Brothers and sisters, aloha! I seek an interest in your prayers and thank Sister Meha for her generous introduction this morning. I am grateful for her righteous influence in our marriage and within our family circle. She has been extremely patient, forgiving and loving during our sojourn together. Her loving influence in our home has strengthened and sustained us in raising our children, who are now young adults. I am thankful and happy that she is with me this morning. She is a kindergarten teacher at Kahuku Elementary School. Today, the children in her class are at home with their families because it’s a waiver day and the teachers are spending time preparing. I am convinced there is a special place in heaven for teachers.
"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." 1
My parents were sealed in the Hamilton New Zealand Temple at Tuhikaramea in March 1958, soon after its dedication. They were brought together by the Maori cultural practice of tomo, where a marriage is formally arranged by the grandfathers of the two communities to which the prospective bride and groom belong. They obediently acquiesced to their father’s wishes and settled in Hawkes Bay where our family was raised. My father was a sheep farmer after World War II. In his early fifties he became a high school Maori language teacher and later a community maatua whaangai advocate placing troubled Maori youth with Maori families to offer support and rehabilitation. My mother was also a school teacher, who after school taught piano lessons to LDS youth living in our community. She devoted her later years to family history, helping many Maori whanau find their whakapapa connections. By the time my parents reached their late seventies it was clear to our family that they needed round-the-clock care. Rather than put our parents in a care home, our youngest sister, Pare, took on the full-time responsibility of being their caregiver. Until they passed, mother in 2014 at age 91 and father this year at age 93, they were constantly cared for by our loving sister. Exhausted and worn out from offering her all for many years, the memory of Pare weeping at our father’s tangi reminds me that there is a place in heaven for those who care for elderly parents.
In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior taught his disciples truths that are universally recognized and apply in our day:
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.” 2
“Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” 3
As BYU-Hawaii ‘ohana, we have been brought to this campus to become members of a Zion university. It is not unusual to be asked: “Why did you move to Lā’ie?” For some it is simple: “I don’t really know or understand fully. We felt directed by the Lord to come here.” We have come here from every part of the world – more than 70 countries, speaking more than 30 languages and almost half of the students, faculty and staff are returned missionaries. Many of us come from families who have been in the church for several generations, and there are many here who are recent converts – modern-day pioneers.
The hallmark of a BYU-Hawaii education is the way in which each of us is preparing to lead and build through serving others. In his inspiring inaugural address, President Tanner set the tone for the progress of this campus toward further greatness – not only greatness in worldly accolades and accomplishments, but more importantly in fulfilling our fundamental mission – to be a place of refuge, a place where the “aloha spirit” emanates from the pure love of Christ; a campus that aspires to build character – to transform. To faculty, staff and students, President invites us all as ‘ohana to gain appreciation, tolerance and esteem for one another. There will be a “leavening” effect felt throughout the international church as the influence of graduates is “disproportionate to their numbers . . . they will be light bearers and leaders, builders and peacemakers.” I am thankful that this university is my alma mater, where I see students who are indigent, first-generation, late-bloomers and non-native speakers of English grow and flourish under the watchful care of our faculty and staff.
While you are students take advantage of the abundant resources available. Our academic advisors are not only dedicated to your success but also equipped to explain the details of your MAP and help you plan for academic success. Find out about career opportunities early – don’t wait until your last semester to sit down with one of our career professionals. Get to know as many faculty as you can. They believe in you and your potential to attain the skills and knowledge that will launch you toward career success. Make friends from other countries by joining the student associations and take full advantage of our unique ethnic diversity. Culture night is one of our most important campus and community traditions. Take full advantage of living in “the light of the temple.” You will likely not live so close to a temple again in your life. Maintain a high level of spirituality by regularly participating in temple ordinances. I testify that you will receive heightened spiritual awareness and inspiration as you devote time to strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father by faithfully fulfilling your calling and attending the temple.
