Jack and Lise Taleni

Jack and Lise Taleni pictured during their days studying at BYU–Hawaii.. Photo provided by the Talenis.

A trip down memory lane

Alumni express gratitude for time at BYUH and their daughter says she’s excited to follow in their footsteps By Lisi Tiafau

Husband and wife duo, Jack and Lise different parts of the world.” He said when the opportunities it offers to meet and interact Taleni, both BYU–Hawaii alumni he first came to BYUH, he was a shy person with many people from different cultures.from Samoa, said the challenges and and his job at the Center helped him gain “What I loved the most about BYUH is I lessons they learned at BYUH helped them confidence. got to learn so many different things. I got to grow and excel in their personal lives. Today, Jack Taleni explained he would greet learn different dances from different cultures they are both leaders at the Church College guests in the Samoan Village by saying, “Talofa! and much more,” Lise Taleni said. She added, as of Pesega and Pesega Middle School in Samoa Welcome to the Samoa Village!” That, he said, a student, she worked many jobs, from waiting where they encouraged students to pursue an is how he started to gain confidence in himself. tables to being a tour guide in the Samoan education at BYUH. He said another reason he loved BYUH Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Jack Taleni, an alumnus from Samoa was the many activities held on campus She added she learned a lot of new things who majored in computer studies, is now the and said he specifically missed weddings. “I from BYUH and the Center. “The people are principal of the Church College of Pesega. remember the weddings there. You don’t need friendly and it is centered around the gospel.” Looking back on his time at BYUH, he said, “I an invitation to be invited. You just walk in Jack and Lise Taleni said they married in was excited and had a lot of expectations for and grab some food.” He shared his favorite 1995, and Lise Taleni graduated in June 1996. BYU–Hawaii.” He stated he enjoyed learning, weddings were the Tongan weddings because of She went on to say, “There are people the school’s atmosphere and the culture. the food. who have a negative mindset and think BYUH

“After my mission, I came back to BYUH Lise Taleni, an alumna from Samoa who is a place of matchmaking, a place to find your and I was more mature. I got my degree in majored in accounting and is now the vice soulmate, but that is not [what] BYUH is all time,” Jack Taleni said. He stated his mission principal of Pesega Middle School, was a recent about.” She encouraged and advised students to helped him mature and change. He also shared convert to the Church when she came to focus on their education in addition to dating. he worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center in BYUH in 1992. “I found my companion there and I am grateful the Samoan Village. She stated she focused on her education and blessed that I have gone through BYUH. So, “What I love about BYU–Hawaii is the and knew other things would follow. “I love I would recommend [BYUH] to a lot of young opportunity to meet all kinds of people from BYUH because of its peaceful environment and people.” Lise Taleni stated.

Now educational leaders in Samoa, BYUH graduates Jack and Lise Taleni said they encourage the youth there to pursue an education at BYUH. Photos provided by the Talenis.

Jack Taleni said, “BYUH is a wonderful place. You meet a lot of different people and if you prepare well to go there and go for your education, you will get a lot out of BYUH.”

“It is a wonderful place to be,” Lise Taleni added. “If you have your priorities straight and focus, you can have an education, family, gospel and everything to complete your life there at BYUH.”

Jack Taleni said, “When you prepare yourself well and have an open mind with a positive attitude and go there with a willingness to focus on your education and don’t forget to enjoy the many activities at BYUH, you will have a great experience.”

Lise and Jack Taleni, now educational leaders in Samoa, said they encourage the youth there to not miss out on the opportunities and experiences offered at BYUH. Lise Taleni said, “It has become a memorable experience we will forever hold dear to our hearts.”

Quadaela Taleni, a freshman from Samoa majoring in political science, is the youngest daughter of Jack and Lise Taleni. Due to COVID-19, she was unable to come to BYUH for her first semester in Fall 2020.

She said, “Hearing so many great things from my parents about BYUH made me want to go there someday and experience it for myself.”

She stated BYUH had played a big role in her parents’ life and career. “My parents shared how shy they were when they first went to BYUH. They became more confident and that helped them both in their future careers and still [helps them] today,” she said.

Quadaela Taleni said all three of her siblings are attending different universities, but said she wanted to be the one to attend BYUH.

“Even though I am not physically on campus, so far I am enjoying my online experience this semester. I am excited to start my journey at BYUH and experience what my parents experienced when they were at BYUH,” Quadaela Taleni said.