The November 2006 BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter contains the following:
While several hundred participants in the 2006 International Business Conference that was held on the BYU-Hawaii campus starting October 30, and a similar number of participants in the overlapping BYU-Hawaii/Polynesian Cultural Center Presidents' Leadership Council conference that began November 2, came to Laie expecting to learn, many were surprised at the level of spirituality they also experienced during the meetings.
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Willes: "...have a greater desire to give..." (Photos by Mike Foley) |
Dal Zemp ('84), a philanthropic entrepreneur from Canada who helped organize the business conference, said opening session keynote speakers Mark H. Willes and Sheri Dew set the spiritual tone that carried over into the ensuing sessions with their intriguing remarks.
Willes is the retired Chairman, President & CEO of Times Mirror, Vice Chairman of General Mills, Inc. and the first Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the BYU-Hawaii/PCC Presidents' Leadership Council, the PCC Board of Directors and in other positions. Dew, President & CEO of Deseret Book Company, is a former Second Counselor in the general Relief Society Presidency and is the author of several books, including biographies on Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley and Ezra Taft Benson.
Willes used Doctrine and Covenants Section 43 to encourage the participants to instruct and edify each other for the benefit of the Church, "and, I will insert, my business, my family and any other righteous endeavor in which you're engaged. If we come to sessions such as the ones this week and are responsive to the Spirit, we will be taught from on high, and we will know what to do...and as we do those things, we will be sanctified. We will be blessed, and we will be prospered. I can't think of a greater set of promises."
He also shared some advice he learned while attending General Conference as a newly called member of a stake presidency. He recalled he took "copious notes on everything that was said. At the end of that conference, President Kimball, who was the Prophet at that time, got up and said he had made a long list of things to do. Notice the difference: He had written down impressions that came to him as to what he should DO."
"We hope you will leave this conference determined to be an even more effective leader, not only in your business, not only in your family, but in those other areas where the Lord has expectations for you to make a contribution and a difference," Willes said.
He also encouraged the participants to have "a greater desire to give. Some of you will have the Spirit whisper to you, 'You need to help.' May I suggest, as the Spirit whispers that to you, that you listen and write it down, and then bind yourself to act — to do it."
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Dew: "...be more effective servants ..." |
Dew, citing a prevailing lesson she has learned as head of Deseret Book Company, spoke on the need to develop leadership within every organization. "It is impossible — I'll say it that adamantly — to see any organization succeed long-term if there aren't leaders throughout the organization." She added that "organization," in this sense, could also refer to the family and the Church.
"There are certain principles and conducts the Lord needs each of us to learn...to be more effective servants in His Kingdom," Dew continued, encouraging the conference participants to look at ancient and modern prophets as examples of key traits of pure leadership, including:
"Number one, a true, pure leader is humble...and understands three things very clearly: The leadership is not about them — it's about the people they lead. It's about lifting others, not exalting themselves. They understand where their talent, skills and abilities come from; and it's not from them. [And] Leadership is not about having power: It's about using the influence you have to help others."
Dew also said prophet-leaders were "fiercely devoted to a righteous cause," had great faith and integrity, could be trusted, were never afraid to work, "set examples worth following," and were optimistic.
"Who is a more dynamic leader than President Gordon B. Hinckley? It would not be possible if we expected him to do everything," she continued. "If you want an organization, a family, a humanitarian organization, a company, any kind of community endeavor to work, you need leaders all the way through; and it may mean the paramount responsibility of the person where the buck stops is to develop the leaders."
"If we will look to prophets, ancient and modern, we will see in the lives of these magnificent men and women, and we can learn how to be better leaders by developing the characteristics they have demonstrated for us."
Almost every subsequent session of the conference continued referring to how the participants could mix their business endeavors and the Spirit. For example, a stock market guru and real estate investor spoke on the "stewardship of wealth. Everything you have, and everything you will have, is the Lord's. It doesn't end with our tithing: There are opportunities to help people in their lives," said Ross Jardine. He added he has a friend who prays, "Help me find someone who needs my help today."
Two business partners in a Provo, Utah-based emerging technology consulting company told how they "decided to set up a business model that would put God first, and we would seek revelation. We strive to put our people first as our most valuable resource, and we continually ask ourselves as a management, are we doing what the Lord wants us to do."
