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Looking down at the ground floor of the new Banyan Dining Hall at BYU-Hawaii. There are tables and chairs in a circular pattern,

The Banyan Dining Hall, a mix of memories, culture and modernity, is having its grand opening after eight years of preparation

After eight years of preparation and construction, the Banyan Dining Hall is a combination of community memories, Hawaiian culture and BYU–Hawaii’s diversity in a modern setting.

Five female college students of different size, cultures and ethnicity are included in a colorful graphic

Creating a safer campus for women

A faculty forum was held on Sept. 8 to educate professors and instructors on how to build a safer community for all women on BYU–Hawaii’s campus. Sponsored by the BYUH Faculty Advisory Council, Women in Academia and the BYUH Title IX Office, all of campus was invited to the Heber J. Grant Building 135 to learn the importance of acting against sexism.

Honoring our standards: Student Honor Team hosts a week of activities to promote commitment to living BYUH standards

Inspired by a 1978 talk called “On My Honor” given by President Spencer W. Kimball, the Student Honor Team Manager Rishon Prasad said he used the talk’s title as the theme for BYU–Hawaii’s Honor Week to focus on how the students embrace the Honor Code.

A husband and wife are pictured with him wearing a suit, white shirt and tie and her wearing a black jacket trimmed in white with big gold buttons on the front.

Elder Clark C. Gilbert invites incoming freshman to ponder about their journey at BYUH

At the conclusion of New Student Orientation Week, incoming BYU-Hawaii freshmen received spiritual guidance at a Sunday devotional hosting Elder Clark C. Gilbert, the commissioner of the Church Education System, as the main speaker. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, as well as BYUH President John S.K. Kauwe III and his wife Monica Kauwe.

Kyle Acain playing the guitar and looking at the camera.

BYUH student Kyle Acain shares two of his talents to help find and spread joy

BYU–Hawaii sophomore Kyle Kristian Acain said he grew up in a musical Filipino family and was inspired by his father's love of music and his older sibling's ability to play instruments. However, he said he had to conquer stage fright to discover singing and playing the guitar are the strengths he uses to survive in society and bring people joy.

A man holds a film camera to film a local older man who is explaining how to do the hukilau, or big net fishing, on the beach with a crowd of people in the background.

Shaka documentary team films Grand Hukilau held in Laie

People of all ages, from children to longtime local kupuna, lined the shore of Hukilau Beach in Laie on Saturday morning Aug. 20 when a traditional grand hukilau was filmed for a documentary on the origin of the shaka sign.

Chef Tan posing with his kitchen utensils.

After 15 years, Spencer Tan has retired from serving as a chef for BYU–Hawaii

Prao Rongthong, a junior accounting major from Thailand and student Banyan Hall Dining worker, said Chef Spencer Tan would never forget to say hello to her when he sees her. She said seeing him always makes her feel better whenever she is feeling down or having a bad day.

Students, faculty and staff racing in canoes at Kahana Bay.

Championing cultural traditions

Students represent their home countries while padding canoes across Kahana Bay

A older couple sits on bench with the ocean and rocky shoreline behind them. The woman is wearing white muumuu and the man a grey suit, and a white shirt and tie.

Joanna Thompson remembered for sharing aloha with everyone, working with 4 BYUH presidents and teaching life lessons through Scrabble

Longtime BYU-Hawaii administrative assistant to four university presidents, Joanna Kaimalino Lua Thompson was remembered for her aloha, service, intellect and talents by her large extended family and friends on Saturday, July 16.