The entire BYU–Hawaii ohana has felt the effects of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and is united in their efforts to assist in any way possible to relieve the suffering of both the individuals in Japan and also the members of the university ohana who have been impacted by these disasters. “Our hearts go out to our Japanese students,” says Debbie Hippolite Wright, vice president for student development & services. “Our prayers and love are with them and we as a university ohana are doing everything possible to ensure that they are taken care of.”
University Counseling Services is especially eager to make contact with all Japanese students. They have organized support groups and one-on-one appointments to help students share their concerns and discuss uplifting coping methods. For example, they have organized a young mothers’ support group for women to gather and support and discuss possible relief efforts. They also have a booth outside their office where students can come and write notes of encouragement on a banner for those on campus who may be struggling. The banner will be displayed on campus. According to Paul Buckingham, the director of Counseling Services, many Japanese students have voiced their appreciation for the support they have received from other students, professors, and the university ohana.
“We are touched by the overwhelming love we have witnessed from students, faculty, and staff in response to the recent disasters,” says BYU–Hawaii President Steven Wheelwright. “We acknowledge the many departments and individuals who have contributed their resources to the relief efforts in Japan and their time and energy to building up our Japanese students.”
Yuya Kitahara, the BYU–Hawaii Japanese Club president, said the club has established a new committee to address the current situation. Their plans include various events, gatherings, and fund raising to increase awareness about ways students, faculty, and staff can support the relief efforts.
“There is great power in both our prayers and our individual contributions, whether great or small,” says President Wheelwright. “As a university, we encourage the spirit of charity in word and deed to continue on our campus, and for those desiring to make monetary contributions to utilize the proper channels.” The Church has encouraged all donations to go through the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund. Individuals may donate through the online donation form or through Church charitable contribution slips.
Elder Choi of the Asia North Area presidency will be visiting BYU–Hawaii the week of March 20-26 and will meet with all students from the Asia North Area (Japan, Korea, Guam, and the Marianas) to discuss the current situation in Japan.
“Our students are strong, concerned for one another’s well-being, and devoted to the Gospel,” says Vice President Hippolite Wright. “We are all strengthened by their examples as they are coping with this tragedy, and we will continue in our efforts to support them.”