Mark Louis Anthony Eyo’s journey from a student at Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYUH) to chapter president of the BYUH Philippines Alumni Chapter demonstrates the life-changing impact a university has on his life and the power of legacy and giving back.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Eyo always had BYUH in mind due to his aunt, who attended the university in the late 2000s, and his mission president, an enthusiastic BYUH alumnus, who spoke endlessly about the opportunities it provided. These influences culminated in his decision to attend BYU–Hawaii in Fall 2016 after serving in the Philippines Bacolod Mission from 2013 to 2015. During his time at the university, he majored in Political Science and TESOL, earning bachelor’s degrees in both fields by the time he graduated in 2020.
Reflecting on his treasured BYUH experiences, Eyo shared that his favorite part of the university “was the students. Being able to serve them was a privilege. I was the on-campus Filipino Chapter President for a very long time, and getting the chance to learn from others was incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond his involvement with the student body, Eyo’s time as a temple ordinance worker at the Laie Hawaii Temple left a profound impact on him. “One of the greatest miracles in my life was being able to work at the temple. It was a testimony-building experience for me,” he recalled. “Even when I was exhausted from classes or working at the Polynesian Cultural Center, things just worked out because of my faith.”
Like many students at BYUH, Eyo balanced work and study. He spent two years working at the Hale Aloha luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), another year as an International Student Services (ISS) student assistant, and his final year as a student clubs supervisor in the Student Leadership & Service (SLS) department. These roles contributed greatly to his growth. “BYU–Hawaii’s diversity taught me how to navigate through differences, how to be humble around people from other cultures, and most importantly, how to love them,” Eyo said. “That experience gave me a deep understanding of how the real-world works.”
After graduation, Eyo’s career took off. He pursued a master’s degree at BYU in Provo, Utah, where he met his wife, Elysse, whom he married in January 2024. “We met through small BYUH alumni gatherings,” Eyo explained. “Elysse was from Bacolod City, where I had served my mission, and I was even able to speak Hilgaynon with her.”
Professionally, Eyo’s post-BYUH journey started with an internship as a policy analyst for Provo City Council, where he honed his skills in data analysis, writing, and building connections. “I loved the work,” he said. “I got the chance to dive into quantitative and qualitative data and build relationships that continue to benefit me.” Eventually, Eyo was introduced to a mentor in the Philippines who was at the forefront of developing virtual assistant programs for U.S.-based companies. This opportunity allowed him to return home and maintain professional ties to the U.S. while contributing to the growing industry of remote work in the Philippines.
Eyo’s leadership didn’t stop at BYUH or in his professional life. He took on the role of President of the BYUH Philippines Alumni Chapter, which has been active for over a decade. Under his guidance, the chapter has focused on empowering Filipino alumni and strengthening connections within their community. The chapter also regularly organizes reunion parties and service-oriented events, staying true to BYUH’s mission of service.
“My first goal is to ensure the alumni here feel empowered,” Eyo emphasized. “The future holds a large wave of BYU–Hawaii Filipino graduates, and I want to help them gain opportunities that come from their BYU–Hawaii education.” Eyo’s second goal is all about fostering stronger ties between alumni. “We want to have each other’s back,” he said. “We need to do more to stay connected, whether that’s through sharing job openings or providing networking advantages. Strengthening each other through connections is key.”
The BYUH Philippines Alumni Chapter regularly organizes service-oriented events, staying true to BYUH’s mission of service. Eyo’s passion for building a supportive community stems from his own experiences as a student leader at BYUH, where he learned the value of unity, support, and hard work.
Mark Eyo’s journey is a powerful example of how BYU–Hawaii creates lives filled with purpose and service. His time at the university has prepared him for a fulfilling career and allowed him to give back to the community he loves through his work as President of the BYUH Philippines Alumni Chapter, emphasizing what Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words, saying, “Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven.”
