A Link in the Legacy

January 2025

“I love Laie, and I love BYU–Hawaii,” says Paul Barker, a longtime donor to BYU–Hawaii and a member of the Matthew Cowley Society. “I always love donating and giving where I can, but the spirit is different at that university, and I love doing what I can for that beautiful place.”

Hailing from Montgomery County, Maryland, Paul has spent his life in the service of others, whether it was assisting his father, Robert, in caring for people through various Church callings, serving for more than 30 years as a police officer, or helping establish the Barker Family Foundation with his siblings in honor of their parents, Robert and Amy Barker. He has even served as a bodyguard for Church leaders when called upon and now serves as a security coordinator for his stake.

Because of his father’s example, Paul has a deeply rooted testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a passion for BYU–Hawaii. “I grew up in Maryland, where my father was one of the first stake presidents in the area; he also served as a regional representative for the Washington metropolitan area and as the temple president of the Washington DC Temple,” Paul explains. “He helped the Church obtain the land for the Washington DC Temple and was a friend to all.”

Robert Barker also served on the boards for BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Paul’s family held regular reunions in Hawaii, and he grew up hearing about the latest happenings with the university.

“I try to follow my dad’s example every day and be what he taught me to be,” says Paul. “He did a lot for people throughout his life. That’s the way he was raised and that’s the way he raised me.”

During his mission in Rapid City, South Dakota, Paul had many Polynesian companions. Getting to hear about their upbringing and learning more about their cultures strengthened Paul’s love for BYU–Hawaii and how it was built for students from Oceania and the Asian Rim.

Years later, Paul continued to connect to BYU–Hawaii when one of his daughters attended the university. During his daughter’s time there, Paul got to know some of the university’s leaders and became interested in setting up scholarships to help students get a degree.

“Between the aloha spirit and the Spirit of Christ that are present on campus, the students at BYU–Hawaii are getting more than an academic education,” says Paul. “I’ve been involved with the university for a long time and can say that the leaders continue to be inspired, and the culture has not been lost since the beginning.”

Amidst the activities and events Paul has attended over the years for BYU–Hawaii, his favorite part is always the students. He loves getting to see them face-to-face and hearing about what they are learning. He has even shared the experience with his children by inviting them to attend BYU–Hawaii events with him.

“I feel so much joy from seeing how the students are growing and how they plan to use their education to go back home and help develop their country to make it better,” says Paul. Paul and his wife, Alba, were married in 2012, after Paul had set up his giving to BYU–Hawaii. Alba, who is from Honduras, had never experienced donating like this. Paul shared with her the impact donating has had on his life and inspired a desire in Alba to support students.

“She loves attending activities and hearing about the students,” says Paul. “I think, as a donor, when you understand where your money is going, and especially when you get to know the culture of BYU–Hawaii, it helps you know why you do what you do.”

Paul and Alba are grateful for the blessings that have come from and will continue to come from their decision to give. Paul followed in his father’s footsteps by learning to help others, and now he and Alba are setting an example to their children by helping students attend college. They hope their children will do the same in the future.