Reminiscent of former CCH visiting professor and world-famous author Dr. Stephen Covey, Andy Andrews — a best-selling author and inspirational speaker who is not LDS — told the conference participants how for 25 years he studied the biographies of over 200 historically significant and successful people. From these he distilled seven "decisions [that] work every single time to bring forth [desired] results, without exception. These seven things work whether you know it or not, because they're principles. These are seven ideas. They're not habits. They aren't mine. I just read these things and saw them. They're God's principles."
"Since they work every time, why shouldn't we learn them and harness them?" Andrews asked in his rich Southern accent. "Why should we teach them to our children? Why shouldn't we teach children to live lives based on principles? People really need to understand that at this point in their lives they can make something different happen," he continued, getting a group of volunteers up on the stage and quickly teaching most of them to juggle to demonstrate, "You can do something you didn't think you could do." His Seven Decisions or principles are:
One business conference participant who founded her own company and is also a member of the PLC said, "The overall conference has been life-changing for me. I kept thinking the whole time I was here, I wished everybody I loved could be here."
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The PCC Hawaiian village welcomes BYUH Hawaiian Studies director, Uncle Bill Wallace, and guests to a special ceremony in honor of the Iosepa. (Photos by Mike Foley) |
The Iosepa, BYU-Hawaii's 57-foot traditionally shaped wa'a kaulua or twin-hulled Hawaiian sailing canoe, will help forge even closer ties between the University and the Polynesian Cultural Center as officials from both institutions finalize impending plans to erect an appropriate and permanent home for the unique canoe in the PCC's Hawaiian village, when it's not sailing.
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The Iosepa at Kawaihae, Hawaii, 2004 |
On November 3, BYU-Hawaii and Hawaiian Studies leaders joined members of the Presidents' Leadership Council, several dozen Hawaiian language immersion children, and PCC staff in the Hawaiian village for a special ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the dedication and launching of the Iosepa at Hukilau Beach in Laie — an event attended by thousands. The ceremony also recognized the intention to eventually relocate the Iosepa from its temporary berth in a field behind the dormitories and tennis courts to a new halau wa'a or canoe home and learning compound.
Hawaiian protocol ruled, as PCC villagers blew conch shells, the keiki (children) sang and the visiting BYU-Hawaii people were welcomed with chants. Hawaiian Studies Director William K. "Uncle Bill" Wallace III ('74, History) answered in turn with a chant before the guests took their seats for the special, morning ceremony. He later spoke of how a dream helped him realize that it was pono or right for the Iosepa to be relocated to the Center, and that the canoe would "help unlock the windows of heaven and that blessings will descend upon this place, to help the work go forward."
On behalf of the Center, Terry Naauao Panee ('87, Information Systems) explained the ceremony's theme was Pupukahi holomua — a historical call to paddlers to work together to make the canoe go forward. Others spoke, and the school children presented ho'okupu or traditional gifts to Wallace. In short, it was an unforgettable "chicken skin" (thrilling) experience to be there. Read more details of the ceremony...
The BYU-Hawaii University Advancement communications team, in a strong desire to take more advantage of the immediacy, potential reach and cost-savings of using the Internet as a distribution channel, has recently launched and invites all of you to read and bookmark for future reference the online beta version of BYU-Hawaii Magazine at:
"Where in the past we used to publish and distribute hard-copy issues of the magazine twice a year — at considerable cost and failed delivery due to out-of-date postal information, we can now put up stories and news online soon after they happen at virtually no additional distribution cost," said Dr. Duane Roberts, BYU-Hawaii Director of Communications & Public Relations. "Our intent is to eventually turn this concept into a BYU-Hawaii communications page or portal with links to all of the news and items we produce, such as this Alumni eNewsletter, 'What's New' articles, devotionals and other speeches, photos of current events on campus, web videos, and more."
"We recognize this is a new concept for all of us, which is one of the reasons why we're dealing with this as a beta test: It's very likely going to change somewhat as we work out the details. We're also open to suggestions," Roberts continued. He praised the work of Sister Rosemarie Howard, a service missionary from Utah working in University Advancement, and alumnus Albert Candari ('00, Information Systems), a member of the BYU-Hawaii IT Development Team who is customizing the site's content management system.
