Adam Van Tassell is a BYU–Hawaii alumnus from Logan, Utah, He graduated from the Class of 2009.
Why did you choose to come to BYUH?
“I went to Laie Elementary School as a kid and loved going to the BYUH campus for activities and Seasider basketball games. After losing my job in Florida in 2007 I decided to go back to school and get a degree in hospitality and tourism. BYU–Hawaii had a good program and I decided to try to get admitted. That decision was one of the best I ever made.”
How was your BYUH experience?
“At BYUH I had blessings, much too numerous to count. One of them was participating in the student entrepreneur competition. I wrote a plan to acquire and operate a small family-oriented outdoor recreational business to help families strengthen their relationships through “wholesome recreational activities”. After graduating I put that plan into action and was able to purchase a small lodging business. Our family has worked to turn it into a resort that has become very popular in the Midwest for family getaways. The lessons and values learned at BYUH are an integral part of our business operations.”
What does the mission of BYUH mean to you?
“I moved to Laie late in 2007 with my wife and infant daughter. We had just lost our jobs and were really struggling to find our place in the world. At BYU–Hawaii we found a home and an international family. We learned about cultures, served others, and felt the spirit of aloha. Even though we no longer live in Hawaii, the teachings and spirit we felt have influenced our lives everywhere.”
Where are you working and what is your role?
“I am the owner and operator of Birch Forest Lodge, a fishing and recreational resort in northern Minnesota as well as the owner of Crazy Good Fishing Adventures, a small specialty travel agency. I also have a small YouTube channel with my son (Crazy Good Fishing).”