BYU Education Week theme from 36th Psalm
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Since 1922, students of all ages have gathered in Provo, Utah, to grow spiritually and gain knowledge by attending BYU's Campus Education Week.
More than 1,000 classes were available this year during the five-day conference, held Aug. 17-21. Subjects included education, religion, marriage, family relations, history, health, science and genealogy. Classes specific to the needs of youth were also offered.
"This year's theme, 'In Thy light shall we see light,' from the 36th Psalm, was chosen to emphasize that it truly is by the Light of Christ that we see all things clearly," said Elder Cecil O. Samuelson of the Seventy and president of BYU, during the devotional held Tuesday morning, Aug. 18. "We hope that light will also guide and inspire you as you attend Education Week this year."
With a variety of topics to choose from and classes available in almost every building on the BYU Campus, Education Week has become a gathering place for Latter-day Saints from around the world to continue their pursuit of lifelong learning. Annual registration for the conference usually exceeds 20,000 people.
"The objective of the program is to strengthen people spiritually and to encourage lifelong learning and service," said Neil Carlile, director of Campus Education Week.
Presenters this year were chosen from scholars, BYU faculty, instructors in the Church Educational System and other experts in their fields. This year, 186 presenters were needed for the 1,039 presentations.
"All of the classes are good, but some stay with you for a long time," said Marva Olsen of the Lehi 36th Ward, Lehi Utah East Stake. "It's just too bad we can't get more than a few classes in each day."
Education week, originally known as "Leadership Week," began in January 1922, when 2,046 attendees came for Church leadership training. Other than a few years during World War II, Education Week has been growing and, since then, classes for youth have been added, along with a broad scope of new topics each year. In 1963 the official name was changed from "Leadership Week" to "Education Week" and has grown to be one of the largest single-event adult continuing education programs in the United States.
But benefits of Education Week reach outside the U.S.
Sylvain and Stephane Heno, brothers from the Melun Ward, Paris France East Stake, included Education Week as part of their summer vacation to the United States.
"We don't see a lot of apostles [in France]," said Stephane, a teacher in his ward. His brother Slyvain, a priest, expects to grow spiritually from attending the conference.
No matter the age or background of an individual, Education Week includes classes to benefit all wanting and willing to learn.
"I just hope they will be inspired by something they hear here," said Brother Carlile. "A lot of times people will have specific challenges in their lives — their kids, their marriage and other worries — and they are coming and looking for gospel approaches and ideas to meet those problems." It is comforting to be here and hear their situation [from others], and know they aren't the only ones in their situation. We just hope people will find inspiration while they are here."
For individuals unable to physically attend Education Week, selected portions of presentations have been broadcast to viewers in the United States and abroad since 1996. The selections are available through BYU Television.
