Alumni from Beulah Adventist College (Tonga) gathered on November 5 and 6 for their annual fundraising event, hosted this year by the To’uola class of 1980 to 1989 at the Hawthorne Seventh day Adventist Church, California, USA. The program featured guest speaker Fanueli Mataele, president of the Tonga Mission, whose message emphasised unity, gratitude and continued investment in Beulah’s future.
The two day gathering brought together alumni and supporters from across the country and resulted in more than $US100,000 raised during the weekend.
Currently, the Beulah College Alumni of the USA has raised $US704,000 toward the construction of a new girls dormitory, with plans to raise an additional $300,000 by next year. Alumni associations outside the United States have also submitted pledges, to help reach its 1 million goal.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards our Lord and Saviour who has led these past five years,” said Pastor Etuini Mounga, president of the Beulah Alumni of USA. “We are just ordinary people, many of whom do not hold special degrees or positions, and labour in fields such as caregiving and construction just to make ends meet. But the sacrifice for Beulah comes out of love, to see that students are taken care of for years to come.”
During the program, Elikena Fie’ilo shared that he and his wife, Loisi Fie’ilo—who are not Adventist but have been dedicated supporters of Beulah’s mission—traveled from Seattle intending to attend the fundraiser and bring their donation in person. During the flight, Loisi became ill and was transported directly to hospital upon landing in Los Angeles. Despite the circumstances, Elikena still made his way to the event and presented their family’s $10,000 donation.
This effort to build a new girl’s dormitory marks a historic moment for Beulah Adventist College. The last major construction project of this scale was the Vaka Ua Hall, a $US500,000 undertaking at the time.
Alumni from every generation have contributed what they can during the past five years, united by a shared desire to provide a better future for the students of Beulah.
Tupou Napa‘a, who’s wife and father attended Beulah said, “We don’t do this for recognition. We do it because we already see the blessings of God in our lives.”
Groundbreaking for the new girls’ dormitory is scheduled to take place on December 8 at the Beulah Adventist College campus. Pastor Etuini Mounga, accompanied by secretary Keasi Akoteu, will be present for the ceremony.
Five years into the campaign, organisers remain committed to building a state of the art girls dormitory that will offer safe housing, dedicated study spaces and a supportive environment for students.
With continued support and commitment, alumni are aiming for the project to be completed in 2026. For more information on how to support, please visit the alumni’s website.
