Face to Face

A new addition to the HGB foyer was unveiled on Thursday, December 8. President Tanner accepted this beautiful statue on behalf of BYUH. This is the story of the statue:

In the 1980's, Elder John Naegle was the principal of the Bountiful Seminary and became acquainted with Dee Jay Bawden, who had recently begun sculpting LDS church historical figures. When he completed his statue of the first vision, Face to Face, the Bountiful seminary bought a desk-sized copy for display.

In the 1990's, Elder Naegle was transferred to the St George Institute and Dee Jay generously donated this 40" crushed marblecast copy of the sculpture. It was displayed in the old institute building. Within two years, a new building was completed and the statue was not part of the new plan. Elder Naegle contacted DJ and asked what he should do with the statue. DJ said, "John, I am consigning it to you."

For a brief period, the statue went home with the Naegles, then it went to E Naegles office. Eventually, it was placed on display in the foyer of the St George Institute Building. In 2005, the Naegles were asked to go to Riverside, California where Elder Naegle was the director of the institute at UC Riverside. The statue went with them and has been on display there for the past 11 years. 

For almost twenty years, Elder Naegle has been looking for a permanent home for this wonderful sculpture. As new missionaries here at BYUH, the Naegles had the opportunity to meet with President Tanner in his office where he has several beautiful pieces of art work on display. As he talked to them about the pieces and what they represented, Elder Naegle had the thought that this statue should be here so that BYUH students have a closer connection to the first vision. He showed pictures to President Tanner; the president enthusiastically endorsed the idea and put the wheels in motion to make it happen.

It wasn't long until LDS Philanthropies made contact and worked out the details to ship the statue from California. The statue arrived here in August and the artisans at the PCC wood shop created the beautiful stand for optimal display. It was placed in the HGB with the BYUH "sacred grove" in the background.

When the artist was made aware of this decision, he wrote this:

I love BYUH. I was there for two months of my mission as I learned Japanese at what was then called the Church College of Hawaii. I have dear memories of how the spirit was with those who carried out the language training mission. Thank you very much, good brother, for allowing this art to be shown in such a perfect way!

Elder and Sister Garff

We are from Salt Lake City and raised 3 boys in our Michigan Ave. home. We have 8 grandkids and one on the way. Elder Garff  has had a construction company for 40 years and recently retired. Sister Garff worked for over 40 years as a dental hygienist. Elder Garff will be working as a project manager in construction at BYUH and Sister Garff will be working as an executive secretary in the BYUH Alumni Career Center. She is excited to be helping with student internships and eventual job placement for graduating students. We enjoy bike riding, snow skiing, snorkeling, and racquetball and are excited to be serving in paradise.  

Aloha, Elder and Sister Garff, and welcome to BYU Hawaii

Elder and Sister Dunham

Aloha,

We are Elder and Sister Dunham.  We have just arrived on the island and are serving as Housing Coordinators.  We are living in Hale 1, but we are Coordinators for Hale 1 and 7.  Home for us is Kaysville, Utah.  We both grew up in Davis County.  We have four children and eleven grandchildren. 

    

Elder Dunham served his first mission in Oklahoma.  He attended BYU and graduated with a Masters in Recreation Administration (fun and games). Sister Dunham graduated from Utah State in art and design.

    

Elder Dunham worked 37 years as a Conductor/Manager of Train Operations,  which took us to Arkansas and Illinois for eight years.

We enjoy all outdoor activities and are excited to get to know everyone.

                                                                                                                 

Mahalo, Elder and Sister Dunham

Elder and Sister Millard

The mission – “We came on a mission to give, but have only received”

Elder Rick Millard had spent his professional life working as a mechanical engineer at Orbital ATK (once Thiokol).  He also had experience as a general contractor, and when he checked the church missionary website he found that BYUH was looking for someone with his exact credentials. Sister Millard, with a master’s degree in English, had been an educator for many years—as a classroom instructor and an administrator at both USU and Weber State University.

With qualifications that matched perfectly the need, it wasn’t long until they were called to BYUH. Sister Millard took a leave of absence from Weber State, where she is the Director of Government Relations, and they headed to Laie.

