Young Women General President teaches

BYU-Idaho graduates the importance of lifelong learning

More than 1,000 Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates learned about the importance of lifelong learning in an address given by Susan W. Tanner, general president of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at fall commencement exercises held Friday, December 14.

Sister Tanner began by sharing personal experiences of memorizing meaningful poems, songs, or scriptural passages. This practice of memorizing and reciting pieces of literature as a Christmas or birthday gift has become a tradition in the Tanner family. "This way our offerings could be described the same as William Shakespeare describes mercy: 'It is twice blessed; it blesses him that gives and him that takes,'" she said.

Sister Tanner also emphasized the difference between learning by heart and learning by rote. "Learning by heart means to learn something so deeply that it becomes part of our core; it fills us; it changes us," she said. "This type of learning by heart prepares our minds and hearts for revelation and witnessing from the Holy Ghost."

The graduates were also advised to continue to follow the BYU-Idaho Learning Model, which states: "Learning to act in accordance with one's faith in Christ is fundamental to enjoying deep, life-changing learning. The power we access by acting in faith that is focused on the Savior allows us to exceed our natural limits and learn beyond our natural capabilities."

Through this continual learning, Sister Tanner taught, graduates can become of greater service to others and to the Church as a whole. As an example, she shared experiences she had with President Gordon B. Hinckley while taking ambassadors from the Czech Republic and China to visit him. 

"In each case we were astounded as to the depth of his knowledge of the historical and political events of those lands. He is well read. He is a good thinker. He has a good memory and is wise in his ability to assimilate and utilize his knowledge. This lifelong learning has allowed him to be much more serviceable in the kingdom," Sister Tanner said.

By following a pattern of learning important truths by heart, Sister Tanner concluded, graduates would gain knowledge and wisdom. She taught that wisdom is treasured up the heart, through "appreciating in our hearts our blessings of protection, comfort, and peace; by pondering in our hearts moments of inspiration and revelation received from the Holy Ghost; and above all, by remembering - remembering in our hearts that we are covenant children of Heavenly Father."

A total of 1,079 BYU-Idaho students received diplomas at December commencement. Of those, 441 are males and 638 are females. The university awarded 993 bachelor's degrees and 105 associate degrees.