In speaking about the major renovations about to commence across BYU–Hawaii’s campus, University President John S.K. Kauwe III’s voice became thick with emotion.
“When I think about our students, what they should take away from today is that they are deeply loved by their Heavenly Father, by President [Russell M.] Nelson and the leaders of the Church, by every member of the Church who supports them through living faithfully across the world. Our students should know that they’re loved, that they’re valued and that they have great capacity to serve in the future,” President Kauwe said during the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 28.
An ocean breeze rustled surrounding palm fronds and native ferns as Church, civic and university leaders — many adorned with bright-colored floral leis —gathered on the Laie, Hawaii, campus for the event.