During the mission, Elder Millard has worked on special projects – mainly the new faculty housing on Moana Street. He has overseen the demolition of seven old block homes, and the beginning of new duplex units for faculty. Three have been completed and six more are in the process and should be completed by June. Another demolition site is the corner of Naniloa Loop and Kulanui Street where another faculty duplex will be built. Although he has participated in much of the background work—the bids, contracts, permits, demolition, foundations, etc--it is a bittersweet not to be able to see the project through to completion. But the faculty townhomes are a much-needed addition to the campus property.

With her qualifications, Sister Christina Millard started her mission in curriculum development, but was quickly put to work teaching English to international students (EIL). Although she had taught English for many years, she had never experienced teaching non-English native speakers. She is grateful for two amazing mentors, Paul Rama and Rebecca Wolfersberger, who helped her change the focus of her instruction.

She has loved her time in the classroom—in many ways so unlike her previous classroom experiences, such as: starting every class with prayer, listening to unbelievable conversion stories, and working with students who are driven, focused, dedicated and respectful. This is a classroom experience never to be duplicated anywhere else.

The China Connection – “Our call may as well have been to China”

The Millards thought that a call to BYUH meant that they would be working with the Polynesian people. But on one of her first days in the classroom, Sister Millard was getting acquainted with her students and discovered that some of them were from China. She mentioned that she had been there as part of her responsibilities at Weber State University and this connection was the start of a loving relationship.

The Millards became advisors to the China Club but are more like grandparents to many students who are so far away from home and family.

A young married couple, Pei and Jinjing needed a ride to the hospital to have their baby. Sister Millard drove and was in the waiting room when Pei came to her and said that his wife would like to see her. When she entered the delivery room, she was informed that Jinjing would like her to stay for the delivery. So, holding the hand of the laboring mother, she helped bring baby Krystal into the world.

Often the Chinese students will drop by their home to visit, and other times they will come as dinner guests. One night two young girls came to dinner and Sister Millard was impressed to tell them to call if they ever need anything. When the impression came a second time, she wrote her name and number on a piece of paper and reemphasized the invitation. The next morning she got a phone call from Kahuku Medical Center. One of the young women had broken her ankle and needed a ride to Honolulu to the hospital. The break was so severe, an orthopedic surgeon would have to repair the damage. Sister Millard knew why she had received such a strong impression to insist that they call.

After many runs to the hospital, many dinners, many mission call openings—sharing both joy and sorrow—the bonds they have forged will last over time and distance.

The Stake and Ward – “Our life experiences have prepared us exactly for this”

Assigned to the Laie Hawaii Married Student Stake, 2^nd Ward, Elder Millard was called to the high council and began to serve the stake. Sister Millard asked Bishop Kinghorn if there was anything she could do. He thought a moment and then proceeded to tell her that many of the international students come to BYU with very little—some with only a suitcase. One of the wonderful blessings of this school is that there are LDS members to date with temple marriage as a result. Oftentimes, the newlyweds exit the temple to a small group of friends for a modest celebration. Everything is wonderful, but the brides often have one unanswered dream—the dream to exit the temple in a beautiful wedding dress.

Bishop Kinghorn said, “I don’t think there’s anything you can do,” to which Sister Millard replied, “Of course there is!”

Enlisting friends and family back home, she started a collection that has grown to 45 beautiful dresses donated for the cause. A special storage cabinet was built, and the YSA 1^st Stake Relief Society is in charge of the dresses. The dream of wearing a beautiful wedding dress is now a reality.

 

The Millards came to BYUH prepared to serve the campus and the students here. Although they arrived on the island with more than one suitcase, when the time comes, they will leave with far more than they brought—the love of many, and gratitude for the experience.

November Birthdays

November 8 - Elder Mueller

November 10 - Sister Thayn

November 30 - Elder Hale

Aloha Elder and Sister Whiting

Elder Kenneth and Sister Karma Whiting arrived at BYUH on October 6. Most of us have had a chance to meet them, but here is just a little more about their pre-mission lives:

We are thrilled to be in Hawaii. We are working in the Center for Academic Success which is is the library. It is a real treat to work with and assist the college students and help them in their educational pursuits.

