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Elder Perry Encourages Steadfastness
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke in a
BYU–Idaho devotional on Jan. 24, 2006. He counseled listeners to remain
strong in the gospel in spite of the ever-changing values in the world.
Referring to John 15:19, Elder Perry chose to separate the two
phrases of being “in the world” but not “of the world.” He said his
focus was to “talk about just being in the world.” Elder Perry
emphasized the fact that members of the Church must be a part of the
world and help prepare the world for Christ’s second coming. However, in
this they cannot fall into “sins of materialism in the world around us.”
Elder Perry offered a voice of warning and admonition, saying, “We have
embraced and committed ourselves to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is
completely contrary to Satan’s plan. He is doing everything he can to
destroy the family. Throughout your life, you must set an example of the
principles and doctrines which bring about the blessings of the Lord.”
Susan K. Bednar Named
Exemplary Woman
Susan K. Bednar, wife of former BYU–Idaho president Elder David A.
Bednar, received the Exemplary Woman Award at a special fireside held
Mar. 19, 2006, as part of Mothers’ Weekend and Winter Spirit Week.
“The purpose is to recognize women who are excellent role models
of faithful, righteous womanhood for our students,” said Kris Fillmore,
advisor for the Women’s Events Council at BYU–Idaho. “We feel it a
special privilege to acknowledge Sister Bednar as a woman who...has
influenced thousands of BYU–Idaho students’ lives.”
Sister Bednar has served in numerous church callings, including
Primary president, Young Women president, gospel doctrine teacher, and
Primary chorister.
Graduates Receive Counsel and
Diplomas at Night Ceremonies
Elder Monte J. Brough of the Presidency of the Seventy shared
congratulations and advice with BYU–Idaho graduates at commencement on
Friday, Dec. 17, 2005, the first ever held at night.
In his remarks, Elder Brough told graduates that the
world is more of a mountain than a lush valley. He said, “We
congratulate you, we honor you, we are proud of you.... I say to you
wonderful graduates, go climb your mountain.”
A total of 758 bachelor’s degrees were awarded, 35 percent more
than last year’s fall graduation. The increase in students receiving
bachelor’s 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, “Last April was the first time
we awarded more bachelor’s degrees than associates.” Huff indicates the
increase in bachelor’s degrees is a sign that the Three Track System is
working.
 Webcam
Monitors Temple Progress
Interested individuals worldwide can watch the ongoing progress
of the Rexburg Temple construction. Perched in a quiet corner of the
BYU–Idaho campus, a specially-assembled Webcam observes the temple’s
progress 24 hours a day. The temple view and other BYU–Idaho webcams can
be accessed at
www.byui.edu/webcameras.
A photographic chronology of the construction is available
on the Church’s Web site at
www.lds.org/temples.
BeSmart.com Web Design Receives Recognition
The Church Educational System Web site designed at BYU–Idaho received a
top honor from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The
Web site is a shared resource for all four institutions of higher
education and institutes affiliated with the Church. It is creatively
designed for prospective students ages 12-18 and offers information to
help them prepare for success in higher education.
The Grand Gold Award, the highest achievable
CASE
award for an individual entry, was presented in the electronic media
category for overall production and design of
www.BeSmart.com. Only one Grand Gold Award is presented
in six categories. The competition had over 600 entries from the Pacific
Northwest and Western Canada.
First Annual
BYU–Idaho Hymn Festival Held
BYU–Idaho held its first annual Hymn Festival Feb. 9, 2006, in the
Barrus Concert Hall. The festival featured 13 new hymns with text and
music written by BYU–Idaho students and faculty as well as members of
the community. Familiar hymns from the LDS hymnal were sung as BYU–Idaho
organ students and faculty provided accompaniment on the Ruffatti organ.
Scholarship Aids Disadvantaged
The recently established Heber J. Grant Scholarship Program at
BYU–Idaho provides support to students who have overcome circumstances
which could have negatively impacted their future. The program is named
for Heber J. Grant, seventh president of the Church. President Grant was
raised in poverty by his widowed mother. He became a skilled businessman
and influential church leader through hard work and persistence.
