When Brigham Young University Student Service Association (BYUSA) officers entered the Ambassador Room of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City Oct. 24, their intention was to present the Exemplary Manhood Award to President Thomas S. Monson. They didn't expect him to turn the spotlight on them.

Before student body president Dallin Anderson had the opportunity to present the award at a luncheon, President Monson, accompanied by his wife, Frances, shook hands with each student and asked where he or she was from. They all seemed amazed to discover that he had a personal comment to make regarding their families or other people they knew, their home towns, wards or stakes, or the schools they attended before coming to BYU.Taking the time to notice and comment on various characteristics and accomplishments of others is one of the qualities for which President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, is so much admired. In fact, it was one of the traits cited in the presentation of the award to President Monson.

The student leader said he had talked with students about the reasons why the award should be given to President Monson. "There are several [reasons]," he noted. Speaking to President Monson, he said: "You're very personable with people. You have a great love for individuals, especially for children. Your smile and your humor are wonderful gifts. Your zest for life points all of us to a more realistic and human perspective about the Church and Church service."

In making the presentation, the student body president noted that President Monson has devoted most of his life to Church service, and said, "It is a wonderful example and certainly an impressive commitment to the gospel and to the Savior. Your service to the community, particularly to the Boy Scouts of America, and to several other community endeavors is exemplary.

"Of particular importance to us is your service to the university as a member of the executive committee and board of trustees and a member of the Church Board of Education. We thank you for your service to the students at Brigham Young University."

Concluding his presentation, the student body president told President Monson: "We appreciate your inspiring speeches. Most particularly [we appreciate] your wonderful example to the gospel. Recognizing your example for what it means to be a man, and more particularly a man of Christ, we're honored to give to you the 1997 Exemplary Manhood Award."

The student leader presented a carved stone statuette of a cougar, BYU's mascot, and two cubs to President Monson.

Accepting the statuette, President Monson commented on his interest in nature and spoke of a cougar's resourcefulness and ability to fend for itself. He gave a couple of examples of how ferocious cougars can be and then, with a conspiratorial smile, said that he hoped the BYU Cougars would have the same kind of stamina and determination on the football field to "eliminate" their opponent the next day. "Not physically, but with valor!" he quickly added. (On Saturday, Oct. 25, BYU defeated Texas Christian University, 31-10, at Cougar Stadium in Provo.)

In a more serious vein, President Monson said that he has heard sportscasters and others praise BYU, declaring they had never seen a more beautiful campus. "But I like to receive the letters which say, `I've never met more outstanding young people than I've seen at BYU.' That's really what counts - not whether we win a game, but how well we conduct ourselves. . . .

"This is such a rich time of your life," President Monson told the students. "Enjoy every day. I've always said `Learn from the past, prepare for the future, but live in today. If you don't live in today, you'll have a lot of empty yesterdays tomorrow.' We don't want that to happen to anybody. So, every day, may we each one be his or her best self, and may we recognize the truth of the gospel and be exemplary in every aspect of our lives."

"You're in the Ambassador room," President Monson said in conclusion. "Not everybody gets into the Ambassador room, but you're truly ambassadors for the Lord. Go forth."

The BYU Exemplary Manhood Award was first given in 1959 and alternates with the Exemplary Womanhood Award each year. It is given to those who embody the Christlike principles and values upon which BYU and the Church are founded. President Gordon B. Hinckley received the Exemplary Manhood Award in 1995. Last year, Sister Hinckley was presented the Exemplary Womanhood Award.

With the students at the award luncheon were Alton Wade, vice president of student life, and Janet Scharman, dean of students.