Construction on campus continues as the foundation for new dormitories was poured on Wednesday, August 8, behind the existing Hales. But there’s something special about this foundation – it includes names of thousands of people who signed their name to rocks, allowing anyone who wanted to 'Be Part of the Foundation’ and participate in building the future of campus.
For the past two weeks, stations were set up around campus and throughout the community so students, faculty, staff and community members could sign their names on a rock that would then be added to the foundation pour for one of the new buildings. On Wednesday, August 8, 3,681 signed rocks were added to the foundation, allowing all those involved to literally be a part of the changes happening at BYU–Hawaii.
Support for the rock signing was not limited to those present at BYU–Hawaii. Alumni and friends of the university used both OrangeCone.byuh.edu and the university Facebook page to post their name and what they love about BYU–Hawaii. Each name that was submitted was written on a rock, and those rocks were then added to the thousands that were signed by those in Hawaii. The names of all those who posted on the websites were included.
With the addition of the new and replacement dormitories, BYU–Hawaii will be able to slightly increase enrollment beginning in 2014. As BYU–Hawaii expands to serve more students, the foundation is only the beginning. Yolanda C. Mejia posted her thoughts on the university Facebook wall in response to the opportunity to have her name on a rock in the foundation: “BYU–Hawaii taught me how to be independent and self-reliant. It was my first time away from home. I learned not only in the academic side, but even more on the spiritual side. It also taught me leadership, stewardship and responsibilities. I learned how to be a leader.” With campus expanding, more students will have the opportunity to attend BYU–Hawaii and fulfill the university mission to “Learn, Lead and Build.”