We are from St. Johns, Arizona.  We were both raised there and after missions, marriage and schooling we returned home to raise our family.  Elder Whiting is an environmental engineer who worked for Salt River Project for 37 years.  He is an avid hunter--archery, rifle, black powder musket, etc--a real outdoorsman! I am an educator of 40 years and enjoy reading, swimming and teaching. 

We have five children with five wonderful in- laws.  We love them all, as well as our perfect 23 grandchildren! We recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives and acknowledge His goodness and mercy.  

We feel very blessed to be here at this time. 

We know the Whitings will meet wonderful people and have many life-changing experiences in the next eighteen months. Aloha and welcome to BYU-Hawaii.

Elder and Sister Barlow

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.  D&C 64:33

 

As missionaries, Elder Rulon and Sister Sandee Barlow have had one over-reaching goal: who can we serve? And for the last 18 months, they have worked tirelessly fulfilling their goal.

Elder Barlow's career was in hospital administration which took the family from Utah to Washington, California, Alaska and back to Utah. The final fifteen years of his career, he was the director of the student health center at BYU Provo. When he was nearing retirement, an attorney friend of his, who works with BYUH, asked him if he would be willing to come here to work on special projects for the BYUH health center. Some of the projects have included doing the comparisons necessary to insure that the health insurance here is the best for both students AND the university; helping with plans to remodel the health center and working with others to recruit a new doctor to replace the retiring Dr. Nielson. 

He has served on a committee which helps students with unique medical problems. The committee evaluates and recommends the best course of action and the university does all it can to help. He admires the students, who "...figure out how to make it work. They do without a lot of things we think are necessities." 

Sister Barlow arrived in Laie with a desire to serve. She accepted the assignment to assist the Give and Take and dove right in, sorting and organizing myriads of donations.

Once Give and Take was self-sustained, Sister Barlow looked for her next assignment and was directed to the EIL department as a speaking and listening tutor. In that assignment, she has been a loving auntie to many students who come to fulfill an assignment and leave as family. This semester, she added the VOICE program and volunteers there as well.

You would think that the above assignments would have kept them busy enough, but not so...in addition:

Sister Barlow scheduled time to go to the apartments of non-student spouses and tutor them in English. When there was a typhoon in Vanuatu, she helped a student load boxes and suitcases with supplies to send to the island in relief. She has made friends with a woman who is homeless and has tried to give her help and support and wrote the words to a song that the sister missionaries shared at FHE. She even played "matchmaker" and the two have adjusted their departure date a few days so that they can attend the temple ceremony for the successful match. 

They also serve as temple ordinance workers and PCC volunteers which inspired

Elder Barlow to take up jogging, just so that he could enjoy the macadamia nut ice cream at Prime Dining once a week. He's built up to a five or six mile run nearly every morning before work and takes a bag with him to gather garbage as he goes.

The Barlows spent three weeks this summer on the Big Island, serving as MLS missionaries in the Ka'u Ward on the southern tip of the island. There they visited active ward members as well as less active and made made many friends in a short period of time. 

Everything they have done has been rewarding for them, but the "icing on the cake" is their experience as advisers to the Mongolian Club. Sister Barlow makes "Costco" runs, and they participate in activities, gospel forums, service projects and even the culture night in May when Sister Barlow sewed costumes for the performers.

Now their mission is nearing its end, but we can be certain that their service is not for two people who will be not weary in well-doing.

Mahalo, Elder and Sister Barlow. 

October Birthdays

Elder Millard - October 6 (belated)

Steve Lundgren - October 19

Sister Perkins - October 22

Sister Hale - October 23

Sister Robins - October 29

The Waiale'e Home for Wayward Boys

On the Kamehameha Highway between Kahuku and Sunset Beach stands a beautiful ruin on the mauka (mountain) side of the highway. An article in Honolulu Weekly, August 2012 written by Donovan Kuhio Colleps, addresses this "most curious piece of architecture" and its history.

http://abandonedplaces.livejournal.com/2603344.html

The Waiale'e Home for Wayward Boys was opened in 1903 and was a new version of Hawaii's first reform school begun in the 1860s. It remained operative for about 50 years and was meant to be a self-sustaining enterprise. "The boys, whose ages ranged from seven to 25, cultivated their own taro, bananas, sweet potato and sugarcane and raised cattle and pigs for milk and meat, and managed the school’s farm, repair shop, engine room, generators, water power, carpenter shop, tailor shop [and] ice house,” according to the Honolulu Advertiser in 1928. 