Network with people you meet and develop your capacity to think outside the box. Find opportunities to meet others who are different yet share common values and beliefs. Look for opportunities to work so that can learn to serve and help others. Two weeks ago, I learned a powerful lesson from a colleague, who without hesitating agreed to accompany a young student home to her family after becoming too ill to continue her studies. It was inconvenient, and there was no hoopla over the decision to make a quick round-trip over a weekend to the mainland and back. This is one of countless acts of kindness and service on campus motivated by genuine care and evidence of true discipleship, as we strive to do our part.
When Sister Meha and I were completing our degrees, we looked forward to graduating and moving on. We enjoyed living in M building at TVA and attending our married student ward. We loved our neighbors and friends. Like some of you families here we were very busy with a heavy class load, work at PCC, BYU-Hawaii stake callings and very little time for fun. We were anxious to finish and start our lives as graduates. In our final year, I was offered a teaching position at the Church College of New Zealand. Some of you here either attended CCNZ or have family members who did - at least until the school closed at the end of 2009. The job offer was attractive. CES offered to pay our moving expenses and provide housing for us in Temple View. We made the decision a matter of prayer and fasting. Realizing that our prayers had been answered, we were able to fulfill my commitment to return home to serve. We learned that returning to New Zealand was an act of faith, but we had seen other couples do this, and their example gave us confidence that all would work out well if we exercised faith and did our part.
In the next few minutes, I want you to ponder several questions as we learn about alumni who graduated and answered the call to return home to serve.
1. How is my education and experience at BYU-Hawaii making a difference in my life?
2. Where will I go after I leave this campus?
3. What is one of the challenges I am having as a student and how can I find an answer?
4. Based on what I know today, what advice would I share with prospective students?
5. How do I feel about the mission of the university – to learn, lead and build?
Charlie and Pierne Revillo came to the university from the Philippines as single students, met and married in the Lā’ie Hawaii Temple. Their five children are growing. Kevin, the eldest, is a returned missionary enrolled here this semester. Second son, Steve, will return to campus soon as a returned missionary. Reflecting recently Charlie mused: “I am a better man because of BYU-Hawaii and it helped me prepare for graduate school and a lifetime of service in the church and in the community.” While some people thought they were cray, the decision was not difficult for the Revillo’s: “I’ve always wanted to go home after getting my education. I made a commitment that I would return and also made a promise that I would serve my country and the church in the Philippines. I honored that commitment by serving there for 19 years. I can’t mock God and BYU-Hawaii.”
Speaking of their challenges while attending classes full-time with one child born in Laie and another one born in Provo, Charlie explained that financial worries were always there: “We exercised faith, worked hard and budgeted. We also made sure that we paid our tithes on time.” Their advice to prospective students is direct and practical: “First things first. Be worthy of a temple recommend always. If you do that, you will be blessed and will be guided in your decisions. Study hard, go on missions, get married while you are in college and then go home after graduation.”
Looking back they receive perspective from their experience: “Because of the mission of BYU-Hawaii our family is spiritually stronger and happier.” On a lighter note, says Charlie: “I hope that all students will find the Son of God and not just sun and sand.”
Michael and Ann Sarafian met on campus, married in 1999 and returned to Australia in 2001. Their decision was not easy, because Ann was born in New Mexico and was raised for most of her life in Thailand. I met Ann and her family at the Asoke chapel in Bangkok and felt impressed that she had the desire and temperament to be a successful student. When the challenge of keeping up with their studies began to take a toll, they kept their commitment to attend the temple each week and even became ordinance workers: “The temple became the focus of the week and everything else fell into place.” As ordinance workers in the Lā’ie Hawaii Temple, Sister Meha and I have the privilege of serving with wonderful students each Tuesday evening, helping patrons enjoy spiritual experiences in the House of the Lord.
The Sarafians have learned to adjust and adapt to their changing family circumstances. A career change for Michael into a new field has provided unanticipated experiences for the family, including an awareness that our mission – to learn, lead and build - is a principle of self-reliance. Offering advice Michael notes: “Through the effort we put forth to gain an education, we better ourselves, so that we are able to help others learn and become self-reliant.
