Wearing leis piled up to her ears, Academics Executive Assistant Irene Lesuma was recognized for her 29 years of service at the University working for four academic vice presidents and with the campus ohana. At her retirement celebration on March 29, people shared their aloha for her and presented her with gifts.
Photo by Mark Gatus
Photo by Mark Gatus
BYU–Hawaii professor, alumnus and previous director, Dr. Hiagi Wesley said by connecting students to their roots, he helps empower them. A co-worker and professor said Wesley also makes students from around the world feel a part of the BYUH ohana.
Alohalani Housman, associate professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, said, “Dr. Hiagi Wesley has been the heart of the Pacific Island Studies program at BYUH. His Polynesian spirit, welcoming voice and knowledge of the culture has made it easy for students to feel they are with family, even though they are miles away from home.”
Photo by Joshua Sanchez
Photo by Joshua Sanchez
After following their own individual inspiration to make the scriptures in Hawaiian more accessible, three locals said they worked together with more than 30 volunteers to digitize the scriptures in Hawaiian. They said this project required meticulous effort but was also transformative as they witnessed the Lord’s hand throughout the process and in the lives of those who helped.
Robert Lono Ikuwa, Keali‘i Haverly and Alohalani Housman each shared their stories of how they got involved in the miraculous effort.
A BYU–Hawaii associate professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, Housman oversaw the digitizing of the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price in Hawaiian.
Photo by Monique Saenz
English Professor Sherman Han was honored for working 40 years at BYU–Hawaii at the annual employee appreciation event, called Ho’omaika’i, which means “to thank” in Hawaiian. It was held on Jan. 28 via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. BYUH honored, celebrated and recognized the years of service provided by employees and presented exemplary employee awards at the event.
A part of the Faculty of Arts & Letters, Han said, “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this great University which has been like a dear family to me. As happy times go fast, 40 years feels like only a very short time to me.”