"An average of 180 boys are reported to have lived at the school at any given time; they even assembled a music band and performed in many parades in Honolulu. The practice hall remains today, covered in graffiti across the street." (Colleps) Offenses included truancy, vagrancy and homeless, disobedience to parents, common nuisance, tresspassing, assault, larceny, housebreaking and burglary.

There is a dark side to the history, however, as corporal punishment was enforced, "Oregon boots, shackles, leg irons, cat-o-nine tails, straps soaked in vinegar and salt, terrific lashings and beatings," (Colleps). Stories were told of "dark cells" or solitary confinement in cells under the ground. Sometime in the 1920s, a new leader of the school largely purged the school of what he called "...vestiges of the Dark Ages."

The school apparently didn't succeed in reforming many young men, according to a September 3, 1953 editorial in the Honolulu Record, which notes: "70 percent of the Oahu Prison inmates come from Waiale'e Training School for Boys, which is supposedly a correction and rehabilitation home."

In the 1940s, the school closed and in 1953,  the Crawford family purchased the property and turned some of its buildings into a 55 room convalescent center for seniors. I believe the old ruins are now owned by the state of Hawaii, but the buildings used for the convalescent center stand empty. Homefacts.com lists the property at this address at $2.3 million and describes it a a multi-bedroom unit with 11 bathrooms and 22,000 square feet of living space 

The following links have some great pictures--both current and historical--of this property:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fightingforward/sets/72157625954640975/

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/hi/waialee.html

The Parable of BYU-Hawaii

One of the great blessings of being part of this campus for a time is the opportunity we have to participate in the devotionals, commencements, convocations and lectures that are provided. But no matter where we may go after this, we still can access this wealth of inspiration through the byuh.edu website.

The internet archives (quick links--Devotionals and Speeches) provide a library of addresses dating back many years. It was there that I found this commencement address by Elder Holland from December, 2011 entitled "The Parable of BYU-Hawaii." The message is for the students, but contains counsel that we can use as we work with them. I have included an excerpt of his address here, but if you want to read the talk in its entirety, click this link:  http://devotional.byuh.edu/media111217holland

It is a truism of scriptural history that every dispensation begins with a vision—the brother of Jared, Moses, Nephi, and Joseph Smith offer us their examples. Name an era, identify a prophet, and I will remind you of the vision. God always needs us to elevate our view. Jesus said to the Twelve just after they were newly called, “Lift up your eyes” (John 4:35). That is what He continues to say to us. I don’t know all of you individually, but I know you collectively, and I have lived the years you are now living. I know only too well how much you may feel that you have disadvantages, but I say shame on you if you do not see the wonderful blessings you have also had—including this educational experience at BYU–Hawaii—and the wonderful world of possibilities lying in front of you. And, I can add, shame on me as one of your leaders (along with your teachers and parents and anybody else) if we have not helped you to lift up your eyes—that is what leaders and teachers and parents are supposed to do. You may rightly apologize for not studying hard enough or for going to the beach too often—as we all have those things to apologize for—but no one should ever apologize for lack of opportunity, for lack of possibility, for lack of divine love to guide us, or for lack of dreams to make us better than we ever thought we could be, because all those gifts are ours for the taking if we want them. We must never subject ourselves to a blurred vision of our potential or accept the atrophy of spirit that says as an excuse, “But you don’t know what my problems are. You don’t know what limitations have been placed in my path.” You must never say that. The prophets have not said it, the Savior did not say it, this school did not say it, and you must not say it. Take your dreams, take your education, take the love of a whole Church full of people, and go make something of yourself. That is what this school has done, and it is lesson number one from the parable of BYU–Hawaii.

