BYU-Hawaii graduates told to be positive force
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"A responsibility no man can escape is his influence on others," Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin told 193 graduates of Brigham Young University-Hawaii at June 18 commencement exercises.
Elder Wirthlin, a member of the Council of the Twelve, encouraged students to have a positive impact on society through righteous living.BYU-Hawaii Pres. Alton L. Wade conducted commencement proceedings in the Cannon Activities Center. Prayers were offered by outstanding students Wah Keung Nathan Wong and Siu Mui Ester Lam, both of Hong Kong.
The class valedictorian was John Chee Choong Lee, a computer information systems major from Singapore.
Receiving awards for outstanding service were Dale R. Noble, director of choral music at Kamehameha Schools; Ralph G. Rodgers, a former president of the Samoan Mission and president/general manager of the Polynesian Cultural Center; and Herbert H. Horita, a real-estate developer.
Also recognized during commencement was Owen J. Cook, the university's third president (1964-71).
Three members of a family were awarded degrees at one time - a first for the school. Corinne Petty Godfrey earned a bachelor of science degree in travel management. A daughter, Caylynne, was presented a bachelor's degree in English, and another daughter, Charee, earned an associate degree in speech communications.
Within the week after commencement, Wade announced four recipients of the university's prestigious David O. McKay-Cummings Scholarships.
The recipients are: Aaron Merrill Shumway of Tonga; Penifia Vileen Ho Ching of Pago Pago, American Samoa; Rebecca Kiu Johnson, Laie, Hawaii; and Mark Keauhee Kailiponi of Wailuku, Hawaii.
The scholarships are given to outstanding high school students who show superior academic achievement and are active in Church and community service. The scholarships pay for tuition, books, room and board for four years of undergraduate studies.
