President Packer, distinguished alumnus
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PROVO, Utah — Called an "exemplary teacher" and "spiritual leader," President Boyd K. Packer was honored May 24 as the Distinguished Alumnus of BYU's David O. McKay School of Education.
The Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, President Packer was among the first three students to receive a doctorate of education from the college in 1962. In his comments, the former seminary and institute instructor paid tribute to the fellow teacher for whom the college is named.
"President McKay was a powerful presence," President Packer said. "He was always dignified. He always spoke and talked of education. (President McKay) fostered the normal schools in the early days, which fed in eventually to the school here and was the beginning of the school of education."
The Church's ninth president was also a lifelong student who was sensitive to the teachings of the Spirit even in his final day, President Packer added. It was also President McKay who called a young Boyd K. Packer to be a General Authority.
"President McKay was a prophet, a great prophet. They are all great, but he was singular."
President Packer said the David O. McKay School of Education is given a "marvelous opportunity to teach teachers."
"With due respect to the other colleges that teach professionals, the teaching of teachers holds the promise of having greater influence across the Church and across the world than any other college here at BYU," President Packer said. "In my mind, it is the premier college. You have the privilege of and responsibility of teaching teachers, whose influence never ends."
In his introduction, the David O. McKay School of Education Dean K. Richard Young honored President Packer as "a noble educator and watchman on the tower."
"President Packer, we honor you as an exemplary teacher, spiritual leader, and as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as our most Distinguished Alumnus," said Dean Young
President Packer was presented with an oil painting created by artist Robert T. Barrett. The painting portrays President Packer in the foreground with President David O. McKay looking over President Packer's shoulder.
