Seasiders

Timothy Samad, a senior from Indonesia majoring in business management with an emphasis in finance, shares his unique path to Brigham Young University–Hawaii, one marked by faith, academic ambition, and personal transformation, one that includes turning down top universities in Indonesia to becoming a CFA Research Challenge local champion, Samad’s story is one of purposeful living and giving the Lord an equal opportunity in all things.

Grace Taliu (née Tueli), a senior from Fiji double majoring in computer science and business management with an emphasis in marketing, shares how coming to BYU–Hawaii was not just about pursuing a degree—it was about surrendering to a divine redirection. Her decision to start over in a new country took courage, faith, and a deep trust in the Lord’s plan.

Kelvin Uili, a junior from Samoa majoring in information systems, shares about his path as a leader, disciple of Jesus Christ, and future agent of change in his community.

Graduation speaker, Rosalind Pedron, says her success is rooted in the balance she found between academics, faith, family, community and motherhood.

As he keeps his eye on his goal, BYU–Hawaii student Kahia Walker is doing all he can to learn about and gain skills in voyaging.

Shannon Lingthiem (née Mitchell), a senior from New Zealand majoring in social work, shares about her journey in pursuit of education despite numerous setbacks, which created her desire to share the Savior’s love through social work.

Terry Moea'i, the senior manager of Student Leadership & Service, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests. Read the full article to learn more.

Malaika Rogers, a senior from Idaho majoring in social work, shares how she’s always been drawn to serving others. Her life experiences, from her early years in Haiti to her mission in Boston and her education at BYU–Hawaii, have shaped her desire to make a lasting impact through social work.

Titaya Moonsarn, a senior from Thailand majoring in marketing, shares how her conversion to the Church, her path to BYU–Hawaii, and her love for marketing would enable her to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to welcome Karamea Wright as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Religious Education beginning in the Winter 2025 Semester. Wright will teach religion classes starting with Religion 225 (The Foundations of the Restoration) and Religion 275 (Teachings and Doctrines of the Book of Mormon) and bring her unique experience and cultural perspective about the gospel of Jesus Christ to the university community.

Name: Tserennyam “Tseegy” Sukhbaatar

Sumiya Munkhbaatar, a senior from Mongolia majoring in business management with an emphasis in finance, shares her journey to BYU–Hawaii and how her experiences have shaped her as a future leader and servant of the Lord.

Graduates from various faculties share their experiences, insights, and accomplishments from their time as students at BYU–Hawaii.

Meet Brad Smith, an associate professor of biology, with a passion for the ocean. He has been working at BYUH since 2013. Learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to welcome Dr. Kristina Moleni as a new associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work. With a multicultural background in social work from two countries, Dr. Moleni’s particular focus is on supporting underrepresented communities in higher education.

Sumanth Kola, a junior from India majoring in computer science, shares how his upbringing in a Hindu family and his journey into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflect resilience, commitment, and a desire to make a difference.

Meet Alohalani Housman, an associate professor in Hawaiian Studies and dean for the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. Originally from New Jersey, she has been teaching at BYUH since 2015. Learn more about her life, pursuits, and interests.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is happy to welcome Dr. Daniel DeMartini as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Sciences, beginning in the Fall 2024 Semester. Known for his enthusiasm for marine biology and a deep connection to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, Dr. DeMartini brings over a decade of research and teaching experience to the university.