July 27, 2009

Spring 2009 graduates begin “lifelong resume”

 

Writer: Erica Colvin

 

Bishop Richard C. Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed 1,062 graduates at the Brigham Young University-Idaho Spring Commencement held July 23.

Bishop Edgley told the graduates, “You are here because of choices you have made and commitments you have met.” As graduates leave, their lifelong “resume” is only beginning, he said.

“Whatever your pursuit, as you write your final resume, protect and nurture your governing value system.” Bishop Edgley then shared how graduates can defend their standards by choosing faith, humility and gratitude, and choosing to be an example.

“Faith is not a gift given without thought, desire or effort. It is earned. It is a reward. It is a choice.” He admonished graduates to choose faith over doubt, fear, the unknown, and pessimism.

Many graduates, their parents or their grandparents have struggled to lay a foundation of success, he said. “They have instilled in you the virtues that will carry you through your future…. In all your success, don’t forget your roots.” He also encouraged those in attendance to watch how they accept success and how they treat the less successful.

In closing, Bishop Edgley said, “As a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho, you are already identified as one who has high standards. Believe me, you are a marked person. You are known to not only have high standards, you are expected to live them…. Choose to be a light and an example.”

BYU-Idaho President Kim B. Clark also addressed the graduates, calling the commencement “a joyous occasion, a cause for celebration.” President Clark then presented three principles to the graduates to help them on their future journey. First, he admonished students to “keep the Spirit with you.” Second, “serve the Lord,” and finally, “don’t let the world get into your heart.”