Rangi Parker came to the BYU-Hawaii Networking event at the Aloha Center Ballroom on Wednesday, Sept. 4 with her husband. The Parkers came to the event as one of the many available for BYUH Alumni and PCC workers. Though few people showed up for the event, between 15 and 25, the ballroom was full of conversation and friendly reunions. “He aha te mea nui? He tangata. He tangata. He tangata.” With tears in her eyes Auntie Rangi said, “And in Maori it means what is the most important thing? It is people. It is people. It is people.”Marama Mete-Smith from New Zealand said, “I’ve been here for two weeks and it’s magnificent seeing all my old school friends. All the activities are tiring me out!” Mete-Smith commented about the PCC, “Have you walked across the blooming village? They used to have trolleys in the ‘60s and ‘70s that would take you around. Where are they? But it’s very successful. It’s what they call progress, eh?”Jesse Oliva, a BYUHSA officer and business management senior from Maryland, said “The event was a networking opportunity for BYUH alumni, past PCC workers, past faculty, and current students to interact and talk story. I just learned that one of the administrative assistants I work with used to be a tour guide at the PCC and absolutely loved her job.” The chance to talk story with past BYUH students, faculty and PCC workers happens only rarely, and those that took advantage of the opportunity enjoyed themselves. Glade Tew, dean of the BYUH’s Business, Computing, and Government, said. “This particular jubilee is the first I’ve been to. I look forward to coming to more.” Although this event was put on as part of the special 50th anniversary of the PCC, the opportunity to share stories is a welcome idea for every year, said those who participated. “I definitely see myself coming back here and talking to future students about my experience here. I will love to come back and tell some funny stories and hear about their experiences and where they want to go in the future,” said Oliva.“Not that many people here though,” said Mete-Smith, about the lack of attendance at the student and alumni event. However, she said it allowed everyone to have more cookies, and the focus of the activity was not to get the largest crowd. As Auntie Rangi said, “What is the most important thing? It is people.”
Writer: Alyssa Walhood~Multimedia Journalist
