Fall 2024 graduates were encouraged to set sail to a brighter future and never forget the Lord as they begin life after graduation
The Fall 2024 graduates shared joyful smiles with families and friends as they turned their tassels, marking the completion of their academic journey during the graduation ceremony held at Cannon Activities Center on Dec. 13.
A total of 207 graduates from 31 different countries, aged 21 to 54 years old received their bachelor’s degrees from BYU–Hawaii, said President John S. Kauwe III. Celebrated at this commencement were 48 percent of the graduates coming from outside the United States, while 52 percent were from 21 U.S. states, he said.
In his address to the graduates, General Authority Seventy Elder Marcus B. Nash said God knows graduates' names and has inspired the establishment of this university. “You are not set to Earth to stay in the harbor, but to leave it and set sail,” he said. Graduates must not merely face the future, but actively shape it for the better, he said.
Setting sail and focusing on what matters
Drawing from his own life experiences as a bishop in the Pacific Northwest, Nash urged graduates to keep their focus on the Savior, Jesus Christ, as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. “Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. When we do, our doubts and fears flee,” he said.
Nash recounted a memorable kayaking trip with the young men in his ward, where they navigated strong currents between two islands. “If you set your sail and your course wisely, you will not just face the future, you will shape it,” he said.
During the trip, he said he instructed the group to focus on the far west end of Posos Island to avoid being swept away by the strong currents. “The difference between those who made it to the island and those who did not was where they focused,” he said. Those who stayed focused on the west end reached their destination, while those who went off course, ended up being picked up by a support boat, he added.
He extended this experience as an analogy to the life of the graduates. “What you do and what you become in life will depend upon where you focus,” he said. “If you will steadily focus on Jesus Christ, I promise you will succeed in everything that matters in time and in eternity,” he said.
Nash also emphasized three key practices to help graduates maintain their focus on Jesus Christ. “First, seek to obtain and follow the word of God,” he said. He encouraged them to prioritize daily scripture study even during busy times. “Those who consistently study and treasure up the word of God with a focus on Christ have access to divine direction and power,” he said.
Second, he said to “counsel with the Lord in all that you do.” He urged graduates to sincerely pray and remember the example of the Book of Mormon prophet, Alma, and ‘Let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord.”
Lastly, he reminded students to keep their covenants with God. “We yoke ourselves to Him by receiving sacred ordinances and keeping the associated covenants,” said Nash. He said as graduates focus and follow Christ, all will end well.
Consecrating lives for a glorious purpose
Urging graduates to live a life filled with purpose, consecration and excellence, Kauwe said, “God’s purpose for each of us is clear: To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man through His plan of happiness.” He reminded them of President Russell M. Nelson’s message that understanding the divine plan of happiness can take the mystery out of life and uncertainty out of their future.
Out of the total graduates, he further shared 13 percent came from Oceania and 29 percent from the Asian Rim. Most of the graduates also held at least one job at BYUH or the Polynesian Cultural Center to help support their education.
“Your purpose at BYUH has been to prepare yourselves to be covenant-keeping disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in your families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God in Asia and the Pacific,” said Kauwe. Graduates have not only learned to deepen their knowledge but also to align their lives with divine direction, he added.
Quoting Elder Neal A. Maxwell, he said, “Ultimate consecration is the yielding up of oneself to God.” He explained consecration as not a principle of the past or future but something that must be practiced in the present.
“President Nelson reminds us that as we live the higher laws of Christ, our hearts and natures change, bringing true happiness,” said Kauwe. Living a consecrated life means different things to each individual and is based on their circumstances, which requires personal revelation, he said.
Kauwe concluded his remarks by encouraging them to give their best, even when things are not going as they planned. “Excellence is not about being perfect; it is about striving, improving and trusting that the Lord will accept your best effort,” he said.
He emphasized that graduates are now equipped to live a life of purpose, consecrate their time and efforts to God, and pursue excellence in all things. “You’re ready to lead, to serve, and to build God’s kingdom where He needs you,” he said.
A personal journey of faith and discovery
As the student speaker, Lixin Cui, a music-instrumental performance major from China, shared his personal journey of faith and the discovery of his love for music during his time at BYUH. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “I remember the first time I walked on campus, asking myself, ‘Why am I here? Am I really meant to be here?’”
Initially starting college as an accounting major, Cui shared he developed a passion for music after attending one of the university’s music professors, Dr. Darren Duerden’s class. “I struggled with this decision for three years,” he said. “But I prayed, and the answer came: I want to help people through music in China.”
Through his persistent dedication to learning, with formal training at BYUH and relying on YouTube tutorials found online, he said his passion grew even more, and he decided to switch his major to music. “I want to show people that with the right resources and dedication, anyone can become an excellent musician,” he said.
He said he recently received a job offer that perfectly aligns with his talents and skills: playing the saxophone, a background in accounting, social media management and Chinese language skills. “It’s as if the Lord knew exactly what I would need for my next journey,” he said.
Cui encouraged his fellow graduates to use the skills they have gained in serving others. “We are the blessed ones,” he said. “It’s time for us to serve. There are always people in need, communities striving to improve and students unsure about the future,” he added.
In doing all of these things, he reminded them to seek the kingdom of God above all else. “After we have obtained hope in Christ, we shall obtain riches–not for ourselves, but to do good,” he said. “Let us help each other, strengthen each other’s faith and become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ,” he shared.