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"We also recognize that many alumni and friends of the University may not have regular access to the Internet, but we believe this is rapidly changing everywhere in the world. Even if you don't have an Internet connection at home, they are becoming more and more available at schools, libraries and Internet cafés. As we develop this site, we encourage all of our alumni and friends to get into the habit of going to our new communications page and finding the latest news about BYU-Hawaii. With this new distribution method, we are also looking at frequency and the best ways to collect information into a 'issue.' For example, the lines between a 'What's New' and magazine article may blur, or a short form may appear as a two-page 'What's New' story while a future online magazine article will be a longer feature. We're looking at all of these things."
"We will continue to print and distribute BYU-Hawaii Magazine and other publications," Roberts said. "For example, we will print and mail a new Presidents' Report publication that was initially distributed to members of the BYU-Hawaii and PCC Presidents' Leadership Council during their recent conference held on campus in early November."
"Again, we stress that we are in an experimental mode with these communication strategies. Our intent is to make more information available to you," Roberts said. The new BYU-Hawaii Magazine online currently contains stories on the International Teacher Exchange Program, the BYU-Hawaii/PCC Work-Study internship program, the 25th anniversary of the Asian Executive Management program, and much more.
State of Hawaii gives School of Education preliminary accreditation
From October 21-25, 2006, an eight-person State of Hawaii Board of Education accrediting team thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the BYU-Hawaii School of Education, and then issued a preliminary report indicating our U.S. licensing teacher education program meets all state-required standards. The team is expected to issue its final seven-year accreditation report in May 2007.
"They found that we're doing a great job and producing excellent graduates," said Dr. John Bailey ('74, Mathematics), Dean of the School of Education. He explained preparing for the accreditation process began in 2000. Read more...
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Soukop |
Pulotu |
Galea'i |
UH recognizes three BYU-Hawaii alumni as 'stars'
The University of Hawaii system included three BYU-Hawaii alumni among its inaugural group of "Stars of Oceania" — a new scholarship fundraising and recognition program for individuals and organizations who have contributed "to the business/economic, community and cultural development of Pacific islanders within the state of Hawaii." The newly named "stars" are Kalolaine "Kalo" Mataele Soukop ('60), Tuione Pulotu ('68) and Pulefano Galea'i ('92).
During his remarks at the November 14 banquet in Waikiki in honor of all the "stars," UH President David McClain also recognized BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway, who was in the audience, and said, "We all know what Brigham Young Hawaii does for the Pacific island nations." His comment drew loud applause from the large crowd. Read more about the program...
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Berardy |
Alumna named Hawaii 'Outstanding Filipino Businesswoman of the Year'
The Filipino Business Women's Association of Hawaii named Susana "Susie" de Leon Berardy (85, Travel Management) as its Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year for her "tremendous success in her business and unselfish service and contribution to the community" during a banquet and ball on November 3 in Waikiki.
Berardy, a member of the executive committee of our Alumni Association board of directors, is co-owner — along with her husband, Joe Berardy ('89, Business Management) — of DBI Hawaii, a multi-million-dollar wholesale manufacturing enterprise involved with interior design, island-style decors, Asian art, furniture, gift lines and other products that extend from Asia throughout the U.S. mainland. For example, Berardy's Hawaiian custom quilt designs, produced mainly in the Philippines, have been sold nationwide through Costco road shows and the tourism industry.
Originally from Pasay City in the Philippines, Berardy interrupted her studies at BYU-Hawaii to serve in the Ventura California Mission. Like many alumni, Susie later worked her way through school scrubbing toilets and bussing dishes at the PCC. After she and Joe got married in 1985, the couple lived in TVA and later struggled to start their own business, initially with one outlet in Honolulu.
As the business grew and became more successful, the Berardys have given much back to the community: For example, they are members of the BYU-Hawaii/Polynesian Cultural Center Presidents' Leadership and Advisory Councils. They helped pioneer the Center for International Entrepreneurship at BYU-Hawaii and are contributing founders for the Academy for Creating Enterprise (ACE) that helps returned missionaries in Cebu, the Philippines, "bring themselves out of poverty" through business. She also serves on the board of the Filipino Business Women's Association.
In 2001 the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii honored her as its Entrepreneur of the Year. That same year she also received the BYU-Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award, and earlier this year she was a guest speaker at the 20th Trade Mission business development luncheon in Manila. Read more...
Tahitian alum's art featured in new book
The distinctive Tahitian artwork of Eriki Marchand ('93, Art) is being featured along with that of other artists in a book on contemporary art in French Polynesia published by Tauhiti Nena, the Minister of Art & Culture. "I helped the Minister and another person to put the whole thing together, and it won a national award in France for the best art book of the year," said Marchand. He recently came to Hawaii to help Nena introduce the book at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.
