Photos by Linny Folau

'Atenisi Institute was in full celebration mode yesterday afternoon to mark the 75th birthday of its founder Professor, 'Ilaisa Futa 'i Ha'angana Helu with traditional feasting and dancing.

The birthday feast at the Atenisi school campus in Halaano was attended by Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita, and it brought together family members, relatives, friends, distinguished overseas academics, and students to celebrate Futa's 75th birthday and show their appreciation for his work as an educator, historian and a philosopher.

Entertainment included a lakalaka performance by Atenisi students followed by a solo tau'olunga dance performed by Futa's youngest daughter Virginia Helu. Her performance moved Futa who got up and danced for the occasion to the delight of the guests.

Futa's 75th birthday celebrations this week featured the 'Atenisi University Fellows Induction ceremony of six accomplished overseas academics followed by a recital performance by the Atenisi Foundation for Performing Arts on Tuesday evening and a reception last night.