Ben and Danelle Fobert are among the finest people I know. We met serving in a married student ward bishopric while Danelle served as the Relief Society President. Currently, Ben is the principal of a new high school just out of San Francisco and has served in the bishopric and Young Men’s program. Danelle takes care of the children, organizes Joy School for pre-schoolers, organizes Independence Day parades, helps raise funds for school construction and each year finds time to have fun at Girl’s Camp.
Of their experience in the late 1990’s they explained: “We both felt, quite literally, that the prophecy given through David O. McKay in regards to students… going into the world to be an influence for good and peace on an international scale applied to us. To have been blessed to have been admitted to such a place with a prophetic promise instilled in us a sense of purpose that continues to this day.”
As seniors, the biggest hurdle they faced was preparing for the birth of their first child while completing student teaching. Ben recounts: “With a strong faith in the Lord’s plan for our lives and tons of righteous examples of the scores of married couples living in TVA, we knew this challenge was something that could be shouldered together. When Meilani was born, it was life changing. Not only did we feel a new kind of love for one another and this little baby, but we found an outpouring of love and support from our fellow students and a love and understanding from our professors and teachers.” Many people helped the Foberts through those last weeks and months. Danelle affirms: “This was all done selflessly by all involved and we are forever in debt to all our BYUH brothers and sisters. The Lord truly provided for us and honored our commitment to education through the end.”
After graduation they moved backed to the San Francisco Bay Area to live near their families. They found work managing apartment complexes while Ben worked full-time. Part of their decision to live in the South Bay was “grounded in the desire to teach in urban schools where equity and social justice would consistently be in the forefront of Ben’s work… A job fair in the CAC brought an answer to prayer in the form of a job offer to teach in East Side San Jose.” After years of hard work and much sacrifice, Ben is completing his doctoral degree in education leadership.
The Foberts want prospective students to consider “the opportunities the Lord stands to provide for you at BYU-Hawaii: “This campus is truly a place with a prophetic purpose…. Are you willing to consider your role in the mission of bringing peace to the world? Are you willing to look beyond the beautiful physical settings and truly absorb the true spirit of learning in a unique way? Because of the prophetic promise you have the opportunity to access the blessings of that promise in all that you do for the remainder of your life. It is both a blessing and a responsibility. Look to enjoy your surroundings, “learn and adapt to the culture and study like your life depends on it. Your unique experience will make you unique and will bring you opportunities and blessings that you could not have otherwise imagined. This is not just a 4 year stop in Hawaii. It is an experience that will put Hawaii and the spirit of Aloha in your heart for the rest of your days.”
Meet the Vitinavulagis of Suva, Fiji. Wouldn’t it be fun to attend sacrament meeting and sit at the end of their pew? Two years ago, I attended an assembly at Fiji LDS Church College where Ernest is a biology teacher. I immediately felt his love as we embraced. Our paths had crossed when our family served in a campus ward.
Grateful for opportunities to serve among his people, he relates: “Now I know the meaning of what Pres. David O. McKay said decades ago to go back home and to help build my nation and God’s Kingdom in my homeland Fiji. I’ve served in bishoprics as counselors and as a bishop, I’m currently serving in the stake presidency as First Counselor and this is my second time in [this assignment.] I’ve served in many callings in the church and also community projects. The islands need graduates to help build our nations and God’s kingdom.”
Ernest offers sound advice to youth and YSA in Fiji seeking to know where they should pursue further education: “Work hard, work smart as if everything depends on ‘you’, then get on your knees and pray as if everything depends on the Lord. Remember BYUH is a special university, like no other, second to none.”