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Marchand |
Marchand, who lives in Tahiti Iti and teaches at Samuel Raapoto High School near Papeete, has 10 of his works in the book which "tells a little of each artist's history and also his vision of contemporary Polynesian art. With my own art I try to develop another aspect of the Polynesian culture, going more into the fundamental vision, which is directly connected to the soul. It's more about the soul than what we usually see. I try to develop the hidden message that you can see in Polynesian culture. I also have another direction, because I'm using more contemporary tools and material. I've done a lot of art dealing with the soul, trying to capture more of it, the varua, than what we see. There are a lot of human figures, but I try to bring up other things. I also like to work on site, so I go into the valleys or on the heiau. Right now I'm working on unu, both carving and drawing the posts that used to be placed on the marae."
"I'm trying to be a good father, and a brand-new grandfather," said Marchand, who has three children, and one grandchild. He adds that his wife, Patricia Marchand ('91), is "running a silk screening business, mainly tee shirts; and his big project coming up is "to create a Polynesian art school for children. I found out that our standard education system is not really adapted to some kids, so it's better that I help them be more efficient with their education. I'm planning to do that in Moorea. Maybe next year, or the year after... I'm trying to work with UC Berkeley, which already has something there."
"Laie is still the greatest place for education. I showed the Minister how great the combination of the school and the Polynesian Cultural Center is. The government is willing to build a center back home. With this Minister, I see things moving forward," Marchand said.
"It's always good to come back and see friends. I owe a lot to this place, and I will never forget that. It's been a true inspiration, and I love it. I wish more kids could experience what I was blessed with."
AMG Asia Pacific Basketball Classic continues five-year tradition
The fifth annual American Money Group Asia Pacific Basketball Classic, held November 10-11 in the Cannon Activities Center, not only gave the BYU-Hawaii 'ohana (family) a great introduction to this year's exciting men's basketball team, but also helped fulfill the university's international objectives.
"This is a tournament that's consistent with the university's special mission for our target area of Asia and the Pacific," said BYU-Hawaii Vice President of Academics, Dr. Keith Roberts. He added since the tournament began 14 teams from 10 countries have come to play. In addition to the Seasiders, this year's tournament included the national team from New Caledonia, a French territory north of New Zealand, and Civil Aviation University of China, located in Tianjin, as well as Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University. For more details...
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Women's volleyball team loses heart-breaker in Regionals
The BYU-Hawaii women's volleyball team took their eighth-ranked 20-0 perfect 2006 season record and third seed into the NCAA II regional tournament in San Bernardino on November 9, where — after winning the first two games — they lost the next three to Cal State Los Angeles, 30-23, 30-27, 23-30, 28-30, 15-17.
Following the loss, which ousted the Lady Seasiders from the tournament, the American Volleyball Coaches Association polls re-ranked BYU-Hawaii at 15th in the nation. They were previously the only unbeaten NCAA II team in the U.S. Read more...
Meanwhile, junior outside hitter Michelle "Tuli" Peters was named to the Daktronics NCAA II All-American First Team. She was previously selected as the Daktronics Pacific Regional Volleyball Player of the Year and was named to the All-Region First Team. Sophomore setter LeeAnn Mapu was named to the All-Region Second Team. They were previously named to the AVCA's Pacific All-Regional First Team, while junior outside hitter Noelle Filimoeatu received Honorable Mention at that level.
In other BYU-Hawaii sports news
Happy Holidays:
As the holiday season approaches, the Alumni Office, officers and board of directors wish the best for each of you and your families.
2007 Chapter Chairs conference dates set:
Alumni Association Executive Director Rowena Reid ('76, Social Work) invites all chapter chair leaders to make plans now to attend the:
2007 Chapter Chair Conference
February 12-13, 2007
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BYU-Hawaii alumni in American Samoa |
...to be held in conjunction with Homecoming, and further invites them to remain for the Entrepreneurship Conference which will be held on campus that week. The newest list of Genuine Gold alumni will also be announced at that time.
American Samoa:
Former Alumni Association President Leilua Logo Apelu (' ) and current President-Elect Arapata Meha ('82, Music) recently held a fireside in Pava'ia'i, American Samoa, with over 100 alumni and guests in attendance. The alumni then had a get-together at the home of chapter chairs Brent Schwenke ('82) and his wife, Tagi Faumuina Schwenke ('80). New chapter chairs are being reviewed to replace the Schwenkes, who have served for more than five years. Apelu reports the American Samoa alumni are anxious to continue networking with the University.
