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Spotlights

A photo of Eric Dempsey

Eric Dempsey

BYUH Alumnus (years attended): 1999-2006

Why did you choose to come to BYUH?
“Love of the Ocean, different cultures and a church school.”

How was your BYUH experience?
“Amazing, learned a lot and made good friends. My time in Hawaii taught me as much out of the classroom as it did in class.”

How does the mission and vision of BYU - Hawaii mean to you?
“Use the teaching we learned in school to make a difference in the world. Spread Aloha.”

Where are you working and what is your role?
I founded and manage Dempsey Alarms LLC, an alarm company in San Diego, California.
A photo of Lewis Gunter on the left with his wife on the right

Lewis Gunter

BYUH Alumnus: Class of 2000-2001

Where are you working and what is your role?
I'm currently an entrepreneur but most of my career (10+ years) was in product marketing in various tech companies from Amazon to Ebay to Microsoft to smaller companies in tech.

How was your BYUH experience?
“I absolutely loved my time in Laie. I loved being around so many amazing classmates from literally all over the world. The cultural experience is unmatched and planted a seed that has blossomed into a love of traveling the world and getting to experience people and cultures all over. I had some amazing professors and a great boss, made some great friends and also felt like the special spirit on the campus really helped me prepare for my mission.”

How does the mission and vision of BYU - Hawaii mean to you?
“I think it's special to be able to bring together people from areas where there may not be a strong church presence to experience what it's like to be in a faith-filled center where they can form friendships and develop spiritually.”
A group photo with Federica Tonon on the left and two other athletes

Dr. Federica Tonon

BYUH alumna: Class of 2006

Why did you choose to come to BYUH?
I’ve always been fascinated by the islands and here I could also pursue my education on the top of it.

Where are you working and what is your role?
I’m an international beach volleyball coach. Vanuatu Women for the Tokyo Olympic qualification that we missed during covid years, we got other important medals. Recently, I coached Tuvalu’s men’s team again for the Pacific Games and lost in the final in a tight final with Australia. I’m also an instructor/teacher for the FIVB, International Volleyball Federation and I give classes to certify new coaches all over the world.
A photo of John Kaleikau Olszowka

John Kaleikau Olszowka

How was your BYUH experience?
“Marvelous! Simply, Marvelous!”

What made it marvelous?
Students from around the world. The settings, Windward side, away from Honolulu. I was in the year 73-77 in the old dormitory style - with curtains as our door, everything was open which made it easier to make friends. Church branch presidents tried hard to give everyone a callings, it made us feel wanted. Made us feel belong.”

Why did you choose to come to BYUH?
“There had been a poster in a lobby at Oakland 5th Ward on Steward street in Berkeley, California and they were advertising for the Summer school program. It was a Polynesian guy on a coconut tree. Caught my eye when I was on my mission, I didn’t know there was a church college school in Hawaii. I served in Pennsylvania in 70-72. Being part Hawaiian made me want to meet relatives and learn my culture.”

Advice to alumni:
“Keep a finger in the pie. If you have the time and means to support the local chapters in the world and have a strong tie with the alumni office because every year we are producing more graduates, we offer t-shirts and kukui nut leis, gives memory, we have a location, the office is now in a good spot. Alumni keeps the address current and create a family.”
A photo of Blake Johnson carrying his child

Blake Johnson

BYUH Alumnus: Class of 2020

Why did you choose to come to BYUH?
I had always loved Hawaii and thought it would be amazing to go to school there. My parents had also moved to Hawaii, so it just seemed like the perfect place.

How was your BYUH experience?
“I had an outstanding experience at BYUH. It is located in the most beautiful place on earth and you are surrounded by so many amazing people. I learned to surf, which is now one of my favorite things to do, and I even met my wife surfing at a beach very close to BYUH. I wanted to do everything I possibly could to learn about the Hawaiian culture while living there, so I ended up taking four Hawaiian History courses from Brother Walker, which opened my eyes to many things. I would not trade my time at BYUH for anything in the world.”

How does the mission and vision of BYU - Hawaii mean to you? “I love that part of the mission is to prepare us to be leaders in our families, communities, and chosen fields. Of course, we go to school to learn and develop skills to embark in a career, but do feel that I also left BYUH more prepared to start a family and do good in the community.”
A photo of Asaua Tanuvasa with his wife

Asaua Tanuvasa

BYUH Alumnus: Class of 2017

How was your BYUH experience?
“Experienced a lot while attending BYUH (personal issues, family matters, spiritual conflicts, school-work) but with all these, I learned patience and commitment. I overcome challenges because Some good friends came to my rescue, ward members, church callings and work mates. These good people stands by me to overcome my challenges. I can never forget BYUH and the life there as a student.”

How does the mission and vision of BYU - Hawaii mean to you?
“The vision and mission of BYUH is a lifetime preparation to become a disciple of Jesus Christ in all things. To prepare to be future leaders, mothers and fathers to future family and community. These lifelong reasons/goals reflects the type of person I want and need to become. I am thankful and grateful that BYUH reminded me of my mission here on earth and I am glad of where i am now because of it.”

Mentoring Monday

Select a person below to read about and watch their podcast.
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Eric Orr

Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychologist

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Hyun Seog Cho

Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager
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Jan Lesuma

Regional Director of Development
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Jennifer Mie Kajiyama Tinkham

BYU-Hawaii Adjunct Faculty, BYU-Hawaii Legal Studies Lead
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Alan Akina

CEO/Founder 101 Financial
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Kristen Eastvedt

Elementary Teacher- Hau'ula Hawaii
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Aloha Friday Podcast Guests

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Finau & Lucy Hafoka

God Remembers Those from the Isles of the Sea
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Alan Walker

Sacred Ground
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Charmine and David Villanueva

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
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John and Luella Muaina

Road to China
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