Constructing a c a m p u s that builds leaders
Construction manager says projects around campus are not about producing profit but about producing quality leadership BY ALEXANDER TUMALIP
W
alking through the BYU–Hawaii campus, students can hear a chorus of drilling, hammering and giant trucks driving by. Despite the inconvenience, construction workers said their work is a fulfillment of prophecy. Among the projects under way are the Seasider Turf Field behind the McKay Gymnasium and the REC Solar Project that provides both covered parking and a projected one-third of the electricity on campus. John Tippetts, project manager, said BYUH is at an unprecedented point of development in its history. They have built more and faster than ever before, Tippetts said, and they expect to continue building for the
4 4 KE AL A K A‘I 2021
foreseeable future. He added he hopes each project never truly finishes, since the mission of the Church is to continuously grow. “It’s a great testimony builder to me to see how committed the brethren are to building character in students,” he said. The projects aren’t about profit, but rather producing quality leadership, he said. Peni Kioa, a senior from Tonga studying applied mathematics and an intern in the Planning, Design & Construction department, said the goal of these new construction projects is to guide students to BYUH. “This is where leaders are built to help them build the kingdom of God. We want future students to see we have something nowhere else has and have them experience it themselves.” Kioa said the leadership of the construction department makes these projects meaningful, particularly Kirk Tyler, the major projects manager of the Planning, Design & Construction department. Tyler said he is excited about the projects because he gets to see students use them. “They will benefit mostly because the designs deliver a better opportunity for student life and academic learning,” he said.
