Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association

Learn the Tongan Language with SUPISA!

The Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association is launching community Tongan language classes this fall. Whether you are a heritage learner reconnecting with your roots or a community partner looking to engage more deeply, we have a track designed for you: 

🇹🇴Tongan 1000 (Introductory Track) 
🇹🇴Tongan 1200 (Situational Track) 
🇹🇴Tongan 3000 (Fluency Track) 

Session Window: August 10 – September 4, 2026
Fee: $200 per section

Focus: Balanced listening, reading, and structural grammar

An exciting public forum is coming up, featuring a powerful partnership with the Utah Army National Guard! 🇺🇸

This event offers a fantastic opportunity to learn how serving in the National Guard can open doors to amazing benefits, including incredible educational opportunities. Representing Southern Utah University via virtual platforms, the speaker—alongside advisor Tevita Sekeni, the Director for Pacific Region Operations for International Affairs at SUU—will address the specific resources and opportunities the SUU has to offer the Pasifika students.

If you’re in American Samoa—Students and parents are highly encouraged to attend, voice their concerns, and ask questions. It is a perfect chance to hear real-life experiences from current students who are successfully balancing college life and service!

Event Details
🗓️ Date: Friday, May 22nd
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Veterans Affairs (VA) Center at Lyon’s Park

This red stole with Tapa honors SUU PISA graduates for academic excellence, cultural values, and performance showcases. The stole was presented to the graduating members by Dr. Ammon Harris, Director of Student Onboarding & Retention—Completion & Student Success at Southern Utah University. Congratulations to our graduating student members! ‘Ofa atu moe lotu

On Wednesday, April 15th, we will be having our annual Hooding and Awards Ceremony at “FiaFia” night. This event will be potluck style, so make sure to check the link in our bio and sign up to bring something to share if you are able to. We hope to see you all there! Aloha Attire.

We are excited to announce our guest presenters who will be leading workshops at the People of Pasifika Higher Education Conference 2026. The event is hosted by the Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association at Southern Utah University and will run from Wednesday, April 8th, to Thursday, April 9th, 2026.

Day 1
✅Dr. Moana Hafoka, Professor of Criminology (Utah Tech University)
✅Dr. Art Challis, Professor of Human Interaction (Southern Utah University)
✅Professor Jonathan Holiman, Professor of Intercultural Communication (Southern Utah University)
✅Kumu Larry Ursua, Hawaiian Studies and Education (Cedar City, Utah)

Day 2

✅Isabelle Smith, Office of Learning Abroad – Peace Corps Prep Program
✅Jamie Orton, Executive Director, SUU International Affairs
✅Dr. Ammon Harris, Director of Student Onboarding & Retention – Completion & Student Success (Southern Utah University)
✅Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association (EC) – Whole-group Showcase

The Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association is proud to present the People of Pasifika Higher Education Conference 2026, a two-day event on April 8–9 dedicated to empowering high school students. This conference aims to provide the essential guidance, resources, and inspiration needed to navigate the journey toward higher education through specialized workshops focused on college preparation, leadership development, and academic success. We are honored to feature a distinguished lineup of guest speakers, including Dr. Moana Hafoka, Dr. Charlene Lui, Professor Jonathan Holiman, and Kumu Larry Ursua, who will offer their expertise on bridging the gap between cultural heritage and university life.

In addition to the student workshops, we invite the campus community and the public to join us for two nights of cultural celebration. On Wednesday, April 8, from 7:00–9:00 pm, we will host a Polynesian jam session, followed by our grand finale on Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 pm: a Polynesian showcase featuring the West Jordan High School People of the Pacific class. Join us for a collaborative celebration of cultural preservation, storytelling, and community as we support the next generation of Pasifika scholars!

Are you guys ready?!
Join us next week for our Polynesian jam session featuring the POP(People of the Pacific) club at West Jordan High School in the Ballroom!
We hope to see you guys there!