Koolauloa (Windward Oahu):
Vonn Logan ('84, Biological Sciences) has succeeded Mark James ('79, TESL) and his wife, Choon Huay James ('79, English) as co-chairs of the Koolauloa Chapter. Logan, a life-long resident of Laie, currently works for LDS Employment Services in Honolulu. He previously worked for BYU-Hawaii Continuing Education (now CITO).
Minnesota:
The Minnesota Chapter will hold a service project on December 2 for the Minneapolis Stake's créche display. After helping, the alumni will hold a dinner together. For more information, contact chapter chair Luka Lealaitafea Westin ('76, Elementary Education).
Singapore:
New Singapore chapter chair Philip Meng Teck Loh ('90, Human Resource Development), who succeeds long-serving Stephen Lai ('82), reports 38 combined alumni from the various BYU campuses held a gathering on September 9:
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Philip and Wing Y. Martzi Loh ('91, Social Work) and their children |
"Besides good food, the alumni had a wonderful session discussing the subject, 'What do you expect out of the Alumni Chapter?' In summary, our alumni expressed a great desire for unity and strength to fulfill our obligations and duties in helping fresh BYU Singapore graduates with job searches, and to assist them to return home with minimal adjustment. Our alumni also felt the need to provide services to the community to bring up our name by showing love to others who are less fortunate than us. They expressed an interest to meet more frequently to keep abreast with news from the BYUs and to network with each other."
"Last, but not least, the alumni were given an update of the previous event (with Roy Brinkerhoff and Rowena Reid, from the alumni offices of BYU and BYUH respectively), the financial balance of our seed money, and also the scholarship funds in Provo and Hawaii. We also gave our salutation to Stephen Lai for his service and dedication."
Loh, a Buddhist before he joined the Church at age 17, served a mission in his native Singapore after fulfilling his military obligation, and then enrolled at BYU-Hawaii. After graduating, he returned home and later worked in Hong Kong and Beijing. He and his family returned again to Singapore in 2001, where he is currently a site human resource manager for Seagate Technologies. Loh previously served as vice-chairman of the Singapore chapter.
Sydney, Australia:
Chapter chairs Ilaisaane ('81, Office Management) and Atoni Petero ('80, Business Management) report alumni in Sydney held a fireside on November 19 with Australia Area President Elder Paul K. Sybrowsky ('63), a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy:
"The fireside was held at the PBO office next to the Sydney Temple in Carlingford, NSW. It has been difficult to gather the alumni together and to maintain that spirit of aloha, and most especially to motivate members to donate to the BYU-Hawaii scholarship funds. Several alumni members were invited to bear their testimonies on the most valuable experience at CCH/BYU-Hawaii. They mostly gave thanks for the privilege and blessings of attending a Church university and how it has blessed their lives. Alex Kwok Leung Tong ('93, Accounting), a Hong Kong alumnus now residing in Sydney, spoke of taking a Tongan Language class from President Shumway, without knowing what purpose it would serve. Today, Alex is a member of the Hyde Park Stake presidency and his assignment covers a Tongan Ward. The members of the Tongan Ward were surprised that a Chinese can speak to them in their language, and it caused them to listen more attentively to the counsels from their leaders. Cheryl McKillop Latu ('77, Social Work) gave a short talk on how the Lord guided her and her family at BYU-Hawaii and later while serving the Church both in Tonga and Australia. Cheryl is the Stake Relief Society President in the Newcastle Stake."
"Ian Carroll ('71, History), when he first arrived in CCH, was quite shocked to see that students from different nationalities populated the campus very peacefully, especially when his 'back yard' at home reflected a predominantly 'white Australian' policy. The Church was very small and scattered in Australia, so living in a Church community was a great new experience. In his words, 'the educational opportunity was great but it wasn't the physics, math, history or humanities that stood out for me. It was the spirit of CCH, association with people and the religion classes.' He continued: 'Meeting and getting to know a little of other cultures, especially the Polynesians and Melanesians, stood me in good stead later in life as I was called to serve as a bishop in an area where the influx of Polynesians to Australia was phenomenal.' Ian fondly remembered two of his great professors: Dean Waite, speech and drama, and Dr. Daniel Ludlow for his insights in scriptures. Ian now runs a very successful real estate business."
