BYU launched the second phase of its capital campaign to raise $250 million by the end of the century during a gala on April 4, at which President Gordon B. Hinckley asked guests to accelerate the fund-raising drive.

The campaign, titled "Lighting the Way for the 21st Century," was launched two years ago by former BYU Pres. Rex E. Lee. The goal is to collect money to use in several areas to improve the quality and availability of an education at BYU and BYU-Hawaii. Co-chairmen of the campaign are business leaders Hyrum Smith, Alan C. Ashton and Jack R. Wheatley.The campaign's first two years were designated as the "silent" phase. Efforts during that time were focused on organization and collecting major donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Commitments for nearly half of the total target figure were received during the first two years.

The recent kickoff was to open the campaign's public phase, focusing on contributions of any amount from any donor. Attending the event were General Authorities, BYU and BYU-Hawaii administrators and deans, Congressional and state leaders, campaign volunteers and prospective donors.

Warming up the gala audience of about 800 with his gentle humor, President Hinckley said: "I am just a little troubled about one thing in this campaign and that is that you say it will take six years. I am nearly 86; I don't know if I will be around that long."

Moments later he added in a more serious tone: "I would just like to set forth a challenge tonight that we try to accelerate this. I think it can be done. I would like to challenge all of those who serve on

campaign committeesT so generously that we double our efforts, to speed it up."

During his remarks, President Hinckley said: "I am honored to express in behalf of the Trustees and the Church our very deep appreciation for what you are doing, for what you have given and for what you will give, for your generosity."

He called the dollars given to education an investment which pays returns far and wide through generations to come.

President Hinckley noted that BYU is the only university he knows of that could have as its motto: " `The glory of God is intelligence' or, to complete the verse, `in other words light and truth' (D&C 93:36)."

"It is a great and marvelous and successful experiment to demonstrate that there can be excellence in secular education and at the same time spiritual development in those who are being educated," he said. "I think there is nothing comparable to it to be found anywhere in this world. This is a unique and wonderful institution and it is worthy of the very best efforts of all who have an interest in it. Its reach is so far and for so long."

There are BYU graduates throughout the world, he pointed out, extending the reach and influence of the university.

Money earned through the campaign will not diminish the Church's contribution to the operation of BYU, President Hinckley said, adding that the money given by the Church is sacred and must be spent well.

He called the campaign "a big undertaking, but it certainly is not outside our capacity to achieve. Working together as people united in a great and singular and wonderful cause, we can do anything we set out to do, I have not the slightest doubt of that. My confidence is strong in this. My faith is sure concerning it. My prayer is that we will go to work, tackle it, make it work, do it quickly, and take just pride in the accomplishment of a great and wonderful objective that will go on bearing fruit for good for generations yet to come."

The gala began with a buffet in the main hall of the Harris Fine Arts Center. Then a meeting was held in the Gerrit de Jong, Jr. Concert Hall, conducted by Brother Smith. BYU Pres. Merrill J. Bateman and BYU-Hawaii Pres. Eric B. Shumway also spoke. A campaign film was shown and entertainment was provided by the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra and Combined Choirs. After the meeting, the audience returned to the main hall where there were refreshments and a short performance by the BYU Ballroom Dance Company.

In his remarks, Pres. Bateman, who is also a member of the Seventy, talked about the three areas that will be targeted for use of the the money raised through the campaign. (See related story on this page.)

He repeated a quote from the campaign booklet by President John Taylor: "You will see the day that Zion will be as far ahead of the outside world in everything pertaining to learning of every kind as we are today in regard to religious matters. You mark my words, and write them down, and see if they do not come to pass."

Then Pres. Bateman said: "One of the reasons I believe that will take place is because of the spiritual environment that we live in.

"The spiritual environment is for two purposes. One is to help the students who come experience a deepening of their faithful roots so that they know who they are and where they are going.

"But a second very important purpose for this spiritual environment which does not exist in the outside world is that that spiritual environment enhances the rate of secular learning. If we couple diligence and obedience to the principles of the gospel with diligence in our academic efforts, the Lord will bless us so that we will be the center of secular learning in the world.

"And I believe that is a very critical goal for us."

Pres. Shumway talked about the founding and purpose of the BYU-Hawaii campus.

"By design, the majority of our students come from the Pacific islands and Asia simply because they have so little means and opportunity," he said. "Many of these LDS students would be denied a higher education without sponsorship and help from the university. Besides the generous commitment of the Church, much of this help comes through facilitators and donors like yourselves.

"Many of these young people return to their countries and provide the leadership base for the Church and the communities where they live. And they are helping to extend the great movement of the Restoration throughout the world."

Pres. Bateman also presented original, limited-edition serigraphs by award-winning graphic artist McRay Magleby of the BYU faculty. He presented the first to President Hinckley "in honor of his leadership of BYU for decades and his foresight for its future." He gave the second to Sister Janet Lee in honor of her husband, Rex E. Lee, and his vision of the "Lighting the Way" campaign. Other serigraphs were given to Brother Ashton, Brother Smith and Brother Wheatley.