Beneath an overcast sky, a small gathering of students and administrators filled the chairs set up in front of Hale 8 for the dedication of Hales 7, 8, 9 and 10 and TVA buildings X and Z. Before giving the prayer, Elder Aley K. Auna gave a short message where he likened the dedication of the buildings to the individual life. “So it is with us as we re-commit and dedicate our lives,” he said. Before Elder Auna spoke, President Steven Wheelwright addressed future residents in opening remarks, saying “make sure the home you are establishing is the kind of home that the Spirit can dwell.” After those remarks, the audience heard an a capella rendition of the hymn “Because I Have Been Given Much,” by New Zealand students Juliet Arthur, an exercise and sports science freshman; Tiana Golder, a junior in music; and Kyla Greening, a sophomore in music. “At one point, we were all in the same ward as Laurels. We never thought we would all end up at BYUH,” said Greening. During the dedicatory prayer, Elder Auna expressed gratitude to God, pioneers, construction workers and designers, and asked a blessing on all the people who will maintain the buildings in the future. He said, “This campus serves as a beacon of light and purity to the Laie community, the State of Hawaii and to the entire world.” He dedicated and consecrated the six buildings from footings to roof, blessing every fixture and piece between to be protected from natural disasters, vandalism and evil influences. “We dedicate these facilities as a gathering place for Thy sons and daughters to live in peace, harmony, friendship and safety as they rest from their labors,” he said. The dedication represents progress in the school’s plan to expand the student body to 3,200 students. According to Dave Lewis, vice president of Construction Facilities and Sustainability, the plan’s phase 1A is now complete, as Hales 7, 8, 9, and 10 and TVA buildings X and Z are built and dedicated. In the following year, Hales 3 and 5 will be remodeled, according to phase 1B. The year after that, the plan is to remodel Hales 4 and 6 in what is known as phase 1C, said Lewis.
Writer: Samone Isom ~ Multimedia Journalist
