Ricks College has much to offer its vast variety of students, observed the school's new president during his inaugural address Nov. 10.

Pres. Steven D. Bennion cited six major reasons that make the two-year Church-owned college the right choice for many students.First, the school's student body is vast and varied, he noted. Enrollment this year topped 7,700, and students hail from all 50 states and 40 other countries. "Students come to Ricks to prepare for careers, for further education, for marriage and family, for citizenship and for spiritual direction. They come to prepare for life. They are filled with enthusiasm, hope and dreams."

The second reason students choose to attend the nation's largest junior college, explained Pres. Bennion, is that "the spiritual mission of Ricks is carefully interwoven with its academic mission. This balanced learning environment is prized by those who work here and by the students."

The richness of quality academic and vocational offerings is the third reason, Pres. Bennion continued. "Ricks is impressive with 146 majors - 43 of which are in career or vocational programs. With that generous range of options and a very solid general education program, this is indeed a wonderful launching place for students, regardless of their future careers."

As the fourth reason, Pres. Bennion cited the caring, competent and committed faculty as the foundation for student opportunities, spiritual development and excellent academic programs.

"For freshmen and sophomores, who learn and participate in comparatively small classes, to have frequent contact and exposure to master teachers whose principal professional interest is teaching provides a stimulating personalized learning climate."

A focus on experiential learning and the opportunity to participate is the fifth reason that makes Ricks College the right choice, Pres. Bennion said. "Participation is vital for student growth. This participation includes both the academic and extracurricular dimensions of this residential college. . . .

"Finally, I would mention a sixth condition that plays a vital part in the atmosphere that draws Ricks students from all kinds of academic, social, economic and ethnic backgrounds," Pres. Bennion concluded. "I would describe it as the `spirit of Ricks.'

"The `spirit of Ricks' includes an uncommon commitment to service. The keen interest in serving students is a top priority, and may it ever be."

Pres. Bennion noted that, in September, several educators from other college campuses came to Ricks to perform a 10-year accreditation review of every facet of the school.

"They said: 'The outstanding characteristics of Ricks College is the shared trust and integrity that both students, faculty, and administration hold for each other.'

"This spirit of teamwork and cooperation is a hallmark at Ricks College."

The reasons behind that teamwork and cooperation are many, explained Pres. Bennion, but he said two stand out.

"First, Ricks has been blessed by an uncommon commitment among its employees to the purposes and mission of this college. They're here to serve. Their service is aimed to strengthen and build the students in every aspect of their lives."

Second, the school has been guided by ablemen and divine inspiration, Pres. Bennion said. "I readily salute Thomas E. Ricks and the early pioneers of this area and all of my predecessors, four of whom are still living - John L. Clarke, Henry B. Eyring, Bruce C. Hafen and Joe J. Christensen."