Introduction
Good morning and aloha.
Elder Gilbert, thank you for your kindness your testimony and leadership.
Kelly and I are grateful and humbled to be asked to come and support the Kauwe’s as they work through this difficult health challenge. We have loved President and Sister Kauwe and their family long before we were asked to come here. We, along with all of you, have been praying for them.
I am touched by the heavy load that Sister Kauwe carries as her husband serves as president of BYU–Hawaii, while also fulfilling his calling as an Area Seventy, and while she is being a mom to their five beautiful children. And yet, every time we are with Sister Kauwe, even with those demanding responsibilities, she is graceful and kind. She makes me feel like I’m her best friend. I know this is a gift she has that she shares with everyone around her.
Gratitude
I’m grateful for the privilege to be here with each of you today. Each time I’ve been here, it’s been an amazing blessing. I’m grateful to know about this university through the privilege of attending commencements when Kelly has been assigned to speak and as he has represented our Board of Trustees. As you know, our Board is chaired by the First Presidency. President Oaks loves this university.
Meeting Students this week
Kelly and I have loved being on campus this week and meeting so many of you students. I have loved shaking your hands, visiting with you and hearing about your homes, families, studies, and how you ended up coming to BYU–Hawaii.
I have noticed the respect you show as we have observed you this week. I hope that you will continue to respect each other, respect yourselves, and respect this special privilege that you have in being here at this great university. BYU–Hawaii has been dedicated by priesthood authority, which allows us to enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost here. You will be more successful as you keep the Savior first in your lives and as you let your Heavenly Father guide you in the path that will bring you His greatest blessings. As I arrived this week, a new dear friend said to me, “Our lives are actually expanded rather than narrowed if we let God lead us daily.”
Conclusion and Testimony
I really want you to know that I am thankful for the Savior, Jesus Christ. I know He lives and that He wants us to manage our lives in a way that invites the influence of the Holy Ghost to help us navigate this earthly life so that we can return and live with Him and our Heavenly Father.
I recently had an experience I would like to share with you. I heard someone I trust and admire pray. As this person prayed, it seemed like they knew Heavenly Father personally. As I listened to the prayer I learned in a powerful way the importance of speaking directly with Heavenly Father to express our gratitude along with our needs and the needs of our loved ones.
In my personal studies, I recently read these verses from a Book of Mormon prophet. I have changed and applied some of things to you as you attend BYU–Hawaii, but I hope you will still recognize his pleadings:
"Cry unto him when ye are [here at school], yea, over your [choice of a major and even over your activities].
Cry unto him in your [dorm rooms and student apartments], yea, over all your [roommates and friends], both morning, mid-day, and evening.
Yea, cry unto him against the power of [those who are unkind to you].
Yea, cry unto him against the [temptations of the] devil, who is an enemy to [your] righteousness.
Cry unto him over [each of your classes,] that ye may prosper in them.
Cry over [your homework and tests], that [your grades] may increase.
But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your [dorm rooms,] in your closets, [on your scooter or while you are walking to class], and [on the days when you are discouraged and feeling alone]." [1]
I know that if we will pray daily, openly to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, He will hear our prayers and we will begin to see even more clearly the blessings He is sending in our lives.
I want to invite you to pray every day. I invite each of you to start today, and join me in praying daily.
As I finish, I would like you to know, that I have a testimony of Heavenly Father and of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I also testify of the living prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks.
I am grateful for his words from this past conference and he said, “Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model. We will be blessed if we model our lives after His teachings and self-sacrifice. Following Christ and giving ourselves in service to one another is the best remedy for the selfishness and individualism that now seem to be so common.” [2]
I pray that each of us will respect one another, draw close to Heavenly Father by praying every day, in doing so we will bless each other and this university while we are here.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen
[1] Alma 34:20-26
[2] Dallin H. Oaks, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ," Ensign or Liahona, October 2025