Foundational Speeches
The story of Brigham Young University–Hawaii is grounded in inspired beginnings and continues to unfold through prophetic guidance. From the earliest groundbreaking and dedication addresses of the Church College of Hawaii to the present counsel of the university president and board members, these speeches capture moments when vision met opportunity and faith shaped the future.
Delivered at dedications, inaugurations, commencements, and other pivotal occasions, these addresses affirm the university’s divine mission to integrate spiritual and secular learning. They articulate a prophetic charge for BYU–Hawaii to prepare men and women with the character, intercultural understanding, and leadership skills to bless their families, communities, the Church, and the world.
Together, these foundational speeches invite the university community to honor its heritage, embrace its diverse and international identity, and move forward with faith in fulfilling its sacred purpose of building peace and preparing disciples of Jesus Christ for global service.
Preparing Leaders and Disciples of Christ
A Historic and Special Day
“BYU–Hawaii must remain a school where spiritual and secular truth reinforce each other, where students are prepared not only for employment but also for discipleship, leadership, and service across the world.”
Prepared by the Lord
"The Lord has prepared this university to gather His children from across the earth, to educate them in faith and truth, and to send them forth as leaders who will bless families, communities, and nations."
Presidential Charge Given to President John “Keoni” S. K. Kauwe III
"BYU–Hawaii’s sacred responsibility is to build character, increase faith, and develop the intercultural leadership skills of those who will promote peace and strengthen the Church worldwide."
Together, We Must Continue His Work
"I testify to you that this university is a vital part of God’s work on earth. He has established it through His prophets to educate His children and help them make and keep sacred covenants. Through honoring those covenants, we learn more of our Savior, grow closer to Him, and become more like Him."
Founded With Vision and Prophetic Purpose
Groundbreaking & Dedication of CCH/BYU–Hawaii
"We dedicate our actions in this service unto thee and unto thy glory and to the salvation of the children of men, that this college, and the temple, and the town of Laie may become a missionary factor, influencing not thousands, not tens of thousands, but millions of people who will come seeking to know what this town and its significance are."
Church College of Hawaii Dedicatory Address and Prayer
“34 years ago, when one morning others, and I, witnessed a flag raising ceremony by students of the Church school here in Hawaii in Laie... Truly the melting pot. More impressive than that was our assembly in the old chapel that stood by...There we met as one, members of the Church, the Restored Church of Christ. What an example in this little place of the purposes of our Father in Heaven to unite all peoples by the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Dedication of the Aloha Center, Church College of Hawaii
“For what can be done here interculturally in a small way is what mankind must do on a large scale if we are ever to have real brotherhood on this earth.”