Seasiders

Joseph Plicka, associate professor of English in the Faculty of Arts & Letters shares about his life, interests, and pursuits.

Jessika Santoso, a junior majoring in TESOL from Indonesia, describes how her family values and desire to become a teaching English as a second language (TESOL) educator and life as a gospel-oriented student led her to BYU–Hawaii.

Francis Gomez, a junior majoring in business management from Pasig City, Philippines, describes his long journey to get a quality education, from trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, his enrollment into BYU–Pathway Worldwide, and the fulfillment of his goal to reach BYU–Hawaii.

Graduation speaker, Shareef Basan says he accomplished what he once thought was impossible by chasing his dreams and helping others along the way.

Raianne Sereene Baysa, a senior majoring in psychology from Ilagan, Philippines, shares how her hometown served as the fertile ground where dreams were nurtured and aspirations took flight. Now, amid the lush landscapes of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, this journey continues, marked by unwavering determination, profound gratitude, and an unyielding commitment to growth.

Pao-Hung Lee, a senior from Taipei, Taiwan, knew that he would need to obtain higher education to advance in his career. He didn't expect to gain a deeper appreciation for cultures and people from all over the world while doing it.

Arania Campbell, a senior majoring in Pacific studies from Laie, Hawaii, shares her journey in maintaining and strengthening her faith in Heavenly Father as she graduates from school ready for opportunities to serve Him.

Get to know Kate McLellan, assistant professor of health and human science in the Faculty of Sciences at BYU–Hawaii and BYUH alum from Newport Beach, California.

Name: Victor Francis Kaufusi

Name: Caryn Joan Lefanga Kunz Lesuma

“There is a big difference from where I was to where I am now,” says Nasanbold Sukhbaatar, a BYU–Hawaii alum from the Dornod province of Mongolia. “I grew up as a farmer boy, and now I am the Church Communication Department director for Mongolia.”

Name: Stephanie Joy Robertson

The Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability has been essential to the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus for years. Within the center's boundaries, there exists a colony of bees that, unfortunately, has faced decay, pests, and challenging environmental conditions. Quinn Evans, a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism management and a dedicated worker within the center came across this overlooked hive during routine duties. This discovery marked the beginning of Evans’ mission—to begin a project that revives and relocates these bees.

As the main character in her own story, Crystal Tania shares the plot twists that have created her own Hawaiian roller coaster ride while studying communications at BYU–Hawaii.

Noah Kephart, a senior majoring in Psychology from Kailua, Hawaii, shows his gratitude to Brigham Young University–Hawaii for the diverse experience he claims he would not find anywhere else.

Charlene Lee, a senior majoring in English education from Pasig City, Philippines, expresses her heartfelt gratitude to her Heavenly Father and dream school (soon alma mater), Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

Sheryl Tania is a senior from Jakarta, Indonesia, who is graduating in computer science. Recounting her time at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Tania shares her transformative BYUH experience, offering insights into her life, significant takeaways, and valuable advice for fellow students.

Name: 'Inoke Hafoka