreneurs pitch solutions to local and international challenges.
- BYU–Hawaii students turn campus dining into a live competition at “The Hungry Games,” celebrating creativity, culture, and community through food.
- President John S.K. Kauwe III announces Brooke Peterson as advancement vice president, strengthening leadership over fundraising, alumni relations, and external partnerships.
- BYU–Hawaii students from the Philippines contribute to global dialogue at the International Forum on Law and Religion in the Philippines, engaging leaders and scholars on religious freedom, human dignity, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
December
- Standout graduates nominated from various faculty units reflect on their journeys at BYU–Hawaii and share what lies ahead.
- Fall 2025 valedictorian Manuarii Tefan reflects on mentorship, initiative and the power of gratitude that shaped his BYU–Hawaii journey