BYU commencement speakers counseled more than 2,800 graduates April 28 to focus on the future while remembering the visions and dreams of those who had devoted their lives to the university in the past.

The 114th Commencement marked the last graduation ceremony at which Elder Jeffrey R. Holland would serve as president of the university. Elder Holland was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy on April 1.The commencement services were conducted by President Gordon B. Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency. Other visiting Church leaders included President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency; Elders Boyd K. Packer, Marvin J. Ashton, and James E. Faust, all of the Council of the Twelve; and Bishop Henry D. Eyring, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. Elder Ashton delivered the commencement address.

In his address, Elder Ashton emphasized the future, urging graduates to continue learning, have a positive attitude and be proud of who they are.

"A chapter of your life is finished, but your game of life stretches out before you," he said.

He explained that each graduate must learn where his level of competency is, then strive to perform at his best. "However, your level of competency can increase all through your life."

Man has two creators, he said: God and himself.

"God obviously did a good job in creating each of you - now what are you going to do with yourself?" Elder Ashton asked. "What traits and skills are you going to develop as you create a better you?"

He offered the following suggestions to help graduates in their quest for self-improvement:

- Extend your learning.

"Some of you will pursue formal higher learning," Elder Ashton said. "Many of you will be leaving the security of the campus and step out into the world where you will face the necessity of applying the facts and theories you have been taught."

Elder Ashton urged graduates to observe and copy work habits and life patterns of successful people. Charging them not to forget the scriptures in their education, the apostle quoted from 2 Ne. 9:28-29 in which the Lord said to be learned is good if one hearkens to God's counsel.

- Stay in control of your appetites, passions and emotions.

"The development of character through self-mastery is part of the game plan of life's winners," he said. Have self-respect, self-pride, self-discipline. Manage yourself, govern appetites, and control passions so you can give your best effort and achieve your highest level of competency. Lasting joy can come to the person who is willing to pay the price of self-denial to achieve a noble character and reach lofty goals."

- Have a positive mental attitude; be proud of who you are.

"Enthusiasm and positive mental processes are mandatory for great accomplishments in life," the apostle said.

He advised the graduates to set high goals while being realistic about one's talents and abilities. He also emphasized the importance of developing a good self-esteem. "Stride into the future with determination and confidence."

"Each of us is sometimes discouraged at how long it takes to learn something," he said. "We resent the practice necessary to become proficient. But effort is not lost. Mastery is a little closer with each effort expended."

In his farewell remarks to the graduates, outgoing BYU president, Elder Holland, reflected on the efforts of those who had led the university in the past.

"I salute them past BYU presidentsT with you and ask you to remember their visions and dreams for BYU always. We pass those dreams on to you and in doing so, step aside, expressing love for you and testifying of . . . Jesus Christ."