Seasider Stories

Winter 2026 commencement speaker Timothy Samad reflects on faith, resilience, marriage, and purpose as he represents one of BYU–Hawaii’s largest graduating classes

Featuring some outstanding seasiders and their experiences at BYU–Hawaii.

On a small island in Kiribati, Tabeta Boraia Tangata first began to imagine a future that was different–not just for herself, but for the children who would come after her.

Moniqueca Kaufusi, an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, shares about her life, interests, and teaching philosophy.

For BYU–Hawaii student Jacob Alexander Albee, science and faith are more than academic interests; they’re guiding forces that have shaped his life’s journey from Washington state to the shores of Oahu.

Beka Poh, a senior from Papua New Guinea, is majoring in English with an emphasis in business and creative writing at BYU–Hawaii. Throughout her time on campus, she has discovered not only confidence in her craft but a deeper purpose behind it.

Born in China, raised in Canada, and educated in Hawaii, Joy Tang’s journey to BYU–Hawaii spans continents and cultures. Now graduating with a degree in business management and marketing, Tang credits her time at the university with shaping both her professional direction and her faith.

Although Stone once believed those facing mental health challenges could not be helped, her training showed her that hope remains, even in difficult times.

Joel Reece, a Professor in the Faculty of Sciences, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests.

When R. Kelly Haws and his wife, Connie Haws, acting president and first lady, arrived at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, they brought with them a shared love for education, a deep testimony of Jesus Christ, and decades of experience serving students across the world.

Ban Phung, associate professor in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests.

Ying Ying Li Tamilarason once pursued an Olympic dream on Malaysia’s badminton courts. Now, she works just as hard for good grades at BYU–Hawaii, bringing the same determination that took her to the world stage.

Celine Duffau, an assistant professor in psychology, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.

Fall 2025 valedictorian Manuarii Tefan reflects on mentorship, initiative and the power of gratitude that shaped his BYU–Hawaii journey

As BYU–Hawaii concludes another remarkable semester, the university celebrates the accomplishments of its newest graduating class—students who have learned, served, and grown in this unique ʻāina at the crossroads of the Pacific.

Daryl Wong Snelson, a senior from Malaysia majoring in health and human science, overcomes challenges to find his calling at BYU–Hawaii.

Questioning Faith in a Land of Many Gods

Steven Kirby Tee, a junior from the Philippines majoring in music with an emphasis in vocal performance, says that coming to BYU–Hawaii was not part of a carefully mapped-out plan—it was the result of small prompts, supportive people, and a lifelong relationship with music that kept leading him forward.