Roger Brown | University Relations |  12 October 2012

“More than anything, I wanted to be a positive influence in the lives of people on a grander scale,” mused Lara Leimana Fonoimoana, BYU–Hawaii student graduating in December, wife, and mother who recently completed her reign as Mrs. America.

What began as almost a dare from her husband became an opportunity to serve and to make a difference in the lives of people from many places and circumstances. Mrs. America is a competition designed to honor married women from around the country. When crowned, Mrs. America is given the opportunity to promote her chosen platform on a larger scale. First crowned Mrs. Hawaii, Fonoimoana chose the platform of health and wellness, with a focus on eliminating and preventing childhood obesity.

Rachel Romney | University Relations |  12 October 2012

The Farmers Market at BYU–Hawaii brings campus and community together for fresh foods, flavors and home grown products in an effort to be more sustainable and self-sufficient.

Ariel Chaffin | University Relations |  27 September 2012

Elder Ian S. Ardern, First Quorum of the Seventy and Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, warned against mediocrity in his Devotional address on Tuesday, September 25, 2012.  Reminding students how blessed they are to be here, Elder Ardern echoed the scripture, “unto whom much is given much is required” (D&C 82:3).

University Relations |  26 September 2012

BYU–Hawaii Tennis Coach David Porter received the United States Professional Tennis Association’s (USPTA) Alex Gordon Award for the Professional of the Year. Porter, who lives in Laie, has been coaching tennis for more than 35 years – with 20 years as head coach at BYU–Hawaii.

Porter was recognized during the USPTA’s World Conference on Tennis, held in Monterey, Calif., last week. The USPTA is the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals.

The professional of the year is judged in seven areas, including: contributions to USPTA and the United States Tennis Association (USTA); as a teaching professional, player and coach; education, research and publications; organizational affiliations; and contributions to the community.

University Relations |  17 September 2012

BYU–Hawaii recently hosted members of the Church Educational System Executive Committee for a routine visit to campus. The purpose of campus visits is to personally experience the environments on campus, receive updates on the academic programs at the university and other innovations in education, and, in the case of BYU–Hawaii, see the status of current and future expansion projects.

Clover Cheng | University Relations |  17 September 2012

A new class that begin this Summer semester, Special Studies in World Cinema, allows for in-depth exposure and understanding of the culture in one of BYU–Hawaii’s target areas. Yifen Beus, associate professor in the International Cultural Studies department, developed the course and defines it as an opportunity to explore and examine issues that rise from the impact of modernity reflected in sino phone cinemas. Sino phone cinemas are productions by filmmakers specifically from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Roger Brown | University Relations | 12 September 2012

BYU–Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright addressed the topic of religious freedom at the opening devotional of the Fall 2012 semester on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. The gathering included more than 1500 students, faculty, staff and others from the extended university ‘ohana.

“We live at a unique time in the history of the world,” he said. “We have the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have the blessings of being guided by apostles and prophets.  And on this campus we also have the blessings of being a part of the Church Educational System and having a temple of the Lord nearby.  How we have been blessed!”

Ariel Chaffin | University Relations |  11 September 2012

The annual Ohana Meeting was held Thursday, September 6, in the McKay Auditorium for all faculty, staff, missionaries and volunteers. The purpose of this annual gathering is to welcome new members of the ohana from the past year, and give updates and spotlights on campus and university happenings. In total, 33 new employees were introduced to the BYU–Hawaii ohana and 34 missionaries and volunteers were recognized for their service.