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Petero and Elder Sybrowsky |
"The final speaker was Elder Sybrowsky who spoke on the importance of the desired results of the mission of the alumni: Connect, aloha and returnability. He emphasized the importance of gratitude and the need to donate funds for prospective future leaders who will attend BYU-Hawaii. We were reminded that even with a scholarship or private funding of our education, 76 percent of each student's education is covered by the sacred funds of the Church. He expressed how grateful he is for the opportunity to learn and experience life with an internationally diverse group of people and the aloha spirit, and how this has remained with him all his life and helps him in his calling in the Church. Furthermore, he went on to say we need to remember by entering BYU — whether it be Provo or Hawaii — that 'we enter to learn and go forth to serve.' The prophecy of President David O. McKay is being fulfilled by those who have the privilege and have been chosen to enter the Lord's Universities."
"Elder Sybrowsky brought some laughter when he related his early experiences at CCH and PCC. For us in Sydney this is a great beginning because many are discouraged from attending BYU because of the availability of good universities in Australia, but those of us who have experienced attending a Church university know that there is a marked difference in the Spirit that we take out when we go forth to serve."
Elder Sybrowsky, who is originally from Utah, was sustained as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy in 2005. He went on from CCH, after his mission, to graduate from BYU in Provo. His professional career included many management positions and entrepreneurial ventures. Prior to his call as a General Authority, he served as president of the Canada Toronto West Mission (2001-04).
Washington, DC:
Our Washington DC Chapter is keeping busy. Chapter chair Salei'a Afele-Fa'amuli and others held an officers' meeting at her house on November 12. Members of the chapter attended Dr. Daniel C. Peterson's BYU fireside on "Behind the Headlines" in the Arab world on November 17 in the Washington DC Temple Visitors Center. She also invites any chapter member interested to join her daughters on December 27 at their home in Rockville, MD, to learn new dances for the Asia-Pacific Islands Heritage month, "upcoming luaus and for fun. If you are around over the Christmas holiday, throw a lavalava over your sweat pants and thermals and warm up those hips as we learn new dances," she writes.
Reminders:
In case you missed them in a previous issue, or you're new to our Alumni eNewsletter:
Three new Golden Jubilee-themed DVDs are now available for sale for $10 each (plus shipping and handling) through the BYU-Hawaii Bookstore:
Help, please, with photo IDs:
The BYU-Hawaii Archives, located on the second floor of the Library (above the administrative offices), needs help from time to time identifying people in old pictures. The next time you're in Laie, please consider stopping by to see if you can offer any assistance.
1950s & 60s
In memoriam: The recent passing of Kay Amaru Hewlen ('64) drew several responses from CCHers Network (1955-64) members. Gary Wong ('60) wrote: Our prayers go out to Phillip [Hewlen ('64)] and his family for comfort and peace at this time. The memories of Kaye and Phillip stem from CCH, Traveling Assembly and all the good times we had 40-plus years ago at CCH, and with the Hewlen Family." Helen Kuoha-Torco ('64, Business): "I am also very sad to hear of Kay's passing. We were in the Young Women's leadership here at Kaneohe stake in the '80s when she was living in Kailua, and had some great memories together then and before at CCH when we danced in the Polynesian Panorama." Dot "Sweetheart" Anderson Uchima ('62): "How blessed we are for our understanding of how temporary the loss is and by the love and support of each other. We can be joyful in knowing our friendships are enduring and eternal. My short stay at CCH brought me treasured experiences, lifetime friendships and blessings beyond measure. Since we are at the season of life when who knows what the next day will bring, I would like to again say thank you so much for everything and that I truly love and appreciate you all. Love and aloha."
Kathy Boyce Hemingway ('59): "I will never forget Kay and all the fond memories of CCH back in the sixties." Doug Losse ('61), one of the original Cooper Ranch residents, before the dorm on campus was completed: "Kaye was a beautiful New Zealand member of the Church. Like most of the New Zealand students I met (back when), their accent, warm charm, sense of humor — and they are smart — all fascinated me at CCH. As I recall, Clipper Watene Maxfield ('62) was the first female New Zealander I ever met, and I believe Kaye and her circle of friends of the CCH days of 1963 were about the last group."
In memoriam: Cheryln Keonaona Holokai Nagata ('69) passed away November 9 in Maui.
