Life's setbacks 'can inspire you forward'
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PROVO, Utah — Seven years ago, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney believed his time in public office had passed. Then he answered a call from then-Governor George W. Bush asking to help him find a running mate for vice president.
"The lesson I want to share with you is this: if you ever get asked to head up an important search committee, say yes," Vice President Cheney told the thousands who gathered April 26 at Brigham Young University's Marriott Center for the school's 2007 commencement exercises.
His humorous advice drew plenty of laughs, but also emphasized a pivotal lesson to the many who claimed degrees this year at the Church-owned school: be on watch for those unexpected opportunities that point to a new, rewarding direction.
Vice President Cheney offered BYU's commencement address after accepting an honorary doctorate in public service from the school. "I leave here," he said, "as a proud member of the Brigham Young University Class of 2007."
He was joined at the annual graduation exercises by President Gordon B. Hinckley, along with Elder Richard G. Scott and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve, Commissioner of Church Education Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the Seventy and Young Women General President Susan W. Tanner, a member of BYU's Board of Trustees. BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson of the Seventy conducted the exercises and shared remarks.
The vice president's visit to Utah was accompanied by measured controversy. Groups of protestors staged rallies at various spots in Utah County. But the Wyoming native enjoyed an enthusiastic, vocal welcome when he entered the Marriott Center with President Hinckley and other Church and school leaders. He would receive more than a dozen applauses during an address that included practical advice and moments of levity not always associated with the nation's No. 2 man.
Graduation always produces a mix of emotions, he said. There's the pride in achieving a high goal — and the sadness of leaving a beloved place where lifelong character is fortified.
"We had a glimpse of that character of BYU again last Friday, when this campus held a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech," Mr. Cheney said. "More than a place of learning, BYU is a community of faith and kindness and compassion."
He called BYU "one of the finest universities in the United States," and said it was an honor to be in the company of President Hinckley, "a distinguished American and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
The Republican politico is not the first member of the Cheney family to enjoy a connection to BYU. He spoke of his wife, Lynne Cheney, whose father grew up in Provo. Two of her great-grandparents graduated from Brigham Young Academy. Meanwhile, Mrs. Cheney's great-great-grandmother was a Church member and a Mormon pioneer to the Salt Lake Valley.
"My wife has done a lot of research and she's very proud of her Utah heritage," Vice President Cheney said. "And as of today, she has a higher opinion of me, too — now that I have an honorary degree from Brigham Young University."
The Class of 2007 will never forget favorite campus haunts such as the Wilkinson Student Center, he added. Those same students likely won't miss the testing center or dealing with the school's traffic office.
"But you'll remember that every year you've been at BYU, the school has been ranked No. 1 in the category of 'Stone Cold Sober,' the vice president said, earning more applause. "And you'll remember, of course, the Cougars basketball team beating Utah your senior year — and that day in the football stadium when you saw Jonny Harline's answered prayer."
Turning a bit more serious, Vice President Cheney recalled that unexpected request from President Bush seven years ago. He spoke of being set on paths of new direction. He remembered his first, inauspicious meeting with Congressman Donald Rumsfeld. The two "didn't click" that first day. But, over time, Congressman Rumsfeld noticed Dick Cheney's work, offered him a position in the executive branch, and became a close friend and mentor.
"There will be people like this in your own life who keep an eye on you, and reward your efforts, and help bring out your strengths," Vice President Cheney said. "Sometimes others know better than we do just what our talents are, and how we can make good use of them. For all the plans we make in life, sometimes life has other plans for us."
The vice president spoke of being dismissed from Yale University while an undergraduate. He experienced failure and setbacks — a condition that likely awaits many new BYU graduates at some point. His message: don't give up.
"I have met some very successful people in my day — men and women of talent and character who have risen to the very top of their fields. And it's the rare one who hasn't had a taste of failure, or a false start along the way.
"Setbacks in life can stop you dead in your tracks, or they can inspire you forward."
America remains a country of second chances, he noted. Most end up needing one, he said, and added that a grateful heart is an admirable personality trait.
In his opening remarks, President Samuelson spoke of the commencement exercise as a transition to opportunities and future growth. "I'm personally grateful that we don't describe these as 'end of the road' exercises."
He counseled graduates to seek opportunities to serve their families, their church, their country and their alma mater. He advised them to exercise fiscal responsibility.
"Do not mortgage your future by making unwise economic choices in the immediate years ahead," President Samuelson said.
He told the graduates to exercise gratitude, as did the one leper who thanked the Savior for His healing love.
"I'm sure you always wish to stand with the grateful one, and not the neglectful nine," he added.
Other speakers included BYU Alumni Association President Craig McIlroy and graduating student John Pearson.
Along with Vice President Cheney, honorary doctorates were bestowed on longtime BYU benefactors Ira and Mary Lou Fulton and Jack Robert and Mary Lois Wheatley.
In all, some 6,285 degrees were awarded, including 717 masters' degrees and 190 doctorates.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
