BYU students paid President Gordon B. Hinckley their highest honor April 18 as they presented him with the prestigious 1994-95 Exemplary Manhood Award.

Meeting with the prophet in a board room in the Church Administration Building, members of the university's Student Service Association presented President Hinckley with a letter of commendation and list of previous award recipients. Matthias Cowley, 1994-95 BYU Student Service Association president, spoke for the 12 members of the association seated around the conference table and "on behalf of the students of Brigham Young University.""Your life of service sets a wonderful example for the students of Brigham Young University," Pres. Cowley read from the award letter. "Your commitment to family, Church, community, and our university is genuinely exemplary and worthy of this recognition.

"We appreciate the example you set for us. Your constant devotion to follow Christ and your enthusiasm for His work motivate us to firmly base our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your exemplary service. We love you."

The Student Service Association president also explained that a $500 scholarship will be established in President Hinckley's name.

In thanking the students for the award, President Hinckley said: "I'm honored, to say the least, highly honored. I appreciate this very much. I don't feel deserving of this, but I'm grateful to have it."

Continuing, the prophet expressed the hope that the $500 scholarship will benefit a "worthy and needy student."

President Hinckley concluded the award presentation by telling the young people: "I'll treasure [the award], not only for the honor that you pay me directly, but also to join the company of exemplary manhood/womanhood awardees who have received this honor in the past."

The first Exemplary Manhood Award was presented to Marion D. Hanks for the 1959-60 school year. Others who have received the award have included Church Presidents David O. McKay, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball and Ezra Taft Benson. President Howard W. Hunter received the award when he served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve. On alternate years, the Exemplary Womanhood Award is presented by students. Belle S. Spafford, former Relief Society general president, was the first to receive the award during the 1974-75 school year. Others who have received the award include Camilla Kimball, Flora Benson, Barbara B. Smith, Patricia T. Holland and Ardeth G. Kapp.