Students must provide a description of their situation along with a
complete explanation of what they have done during the semester in their
personal time. For more information, visit
www.byui.edu/heberjgrant.
New
Academic Calendar Approved
The BYU–Idaho Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to create a new
academic calendar for the institution. Beginning in 2007, the
university’s academic calendar will be organized into three 14-week
semesters. Classes will be 60 minutes in length with 15 minute breaks in
between. Classes will average approximately 30 students each. This
change is designed to increase the quality of instruction while allowing
a greater number of students to attend classes during the summer
semester.
Academic Colleges Realigned
Effective Jan. 1, 2006, academic colleges realigned in response to
continued growth and change at BYU–Idaho. The Department of Physical
Education, formerly part of the College of Education, moved to the
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The Department of History,
Geography, and Political Science moved to the College of Language and
Letters. The newly aligned College of Education and Human Development
joins the Departments of Home and Family, Teacher Education, Psychology,
Religion, and Sociology and Social Work.
Administrative Changes
Approved by Board
The BYU–Idaho Board of Trustees has approved three administrative
changes. Ric Page, who has served as the assistant vice president of
student life, will assume the newly created position of associate
academic vice president of administration. Clark Gilbert, who currently
serves as an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, will come
to BYU–Idaho in July to serve as the assistant vice president of student
life. Spalding Jugganaikloo will
serve as chief technology officer beginning in May. He currently is the
chief information officer and vice president of information technology
at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois.
Changes Made in Academic
Leadership
Changes in BYU–Idaho leadership include appointment of Kelly Burgener as
dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, Larry Thurgood as
dean of the College of Education and Human Development with John Thomas
as associate dean, and Sean Cannon as associate dean of the College of
Language and Letters. Other changes include academic chairs: William
Torngren, Department of Religion; Karen Holt, Department of English;
Susan Whitfield, Department of Theatre; and Garth Miller, Department of
Mechanical Engineering. Van Christman is the interim chair of the
Department of Teacher Education.
BYU–Idaho
Students Help Local Students Compete in Robotics
With the help of BYU–Idaho students and $40,000 in grants from
NASA,
four local high schools participated in the
FIRST (For Inspiration
and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition in
Portland, Ore., in March. Madison, Sugar-Salem, South Fremont, and Rigby
High Schools each received $10,000 from
NASA; $6,000 per school
was required to compete.
FIRST
is a non-profit organization which strives to make science and
technology more appealing for students. The
FIRST Robotics
Competition is a multinational competition in which professionals and
high school students team together, under the guidance of university
students, to solve an engineering design problem.
This is the first year BYU–Idaho has been active in the
competition. The South Fremont team won the Rookie Inspiration Award.
“Science, technology and math skills are a critical part of every young
person’s education,” said President Kim B. Clark. “Projects that instill
in students an interest in science, like the
FIRST Robotics
Competition, are invaluable. BYU–Idaho is happy to be part of it.”
Collegiate
Singers Perform with Tabernacle Choir
The BYU–Idaho Collegiate Singers performed with the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir on Sunday, Mar. 12, 2006, during
Music and the Spoken Word. This was
the Collegiate Singers’ fourth appearance with the Tabernacle Choir. It
was an honor for the students to be featured and to join with the choir
for a combined number.
Plans Made for Performance
Tours
Final plans are being made for three performance arts groups from
BYU–Idaho to share their talents this summer. The Church Educational
System and the university devote many resources to the performance tour
program. Students contribute towards the tour expenses, and
philanthropic support and assistance from host organizations make the
travel possible. At the invitation of area presidencies, Dance Alliance
will perform in Ecuador and Peru. Collegiate Singers will present
concerts and firesides in Brazil. The Wind Ensemble will be in Nevada,
California, and Utah. Details and tour schedules are available at
www.byui.edu/performancetours.
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