Here is the second lesson, and, for today, the last. This university is a special place. It is as lovely and rarefied as the sea breezes that blow in on this North Shore. But I warn you that you will not always live in nor work in nor raise your children in such an idealized, protected, and Zion-like environment as this. I say Zion-like because that is quite literally what Laie is or is at least trying to become. The Prophet Joseph Smith’s vision of Zion, or the City of God on earth, always featured at its center a temple and a university—a temple being “the university of the Spirit” and a university being “a temple of learning.” You have had those two wonderful institutions at the center of your lives here, with PCC and a lot else thrown in for good measure. Furthermore, you have been blessed with some of the best and most loving teachers, neighbors, friends, faculty, and staff that you could ever have. But as graduates you will be pushed out of this nest—you are about to be so—ushered out of this little academic Garden of Eden, and you will be spending time—a lot of time—in the cold and dreary secular world. Don’t resent that. Don’t resist it. Don’t resist it any more than Adam and Eve did. It is part of the plan, and that world out there desperately needs you and has been blessed by you and your predecessors already. So don’t see your work-a-day world as a loss or a limitation or something less wonderful than BYU–Hawaii. See your life away from here as the next step, as an opportunity, as a chance to have an impact, as part of your “mission” in life.

Someone once wrote, “A ship is very safe in the harbor, but that is not what ships are made for.” So, Seasiders that you are, set sail! Take the best you have been given, and go be strong. Go out into a world that for the most part does not yet have the gospel of Jesus Christ, does not yet know what you know, and certainly does not have the skills, insights, and moral values you have been given. The Lord said to the first generation of elders in this Church, “Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit” (D&C 43:15). That is what He is saying to you graduates again today. Don’t you dare just go blend into the amoral, telestial, hardscrabble world of today. Don’t go to your first job or your first neighborhood or your first staff meeting and just begin to act like everybody else. Be strong. Be true. Teach quietly, by example if by no other way—and that’s the best way—rather than being taught. You can’t control everyone else’s morals—you’re about to learn that—but you can control your own. You can’t control everyone’s language, but you can control your own. You can’t control everyone’s personal standards, but you can control yours. And thus the light of the gospel—the figurative lighthouse of Laie—can shine in all the world to which you go. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Be strong if you are the only Latter-day Saint for a hundred miles in any direction. Stand straight. Stand true and firm. In the parable of BYU–Hawaii, that is what this little school does in the world of higher education, and it is what we expect you to do.

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

The number one attraction on Oahu, attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually, is Pearl Harbor. If you haven't gone already, you might be slightly confused as to the best way to visit Pearl Harbor, how to get tickets and what you can see there. 

I'm no expert, but following some serious searching plus trial-by-error, I have assembled a short-cut guide to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

No bags are allowed. You can take a camera (phone) and a water bottle. There is a place to check your bags for $3 which is a better alternative to leaving them in the car. But if you can go almost empty handed, it will save you time standing in line at the bag check.

Plan your time. Visiting all four sites in one day would take approximately 8 hours, which is a long day. Each site, individually, takes at least two to three hours but will give you time for a thorough and leisurely visit.

Parking is free. If you haven't been there before, be sure to program "Pearl Harbor Historic Sites" into your GPS. "Pearl Harbor" will take you to the military entrance on the other side of the harbor.

All four sites are accessed from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Shuttle buses take you from there to Ford Island to visit the USS Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

FOUR MAJOR SITES

WWII VALOR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL MONUMENT

This is by far the number one priority of the four sites. It is the only one most of us even really know about. This includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the film which reminds visitors of the events of December 7, 1944. The recently renovated Visitor's Center and Museums are beautifully well-done. If you are a WWII history buff, you could spend a lot of time visiting the exhibits.

Ticketing Information: As a national monument, there is no entry fee. However, tickets are given away on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7 am and are often gone by mid-morning. Reservations can be made through www.recreation.gov. You can make a 60-day reservation (planning to visit within the next 60 days), or you can try the 24-hour window (every day, recreation.gov releases a certain number of  next-day tickets beginning at 7 am HST). Although the tickets are free, you will pay a $1.50 per ticket convenience fee when you reserve your tickets online and there is a reservation limit of 12-tickets per person per day.

BATTLESHIP MISSOURI MEMORIAL

The USS Missouri participated in the final months of WWII and was the site of the formal signing of the "Instrument of Surrender" on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay officially ending WWII. 

