PROVO, Utah — Almost $380 million — "What a wonderful reason for a celebration!" proclaimed President Gordon B. Hinckley Sept. 24.

Speaking to more than 14,000 people gathered in the BYU Marriott Center, President Hinckley lauded the overwhelming success of BYU's and BYU-Hawaii's "Lighting the Way for the 21st Century" capital campaign.

The celebration included speakers and musical selections — as well as a video presentation featuring BYU Pres. Merrill J. Bateman standing on top of nearby Squaw Peak, cheering the new heights BYU has reached in fund-raising.

The money raised during the campaign far exceeded the university's original expectations and was collected well ahead of the originally scheduled August 2000 completion date.

"You started out to raise $217 million — and that is a lot of money — then increased that to $250 million," said President Hinckley. "You expected you might reach that goal by August of next year. Now you've raised almost $380 million, and have done so before the close of 1999."

Five years ago, BYU launched the capital campaign. Following a two-year "silent phase" of fund-raising, President Hinckley spoke at the campaign kickoff in April 1996, encouraging volunteers and potential donors to accelerate their efforts.

During the campaign celebration, President Hinckley expressed thanks to those who had heeded his challenge. "What you've done is an achievement. It is a magnificent achievement. It has come about through the efforts of you wonderful men and women, who have given your time and talents and your means to this tremendous undertaking."

President Hinckley then told the audience that it is his hope that before the end of the year the almost $380 million — $317 million already received and another $60 million in pledges — will be surpassed. He challenged those present to raise an additional $20 million before end of 1999 and the Dec. 31 official close of the campaign. "I am satisfied that we can do it," he said.

President Hinckley was accompanied to the event by his wife, Marjorie. Also in attendance were Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve; Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve and commissioner of Church Education, and his wife, Kathleen; Elder Richard C. Edgley, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, and his wife, Pauline; and BYU Pres. Merrill J. Bateman of the Seventy and his wife, Marilyn.

During his address, President Hinckley explained that the generosity of those who contributed — nearly 145,000 people — places an obligation on the university. "With every dollar given the school accepts an added trust. Those who give expect wise use of their money. . . . Wisely invested, this money will go on paying dividends, presumably forever. No one can measure the good that will be accomplished. Programs will be instituted that would otherwise have to be postponed or cast aside. Faculty members will benefit in a wonderful way. The students will become the ultimate beneficiaries of all of this. No one can foretell the unlimited possibilities which lie ahead for them."

This extra money, he continued, will result in extra accomplishment. "Let us march forward in the light of this great accomplishment into the 21st Century that lies ahead. What a marvelous and wonderful thing it is that we live at this great and important season in the history of the world. The passing of the centuries, and the dawning of one new millennium after another has passed. Let us live up to the great possibilities which God has given us as His sons and daughters."

During a press conference before the celebration, President Hinckley called the Church's commitment to BYU and BYU-Hawaii unwavering.

"These great institutions will continue to have a positive influence not only throughout the Church but throughout the world. There is a great need today not only for people of great intellect but of great integrity. As more and more of our gifted graduates rise through the ranks of industry and commerce, of government and diplomacy, of science and technology, of arts and entertainment, so will their influence be felt and measured where they may be."

Pres. Bateman noted during the press conference that the capital campaign funding will help not only BYU students but also other young adults in the Church — who may not be able to attend BYU because of the university's enrollment cap.

First, he explained, the university has increased enrollment from 27,000 to 29,000. Second, he said, enrollment during spring and summer terms at BYU has been opened to any student with a bishop's endorsement and a high school certificate. Third, he concluded, the campaign has helped the university develop online courses. Currently, 126 BYU classes are taught via the World Wide Web — reaching Church members far removed from the BYU campus.

"We see no prospect of being able to build enough buildings to handle the demand that is there. That is not the route we have chosen to go. . . . We need to find creative ways to interface with these young people and be a blessing in their lives without them having to physically come here," he said.

During the celebration, Pres. Bateman noted that the money from the campaign will not only go to extend BYU's reach, but will also be used in the classroom, the laboratory and in developing friends across the world.

He said there is only one way to summarize the success of the campaign: "I honestly believe that people have caught the vision of what Brigham Young University is all about, which is blessing the lives of young people and opening the doors to develop friends across the world."

BYU-Hawaii Pres. Eric Shumway also spoke, highlighting the things the capital campaign has done for BYU-Hawaii. "The obvious answer is in the millions of generous dollars raised for critical programs and scholarship endowments that will provide desperately needed financial assistance for more LDS international students who have no hope otherwise for a university education."

He called the "Lighting the Way" campaign a spiritual journey. "The Lord continues to bless those who give," he said.