University News

Brigham Young University–Hawaii students network with United Nations delegates and other international organization representatives in New York City, New York, at The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The 2023 conference theme is "Indigenous Peoples, Human Health, Planetary and Territorial Health, and Climate Change: A Rights-Based Approach."

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, Brigham Young University–Hawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III attended the College of Life Sciences Convocation at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

The Asian Perspectives on Human Dignity Conference was a unique conference hosted by the Religious Freedom and Human Dignity (RFHD) Initiative here at Brigham Young University–Hawaii in collaboration with the International Center of Law and Religion at Brigham Young University Law School.

Every year BYU–Hawaii hosts an Undergraduate Research Conference (URC). This year's conference theme, "I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope - Through the past is future," encouraged students to draw upon traditional knowledge found within Oceanic and Asian cultures to create innovative and sustainable ideas that could change the world. Students prepared to educate and apply learned principles and practices and present their findings to peers, other scholars, and professionals.

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mataʻaho Napua-o-kalani Tukuʻaho, who currently serves as the High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, arrived at the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus to conduct research in the Joseph F. Smith Library's Pacific Islands Research Room.

Over the weekend, the 2023 Kenneth W. Baldridge Prize awarding took place at the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society Regional Conference at Hawaii Pacific University.

This year's Asia-Pacific Career Conference (APCC) kickoff event featured Brigham Young University–Hawaii alum Sylvia Hussey, chief executive officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, as the keynote speaker.

In February, business management professors Ann and Scott Springer hosted the 2023 Association for Business Communication (ABC) Western Region Conference at Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

The Brigham Young University–Hawaii Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir traveled to the Big Island to share a multicultural choral music and dance program and left with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

It was an eventful weekend on campus as BYU–Hawaii hosted the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Wrestling Championships. The tournament brought in the top qualifying wrestlers from across the entire state of Hawaii to Oahu's North Shore. Boys and girls from over 50 high schools competed in the championship with the unwavering support of their families, friends, and communities.

On February 14, 2023, University Presidents John S.K. Kauwe III and Arnulfo D. Mascarinas signed a momentous agreement to launch a joint initiative between Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYUH) and Bicol University (BU).

Last week, U.S. ambassador to Mongolia, Richard. L. Buangan visited Brigham Young University–Hawaii, to meet with students from Mongolia.

For the first time in nearly five years, Brigham Young University–Hawaii welcomed back the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to the Cannon Activities Center for back-to-back basketball tournaments. And although BYU–Hawaii didn't have a sports team participating, there were numerous ways in which students, faculty, and staff were involved in hosting such major sporting events.

In a recent trip to the island nation of Samoa, University President John S.K. Kauwe III and First Lady Monica Kauwe met with prospective students, community leaders, and academic officials to further the university's mission in the Pacific.

President John S.K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica S. Kauwe were joined by special visitors Elder Clark G. Gilbert and Sister Christine Gilbert for the fall 2022 new student orientation. Each had the opportunity to address those embarking on their educational journey at Brigham Young University–Hawaii in Sunday's devotional.

With phase one of the Temple View Apartments (TVA) complete, phase two is now in effect. This phase includes the demolishing of TVA Buildings A, B, N, and P, along with the Multi-Purpose Building, which was located amongst the married-student housing. These buildings were built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Demolition includes the selective interior demo, building destruction, and grading. Construction hours are between 7 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday. Students living nearby will continue to be notified of specialized construction activities outside those hours.

Beginning in the Fall 2022 Semester, all incoming freshman and transfer students will be required to take Holokai Foundations during their first year at BYU–Hawaii. This development course prepares students to be effective stewards of the resources invested in their education, providing them with tools to improve their success, persistence, and spiritual outcomes. It applies the concepts of kuleana (stewardship) to encourage students' ownership of their studies and support the overall well-being of the campus community.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Student Life Vice President Kala Kau announced the Women's Services & Resources (WSR) as a new BYU–Hawaii area with an information and referral network for students, staff, and faculty. As a Student Life program, WSR collaborates with different BYU–Hawaii offices, departments, and the community to best serve both the women and men at BYU–Hawaii. Services, events, and educational initiatives are under development to help meet the needs and enhance the student college experience.