Michael Johanson

The Prime Minister of the island nation of Tuvalu, Enele Sopoaga, came to Laie, Hawaii, on Friday, March 18, for a visit to BYU–Hawaii during a weeklong trip to Oahu. While at BYU–Hawaii, the Prime Minister met with President John S. Tanner, took a tour of campus, addressed a student group, and participated in a review of an ongoing educational project that had its beginnings with BYU–Hawaii’s Enactus student chapter. Accompanying the Prime Minister was his wife Saililo Enele, and Samuelu Teo, a member of the Tuvaluan Parliament.

Taking their show on the road, BYU–Hawaii’s Salsa Orchestra and Brass Ensemble brought toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and head-bobbing performances to hundreds on the Hawaiian islands of Lanai, Maui and Molokai. The island tour, from March 12-16, 2014, included five major performances, workshops, gatherings with alumni and friends, a service project and fireside. The Salsa Orchestra and the Brass Ensemble are directed by Dr. Darren Duerden and Dr. David Kammerer, respectively.

Spirit Week 2014 is Friday, February 7, through Thursday, February 13, with a variety of activities and events for all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. The schedule is below and online at http://studentlife.byuh.edu/spiritweek.

One of the most prominent displays on BYU–Hawaii’s Laie campus is the large tile mosaic showcasing an American flag raising ceremony on February 7, 1921, attended by then Elder David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon. The two were on assignment from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to visit members of the Church throughout the world when they stopped in Laie. It was at this flag raising that Elder McKay saw an institution of higher learning that would bring students together from all across the globe, and then send them back as learners, leaders and builders in their respective countries.

When a construction project reaches its highest building point, the milestone is often commemorated with a ceremonial ‘topping’ or ‘capping’ of the building. BYU–Hawaii’s new multi-use building reached this point in December and celebrated the milestone with students, faculty, staff, contractors and community members on Thursday, December 13, 2012.