Ticketing Information: Tickets are available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or online at ussmissouri.org. The Mighty Mo Pass ($27 for adults and $13 for children) includes one of three tours and the website describes the three tour choices as follows: 

• MIGHTY MO GUIDED TOUR (35 minutes) - Take a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable Battleship Tour Guides. As you are escorted throughout the ship, you will walk the footsteps of General Douglas MacArthur and see where World War II ended.
• ACOUSTIGUIDE (45 - 120 minutes) -  Use one of the informational audio phones to tour the ship.
• WALKING TOUR (varies) - Enjoy the ship at your own pace following one or all of three separate tour routes,  

A $52 ticket will get you on the 90-minute Heart of the Missouri Tour, which is probably the most comprehensive tour of the Missouri. This one, however, has physical capability restraints and children under 10 are not allowed. 

USS BOWFIN SUBMARINE MUSEUM AND PARK

The Bowfin was launched one year to the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor and participated in nine successful patrols, sinking 44 enemy ships, before coming to Pearl Harbor to stay. The Bowfin is a walk away from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and detailed information can be found at ussbowfin.org.

Ticketing Information: Tickets are available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or on site. The submarine and museum are both self-guided tours that include free audio tours. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children and $8 for seniors and military.

PACIFIC AVIATION MUSEUM

The museum is located in two WWII hangars and houses a large collection of vintage aircraft. There is an interactive flight simulator ($10), which allows you to take part in a thrilling, virtual dogfight in the skies over Guadalcanal. The Pacific Aviation Museum is ranked "One of the Top 10 Aviation Attractions in the Nation" by Trip Advisor and is considered a "must-see" for WWII and aviation buffs.  

Ticketing Information: Tickets are available at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or online at www.pacificaviationmuseum.org. General Admission (self-guided tours) are $25 for adult and $12 for children. The Aviator's Tour (docent-guided) is $35 for adult and $12 for children. All tickets for the museum are 20% off right now if you buy them online. You will also find a free coupon for the flight simulator.

Tourists often buy a Passport to Pearl Harbor which includes admission to all four sites and costs $65 for adults and $35 for children. It includes: USS Arizona (free), Mighty Mo Pass (USS Missouri - $27), USS Bowfin ($8 for seniors), and general admission to the Pacific Aviation Museum ($25 - $20 at 20% off). Buying the tickets separately not only saves you money, but definitely minimizes the wear-and-tear on body and soul.

I hope this will help you as you plan your visits to Pearl Harbor. If any of you have additional information that I have overlooked, personal experiences with the sites or questions that haven't been answered, please add it to the Comments at the end of this post.

For more details, visit pearlharborhistoricsites.org or each individual website as mentioned above.

The Office of Honor and the Campbells

The Honor Code, unique to BYU-affiliated universities, is an important part of the student experience at BYUH. According to the BYUH website, the Honor Code Statement says:

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. . . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things (Thirteenth Article of Faith).

As a matter of personal commitment, faculty, administration, staff, and students of Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University—Hawaii, Brigham Young University—Idaho, and LDS Business College seek to demonstrate in daily living on and off campus those moral virtues encompassed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and will 

·         Be honest

·         Live a chaste and virtuous life

·         Obey the law and all campus policies

·         Use clean language

·         Respect others

·         Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse

·         Participate regularly in church services

·         Observe the Dress and Grooming Standards

·         Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code

As missionaries whose call is to serve and administer in the Office of Honor, Elder Joel and Sister Linda Campbell have spent the last seventeen months encouraging students to remember their commitment to the honor code. Sister Campbell says they are “Here to keep you out of trouble, not get you into trouble.”

How did they get here and what are they doing to keep our students “honor code worthy” to attend BYUH?

Elder Campbell spent twenty years in law enforcement and another twenty investigating insurance fraud. He also spent time as the West Bountiful justice court judge. Sister Campbell said that, although she had never worked full-time or in an office and the computer is not her friend, she is willing to learn new things. And whether their qualifications fit the job description perfectly or not, they both say that, “Nothing prepared us for this.”

