With the international gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) happening in Hawaii on November 8-13, many BYU–Hawaii students were privileged to meet with dignitaries from around the world. One government head with ties to the Church and the university is the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Tu’ivakano, who made time to take the one-hour drive from Honolulu to Laie on Monday, November 14, and meet with students, faculty, and members of the Tongan community. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, Lady Tu’ivakano, and by the Governor of Vava’u; Lord Fulivai.
Upon arriving on campus the delegation of Tongan dignitaries was greeted by Hawaiian and Pacific Studies students who performed a traditional Hawaiian chant called Hiki Mai. After this welcome by the host culture of Hawaii, the party was officially welcomed to the university by President Steven C. Wheelwright and his wife Margaret. The Tongan student association then entertained the gathering with two cultural performances.
In an address to the group, Lord Tu’ivakano shared a message of optimism, specifically geared toward students coming from Tonga to study at BYU–Hawaii. He reported that the country is innovating in many ways, citing renewable energy as just one example of an emerging industry where graduates can find employment in Tonga. The Prime Minister challenged students, speaking in their native Tongan, to keep working hard, and join the efforts of change and innovation that he believes will lead to strengthen Tonga.
Following his address, the visiting dignitaries met individually with many of the students, and took many pictures.
Lupi Fiefia Tupou, a senior from Tonga, said this about the experience: “It was a very unique and rare experience for me and I feel like all of us students in attendance were blessed by his words because he urged us to take the road less traveled. I loved every part of it.”
Approximately half of the student body at BYU–Hawaii comes from more than 70 countries outside of the U.S., making it the most internationally diverse campus in the U.S. Enrollment in Fall 2011 is 2,600 students; 78 are from Tonga.