"I am pleased to welcome you to this special campus, whether as a new or returning student," said Brigham Young University Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright, as almost 400 new Seasiders — most of them transferring from other universities — started Winter Semester on January 7, 2009.
"I extend our love and appreciation to you on behalf of the President's Council and the dedicated faculty and staff here at BYU-Hawaii. We are grateful that you are here, and look forward to many wonderful learning opportunities with each of you," said the president in the first issue of the Ke Alaka'i Daily. Starting this semester, the new publication is delivered online, Monday-Friday, as a PDF-file attachment.
Arapata Meha, BYU-Hawaii Director of Enrollment Services, said the transfer students come from a variety of schools. "Ten years ago they mostly came from Provo and Idaho [where BYU and BYU-Idaho are located, respectively], but that's changed. He added that new students from the South Pacific tend to come in April, "and we usually bring Asian students here in First Term. They finish school in March and April." Meha also pointed out that approximately 250 students graduated in December, and others are finishing up their last classes this semester.
Joining the new and returning students this semester are five new faculty members who have filled existing positions. They are:
- Cary Wasden, Economics
- Geoffrey Draper, Computer Science
- Debi Hartmann, Political Science
- Kirby McMaster, Accounting
- Daniel Scott, Biochemistry
They bring a wide variety of expertise with them. Wasden, for example, who is completing his doctoral dissertation at Ohio State University in international development and finance, ran an investment firm in Seattle for the past nine years, and headed an international business for a London, England-based investment bank before that. He also has lived in Singapore and Australia, where he served a mission in Adelaide. "We absolutely love being here. Our family is so excited," he said.
Draper, who recently completed his Ph.D. in computer science and information visualization, likes to draw comic strip cartoons and create children's video games in his spare time; and Hartmann, who previously served on the faculty, is a former elected member of the Hawaii State Board of Education.
"For the students and faculty, the beginning of semesters is always an exciting time for all of us as we jump into a new round of learning and reading, thinking and writing," said Dr. Chad Compton, Associate Academic Vice President for Instruction.
Among other changes, all are starting the 2009 school year under BYUH's new academic calendar, which calls for shorter Winter and Fall semesters but longer classes, and three mid-year terms. In fact, after the first two days of classes under the new schedule, several students and faculty indicated they've already adjusted.
"Two days into it, things have gone very smoothly," Compton added. "We've had a few bumps in the road, but the students and faculty, as near as I've been able to tell, have planned well. The students are very adaptable, and it's looking positive."
In additional welcoming remarks in Ke Alaka'i Daily, President Wheelwright reminded the students that "we have a special responsibility while we are here, a responsibility that is not unlike Nephi's — to build something unique and excellent. We must equip ourselves with a high quality BYUH education, both practical and spiritual, that will bless our lives and those of our families and that will enable us to lead and serve with faith and diligence, establishing peace and building the kingdom of God throughout the world, including here in Laie."
"While gaining such an ‘education for eternity' may be challenging, we understand, like Nephi, that with God, nothing is impossible. Our goal is to fully achieve the vision proffered by President Henry B. Eyring when he spoke on our campus:
"…On this campus we can only become what God has set for our destiny if…the light of the gospel infuses every part of the curriculum, every experience of student and teacher. This campus will produce…young people whose experiences and belief make them, by the very way they will behave as learners and teachers and servers, people who will create little enclaves of peace wherever they go. That will happen, and not just for you, but for all of those who will follow you because this university will not depart — ever — from its foundation, which is the word, the word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And it will infuse and enlighten all that we teach and all who come here to learn." (Elder Henry B. Eyring, BYUH Commencement, June 21, 1990)
In his 2007 address for President Wheelwright's inauguration, President Eyring also challenged all to implement a new definition of success at BYU-Hawaii: "Success will be realized as young people gain greater power to make the world better for others. Success won't be in accolades for the president or the teachers. It won't be in recognition for the university. It won't be in new and better buildings or equipment. It won't be more efficiency, although efficiency would be one cause of the success and a by-product. Success will be an increase of the power of students to improve families, communities, and the world."
"May we live each day so we can witness those daily miracles wrought by the power of God, following a pattern of consistent faith that leads to small daily miracles. I pray that each of us will be diligent in our studies and dedicated in our devotion to the Savior. May we strive to always live the Honor Code, attend each of the weekly devotionals, and love and serve one another," he said.
President Wheelwright and his wife, Margaret, will deliver the devotional address on January 13 at 11 a.m. in the Cannon Activities Center.
— Photos by Mike Foley