BYU-Idaho graduates first class
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REXBURG, Idaho — "Keep the faith," President Gordon B. Hinckley urged the first graduating class of Brigham Young University-Idaho April 27.
Speaking during the first commencement exercises since Ricks College became a baccalaureate-granting university on Aug. 10, 2001, President Hinckley told 2,497 BYU-Idaho graduates: "This is my message to you this morning: What a wonderful generation you are. You are young and bright and forward looking. You are men and women of integrity, of high hopes, of ambition."
On this crisp spring morning in Rexburg, President Hinckley was named the first recipient of a BYU-Idaho honorary doctorate. Presenting the degree of "Doctor of Christian Service and Leadership, honoris causa," was BYU-Idaho President David A. Bednar, and conferring the degree were Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve, who is also Church Commissioner of Education, and Donald C. Bird, academic vice president.
In reading the citation, President Bednar said: "As the transition from Ricks College to Brigham Young University-Idaho moves forward, we have special reason to honor President Hinckley. His vision of education has largely impacted the direction of the new four-year institution, as well as the lives of each student who attends. From a university whose motto is 'Rethinking Education,' it is appropriate to pay tribute to one who fully exemplifies that philosophy."
In accepting the honor, President Hinckley expressed his gratitude, quipping, "I'm so pleased, I think I may come back next year," bringing laughter from the audience.
The Church president then addressed the transition of what had been a two-year college to a four-year university. He said he had always been concerned with the fact "we are educating an ever diminishing percentage of the young people of the Church. While reflecting on this fact the thought came, and I am confident it was inspiration, that we could increase the number touched by our higher education program if Ricks were to become a four-year school offering baccalaureate degrees."
President Hinckley commended President Bednar and faculty for their success in this "complex undertaking."
Continuing in his remarks to the graduates, President Hinckley spoke of the faith of the 14-year-old Joseph Smith determining to "ask of God."
"Think of the consequences of that act of faith. On that spring day, after centuries of time, the curtains were parted and there appeared before him God the Eternal Father, and the Risen Lord. From that grand event has come all that this Church is today. You are here because of it. You would not be here if Joseph had not gone in prayer in simple faith.
"And so my challenge to you this morning is that throughout your lives you cultivate and act with faith — faith in yourselves, faith in your associates, faith in the Church, faith in God, your Eternal Father."
President Hinckley then expounded on his challenge:
"Keep faith with yourselves."
President Hinckley told graduates they didn't come into the world to fail. "You came into the world to succeed. You have accomplished much so far. It is only the beginning. As you move forward on the trail of life, keep the banner of faith in self ever before you. You may not be a genius. You may not be exceptionally smart. But you can be good and you can try. And you will be amazed at what might happen when in faith you take a step forward.
"Keep faith with your associates.
You will never be alone. In this world we work together to accomplish things. We marry and have companions. We have children. We have associates in the Church. We work with others in our daily pursuits. Never lose faith in your opportunity to lift those who are in need, to give strength to those who are weak, to give encouragement to those who falter by the way.
"Keep faith with the Church.
Those who have gone before you have paid a terrible price for that which you have today. They have looked to you and hoped and prayed that you would be ever true to the cause which was so precious to them.
"Keep faith with God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Keep that humility which will cause you to get on your knees in prayer, in acknowledgment of His power and goodness. He will not fail you. He will hear your prayers. He will answer your prayers. In the stillness of the night, you will hear the whisperings of His Spirit to direct you in your times of distress and need."
In his remarks, Elder Eyring spoke of "debt management," not debts of money, but of gratitude. "Let me give you three rules of managing the debts of gratitude you have accumulated here.
"First, wherever you may labor in life, give more than you take. Second, whoever is around you in life, find someone to help. And, third, ask God to multiply the power of your efforts to give and to help."
President Bednar, too, addressed students: "Today you graduates become the first official alumni of BYU-Idaho. You now have the responsibility to help the world better understand who we are and what we do at this remarkable institution. How you live, what you do, and what you become will ultimately define this university. May the Lord bless you as you always remember Him and serve Him with faith and diligence."
Among those graduating were 28 interior design students who were the first at BYU-Idaho to receive bachelor's degrees.
One student, Seth Geiger, 26, from Tallahassee, Fla., said of receiving his degree: "I think it's an awesome accomplishment. I've always wanted to be a Brigham Young alumni. When I heard the announcement [that Ricks College would become BYU-Idaho], it was very emotional for me. My getting my bachelors' degree in interior design has been such a long goal. It was even more special because it was from Brigham Young University."
He said he and his wife, Heather, are heading to Florida State University where he plans to earn a master's degree in interior design. "I hope to teach on the college level," he said.
E-mail: julied@desnews.com
