A new era begins at BYU-Hawaii
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LAIE, Hawaii — Counseling graduates to be righteous, effective leaders, Elder Richard G. Scott was the main speaker during a history-making BYU-Hawaii commencement on June 23.
After degrees were presented to 266 graduates during the ceremonies in Laie, a new era began at the Church-owned university with BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway turning over the reins to new President Steven C. Wheelwright, an internationally renowned emeritus scholar from Harvard Business School. (Please see June 9, 2007, Church News.)
During his remarks to the graduates, Elder Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve, congratulated them and offered advice "from his heart" to help them live up to his charge of becoming effective leaders.
The apostle encouraged the graduates to use correct principles to govern their lives.
"Strength comes from making decisions based on basic truths," said Elder Scott. "Exercise faith," he said. "Challenges are stepping stones to greater achievements."
Elder Scott told the graduates to establish strong families. "Trust in the Lord, follow the commandments, and you'll be filled with inspiration and power. Obedience brings confidence; confidence brings power."
"Give more than is expected," continued Elder Scott. "Average work is not acceptable from a graduate of this institution." He also encouraged the graduates to follow proper traditions, to let go of culture-based traditions that were not righteous. "Put the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ above all other traditions," he said.
Elder Scott also presented President Shumway with an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from the LDS Church Board of Education. In presenting the degree, Elder Richard G. Scott cited the numerous lifelong achievements of President Shumway. He ended by saying that President Shumway had served with "spiritual depth and unwavering devotion as a teacher, servant and friend. His service is always given in kindness.
"He calms the storms. His faith in Jesus Christ is vibrant. He is completely dedicated to serving the Lord."
Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the Seventy and Church Commissioner of Education then presented President Shumway with a special citation from the Church Board of Trustees, saying, "President Shumway is the closest thing to a father the BYU-Hawaii campus has. He and his wife, Carolyn, have been part of 80 percent of the history of BYU-Hawaii.
"They have been equally yoked in building the university and the kingdom of God," he continued. "Together they epitomize the 'genuine gold' President McKay said the university would produce. He concluded by saying that the Shumways had "provided a marvelous legacy for others to build on in the future."
President and Sister Shumway were then presented with a framed version of the citation, along with a bronze statue of President David O. McKay — a gift that President Shumway has often given others. The tributes were capped with a sincere standing ovation from the crowd gathered in the Cannon Activities Center.
An emotional and heartfelt "Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!" was Sister Shumway's response to the tributes. President Shumway said that the honor he received was shared by many others who had worked with him through his years of service. He quoted President Hinckley, saying, "When you serve the Lord and He wears you out on one side; He turns you over and wears out the other." He concluded saying, "When we cease serving, we lose the ability to be effective in the world."
President and Sister Shumway have lived in Hawaii since 1966, when he began teaching at what was then the Church College of Hawaii. He was inaugurated as the university's president in 1994.
Another historical mark in the history of BYU-Hawaii graduations was the announcement of co-valedictorians, Tin Yan Grace Lee, of Hong Kong, and David Rainey, of Boise, Idaho. Only four preceding times in the history of BYU-Hawaii have there been co-valedictorians: in 1979, 1980, 1982, and 1992.