All of us here are preparing for the future… students for careers and families and, employees for retirement, enjoying our families and giving service. The Vitinavulagis are living the dream - raising their children and fulfilling their work, community and church commitments by applying the lessons learned in classes, at TVA, in student wards and at the PCC. You should know that during his time, Ernest was one of Fiji’s best dancers at the PCC. His experiences and talents enabled him to organize the cultural celebration for the rededication of the Suva Fiji Temple earlier this year.
Mihimana Tauru from Tahiti loved every minute of her experience as a student. She is the one wearing the flower in her left ear. Expressing appreciation she notes: “It’s been six years since I walked on that stage in the CAC to receive my diploma and I still remember my experience as if it were yesterday. I forever cherish those memories. College years are often decisive in the life of a student where a lot of important decisions are made. By attending BYU-Hawaii I gained more than an education and more than I could ever list.”
Family is a powerful motivating influence in our lives. Mihimana knew that her family needed her in Tahiti: “I gained four wonderful years and I went home with more knowledge, new skills, lifelong friendships and heart full of gratitude. It was time to move on to new things, to keep learning and to serve along the way.”
Trying to find a balance between competing demands is difficult. Mihimana found that it was tough to find a balance and stay motivated: we just have to keep moving forward… but in La’ie… you never really feel alone… if you seek it, you will always find help.” Her advice to future students will never get old: “Decide now that you will succeed… just as you decide to be obedient to the commandments… when we use what we learned to edify and inspire others, and to make an actual difference for the better and for the whole, we are then fulfilling the mission of our school and the purpose it was created for. We become genuine gold by serving others.”
Faculty and staff will remember Dustin Bradshaw. He is an eternal optimist, driven to succeed. After graduating six years ago, he helped staff the International Entrepreneurship Center on campus while his wife Hiva finished her degree. An offer to become a Foreign Service officer in the U.S. Department of State took them to the U.S. Embassies in Manila and Instanbul. Those years were exciting for the Bradshaws: “We had a front row seat in seeing the Church grow in both areas and were blessed serving in the Lord’s worldwide vineyard. We developed a love for the people we worked with and lived around that will continue for years.” After a brief stint with LDS Philanthropies, Dustin joined the Self-Reliance Perpetual Education department at church headquarters to help establish Self-Reliance Services across the United States.
In our education at BYU-Hawaii we learn many lessons about what is important and of value. Dustin found that “there is more to your education than the books and a degree.” What has set him apart has been the experiences with a diversity of students, participating in projects and programs outside of “book learning.” He offers this advice: “Get involved. Study with classmates, join cultural clubs. Invest yourself into your work. You will leave with experiences that will boost your ability to get a job in the future because you are a leader, a peace maker.”
Royce and Melanie Tai live in Malaysia. I met them while they were attending the BYU-Hawaii 14th ward, now known as the Laie Married Student 5th Ward. While on Optional Practical Training with a company based in Alburqueque, Royce was offered a position in the Shanghai office for two years. This stint led to relocating home to Malaysia to become country manager covering Singapore as well. Last year he formed his own logistics business and his main client is the U.S. military. He does contract work – handling ground movement of equipment, supplies and personnel. In addition, he provides interpreting services to assist in joint military exercises between the Malaysian government forces and the U.S. military. In the last three years, Royce has served as a counselor in a branch presidency, the branch as president and currently as a counselor in the district presidency.
Royce explained that BYUH “opened him to be forward thinking… showed me that people can work together regardless of race, nationality and gender as long as we see we are heading toward the same goal.” When it came time to decide where to live and raise their family Royce explained: “it was as simple as an answer to a prayer in the temple… We were deliberating on a decision that was job-related and I felt that I should make my way back to our home country… I always knew I would go back to [Malaysia] to be able to put to work all that I have learned and gained and my mission in Australia which is to grow the church while serving others.”
Even on a good day, university life can be overwhelming. Learning how to overcome our personal challenges allows us to change and grow. Describing his background Royce explained, “Coming from a background that had groomed me to be an introvert, being in BYU-Hawaii was not easy at first, when everyone was so open, friendly and not afraid. It took time but I learned to push myself to get out of my comfort zone. I still like to enjoy my own quiet time but I don’t hesitate being around people when I need to.”
