President Gordon B. Hinckley is being remembered at BYU-Hawaii for his genuine, natural ability to possess the Spirit of Aloha. "He loved people and always wanted to do the right thing," BYU-Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright said early Monday morning.
Wheelwright met with President Hinckley and other members of the Board of Trustees every month to discuss the Church's universities. "It was just wonderful to see him in action because he always was prepared, he always was concerned. He'd always ask about the students, and the faculty and staff."
On March 1, 2007, Wheelwright received a phone call from President Hinckley. "Brother Wheelwright," the 97-year-old church leader inquired, "how's your health?" Wheelwright responded, "Well, President, it's terrific. I feel wonderful. How is your health?"
President Hinckley chuckled and replied, "Well, it's actually quite good. But, you know, I am getting older." After a slight pause, he continued, "We would like you to become the president of BYU-Hawaii.”
President Wheelwright recalled, "Well, I must admit I was so taken back. I forgot for a moment I was talking to the prophet and I gave what would have been my normal response: 'Are you sure?' President Hinckley laughed again and said, 'Brother Wheelwright, if we weren't sure we wouldn't have asked.' I then answered, 'Yes, of course. We'll do whatever you would like us to do, wherever you'd like it done.'"
"It was very special to have the prophet call and extend this to me, a great honor," Wheelwright continued. "I started reading about all of the interactions President Hinckley had on this campus, and with the [Laie Hawaii] Temple, with the Polynesian Cultural Center, with the street that leads to the Temple. He's wonderful."
--Watch a slideshow capturing some of President Hinckley's visits to Hawaii here .