Lisa Fehoko

HONOLULU—On Monday morning, January 18, the 22nd annual Martin Luther King Day parade began as participants slowly made their way through the streets to Kapiolani Park. In the midst of the march were BYU–Hawaii volunteers—students representing their school clubs and home countries of Africa, Samoa, the Philippines, Tonga, Tahiti, Japan, Fiji, Mongolia, and Indonesia. Whether in cultural garb or donning tee shirts with the 'Peace by Piece' slogan of the current BYUHSA presidency, these students personified Dr. King's statement of, "I have a dream that one day … little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers" (http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html).

LAIE, Hawaii — Sister Julie B. Beck (pictured top), General Relief Society President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged 209 Brigham Young University–Hawaii graduates from 31 countries to learn from their experiences, noting that her university experience is what prepared her for her current responsibilities. "The Lord was preparing me," she stated. "It didn't really matter what I chose to study. It was the process that taught [me] so much."

Festive strains of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" rang through the Cannon Activities Center, launching BYU–Hawaii's once-a-year Christmas devotional, spearheaded by the Fine Arts Department. The theme, 'The Gifts of the Season: Songs and Stories of Christmas', unfolded through various musical performances, and was narrated by Craig Ferre, professor of theater and speech. (pictured right: The University Chorale sings Beethoven's Hallelujah)

Amidst memorabilia in BYU–Hawaii archives is a picture of a South Pacific Islander (Samoan male) performing a hoop dance. The anomaly here is the performance of hoop dancing in BYU–Hawaii’s backyard in the early '70s—a dance which originated with the Navajo Native American tribe.

"Relationships are a very important part of our mortal life," taught Mary N. Cook, the First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at a BYU–Hawaii devotional on November 3, 2009.

Aaron Shumway (pictured right), a BYU–Hawaii alumnus, former adjunct professor, and son of former President Eric B. Shumway, spoke at BYU–Hawaii's devotional this past Tuesday, August 11, 2009, which was held at the Cannon Activities Center. Shumway, currently practicing law with Ashford & Wriston, began by recounting his strong ties to the university.

"You have so many things before you. You have so many things to do and [that] must be done…. I believe what will help you is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven," taught Jonathan Serrao, President of the Honolulu Hawaii West Stake, at his devotional address on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at the BYU–Hawaii Cannon Activities Center. "Through your faith and works and [the Lord and Heavenly Father's] help you will be able to succeed and accomplish all things that you must accomplish," said Serrao. He spoke of faith as a motive cause of all action, and that faith "can be developed and increased and become a power to you."

Your being here required the Lord's hand, considerable effort, sacrifice, and a series of many steps on your part to prepare you for this experience, began Bill Neal, BYU–Hawaii Assistant to the President, in a devotional speech titled, "Take the Next Step," which was held at the Cannon Activities Center on May 5; he shared the podium with his wife Dianna Neal, BYU–Hawaii Adjunct Professor, and they took turns addressing two key points—examining where you are in your spiritual journey and taking the next step in that journey.

The Brigham Young University-Hawaii President's Council held their monthly Question and Answer Forum in the Little Theater on April 9, to answer submitted questions about housing, the new schedule, J-1 visa, the BYUH mission statement, online degrees, the Art department, Health Center hours, school colors, the Testing Center, Student and University Bulletin e-mails, faculty housing, and improving the quality of education.