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Elder Monte J. Brough of the Presidency of
the Seventy, CES Administrator Roger Christensen and President
Kim B. Clark of BYU-Idaho all shared their congratulations and
advice with BYU-Idaho graduates at commencement Friday, Dec. 17.
During fall commencement, the first ever at night, 758
bachelor’s degrees were awarded to BYU-Idaho students, 35
percent more than last year’s Fall graduation. The increase in
students receiving bachelor degrees was mirrored by a decreased
number of associate degrees; 283 were awarded as opposed to 355
last year.
Roy Huff, Associate Academic Vice President, said that the
increase in bachelor’s degrees is a sign that the three-tier
track system at BYU-Idaho is working; students attending school
at other times of the year than the traditional fall/winter
semesters are starting to receive their degrees.
“Last April was the first time we awarded more bachelor’s
degrees than associates,” said Brother Huff. “Now it’s more that
doubled, and it happened a lot sooner than we anticipated. The
number of graduates shocked us, but we’re trying to give equal
treatment to students on any track.”
In his remarks to attendees, Elder Brough, using the story of
the Children of Israel, drew an analogy between graduation and
the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
In the book of Numbers (Number 13-14), Moses sends a group of men to scout the
land of Canaan. Among these are Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb,
son of Jephunneh. Upon returning, Joshua and Caleb were the only
two who were positive about the land of Canaan. The other scouts
claimed that Canaan was “too tough, and [the Children of Israel]
could not succeed.”
“They had excuses about the mountains, the competition, about
the difficulty of raising food crops, and other obstacles,” said
Elder Brough. “It cost the Israelites many more years of
languish because they were unwilling to sacrifice for the new
environment.”
Joshua and Caleb remained optimistic, saying, “Give us the
mountain" (Joshua 14:12).
Elder Brough told graduates that the world is more of a mountain
than a lush valley. “Because of the complexity and importance of
their condition, Moses gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments.
I assert that every person in this room will benefit by knowing
Caleb’s Ten Suggestions.”
“Get ye up this way southward and go up into the mountain"
(Numbers 13:17). We
must understand the requirements and expectations that are made
for us. Leaders and mentors can help us to set righteous goals.
“Let us go up at once" (Numbers 13:30). - Preparation is important, but
procrastination is not.
“We are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30). - Caleb knew that a certain
amount of self-confidence needs to be a part of our lives.
“The land is an exceedingly good land" (Numbers 14:7). – Be optimistic about
life.
“The Lord is with us: fear them not" (Numbers 14:9). – “The concept of knowing
that the Lord is with us is one of Caleb’s most powerful
suggestions,” said Elder Brough. “The fact that you are gaining
an education shows that you are doing what the Lord would have
you do.” Accepting callings and assignments and being
temple-worthy are also signs that the Lord is on our side. A
knowledge that one is pursuing the will of God gives one
assurance and power.
“I am this day fourscore and five years old" (Joshua 14:10). – Life is a race
for time, but, Elder Brough said, “The value of life’s
experiences completely overcomes the loss of time.”
“So is my strength now" (Joshua 14:11). – Care for your physical bodies.
“And your seed with you" (Numbers 18:19). – We follow God with commitment so our
posterity will benefit from our lives.
“To him will I give the land" (Deut. 1:36). – The blessings we
receive from the Lord can bless our children; our first goal
should be “I’ll be a wonderful member of my family.”
“And she said unto him, give me a blessing" (Judges 1: 15). –
Caleb gave his daughter the necessary resources and let her
work.
He concluded, “We congratulate you, we honor you, we are proud
of you. I speak for the university, the Church, your families,
and I say to you wonderful graduates, go climb your mountain!”
In his remarks at commencement, Brother Christensen urged
graduates to go out in the world and make a difference. He
shared four keys to success: “make learning a life-long process,
be honest in all you do, do the very best you can whatever you
do, and anchor your life in the Savior.”
“Whatever you do, don’t stop building on the foundation you have
started while studying here,” he said. A college education
should be the stepping stone for a lifetime of learning. To
continue to learn is to continue to grow. Reflecting the
teachings of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Brother Christensen
explained that for disciples of Jesus Christ, education prepares
one for greater service to God.
He discussed the growing mindset of situational ethics in
today’s world. “James pointed out that, ‘A double minded man is
unstable in all his ways’ (James 1:8). Graduates should be like
the people of Ammon in the Book of Mormon: ‘perfectly honest and
upright in all things . . .’” (Alma 27:27).
“You don’t need to be famous to be great . . . Do the very best
you can and opportunities will come to you,” he continued,
noting that most people change careers from four to seven times
during their life. “Cream always rises to the top.”
Graduates can remain on safe ground by being “firmly anchored in
Christ.” Brother Christensen shared an insight by President
Howard W. Hunter – lives centered on the Savior will not go
permanently wrong, but lives not centered on the Savior can
never be permanently right.
“The real value of your education . . . is not what you have
been able to get, but what you will now be able to give,” he
concluded.
President Kim B. Clark said that the university has sought to
prepare its students to be both disciples of Christ and leaders,
roles that depend on agency and adherence to the principles of
the gospel.
Character, competence and confidence are “three principles that
will help you realize the great promise in your discipleship and
leadership,” said President Clark.
“Character is the complex of personal attributes that define
your capacity to act according to what is true and right in all
circumstances,” he said. He cited Elder Richard G. Scott, who
taught that character is used, not developed in moments of
trial. President Clark compared the process of developing
character to building a house. The foundation of the Rock of
Christ provides a firm foundation on which to build a house of
integrity and character.
He suggested that graduates do an integrity and character audit
and make their lives consistent with their beliefs.
Graduates will fill a variety of jobs both in the Church and the
world. These jobs demand competence. “You do not need to be the
world’s expert,” said President Clark. “With faith in the Lord
and a willingness to do your best, you develop competence in
your work and service.” God magnifies the capabilities of those
who try their best.
On a practical note, President Clark said that graduates need to
take the time to listen and learn from those around them; not
only employers or bosses, but co-workers, ward members and
less-prominent people who may “have critical knowledge that you
need.” That knowledge may be how something works or how to be a
better parent.
The road ahead will not be easy, but must be faced “head on.”
“Where does that confidence come from?” asked President Clark.
“Let me make it very, very clear. It does not come from you. The
confidence you need is confidence in the Lord.”
Ammon in the Book of Mormon did not boast in his own strength,
but in the strength of his God. “This strength is rooted in the
Atonement,” said President Clark. It is important to pray for
help to trust in the Lord rather than in the arm of flesh.
Finally, he requested that graduates “take the Spirit of Ricks”
with them. “I hope and pray that wherever you go, whatever you
do, [people] will see in you the principles, the purposes, and
the spirit of BYU-Idaho.” |