They have learned many new things, have introduced a new software program and new policies and procedures. Though her computer skills have dramatically increased, Sister Campbell reports that the computer is still not her friend.

In the office, they oversee conduct and advise and investigate honor code violations. Sister Campbell works with dress and grooming violations and Elder Campbell with the offenses that are more serious. Students usually come to the Office of Honor with a little fear and leave with hugs of appreciation. With a hint of emotion in her voice, Sister Campbell said, “I always approach the students as if they are my grandchildren.” She teaches them that Heavenly Father’s love and desires for them include proper dress and grooming.  They are encouraged to make better choices and most students appreciate the respect and kindness shown them.

Elder Campbell manages the bishop endorsements. When, after many opportunities for improvement, a bishop withdraws his endorsement, the student must leave the university. The ensuing meeting is filled with love, tears and humility. These are the times that are the most difficult.

One day Elder Campbell was working with an FBI agent who was here looking at the student records of a young man who was applying for a federal job. As he talked, he kept glancing at the black badge on Elder Campbell’s shirt. The ensuing discussion finally led to the church and the official remarked that he once belonged to a bagpipe band with a member of our church. Every time they played, whether practice or performance, the church member warmed up with the same tune, and the man proceeded to hum the tune to Elder Campbell. The familiar notes of “Praise to the Man” led to a discussion of the hymn, the church, the Prophet Joseph Smith and eventually to a gift of the Book of Mormon and a missionary referral.

Though work experiences may not have prepared the Campbells for this assignment in the Office of Honor, certainly Heavenly Father prepared them. They have had a wonderful impact on students and co-workers in one of the most important and sensitive areas on campus. 

By accepting appointment on the faculty, continuing in employment, or continuing class enrollment, individuals evidence their commitment to observe the Honor Code standards approved by the Board of Trustees "at all times and...in all places." (Mosiah 18:9)

Mahalo, Elder and Sister Campbell!

September Birthdays

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAYS

Elder Harper  -  September 3

Elder Moses - September 8

Happy Birthday!

August 20 - Elder Black

August 30 - Sister Keyes

BELONGING TO HEAVEN

On BYUH campus we have the George Q Cannon Activities Center and the Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Island Studies. Just outside the Cannon Center stands a seven-foot-tall bronze statue depicting the two men, whose collaborative efforts produced the translation of the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian. These two men are tied to this university because of their close ties to the beginnings of the church on the Hawaiian islands.  Articles and books have been written about them and their early missionary efforts. 

Photo from the Deseret News Archives

One book, "Belonging to Heaven," by author Gail Sears, is described by Deseret Book as follows:

Hawaii. A land of deep tradition and rich culture. A people of family and faith. A paradise on earth.

Jonathan Napela is a descendant of the Hawaiian royal line, and his future is bright with a new wife and a position of influence in the community. As a devout man, he believes in God, but he feels there is something more—something he is missing. When he meets Elder George Q. Cannon and is introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jonathan feels as though he has finally found where he belongs.

Jonathan's friendship with George provides remarkable opportunities for the young Hawaiian to grow in his new faith. His joy in the gospel is tested though, when he is challenged by those he once called friends, and later when he struggles to gather Saints to Laie. And when leprosy threatens to take his beautiful wife, Kitty, from him, Jonathan faces an impossible choice: send his wife to the leper colony of Moloka'i alone, or risk how own life to accompany her. Drawing on his deep reservoirs of faith, Jonathan comes to understand that opening his heart to sacrifice is the purest expression of love.

This novel, based on a true story, is an extraordinary example of a man who chooses to serve God and family when others might have given up.

The book is available at the BYUH Library and you can check it out with your ID card.

Links to two additional articles are listed below:

http://ldsmag.com/article-1-11975/

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1978/08/jonathon-napela-quiet-hero-of-hawaii?lang=eng

Most of us, as missionaries, are only here for a moment; but by learning about those who have paved the way, we appreciate even more the opportunity we have to be serving in this place at this time.  

