Foundational Addresses
Beginning with President Gordon B. Hinckley's announcement of BYU-Idaho in June 2000, there have been several addresses delivered by university presidents and apostles which provide insight into how BYU-Idaho "will have a unique role in and be distinctive from the institutions of higher education within the Church Educational System."
Reviewing these inspired remarks will provide a deeper understanding of the vision that guides the daily work of the university.
Foundational Addresses
BYU-Idaho will continue to be teaching oriented. Effective teaching and advising will be the primary responsibilities of its faculty, who are committed to academic excellence.
As we prepare for and move into the next century, we at Ricks College are embarking upon a voyage that will be filled with high adventure. Sweeping changes are occurring around and along our “charted course."
As President Bednar has said, I have come under assignment from the First Presidency to talk about the future of this institution. But I know enough about it to know that I need to talk first to the students because the Lord cares about you...
In this special and sacred and set apart place, you and I have access to unparalleled spiritual resources that can assist us in developing and deepening our devotion as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Beginning as a frontier academy in 1888 and continuing under inspired leaders for over 100 years, Ricks College established a legacy of faith, and sacrifice, and righteousness.
I use the word miracle in describing the location of this university next to a temple on one hill because I know that only God could have done it.
Looking back, may we remember the pioneer’s heart that enabled the BYU-Idaho educational gathering to commence. Looking forward, may we recognize the purpose for our gathering as we work together to build disciple leaders.
BYU-Idaho graduates, like their Ricks College forebears, are recognized and valued for their humility and eagerness to serve others, especially the downtrodden.
As Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Brigham Young University-Idaho Board of Trustees and by assignment from President Russell M. Nelson and the First Presidency, who chair that Board, I hereby install you, Alvin Frazier Meredith III, as President of Brigham Young University-Idaho, on this 10th day of October 2023.
We all have sincere gratitude for those who have come before us, for the foundation they have laid, and the trajectory on which they have placed us. We are particularly grateful for the past presidents, both of Ricks College and BYU-Idaho. I have spent time listening to and learning from past presidents of BYU-Idaho:
This university is unique in so many positive and consequential ways, and it has been blessed with remarkable leaders throughout its history. I know several of them personally, including those here today, and I admire each one. Trip Meredith will continue that tradition and make a uniquely excellent contribution of his own.
Download a printable version of these Foundational Addresses to your personal device to read offline.
Download
Download