1980s
Richard Aspinall ('84, Mathematics), CES Samoa Country Director, writes: "Thank you for your regular updates through the BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter. It is always uplifting to read about the progress of BYUH and the successes of its alumni throughout the world."
Kura Hakaraia ('85, Secretarial Science), who is living in Wellington, New Zealand and works as a management support officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, wrote: "I am grateful for my years at BYU-Hawaii. They prepared me for my current occupation as a diplomat in the New Zealand Foreign Service and gave me the ability to relate to others from all walks of life and cultures."
Hank Ensing ('87, Computer Science), a teacher in Hamilton, New Zealand, writes: "Jenny [Johnston Ensing] and I have been married for 20 years and have been blessed with with six children aged from 3-17 years old. Earlier this year, 2006, I finished a term as a teacher of mathematics and Information and Communications Technology at Church College of New Zealand. I now teach youth at risk in a drug rehabilitation unit called Rongo Atea. I love my mahi (work in Maori) at the center. It's challenging and most difficult most of the time. The youth need strong, good coaching to help them break away from the most devastating effects of drug abuse. E noho ra (goodbye, and may the Lord look after you)."
1990s
The Broadcast Communications Division of the Harris Corporation, a major international communications and technology company, has appointed Stanley Yui Kin Fong ('93, International Business Management) as its area sales manager for Japan and tasked him with setting up a new office. Fong has previously worked in communications technology sales in Japan and China.
Norman Peters Jr. ('95, Business Management) responded to the report on Rosalind Meno Ram's devotional address in the October 2006 Alumni eNewsletter by writing: "Ten years ago in October Vicky and I were baptized in Guam and it really does not seem like so many years have passed. Time does pass so quickly, and now to look back and see the Lord's hand in our lives and how we were directed to be just where He wanted us to go. I never in my wildest thoughts imagined myself as a Bishop (in San Diego) or a Seminary teacher (in Fallon, Nevada). We have recently moved to Greenwood, Arkansas, to be near our daughter. It is great to be able to be involved in the lives of our three grandchildren. The ward we are in is a bit different than others we have been in, as Vicky is the only Filipina; but it's a very friend ward and we have quickly started to make friends."
2000s
Jessica Miller Tuwun ('00, International Business Management) also responded to Rose Ram's devotional address report last month by writing: "It was so nice to read the report of your talk at BYUH. You are an inspiration to Ambrose [Tuwun ('01, Social Work)] and I, especially as there are some similarities in your life experiences to Ambrose's. It is quite a challenge to lead the way for your family when they do not really accept the gospel — or at least most of the ones who are living do not. Still, we are very excited about the growth of the Church in Micronesia and feel that when the time is right, the Lord will help us get there to do what he needs us to do. So, thank you for being a good friend and support to us — especially in encouraging Ambrose to get through school. We often look to the examples of friends we made in Hawaii to help us on our way."
Former BYU-Hawaii men's basketball guard Yuta Tabuse ('01) was recently taken by the Bakersfield Jam in the third round. Tabuse, the first Japanese national to be drafted in the NBA, played with the National Basketball Association Development League’s Albuquerque Thunderbirds last season
Editor's Note: I know Thanksgiving is an American holiday some of you probably no longer celebrate, but it was an appropriate time among family and friends, doing fun things and feasting, to count our blessings. High on that list is coming to school at BYU-Hawaii — or Church College of Hawaii for us old timers. As I listen to and interact with current students, it's obvious they recognize that. As a grateful alum, I think we can all say it becomes even more apparent with the passing years. Mahalo nui.
— Mike Foley ('70, TESL), Editor
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The BYU-Hawaii Alumni eNewsletter is published by the University Advancement office, under the direction of Napua Baker ['59-61 and '70-72], Vice President; Duane Roberts, Director of Communications & Public Relations; and Rowena Reid ['76, Social Work], Alumni Relations Executive Director. Brigham Young University Hawaii is a four-year comprehensive undergraduate institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. About 2,400 students from over 70 nations are currently enrolled.
You have received this e-newsletter because you are an affiliate of BYU-Hawaii. If necessary, please update your alumni profile. If you have received this e-mail inadvertently, or wish to unsubscribe, please send a message with NEWSLETTER UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line and your e-mail address in the body to alumni@byuh.edu. If you are aware of other BYU-Hawaii alumni who have not received this newsletter, please forward a copy and encourage them to update their profiles. Mahalo.
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