Pacific Adventist University

Meet Josiah Adaea, one of Pacific Adventist University's longest-serving and most dedicated members of the community. Hailing from Central Province, Josiah's incredible journey at Koiari Park spans nearly four decades of faithful service, hard work, and deep-rooted community spirit.

Josiah first walked onto the campus back in 1987 as a young boy of around 16 or 17 years old, looking for a job. Welcomed by the old campus manager, he initially started out doing housekeeping, looking after lower gardens and lawns, before other staff members also asked him to help clean their yards.

By 1988, Josiah officially began his employment journey with the security department, serving through the late '80s and early '90s. Over the years, his path at PAU expanded across multiple departments—working with the farm, spending time at the bakery, and taking a brief hiatus in Madang for nearly a year before returning to the place he calls home. Thanks to his good friend Dr Neimani Tausere, who brought him over to the campus department with a promise of accommodation and a good raise, Josiah found his permanent professional home.

This year marks a monumental milestone for Josiah: his 25th year of dedicated service working here at PAU. Now 60 years old, he serves as a campus supervisor, overseeing maintenance and taking immense pride in mowing the grass and keeping the grounds pristine. "I feel happy when I see that the place is clean," Josiah shares, noting that the best part of his day is standing back to see a completed task and feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.

Reflecting on his first impressions of the campus back in 1987, Josiah recalls how struck he was by the beauty of the grounds and the students, who were well-dressed and looked wonderful. To this day, if he were to describe PAU to someone who has never visited, he would emphasize its breathtaking landscape, noting how the lake truly contributes to the school's overall pleasing environment.

Having lived almost half of his life on these grounds, Josiah declares, "PAU is like a home to me." He is currently thrilled to be part of an exciting new project—constructing a stone wall next to the library for landscaping, marking his very first time building a stone wall.

Josiah regularly works alongside student work lines, noting that while some students approach their tasks with hesitation, many work with a wonderful, positive spirit. He deeply appreciates when students commend him for a job well done in keeping the campus clean.
Drawing from his lifelong experience, Josiah has powerful advice for the student body:

Maintain your grooming: Looking back at how beautifully dressed students were in the past, he strongly encourages current students to keep up high standards of personal presentation.

Be faithful and diligent: "Students must be faithful to work, not only in work line but in everything they do. They must work diligently."

Describing the true spirit of PAU, Josiah reminds everyone that the institution is a church agency, encouraging all to remain faithful both in their daily work and at church.

We honor and celebrate long-serving pillars like Josiah Adaea, whose lifelong dedication has helped shape the heart and beauty of Koiari Park.

Meet Vincent Dibal Kuma, a proud 2021 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Math/Physics from Pacific Adventist University. Today, Vincent is shaping young minds as a Mathematics Teacher at Woodford International School in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

When looking back at his time at Koiari Park, Vincent shares that the very first memory that instantly makes him smile is the campus environment itself—the nicely kept lawns, flower gardens, quiet and tranquil sceneries, and some of the best sunset skies and evening life.

Observing the campus from his student days to the present, Vincent highlights the continuous improvement in campus infrastructure with every passing year. He notes that this visible growth and development directly impacts student life, staff livelihood, and the overall quality of education provided.

Vincent credits his preparation for the real-world workforce to his holistic student experience at PAU. Balancing work lines, the Campus Trustee Scheme (CTS), studies, church responsibilities, and a vibrant social and spiritual life taught him practical resilience and versatility across diverse working environments.

Carrying the PAU ethos of 'Faith and Service' across the waters to his current workspace in the Solomon Islands, Vincent is guided by Colossians 3:23. His time at PAU taught him that his work is about more than just a paycheck—it is about serving people and, most importantly, serving God with diligence.

His biggest hope, prayer, and vision for the current generation of students walking the grounds at Koiari Park today is simple yet profound: Find Jesus while you're at PAU. While many institutions offer degrees and good character development, Vincent reminds students that being able to offer Jesus is what truly sets you apart.

Meet Trisha Fova, a dedicated third-year nursing student whose journey is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and personal growth right here at Pacific Adventist University.

Reflecting on her arrival, Trish shares that her very first impression when walking onto the campus was how clean and beautiful PAU was, creating such a wonderful environment. When she needs a moment of peace and quiet amidst the demanding schedule of a nursing student, her favorite spots on campus are out on the bench near Lake 2 or right at the top of Cavanagh’s hill.

