PROVO, Utah — If there is anything that is needed in the world it is charity and kindness, said President Gordon B. Hinckley Aug. 12 to BYU's last graduating class of the 1900s.

President Hinckley presided over and offered brief remarks during the August commencement exercises, held in the university's Marriott Center. During the ceremony, he admonished 2,678 students that as they find success in the world to never forget to reach out, with love and concern, to those who "walk the unsteady and wandering path of life."

Sister Margaret D. Nadauld, general Young Women president, conducted the ceremony, marking the first time in more than 50 years that more women than men have received BYU degrees. Also in attendance were Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve, who also spoke; Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve; Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve and commissioner of Church Education; BYU Pres. Merrill J. Bateman of the Seventy; Elder David E. Sorensen, Elder Jay E. Jensen and Elder John M. Madsen all of the Seventy; Relief Society Gen. Pres. Mary Ellen Smoot; and Primary Gen. Pres. Patricia P. Pinegar.

Elder Jon M. Huntsman, an Area Authority Seventy and founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Huntsman Corporation, offered the commencement address and received an honorary doctorate of Christian Service in recognition of his years of "service, leadership and selfless generosity." Robert C. Bowden, music director and conductor of the Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus for 25 years, was recognized by the university with a presidential citation and medallion.

"Congratulations to you on the honor which you have received," said President Hinckley to Brother Bowden, who will retire this month. "You deserve it and we all commend you for the tremendous accomplishment of your life."

President Hinckley then spoke of Jon Huntsman: "I can only say that among the men I have known and met . . . many in very high and distinguished positions, I don't know of anyone quite to equal Jon Huntsman — a man of tremendous accomplishment."

Speaking of Elder Huntsman's "daring, boldness, wisdom, strength and ability," President Hinckley asked the graduates to follow his great example of charity and kindness.

"Go forward now with your lives," said President Hinckley. "Take from this institution the faith which has nurtured and sustained you while you have been here."

Elder Haight also spoke of charity. "I hope you have been listening today," he told the graduates. "What an opportunity you have had this day, and will have, to ponder life, its importance, what you might do and the contribution you might make."

Elder Haight noted that President Bateman asked him to say a few things about his son-in-law, Jon Huntsman. "I want to tell you that he is real," said Elder Haight. "He is as good as he sounds. He is as good as the statements that he makes. He follows through and accomplishes the goals that he sets. Such an individual is possible in today's society, an individual who has respect for his religious beliefs, who practices them and who lives the simple concepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Over the years, Elder and Sister Huntsman have contributed to a variety of charitable causes, including education, the arts, hospitals, the environment and humanitarian aid. They contributed $100 million to establish the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, have been major contributors to flood relief efforts in Thailand, and have been involved in on-going assistance to 1988 earthquake victims in Armenia.

During his commencement address, Elder Huntsman explained that charitable living starts with small donations of money or time.

He said that when he and his wife, Karen, first married they established a firm agreement that they would always set aside a certain sum of money to help others. "Our first salary was only $322 per month," he said. "Fifty dollars of that was donated to help the poor. Ten percent was paid for tithing. We lived modestly from the remainder. . . .

"Now, three decades later, our business has grown and expanded to become the largest privately owned chemical business throughout the world — but our love and concern for others has never varied."

Elder Huntsman called it a privilege and honor to give to others. He told the graduates to go forward with hope, determination and personal commitment that whatever they will do in life, it will involve "the lifting and loving of others. Be constantly mindful of those who are less fortunate."

Pres. Bateman told the graduates to take their BYU experiences and spend their life learning and serving others.

"As you leave this university and establish your roots somewhere in the world, participate in the greatest work on this earth of building a worldwide community of saints. Live the gospel in a manner that allows you to transcend cultural barriers and make friends wherever you go. Exercise your faith to produce the small miracles that will change another person's life. 'Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.' (D&C 64:33.)"

Sister Nadauld reminded the students that part of their education at BYU included solid Christian values. "You have been taught to follow the example of Christ," she said.

She asked them to guard their homes and be an influence in their larger communities.

"May you women, you accomplished, capable, well-educated women, never apologize for following the traditions that have made our society strong, the traditions of vigilant watch care over home and family as your No. 1 priority.

"May every man here who has been blessed with the advantages with which you have been blessed stand prepared to make a living and write on his heart forever the words of prophets of God telling him that his primary duty is to be the protector and the provider in the family setting."

Sister Nadauld noted society needs men and women who realize that what is socially acceptable may not always be morally right. "The world has enough men and women who know how to be brilliant. It needs some who will be brave. The world has enough men and women who are popular. It needs more who are pure. Now, go forth to serve."