Alumni Highlights

Alex Tang, a 1988 BYU–Hawaii computer science graduate from Hong Kong, turned an impossible dream into a remarkable tech career as a core software developer with global industry giants. Along the way, he built a close-knit family rooted in faith. Now retired, Alex serves as the San Francisco BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter President, giving back to the community that once opened the doors for him.

Kayla Kaimarama Willie graduated from BYU–Hawaii in December 2020 with a degree in political science and is now making history serving as Registrar within the Registry Services Division of the Cook Islands Ministry of Justice. As the first in her family to graduate from university, she also serves as president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Cook Islands Chapter and exemplifies BYU–Hawaii’s mission of perseverance, service, and community.

Makatogialiu “Maka” Kioa, a 2024 BYU–Hawaii graduate in supply chain and operations management, serves as a project engineer with Okland Construction, assisting with campus construction projects, including the university’s newest residence halls.  Today, he is literally helping build the campus that built him.  

Ferdie Pinpin, a 2001 BYU–Hawaii chemistry graduate, is the president of the BYU–Hawaii Washington State Alumni Chapter, where he leads service, mentoring, and community-building efforts. Raised in the Philippines, he turned early setbacks into success and now works as a Senior Program Manager at Amazon. A devoted husband and father, he leads with unwavering faith, placing family and community at the heart of everything he does.

Tony Naea, a BYU–Hawaii graduate from New Zealand, earned his degree in information technology with a minor in business management in 2000. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, he works as a community engagement coordinator supporting youth employment pathways and serves as president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Australia. His journey reflects the transforming power of education, faith, and service.

Melodie “Miki” Mikilani Hao graduated from Brigham Young University–Hawaii in December 2005 with a degree in TESOL education and a minor in Japanese. Born in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and raised in Laie, she now resides in her family home in Hilo with her husband and five children. Today, she serves as a district resource teacher for bilingual students in the Hilo-Waiakea School District and as the president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Hilo.

Rene Lo Chung Man is a 2014 BYU–Hawaii graduate in business management with an emphasis in operations and supply chain. She is the president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Guangzhou, China and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education. Lo lives in Singapore with her husband and regularly goes back and forth between Singapore, China, and Hong Kong for her studies and alumni service.

Seiya Katanuma, from Chiba, Japan, graduated from BYU–Hawaii in December 2014 with a degree in accounting. Today, he works for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a leader support and event manager in the Asia North Area Office. He also serves as president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Japan and is a husband and father of five.

Adhika Kusuma, born and raised in Indonesia, graduated from BYU–Hawaii in 2013. He now serves as Chief Executive Officer of PT. Lintas Solusi Inovasi, a business consulting company and the president of the BYU–Hawaii Indonesia Alumni Chapter.

Li Tsz Kin (Yasu), a 2017 graduate of BYU–Hawaii, with a degree in international cultural studies, was born and raised in Hong Kong. Following his parent’s footsteps as the second generation in his family to attend the university, he always felt a strong connection to its mission and a desire to help build the kingdom of God. He has since pursued a career with the Hong Kong government, where he now works as an assistant manager in the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The resilience he built, the commitment to integrity, and the leadership he developed at BYU–Hawaii continue to shape his work, family, and service today.

In December 1993, Maeva Teurua graduated from BYU–Hawaii with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. Maeva shared her journey from a shy girl in Tahiti to a successful alumna of BYU–Hawaii, fulfilling the university’s mission in French Polynesia. Coming from Tahiti, she originally saw BYU–Hawaii as a place to practice her English and study, but it turned out to be so much more. Her years in university gave her new confidence, a career foundation, and ultimately a spiritual path that continues to shape her life.

Moana Montez Fatani Kupu, a fourth-generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Tonga, graduated from BYU–Hawaii in 1998 with a degree in Accounting and Business Education. She now serves as the HR manager and board member for Lulutai Airlines, Tonga’s national carrier, and as president of the BYU–Hawaii Alumni Chapter in Tonga. Her enduring life of faith and service reflects the values she embraced during her time at BYU–Hawaii.

Jirawat “Doha” Saengsin, a convert from Bangkok, Thailand, graduated from BYU–Hawaii in 2009 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Doha’s path to BYU–Hawaii was guided by faith, service, and a desire to grow. Today, he serves as the Associate Director of Learning Experience and Instructional Design at Onyx Hospitality Group and is the president of the Thailand Alumni Chapter.

Sho Sasaki, a 2019 business management graduate from Japan, never expected that his path would lead to serving in Human Resources for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo. From navigating life as an international student at BYU–Hawaii to building a family and career, Sasaki has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to grow through uncertainty.

Peniette Seru Vulaca, a 2014 graduate from Fiji, never imagined that her career would involve leading welfare and self-reliance efforts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Pacific.

Alumni Spotlight: Elise Mitchell

Gina Escalante, a 2024 BYU–Hawaii graduate from Peru who double majored in psychology and social work, shared how a journey marked by miracles and challenges brought her closer to Christ, connected her with others, and helped her discover more about herself.

Tia Caulford, a 2023 BYU–Hawaii elementary education graduate from Wailuku, Maui, reflects on her time at BYU–Hawaii with deep gratitude for the growth it fostered in her life, both spiritually and professionally.