Stace Hall

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 08 November 2007


At a media question-and-answer session following inauguration, President Steven C. Wheelwright was all smiles. "I feel terrific," the newly installed leader said. "It's so great to have President Eyring here, to have my wife and family here, and to have the entire BYU 'ohana family… it's great. I love it!"

That BYU-Hawaii 'ohana included thousands on campus who arrived to show their support for the ninth president of the university. Some of the highest praise came from President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There's a reason why the slogan of American Money Group Asia Pacific Basketball Classic reads: "A tournament like no other." Competition of the event certainly proved the validity of that statement as teams from mainland China, Fiji, American Samoa, and Hawaii faced off on the campus of BYU-Hawaii. However, as part of its exclusive feel, this year's classic offered some valuable insights.

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 02 November 2007

President Steve Peterson, president of the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, told the audience at a recent devotional that the most important duty Latter-day Saints have is to preach the gospel.

"Because of the covenants we have made and the blessings of the gospel we have received, we are under obligation to help all of God’s children enjoy the ordinances of salvation," he said. 

Peterson explained that members start to meet their obligation to share their beliefs through example. "The joy we find in the restored gospel is reflected in the light emanating from our eyes.  It is felt, spirit to spirit, by friends, neighbors, and classmates.  It will cause them to inquire as to why we seem so at peace in a very unpeaceful world," he stated.

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 31 October 2007


As they arrived on Oahu and at BYU-Hawaii, many players and coaches from different countries were excited and pumped for the beginning of the American Money Group Asia Pacific Basketball Classic. For some, this event seems like a dream.

"Our kids never get the chance to play in a tournament like this, let alone a facility," said Michael Whippy (pictured at left), head coach of the women's national team from Fiji. "We walked into our first practice session, into the old gym [the McKay Gymnasium], and they [the players] said, 'This is the old gym?! Gee!'

"We don't even have a new gym in Suva like that old gym, so it's a big experience for us."  

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 19 October 2007

Latter-day Saints have a duty to keep themselves clean in order to be an effective instrument in the hands of God, Darren Duerden, associate professor of music, told the audience at this week's devotional.

Duerden, a seven-year member of BYU-Hawaii's music faculty and talented musician, shared a unique perspective on the scriptural phrase an instrument in the hands of God. "To the musical artist, no possession, at least that can be owned, is more valued than their instrument. It is their voice or medium for expression," he said.

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 15 October 2007


Business students may not at first consider a job in the medical field out of college, but they are highly needed, Dr. Robert Aki said earlier this month.

"The people that run those hospitals, that make…decisions, aren't doctors anymore. They're not the patients, even. It's basically all about health care administration, and most administrators don't even have a medical degree," he said.

After graduating from BYU-Hawaii in 1995, Aki attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He then practiced for two years in Los Angeles and three years in Honolulu as a foot and ankle surgeon by trade. Aki explained how much the field has changed, though, since he completed undergraduate work. "Medicine has changed quite dramatically into much more specialized fields," he said. 

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 09 October 2007
Students who want to be successful in life will not achieve their goals until they decide to take action, Frank Peck told a group of BYU-Hawaii students recently. Peck, CEO of American Money Group, sponsor of the Asia-Pacific Basketball Classic, visited campus and spoke to members of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE). 

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 05 October 2007


True worship of Deity requires a person's devotion and attention every day and in every way, BYU-Hawaii's first lady, Margaret Wheelwright, told the audience at this week's devotional.

"The fact that we are all…at this university is evidence that we are devoted men and women interested in hallowing the Lord's name…but we are here because we want to try a little harder and reach a little higher in our quest for true worship," she said.

Sister Wheelwright broke down true worship into five elements, all beginning with the letter t. She said these components are like building blocks and that a person must be actively engaged to attain a state of spiritual well-being.

Stace Hall | University Advancement | 27 September 2007
As they make final preparations before departing to preside as president and matron of the Hong Kong Temple, Charles and Helen Goo shared thoughts and lessons they've learned throughout the years.

While doing so, they said they wanted the audience to feel right at home.

"My kitchen is a wonderful place to talk story, and so today I'd like to invite all of you as if you are in my kitchen… the only difference is I do all the talking, and you do all the listening," Helen Goo said.

Goo, an entrepreneur and founder of Helen's Kitchen, shared what she called "pearls of wisdom from Helen's Kitchen." She said through life experiences she acquired three pearls, which she wanted to pass along to the audience.

First, Goo shared a teaching from Confucius, which, translated, reads as follows: