The August-September 2008 BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter includes:
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With the theme The Power to Make a Difference, the Brigham Young University Hawaii President's Council thanked the faculty and staff ohana [family] who filled the McKay Auditorium on August 20 for past achievements and reviewed the changes and initiatives in the coming school year.
BYU-Hawaii President, Steven C. Wheelwright started by crediting the faculty and staff for their work in relation to the recent Western Association of Colleges & Schools (WASC) 10-year accreditation. "Thank you all for all that you did to make this possible, and for the blessing that it continues to be for all of us here."
"I would especially like to thank you for your desire to work, teach and learn with inspiration," he said. "We've had plenty of challenges this past year, but we've also had great blessings, and I'm thankful for that. I'm also thankful for your commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the difference it makes in each of our lives, in our relationships with one another, and especially in the lives of our students."
President Wheelwright emphasized that the mission of BYU-Hawaii is student-focused, with the dual objectives of integrating spiritual and secular learning, and preparing "students with character and integrity so that they will provide the leadership that will be needed in their home, community and profession, and in building the Kingdom of God."
He explained that the Board of Trustees — consisting of the First Presidency, several members of the Quorum of the Twelve and other general Church officers — "have a personal and genuine interest in BYU-Hawaii... Their inspiration, insight and guidance are invaluable in all that we do." He also commended the Church Educational System staff, now under the direction of CES Commissioner Elder Paul V. Johnson of the First Quorum of the Seventy, who attended the Ohana Meeting along with Roger G. Christensen, Assistant to the Commissioner.
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President Wheelwright — photos by Monique Saenz ('02) |
President Wheelwright quoted from a recent statement about BYU-Hawaii from Elder M. Russell Ballard: "We have to move with a little more efficiency, a little more focus, a little more direction and a little more courage…than we have done in the past."
"He was referring to the fact that we need to quicken the pace in helping the young men and women throughout the Pacific who will help to build the Kingdom," the president said, reminding the faculty and staff that the three imperatives flowing from direction of the Board are reflected in the logo at the upper left. "As we achieve those, we have an even greater power to make a difference in the lives of our young students."
In reporting on initiatives launched a year ago, President Wheelwright said, "We continue to make great progress. In all of the initiatives we are undertaking, we are building on our heritage, focusing on our students, and better utilizing sacred resources." For example:
"Our charge from prophets and apostles is to bless the lives of our students and to prepare them for a great future," President Wheelwright said. "I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to follow our inspired leaders and to work together to carry out the mission of the university."
Academics
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Dr. Max L. Checketts VP of Academics |
Dr. Max L. Checketts, Vice President of Academics, next reported that a recommendation for reorganizing the university into four colleges, with proposed deans, has been submitted to the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. He added that their decision would be announced as soon as it's available.
"We believe this will help us with communications," he said, "and when I speak of communications, I'm talking about both ways. It's probably far more important that we receive communications from the faculty."
To better visualize strategic planning, Checketts has developed a "pineapple pillar" model. "The pineapple references Hawaii," he explained, and lists the three imperatives (as shown in the logo above) along with eight focus areas — each of which impact the others. They are:
Student Development and Services
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Dr. Debbie Hippolite Wright VP of Student Development and Services |
Dr. Debbie Hippolite Wright ('79, Social Work), Vice President of Student Development and Services first referred to changes that will occur at her high school alma mater, Church College of New Zealand next year (see the related story below), and then referred to Elder Ballard's charge for BYU-Hawaii to "move with a little more efficiency, a little more focus, a little more direction, a little more courage."
"I believe that this, too, is in order to bless the lives of students — many of them first-generation members - to receive a Church education," she said.
Among changes and initiatives in her new responsibilities, Hippolite Wright noted:
At the end her report, the ailing BYUH Hawaiian Studies Director, William K. "Uncle Bill" Wallace III ('74, History), chanted in welcoming Hippolite Wright, a New Zealand Maori, back to the university in her new administrative position.
Administrative Services
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Michael B. Bliss VP of Administrative Services |
Michael B. Bliss, Vice President of Administrative Services, started by saying, "It's nice to have Uncle Bill chanting again," which drew loud applause from the university ohana. "We hope he will for a long time."
Bliss pointed out that Administrative Services is a large group that includes over 40 percent of BYUH employees. "We are an auxiliary to the main purpose of the university... We want to assist, where appropriate, to help round out the college experience for students."
"We offer training and work-related experiences that can be an invaluable asset for students seeking post-university employment," he continued. "We've had many emails and phone calls from former students that tell us thank you for what we've been able to offer."
In terms of the three imperatives, Bliss reported "over the past six years we have cut hundreds of thousands of dollars out of our budget." Other changes include:
Assistant to the President
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Dr. William G. Neal Assistant to the President |
William G. Neal, Assistant to the President, has assumed several new responsibilities as part of the reorganization, including:
"We expect that the result of all these consolidated areas will be even more effective student mentoring, higher quality products, and thus more effective communications," Neal said. He added that one of the goals is to develop the university portal (mybyuh) as the standard campus communications tool.
Neal will also continue to oversee testing and assessment, directed by Paul Freebairn ('75, Social Work), Institutional Research with Kathy Feinga Pulotu ('05), and the work with missionaries and volunteers on campus.
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In concluding the reports, President Wheelwright again thanked the university ohana. "We're very grateful for the spirit you bring, your commitment to the Lord and to the Kingdom, and to all that you do each day to help us strengthen the university."
He encouraged the faculty and staff to read "all of the talks that the prophets and apostles have made on this campus in the past 14 months. They're a great reminder of the commitment they have to this wonderful institution."
For example, the president again quoted Elder Ballard's recent address when he said the vision of the BYU-Hawaii role in Asia and the Pacific "is far beyond what perhaps any of us will be able to see when we see them as struggling students... You need to start looking at these students who come from these far-off parts of the world, not as students but as Relief Society presidents, Elder's quorum presidents, high councilors, bishops and stake presidents."
"Developing these leaders is one of the great destinies and responsibilities of BYU-Hawaii."
He also quoted President Henry B. Eyring, who last November on campus said, "Success at this university will be realized as young people gain greater power to make the world better for others."
CES Commissioner Elder Paul V. Johnson
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Elder Paul V. Johnson CES Commissioner |
Elder Johnson, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy who recently succeeded Seventy emeritus Elder W. Rolfe Kerr as the Church Educational System Commissioner, spoke of the many changes which have taken place both in the CES and at BYU-Hawaii since he last visited the campus before the year he spent in the Chile Area Presidency.
Reflecting on the recent change in the First Presidency, for example, Elder Johnson said, "I thought about how the Lord governs His Kingdom by raising up people who are needed at certain times. They focus their gifts and talents to accomplish what needs to have happen in His Kingdom."
"President [Thomas S.] Monson has been raised up for this time. I don't know all the things he will accomplish, but the Lord has brought him there at this particular time. When we look back through history, it's always been that way."
"I loved [former BYUH President] Eric Shumway and all of the wonderful things that happened here because of him and his service; and now it's President Wheelwright — a person whom the Lord has raised up, with a certain set of talents and abilities to help further the work on this campus, and by extension the work of the Lord and His Kingdom in the Pacific and in Asia."
"I'm grateful for modern revelation, and for prophets who are alive today," Elder Johnson said. "I'm grateful for each of you, for your dedication and service. There's something special about Church educational people, and I love you. I love the missionaries who are dedicating their time and effort, in the end for these young people who come here — ...the future of the Kingdom and the world."
"It's a privilege to be involved at this university, at this time of change, at this time of growth and development."
President's Council presents annual Exemplary Service Awards
In presenting their annual Exemplary Service Awards at the August 20 ohana [faculty and staff "family"] meeting, the BYU-Hawaii President's Council honored the efforts of several groups of people.
"We'd like to recognize a group of individuals who helped with a very, very important process — the WASC accreditation," said Checketts, who listed the following: William G. Neal, Assistant to the President; Steering Committee members Jeff Burroughs, Susan Barton, Rose Ram, Jennifer Lane, previous chairman Mark James and current chairman Glade Tew; Assessment Committee member Steve Hancock; General Education chairman Randy Day and GE Report member Keith Peterson; "and all of the deans and department chairs who participated in program reviews and annual department-level assessment activities, which was a priority in the accreditation process."
In addition, the President's Council also recognized the following individuals, four of whom are BYUH alumni:
Checketts also explained the President's Council is working on a faculty recognition system similar to previous "teacher of the year" awards.
WASC reaffirms BYU-Hawaii accreditation for 10 years:
The Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) recently reaffirmed BYU-Hawaii's accreditation for the next 10 years following a comprehensive, multi-stage review process over the past two years.
A letter from the WASC president to President Steven C. Wheelwright congratulated BYUH for:
President Wheelwright reported that at the final meeting in California "both the president and the executive vice president of WASC chose to sit in on our session to make sure the committee understood who were were, because our mission is different than most schools." He added that "both had been on our campus and both felt very strongly that we were doing the right thing and that we were fulfilling our mission." For more on the WASC accreditation...
President Wheelwright outlines distance learning objectives:
President Steven C. Wheelwright recently explained how BYU-Hawaii distance learning, which is sometimes called distributed learning or education, differs from other online instruction and will help BYU-Hawaii achieve a major initiative.
"It's important to know these are not independent study classes: Online delivery is the way to think of these classes that will be conducted on a set semester schedule," he said. "Our number-one priority is to help students be better prepared, especially where we have so many coming from such diverse backgrounds." Read more about BYUH distance learning...
Future plans for CCNZ campus announced:
During a special meeting at the Church College of New Zealand on July 22, Area President Elder Spencer Condie announced that most of the Church school campus would be demolished and the land returned to its previous pastoral setting — partly to maintain the an appropriate approach to the adjoining New Zealand Temple. There is ongoing consideration of incorporating Kai Hall and George R. Biesinger Hall into the temple precinct, while the sports field, terraced seating, changing rooms and parking area may be retained for community use. Some community members are also considering the possibility of starting a private high school based on an existing elementary school and the core values of CCNZ on part of the property .
The leaders also announced at the meeting that the temple would be upgraded to meet current seismic building code requirements, and a statue of Moroni would be added to the spire. The project would necessitate temporarily closing the temple. Labor missionaries built the school and temple about the same time similar work was being done on the CCH campus in Laie in the mid-1950s. For more information...
President's Council holds monthly Q&A meetings:
You might be interested to know that the President's Council holds monthly question-and-answer meetings that cover a wide variety of topics. Read about the latest one or go to a compilation of previous Q&As. You might even want to submit your own question...
CCHers hold Mega Reunion on campus
Many of them now have gray hair and a few walked with canes or even came in wheelchairs, but the aloha spirit of the 100-plus Church College of Hawaii alumni from 1955-74 who gathered on campus July 24-27 for their 2008 Mega Reunion was still very strong and shining. It was touching to see that the old-timers obviously had so much aloha for their alma mater and each other.
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CCH alumni sing at the 3.5-hour testimony meeting |
The four-day event started with a special devotional in the McKay Auditorium. Riley Moffat ('72, Business Management) — now a BYUH Librarian like his mother, Sister Helen Moffat (1966-75), before him, as well as an author — traced the history of education in the Church through President McKay's worldwide tour in 1921, leading up to the time he dedicated CCH in 1955 and labor missionaries completed the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1963. "Laie had been transformed in eight short years from a little plantation village to a college town with a major tourist attraction." He added at that point the stage was set for the fulfillment of President McKay's vision, that millions would come to Laie.
Responding to popular demand, former CCH student body president and BYUH professor Dr. Ishmael Stagner II ('61) next reprised a speech he had given during the Jubilee, in which he used the metaphor of a Hawaiian canoe and paddlers to demonstrate the success of CCH and BYUH students in fulfilling that vision.
Other events included, of course, a couple of dinners, a golf tournament, workshops, kanikapila [singing and playing instruments] and lots of time to mingle and laugh. On Sunday there was also a three-plus-hour testimony meeting: Unforgettable, and it didn't seem very long! Some told of joining the Church at CCH through the influence of friends and teachers. Others recalled being a little kolohe [rascal]; but perhaps Herman Paleka ('67) of Kauai, put it in proper perspective when he asked: "What are you going to do with yourselves now? Heavenly Father created Church College so that you and I could come and be prepared to be leaders. Any CCH person is very special."
Indeed, Gladys Chu Kalama ('61, Elementary Education), whose husband Frank Kalama ('64) recently passed away, reports soon for her 12-month family history mission in Salt Lake City, Utah,even though she has some health issues; and Paleka, who was just called as bishop of the Kapaa 2nd Ward, and his wife, Joan Wilson Paleka ('65, Elementary Education) recently completed a mission in Nigeria.
A subsequent email from Viliami Hemaloto Jr. ('65, Math/Science Teaching) indicated that Gerald Gonsalves ('61) and his wife, Linda Chase Gonsalves ('61) from Anahola, Kauai, are also serving a family history mission in Salt Lake City, as is Barbara Robertson('55) from the Big Island; Tony Paraguy ('55) and his wife, Marjorie ('57), from Kauai; Eugene Oshima ('59) and his wife from Laie; and Pianola Fonua Mapu ('58), Taniela Kinikini ('60), his wife and sister ('62), and Mark Hansen from California."
CCHers set next reunion in Las Vegas:
Continuing the tradition that grew out of the 2005 BYUH Golden Jubilee, Vance Cannon ('59) has announced the:
CCH Las Vegas Reunion 2009
April 6-8, 2009
Other details will be announced, but please email Cannon at pukuniahi@aol.com if you intend to attend, so the committee can get an idea of the total. "Great activities are planned and housing will be available," he said. "Golf will be on April 6th."
15 alumni join fulltime BYUH faculty/staff:
As is customary during the fall semester ohana meeting, the President's Council introduced recent additions to the faculty and staff, including 15 alumni:
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The Mo'os...called to preside in the Kona Temple |
Alumni couple called to preside over Kona Temple:
The First Presidency has called an alumni couple who spent many years living in Laie — Opura Mo'o ('67) and his wife, Victoria Kealohi Mo'o ('66, Elementary Education) — to succeed another alumni couple — Earl Veloria ('69, Physical Education) and his wife, Audrey Davenport Veloria ('66. Elementary Education) — as president and matron, respectively, of the Kona Temple, effective November 1. President Mo'o, who has been serving as a counselor at the temple, retired from the BYU-Hawaii Physical Plant department several years ago and moved to Waimea, Hawaii. He is originally from Hikueru, French Polynesia, and was one of the original Polynesian Cultural Center performers. Sister Mo'o, an assistant to the temple matron, retired after teaching at Laie Elementary School for many years.
Mahalo to Rowena Reid:
As word of the reorganization of Alumni Services and Rowena Reid's new appointment as a Career Counselor spread, association and chapter leaders began emailing mahalos for her service. Here's a small sample:
Auckland, New Zealand Chapter:
Chapter chair Warren Waka ('90, Human Resource Development) emailed that "this has been a great year for us so far with two very successful fireside in two stakes. I called Aue Te Ava ('98, Physical Education) to look after East and Central Auckland, which left me with
the largest number of stakes in South Auckland. We had a recent potluck
in our stake and it was great. Fifteen new alumni came from West and North Auckland. AUE had a stake fireside
and it was packed out. The stake president was so impressed. Aaron Keung ('96, Business Management), Albert Traill ('06) and a local old student
going for her degrees were the speakers, and the stake president finished off."
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BYU-Hawaii alumni in Bakersfield |
Bakersfield, California Chapter:
Alumni in Bakersfield, California held their first "BYU-Hawaii through the years" activity on June 21. In addition to the fun, three chapters members shared their memories and testimonies of BYU-Hawaii, including Susie Larson Terry ('75), Clayton "Sonny" Martin Jr. ('05) and Joseph Croft ('01, Accounting).
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Chapter:
The Dallas-Fort Worth Texas Chapter invites all families and friends of BYU-Hawaii to join their:
fall foodfest "meet and greet"
Saturday, September 6,
4:30-8 p.m.
at the LDS Sunbeck Building
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...at 2945 S. Sunbeck Circle in Farmers Branch, Texas (one block north of 635 on Josey Lane). Please RSVP to chapter chair Anil Ram ('84, Vocational Management).
Thailand Chapter:
Thailand Chapter chair Janjira Sirisarn ('04, Political Science), who lives in Bangkok, has announced that BYU Provo alum Rangsan Thammaneewong will co-chair the chapter with her.
Washington Chapter:
The Washington State Chapter reported in continuing their tenth year celebration with 10 activities, they held a game night in June at the home of Tom Mitchell ('95) and his wife, Laurie Hammond Mitchell ('80) in Summer; and a swimming party on July 26 in Renton. For further information, contact Chapter Chair Kelley Molinari.
1955-60s
Karen Jensen-Hansen recently let the CCHers Network know that she and her husband have extended their Family and Church History Mission again. "We started June 2006 on a 12-month mission and have agreed to stay at least until the end of November 2009," she wrote. "Our health is good and our family's willing; we no longer own our last home in Arizona and want to be available to serve. So far, this makes a 12-month mission into a 42-month one, and we enjoy it greatly. It's a blessing to be here at this particular time with so much happening in Family History. We have watched and helped with the progress of the new system as it has rolled out in various temple districts. We encourage all seniors to consider a fulltime mission if it is at all possible: The blessings are amazing. We even get the opportunity to associate with old friends from Hawaii, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, etc."
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Rugby was "the" sport in CCH and early BYUH days — Photo courtesy of BYUH Archives online collection |
Levon Ohai ('63), who went on to graduate from BYU Provo, taught a workshop during the recent CCH Mega Reunion on his lifelong interest in kahuna laau lapaau, or the traditional Hawaiian use of medicinal plants. He started teaching his area of expertise nine years ago as a conditional class in the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Hawaiian Studies program that quickly blossomed and now includes graduate-level curriculum. Read more about him...
Gary Houghton ('68, Elementary Education), who is originally from Melbourne, Australia, emailed that the June-July edition of the newsletter "filled me with sweet memories of my time at CCH (64-68). I wept as I read the piece on Rex Frandsen. I remember sitting with him, when as freshmen we wondered about our future. Rex went on to be our freshman class president and later student body president. I followed him and became the sophomore and junior class president. He was a significant influence for good in my life and always a good friend. What CCH did for this Aussie is so rich and profound, it humbles me beyond the means of expression. How does a young man from Australia (I believe I'm the second one, behind Beth McKinnon Hunt of Newcastle to make the trek) who majored in Elementary Education become a senior engineering manager in The Boeing Company? I have traveled all over the world dealing with airline customers and multiple cultures. CCH taught me the value of each and every individual and culture, that all are children of God and He loves them all unconditionally. This simple knowledge has guided me throughout my life and has afforded me business success and a profound love and respect for all mankind. Thanks for a great newsletter. I wasn't sure when I left CCH if I could compete in the mainland U.S. job market. I found not only could I compete, but I could lead and have since earned three master's degrees (MSEE, Med, MBA) and visited 51 countries. I have had countless blessings doing missionary work all over the world."
1970s
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Ruffolo in front of the Beijing Olympics "Bird's Nest |
Anyone watched the Olympics? Former Seasider Jeff Ruffolo ('78) emailed from China in July that "for the past 16 months I've been working as the only American in senior management with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad — what I believe will be the greatest Games in the history of the modern era. You may have seen pictures of the new icons of China — the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and the National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) — but that just doesn't compare to seeing them every day when I drive past on my way to the Olympic Green complex. I am working in the Main Press Centre for the Games and will be in the mosh pit with the world media when they arrive. This is certainly the most challenging project that I have yet faced in my career working here in Beijing, and the payoff will be worth it. I would not have been able to stand tall this past year without the support of many of you, and for that support I am most grateful." Jeff was featured in an NBC Nightly News feature at the new Olympic Baseball complex on July 18. You can also read an L.A. Times feature article on Ruffolo...
1980s
Dean Williams ('80, History, Government, Political Science), a former ASBYUH student body president and a former faculty member starting in 1990, has been teaching at Harvard and also working as an adviser to the government of Madagascar for the past five years.
Johnny S. Mapu ('82, Social Work), Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in American Samoa, was recently named president of the Pago Pago Samoa Stake. He selected Kalili Hunt ('78) as his first counselor.
After his mother, Sally Hall, retired from BYUH and he graduated, Michael Hall ('83, Botany) moved to Montana but currently lives in Falling Waters, West Virginia. Mike works in nearby Frederick in the county Environmental Health Services doing food safety inspections in schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, stores, restaurants, etc., More recently he added computer technical support to his portfolio, but said he hopes to work in criminal justice some day. "Please give my aloha to everyone. No matter where I live, I am still a kamaaina at heart."
Chris Goold ('85), who lives in Vancouver, Washington, and is self-employed, emailed: "I had a GREAT time at BYU-Hawaii. I always wanted to go back, but injuries and life got in the way. Now that I have six children I'm hoping that one of them will go to the finest school that I've ever gone to."
Peter Sing Kai Chan ('86, Accounting and Business Information Management), who is originally from Hong Kong, recently took over U-Choice Restaurant, which serves Chinese and Hawaiian food near the corner of Kaheka and Makaloa in the Ala Moana section of Honolulu. He and his wife, Ida McShane Chan ('86, Art), live in Waipi'o (near Mililani). Their son Gabriel Chan, who served a Haitian Creole-speaking mission in Florida, is currently a BYUH student.
Congratulations to Benny Kai Jr. ('87, Vocational Management) and Sharon Craighead Kai ('88, Elementary Education) of Kahuku, whose daughter Natasha Kai helped win gold medals for the U.S. women's soccer team. Benny and Sharon were able to watch their daughter in action in Beijing.
Brett Garrett ('89, Art), who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, visited BYU-Hawaii in July. View samples of his work...
1990s
History professor emeritus Dr. Kenneth Baldridge, who taught at BYUH from 1968-93, emailed to say when the Alumni eNewsletter "comes up on my computer screen I always stop what I'm doing to check out what is happening and to see what anyone I might know is up to these days. I appreciate the opportunity of contacting those about whom stories are written. For example, I plan to email John Aki who used to be in Laie II Ward. We may have even been home teaching companions, but it was so long ago I'm not positive. FYI, Delma and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary on June 8."
Masinaatoa Vanisi Roberts ('98, Psychology), who lives in Laie with her husband, Fauese Roberts ('97), and is a school-based behavioral health therapist, emailed to say: "I enjoyed my time at BYUH...nothing but good times. Between my part-time job at PCC and school, I learned the importance of time management and hard work. My professors in the Behavioral Health Services/Psych. Dept. were the best! They inspired me to further my education and earn a master's degree in Counseling Psychology. I hope someday that my daughter will attend this university."
Correction: Jeannot Tchan, listed in the June-July 2008 eNewsletter in conjunction with his wife's passing, is a 1998 Accounting graduate. Kala mai [sorry].
2000s
Dahlia Robertson O'Neil ('02, International Business Management) and her husband, Jeremy O'Neil ('01), recently moved from their home in North Pole, Alaska, to Topeka, Kansas, where he will attend Washburn University Law School. They are expecting their third child in November.
Fenny Hakim ('03, Psychology), who has been living in Utah, emailed to say he was accepted into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Early Education Education graduate program, and will be a GA in the Special Education Department. "After teaching in Kinderland (a kindergarten where I worked before) for two years, I know that teaching is what I want to do. I am really excited."
Ryan Adcox ('03, Social Work) and his wife, Maggie Mei Chow Adcox ('03, Accounting) are living in Lehi, Utah. She emailed that they have two children, and she just learned how to create a blog. "Ryan and I both have fulltime jobs. He works during the day, and I work at night. Friday and Sunday are the days we both do not need to work."
Melissa Macy Arias ('05, Psychology), who now lives in Gilbert, Arizona, and works as an academic counselor, emailed: "I am so thankful I was able to experience BYUH and the beauty of North Shore Hawaii. Working on campus, surfing and kayaking in the ocean, skateboarding to class, mountain biking to Laie Falls...some of my fondest memories will remain with this little Pacific island and the opportunities it provided for me to learn and grow as an intern in India, researcher for the Psych Department and video editor for BYUH TV studio."
"Thank you so much for the Newsletter," emailed Kanesa Memea ('05, Information Systems), a data entry operator and accounts clerk in the Presiding Bishopric Office's Samoa Service Center Finance Department. "I just cant explain how much I miss BYUH, but reading the newsletter every issue brings back the aloha spirit and it helps strengthen my testimony of the gospel."
Crystal Moleni Tuaone ('07, ICS Communications), who is now living in Provo, Utah, and working as a deputy state court clerk, emailed: "I loved BYU-Hawaii and especially the activities. I loved Culture Night, Food Fest, and all the BiG events that took place each semester. I'm so grateful to BYUH and the great people that work there. I'm proud to be a BYUH Seasider."
Several photos by Perla Antoniak ('07, Art) were recently included in a juried traveling exhibit that appeared in the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center. BYUH Photography Program Director Dr. D. Errol Miller recalls Antoniak went to India two years ago and returned to Laie where she presented a solo exhibit. "After graduating from here with her BFA, she went to Egypt where she worked with a National Geographic photographer while studying," he said. "She's back in D.C. again, and I suspect we will see more of her work."
Professor Jerry Ottley emailed recently to say, "Although I am no longer an active part of the BYUH ohana, I maintain an avid interested in developments on the campus. JoAnn and I miss everyone in Laie immensely, although we are grateful to be home with family and friends in Salt Lake City."
• Letane Mika Fonoti ('63), who has been living in Utah, died on June 17. Originally from Siumu, Samoa, he grew up in American Samoa where he joined the Church. Fonoti, who also attended Rick's College and Weber State University, is survived by his wife, Sharie, and five children.
• Vernon Lynn Tyler ('63, Speech and Drama), who served as a labor missionary in Samoa and Tonga with his wife, Arlean Kerby Tyler ('63), passed away on July 1. While at CCH, Tyler also helped develop curriculum materials for the Church schools in the Pacific and later went on to BYU Provo where he spent 40 years working as a global educator, including serving as the Director of Intercultural Communications at the Kennedy Center. While in that position he created the widely known Culturgrams and developed the Outreach Program. In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children and other relatives.
• Mary "Darling" Kaohu Kealo Sorensen ('63, Elementary Education), passed away July 27. Originally from North Kohala on the Big Island, Mary lived for many years in Kaneohe, but more recently moved to Utah to be with her daughters there. While working on graduate studies in Utah early in her long professional career teaching special education, she earned the Tooele School District teacher-of-the-year award. Mary always said she learned how to teach from Church callings.
• Patricia Hawker ('70) of Blackfoot, Idaho, died on June 3 (no other details were available).
• Former 1970s dorm parent (along with his first wife, Primrose Lowe) Samuel "Sam" K. Lowe, 85, passed away in Honolulu on August 9. He is survived by his wife, Daphne Chang Lowe ('64), children Hannah Lowe Kamauoha ('98, Social Work), Samuel E.K. Lowe ('83, History/Government) and Gwen Kaina-Lowe; and many other relatives. Lowe was a former Honolulu Police Department officer and a Pearl Harbor survivor.
Editor's Note: The beginning of another school year at BYU-Hawaii is always exciting for everyone currently on campus, but for alumni it marks another year since we finished our own student days. They were, and are, unforgettable, and provided all of us with a wonderful foundation and a prophetic heritage. Are you still fulfilling President McKay's vision? Can you do more?
— Mike Foley ('70, TESL), Editor
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The BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter is published for the BYUH/CCH Alumni Association by the University Relations office, under the direction of Dr. William G. Neal, Assistant to the President, and Dr. Duane Roberts, Director of Communications & Public Relations. Brigham Young University Hawaii, which was known as the Church College of Hawaii from 1955-74, is a four-year comprehensive undergraduate institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Approximately 2,400 students from over 70 nations are currently enrolled.
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