Aloha and Welcome - Elder and Sister Mueller

A big Hawaiian aloha to Wilford and Christina Mueller who have this to say by way of introduction:

Sister Mueller and I are from Lindon, Utah, where we have lived the past 14 years. Previously we had lived in West Jordan where we primarily raised our 6 children. They are now all grown and range from age 40 to 28. Our five oldest are married and have blessed us with 17 grandchildren, our youngest is still looking for Mr. Perfect and teaching dance fulltime at Kearns High School in Salt Lake. Sister Mueller was a stay-at-home Mom raising our 6 children who are all strong in the Gospel, while I taught math in high school for 34 years and also served in the Utah Army National Guard in Military Intelligence for 25 of those years, having served on two deployments to the Middle East.

Our missionary call came due to an inquiry about the math missionary position at BYUH the day before I was going to contact the mission president in the Alpine German Speaking Mission, where we had always intended to serve. The way the call came made us realize that the Lord wanted us in Hawaii instead.

Elder Mueller will serve in the math department, and Sister Mueller will serve in the Voice program.

We are grateful that the Muellers have been sent here to serve and look forward to getting better acquainted.

ALOHA!

The Center for Academic Success and the Larsens

The Center for Academic Success is run by full-time senior missionaries who are called and set apart to love and help students achieve academic success at BYU-Hawaii. The missionaries provide academic coaching, offer encouragement and help students realize their potential. They will find tutors and mentors to help students achieve success.

The Center recognizes that students coming to BYU-Hawaii for the first time, go through a big adjustment to adapt to a new education system, a new culture, and often a new language. At BYU-Hawaii students are expected to attend all of their classes, complete all of their assignments and pass their exams.The Center for Academic Success is here to help students become academically proficient (Handout about the Center for Academic Success).

One of the missionary couples who help to run the CAS are Elder and Sister Larsen.

Elder and Sister Larsen

Educators for over 40 years, the Larsens came to BYUH to direct the Center for Academic Success.

For ten years, Elder and Sister Larsen lived and worked in Saudia Arabia with their son and daughter. Elder Larsen worked as the Director of Education for Aramco Oil in Ras Tanura and as the Curriculum Director at the School of the American Consulate. Sister Larsen taught elementary school there, and coached the track and girls' basketball teams.

At the end of the ten years, the Larsens decided to return to Bountiful to finish their careers and to be nearer to the grandchildren.

As retirement loomed, the Larsens thought they would like to serve a mission and return to the Middle East where there were opportunities in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Out of the blue, they received a call from BYUH to see if they would consider submitting their resumes to serve a mission here.

The resumes were in and in December of 2014, they got a call from Elder Chipman in Salt Lake City. He told them that they were accepted at BYUH, and the mission call would be extended, but he couldn't find their mission papers. They hadn't even submitted their mission papers yet, so on January 6, 2015 the papers were submitted; on February 6 they received their call, and on April 6 they both retired from full-time employment as educators. One week later they were in the MTC on their way to Laie.

Sister Larsen said they "love, love, love" their mission. What do they love?

1. They love the students. The ability to help, support and befriend struggling students brings them joy, for example:

• The girl who was convinced throughout her life that she was "dumb." After her mission, she decided that, if she could succeed on a mission, maybe she should at least try college. Through the help of Iworks and the Academic Support Center, she will graduate in October and has already been accepted into Graduate School.
• The young woman who, while struggling with depression, comes in for a hug, a smile, which is often the motivation she needs to keep going.
• The student who, when asked, "What can we do for you?" responded, "Just love me."

"Students love hearing their name," say the Larsens, who make an effort to learn names and make the Academic Support Center a personal oasis for struggling students. Through their combined expertise, the Larsens are in a position to help students succeed both academically and emotionally.

2. They love all the senior missionaries and the unique opportunities to serve with so many unselfish, talented and faithful people in such close proximity - the university, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the visitor's center and the temple.

3. They loved being here at Christmas. Working extra hours at the Polynesian Cultural Center setting and busing tables and working in the kitchen was a rewarding and delightful way to spend the holidays.


These dedicated senior missionaries can help students learn to organize their time so that they can be successful in both school and work. Instructors and professors will contact the Center for Academic Success regarding students that are having difficulty in their clsses or not attending. The missionaries will help them get back to where they are expected to be.

Mahalo, Elder and Sister Larsen and Mahalo, Center for Academic Success