The path to sitting in a classroom at PAU was not without its trials. Trish shares that her biggest obstacles involved leaving home for the very first time and navigating challenging tuition fees. However, she chose to press forward because of her deep belief that the Lord will provide. Leaving home brought moments where she felt completely overwhelmed and broke down from homesickness.
Through those tough times, a comforting phone call from her dad provided the strength she needed, alongside the support of her friends and local family friends who work as staff members here at PAU and welcomed her into their homes.

Living and studying on campus has also brought wonderful self-discoveries. Trish shares that she has learned she is capable of accomplishing a lot in a single day once she puts her mind to it and gets started, and she has surprised herself by discovering the ability to stand up and lead whenever she is asked.

We celebrate students like Trisha, whose daily perseverance and dedication embody the true spirit of PAU.

Application for the 2027 Academic Year will be closing at the end of this month.

If you have started an application, ensure to attach all requirements and submit before closing date.

If you are yet to submit an application, use the link below as soon as you can.

https://www.pau.ac.pg/apply-now/

Meet Bresgo Benjamin: Class of 2025, former 2025 PAU Student Association (PAUSA) President, Creative Founder and Director of Home Graphics Creatives, and Partner at Adventist Media South Pacific Division

When Bresgo looks back at his time studying at Pacific Adventist University (PAU), the memory that instantly brings a smile to his face is quite literal: the classic campus culture of throwing the birthday person straight into the lake!

As the 2025 PAUSA President, Bresgo proved himself to be a well-mannered and natural-born leader who served his fellow students with excellence. He reflects on how PAU served as a holistic crucible for character—balancing intellectual growth with spiritual, emotional, and social maturity to equip him to handle real-world workplace pressures with calm resilience and integrity. "Everything I hoped for, and even what I could not have envisioned, was fulfilled during my years on campus," he shares.

Carrying the university's core ethos into everyday life looks like intentional, servant-hearted leadership: integrating faith by upholding ethical standards, mentoring colleagues, and fostering Christ-centered compassion in family and community outreach.

A Word to Current Students: "Train your skills before the race is run... Let your story after leaving PAU be one of gratitude and fulfillment: 'I am satisfied, I never regret coming to PAU.' Carry the ethos of Faith and Service into your workspace, family, and community." — Bresgo Benjamin

Meet Jomitasha Kiatui Kokinai: Final-Year Bachelor of Education Student

Nostalgia for Jomitasha takes the form of vibrant community celebrations on campus. "My very first memory would be the Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Children’s Day celebrations on campus," she shares. "I remember specifically a Father’s Day celebration we had at Village 4 where we loaded all the fathers onto the farm tractor and brought them into the village where a long table of food was waiting for them. Those were fun times."

Navigating life now as a boarding student far from home, coupled with the confidence built through church programs like AYM, Pathfinders, and youth ministries at KPEC church, has shaped her ability to step fearlessly into leadership spaces and collaborate with diverse people. As a missionary kid, she views her education as preparation to be a "missionary professional" dedicated to serving God and country with humility and gratitude.

Advice to Fellow Students:
"Make use of all the services that PAU has to offer, learn all the skills and values that CTP is training us for, make as many friends as possible—PAU is a global community—create networks... and walk with Jesus out those gates after we leave PAU." — Jomitasha Kiatui Kokinai

Behind every smile, every lecture hall, and every office on campus is a unique journey of faith, service, and resilience.

This Semester 2, we are thrilled to launch "Humans of Koiari Park"—a brand new photojournalism project dedicated to sharing the incredible personal stories of our PAU family.

Every month, we’ll feature a student, a staff member, and a community or alumni member.

🗓️ Where & When to Find Them:
Catch these inspiring stories on our PAU Facebook and Instagram pages every Sunday!

🗓️ Our very first story drops this Sunday, August 2nd! Make sure your notifications are turned on so you don’t miss a single moment of our community's heart and soul.

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Sabbath preparation day as we welcome the Sabbath hours! ✨

Have a wonderful Sabbath, everyone!

The launch of the University’s Digital Online Education Centre marks a significant milestone in its commitment to innovation, technology, and the future of education.

Featuring an Online Class Recording Studio, AI & VR Centre, Hybrid Classroom, and TV Production Studio, the Centre provides a modern platform to enhance teaching, learning, and digital engagement. It will strengthen the University’s capacity to deliver quality online courses, support flexible and accessible learning opportunities, and equip students and educators with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.

This investment reflects the University’s vision to embrace innovation and extend education beyond traditional classrooms.