Alumni Relations Site Search
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Richie Norton, a 2004 Brigham Young University–Hawaii International Business Management graduate from San Diego, turned a punk rock past and a vision bigger than himself into a global career as a bestselling author, entrepreneur, teacher, and keynote speaker. Along the way, he built a loving family rooted in faith and discovered through profound grief that the most important work is the work we start today. Now reaching millions across the globe, Norton has never stopped influencing the world for good.
Juan Escalante, a 2015 BYU–Hawaii TESOL graduate from Sonora, Mexico, overcame the challenges of immigrating to the United States with limited English to become a first-generation college graduate and convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today, he returned to BYUH to teach at the very university that transformed his life, mentoring students from around the world.
Aley Kahaawi Auna, Jr., a 1979 BYU–Hawaii graduate who grew up in Hilo, Hawaii, dedicated his life to faith, family, and service. Professionally, he served as Deputy Attorney General and as a State of Hawaii District Family Court Judge. He also served as a bishop, high councilor, stake president, Area Seventy, and mission president. Today, he continues as a Sealer in the Laie Hawaii Temple and as a Patriarch in the Kona Hawaii Stake. Together with his wife, Danelle, they raised six children and have seventeen grandchildren. Guided by spiritual impressions, he built a life devoted to uplifting others on the foundation of his BYU–Hawaii experience.
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.
Thomas Paʻakaiokahonua “Paʻa” Sibbett, a BYU–Hawaii, Hawaiian Studies graduate, discovered his love of culture and storytelling through his family and mentors. While attending BYU–Hawaii, he met his wife, found his purpose, and strengthened his faith. Now a groundbreaking creator, writer, and producer, Sibbett is best known for projects such as Chief of War, Aquaman, and Braven, sharing powerful stories with audiences around the world.
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.
Diandra"Tita" Mongan graduated from BYU–Hawaii in December 2020 with a degree in communication, media, and culture studies. Guided by faith from Indonesia to a mission in Australia and then to Laie, she discovered not only her career and life partner but also a higher purpose. Today, she serves as an area organization advisor, mentoring and training Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women presidencies across Asia to strengthen sisters.
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.