"I would never have lasted this long had I not loved working here with the people, the students, and in this environment," said Vernelle Lakatani (pictured right), of her 40 years serving at BYU–Hawaii in the Registrar's Office.
Each in a group of recent BYU–Hawaii retirees expressed those same sentiments as they were interviewed about their time here on campus. Each mentioned how wonderful it was to be around such "good kids."
Though many things have changed through the years, Theodore (Ted) Maeda, who is retiring after 31 years of service in the Financial Services Department, said the quality of students has not changed since he was a student here himself. "The kids come as good kids with good training and good ideals."
Vernelle Lakatani
Lakatani reminisced about "the old days" when she was a student here. She recalled that there were only two phones in each dormitory; they were located under the stairwell in each hale. She compared it to hale living today with phones in each room and many students having cell phones, talking on their way to class.
She remembered experiences early in her career of preparing grades on IBM punch cards, taking them to Honolulu to have them read and printed, then bringing them back to campus only to find the doors locked because it was past curfew. Though there were fewer students back then, it took much longer to post grades than it does now.
Sister Maxine Richins, a senior missionary who worked closely with Lakatani, remembers her as "one of the kindest, most pleasant ladies, who was always happy. I could not have asked to work with any one more patient and loving with me," said Richins.
Lakatani is looking forward to retiring and spending time with her husband and her aging mother. She will stay in Laie and visit the campus from time to time.
Paisa Matagi
Paisa Matagi (pictured left), retiring from the Physical Plant after having working at BYU–Hawaii for over 35 years, said it was a privilege to work in a place where he loved the environment, the people, and the community.
He said he particularly enjoyed having the Polynesian Culture Center and the Temple, where he served for 30 years, so close. They have had great meaning in his life.
"What intrigues me about Paisa," said Judd Whetten, the Director of the Physical Plant, "is his versatility in operating any of the equipment." Whether it is a big back hoe or a weed eater, he is adept at running any kind of machinery. Even though Matagi is a supervisor, he is willing to operate the equipment when the need arises, said Whetton.
After retirement, Matagi said he wants to do a little farming on his land in Hauula, spend time at the Family History Center, visit his seven children and 22 grandchildren, and serve a mission.
Theodore Maeda
Everyone in Financial Services is going to miss Ted Maeda (pictured right), said Brian Blum, CPA, BYU–Hawaii Director of Financial Services/Controller. "Ted is absolutely dedicated to the Church, the mission of the school and the students," said Blum.
The rural area of Laie was wonderful, according to Maeda, for raising his two children. He loved working with good colleagues in a good environment. He said, "The community and the university need to be close; they need each other." Asked what advice he would give to students, Maeda said, staying close to the standards of the LDS Church influences one's life for good, no matter what one chooses to do in life.
Now that he is retired from BYU–Hawaii, Maeda plans to take a class on campus, do repairs on his home, work in his yard, and be a volunteer—somewhere.
Marie Paongo
Marie Paongo (pictured left) was always a confident, take-charge type of individual who was very thorough, said Elder and Sister Biddulph, who served with Paongo. She has retired after having served for 12 years in the International Student Services Department. "Even though she had definite opinions, she was always kind and considerate of other people's feelings," said Elder Biddulph. Paongo was always early to work and came in after hours when needed. She went above and beyond what was expected of her, they said.
Paongo met her husband at BYU–Hawaii when it was still the Church College of Hawaii. After graduating, the Paongo's went to her husband's homeland of Tonga where she said they raised eight children and served the Lord. Paongo retired after serving 30 years at Liahona School where she was the principal. Twelve years ago, the Paongos left Tonga, their spacious home, their large tract of land, and many friends and possessions, with only a couple suitcases each, she said. They moved with their two remaining children to Laie. They felt inspired to come to Hawaii, and the majority of their children were attending school. Being close to their family was well worth the move, said Paongo, as she contemplated about the accomplishments of her children.
Paongo has enjoyed working here with her colleagues and the students. She said, "There is a satisfying feeling when you help people solve their problems." She looks forward in her retirement to spending time with her family. She says that a mission is in her future as well.
Larry Litster
Larry Litster (pictured at right shaking hands with President Steven C. Wheelwright) is moving to Texas; he retires after having served four years at BYU–Hawaii in the Office of Compliance and Internal Audit services. Litster and his wife felt inspired to buy a home in San Antonio, Texas, where they have never lived, and far away from their children. But Lister said events have been orchestrated in his life. He has had opportunities to serve that have opened doors, wherein he could perform service far beyond his capabilities, he said.
Litster said of his time here in Laie, "It's like having died and gone to heaven. No matter where you live, there are good and bad things. You have to choose what you want in your life." He has enjoyed the beauty of the land and the spirit of the people. He has grown in appreciation for the birds of the area and has even bought a bird book. He has loved the intricacies of each species that he has observed, he said.
Litster said, "I was given two mandates when I came to BYU–Hawaii: 1) See that BYU–Hawaii had effective internal audit services, and 2) Build a program wherein employment would be an extension of the classroom…to help students succeed in life after student life." He doesn't mind if students don't remember him specifically, he said. He just wants students to be prepared for living life in the real world.
Michael Bliss, Vice President over Administrative Services, said, "Larry Litster has been a valuable member of the management team at BYU–Hawaii for the past three-plus years. His contributions have been many, but perhaps the most important for the future has been his mentoring of students." He said, "Larry's approach was to train correctly and thoroughly then let the students exercise their skills to complete many important projects. Several employers have remarked that students working in the Internal Audit area were as much as a year ahead of students coming from other schools. Larry was also involved in the community, serving in both the temple and Church. His contribution and service will be missed," Bliss said.