Elected by the student body, John Fisihetau, Raife Campbell and Sephra Kinikini are the new Brigham Young University–Hawaii Student Association (BYUHSA) Presidency who will serve during the 2013-14 school year.
John Fisihetau, a senior in business management from Utah, is the new president. John’s running mate, Raife Campbell, a junior in business finance and supply chain from Australia, is the new executive vice president. After the election, interviews for the second executive vice president position were held and Sephra Kinikini was selected, completing the three-person presidency. Sephra is a senior studying history from Hawaii.
The newly elected BYUHSA presidency is focusing their efforts on discovering student potential through seeking their needs, building genuine relationships of trust, implementing spiritual and temporal learning and leadership opportunities, and engaging them with faculty and staff in transparency through active representation.
“As a presidency, we are willing to listen and ready to embrace needed changes that students want,” stated Fisihetau. “We want to empower others to do great things that they otherwise would not think they could accomplish.”
“We will focus on ensuring the students feel that they are connected to each other,” said Campbell. “As we learn together, build together, and grow together we naturally reach out to lift the others around us.”
“If I see a friend in need I will not hesitate to extend a helping hand,” stated Kinikini. “Everyone needs a friend that will always be there for them, and I hope that I can fulfill that calling whole-heartedly.”
As part of their duties with BYUHSA, the presidency will oversee multiple areas including special events, publicity, social activities, student advisory council, clubs and organizations, and service. These areas are led by two other students who are interviewed and selected as vice presidents of that area. After being selected, the vice presidents of those areas will work together to plan activities that get students involved and active in the campus environment. “If every student feels appreciated and loved by their fellow students, there will be a spirit of unity and giving,” explained Kinikini. “BYU–Hawaii will be a place where harmony and learning will influence others to do well.”
Former social activities vice president and current BYUHSA executive vice president John Fryhoff looks forward to the new leadership team. “John Fisihetau will be a great BYUHSA President for this campus. He has a lot of passion to lead and has already been greatly involved.”
“The students make this campus special; their journey is my mission,” said Fisihetau. “I want to give students the tools and means to reach their greatest potential.”
The new BYUHSA Presidency will begin their duties in April 2013 and will continue for the duration of one year.