"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (D&C 50:24.)

The whole principle of mankind's eternal quest is encompassed in these few words, declared President Gordon B. Hinckley at the inauguration of Ricks College's new president on Nov. 10.That principle must be taught to Ricks College students, said the first counselor in the First Presidency, as he installed Steven D. Bennion as the 13th president of the Church-owned junior college, and issued an official charge.

"We charge you to see that eternal light and truth represent the core of learning in this unique institution," President Hinckley said.

Representing the Board of Trustees, President Hinckley presided and conducted during the inaugural proceedings. Bishop Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric and former Ricks College president, also spoke during the inaugural ceremony.

Others attending were Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Council of the Twelve, Elder Hugh W. Pinnock of the First Quorum of the Seventy, Relief Society Gen. Pres. Barbara W. Winder and Young Women Gen. Pres. Ardeth G. Kapp. Representing Idaho Gov. Cecil D. Andrus was Idaho's state auditor, J.D. Williams, a member of the Church.

During the official charge, President Hinckley mentioned that as a next-door neighbor to the Bennions in the Salt Lake area called East Mill Creek, he had watched the new president grow up.

"Here is a man whose childhood had much of the magic that ought to be experienced by every child. Here is a man who has known the touch of the warm earth in the spring, the fun of good and happy friends, the scowling frown of adversity, the contagious laughter of small boys having a wonderful time, the toil of the scholar, the satisfaction of laurels honestly won, the burdens of financial struggle, the love of family, the peace of service to fellowmen and to God."

President Hinckley charged Pres. Bennion to "never lose or put aside those wondrous elements of the Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn that we saw in you as a boy..."

The Church leader also charged the new president to inspire the faculty, expect high performance from them, to be appreciative of them.

"We solemnly charge you and your family associates to cultivate within the students those qualities of character, industry, and integrity which will make of them men and women better prepared to be good parents and able and contributing members of society," declared President Hinckley.

After receiving the official charge, President Bennion responded. (See related story.)

In his inaugural remarks, Bishop Eyring said that, as a former Ricks College president, he is often asked, "Who should go to Ricks College?"

"It depends on what you want," he replied. "There is one thing, and if that is what you want, then this is the best place in the world to be. This is a good place for a lot of things, but for one, it is the best I know about. Let me tell you what that is with a story."

Bishop Eyring then proceeded to tell the audience about Pres. Bennion's great-grandfather, John Bennion. Citing entries from John Bennion's journal, Bishop Eyring stated: "That man did a remarkable thing. He built a school in his spare time."

Although John Bennion was a farmer, he spent many years hauling rock, building a structure, and working to establish a school in the Salt Lake Valley. "Remarkably, such sacrifice was repeated from the plains of Alberta to the mountain hamlets of Chihuahua," Bishop Eyring explained.

"But something John Bennion wrote down about why he did it, perhaps why they al;l did it, is the key to my answer of what you ought to want if you choose Ricks College. Here is the entry, in John Bennion's sparse style, but you'll get his meaning and see into his heart:

"'We expect to start a school here in a few days of a dozen scholars and as many more as we can get, the Lord's word is to us Schools, Meetings, righteousness Zion. We are all well.

"To John Bennion, scholars, schools, righteousness and Zion were all of one piece...Had he lived now...he would have told you that if you want a place where people believe scholars, schools, righteousness, and Zion can be part of a seamless whole, come here...

"Then, who should want to come to Ricks College?" Bishop Eyring asked. Answering his own question, he replied, "Anyone who can smile at the absence of most sources of pride and anyone to whom faith bound with study looks like the good life."