At BYU-Hawaii one of the things we do really well is make connections with people that turn into lifelong friendships. The connections Royce built with professors, admin staff and others made his experience meaningful and enjoyable: “I always made sure I was connecting with the professors and that they knew me and I knew them… the admin staff went out of their way to help… they never made me feel like I was just another number. In short, I have many lifelong friends.”
Tserennyam Sukhbaatar is from Mongolia. He and his wife are standing on our right in this photo. Summarizing his experience he recalled: “BYU-Hawaii taught me a lot. It opened my eyes and widened my vision and goals. It is a very nice place to learn. Multi-culture is definitely the unique part of BYU-Hawaii. Education and experience helped me to go up the career path.”
Returning home was not easy. However, it was simple: “I promised to return to Mongolia graduation. I promised Heavenly Father to return. I decided to keep my commitment. Of course, I had some opportunities to stay, but… eventually my wife and I chose the right thing to do. Satan tried to tempt a lot… but never beat the Christ.”
Being far from family and the comforts of home can be challenging. Of their experience living in TVA he states, “Honestly I didn’t face much challenge. It was all a blessing to me. [I got a job at PCC.] Everything was just fine… well maybe transportation was not that good. Once I waited for two buses for half a day to get to Lā’ie from another city… Sometimes, couple missionaries or good people who had cars helped us a lot.”
Tserennyam’s advice to students is practical: “Learn English. Set a goal to reach. Choose your major. Keep the commandments and covenants, then do your best when you are in school.”
Our mission positively influenced Tserennyam in the work place, especially when facing pressure to act in ways that were not in keeping with his standards. In his words he describes the dilemma: “BYU-Hawaii teaches ethics which is really needed for Mongolians. My country is full of bribes and dishonesty. With knowledge gained, students can build a better society wherever they may go and lead by their example. I faced challenges after my schooling. Many dishonest, unethical offers came to me while I was working. Because of what I have learned and promised to keep, I was able to overcome those challenges in my life. Some of them asked me why I had to choose the way they didn’t want. I always shared the gospel with them instead.”
In a moment of reflection on returning home and being called into the stake presidency, Tserennyam notes, “I have been given much. I have been blessed a lot. BYU-Hawaii is truly a blessing to me and my family. It is exactly as the prophet said. I always feel that I am part of that prophecy. As long as I keep the commandments and commitments I have made with Heavenly Father, I will always be just fine. He will guide me. I won’t be wrong. I wish many Mongolian students remember where they come from.”
I love these alumni and their families and thank them for sharing with us an important part of who they have become and their efforts to establish peace. They are a minute subset of more than 31,000 alumni of BYU-Hawaii. I acknowledge and understand the sacrifices their families made to send them to study here, as my parents sent four of us to Lā’ie. This is their university. It is our university. It is the Lord’s university.
When I reflect on the countless experiences and blessings that my family and I have received through our association on campus and in Lā’ie, I think of the 153 students in the first class of the Church College of Hawaii and the dedicated faculty and staff who labored to build this institution. In our respective roles and assignments we are making our contribution to prepare our students of today to become leaders in the future.
In closing, listen to and act upon President Monson’s admonition given at Commencement on this campus in December 2002:
“We do not live alone – in our city, our nation, or our world. There is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor’s wretchedness. “Love they neighbor” is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection. This truth inspires the familiar charge, “go forth to serve.” Try as some may, we cannot escape the influence our lives have upon the lives of others. Ours is the opportunity to build, to lift, to inspire, and indeed to lead.” 4
That we may all gladly do our part and bear good fruit is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[1]Luke 10:25-37
[2]Matthew 5:13-16
[3]Matthew 7:15-20
[4]Pres. Monson, Be All That You Can Be, BYU-Hawaii Commencement, December 14, 2002