Relief Society general president addresses BYU-Idaho graduates at summer commencement

A commitment to faithful discipleship of the Lord Jesus Christ was the charge given to Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates at summer commencement ceremonies held Friday, August 25 at the Hart Auditorium.

Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and member of the BYU-Idaho Board of Trustees, was the featured speaker. She was joined by Elder Paul V. Johnson of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Kim B. Clark, president of BYU-Idaho. Other local dignitaries were also in attendance.

"If you haven't realized it yet, by your braving the unchartered waters of BYU-Idaho you've learned a great life lesson: how to move forward in the face of fear or doubt," Sister Parkin told graduates. "You've learned to rely on faith."

Sister Parkin reminded graduates their education was made possible by their own sacrifices, as well as those of their families and faithful members of the Church everywhere.

"In addition to support from your families, you have been supported by Saints around the world-many of whom have not attended college themselves," she said. "But because of their faith, they paid their tithing. How can you thank them for their sacrifices? As I witness the Church in action around the world, I see those Saints who have been educated through the Church schools. They are blessing their families, the Church, and their communities. Go and do likewise."

Sister Parkin explained the same faith that brought the graduates to BYU-Idaho and supported them as students can sustain them throughout their lives. "With faith you can find work you enjoy, find an eternal companion, raise a righteous family, face and overcome hard things. With faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be sustained," she said. "I pray that you will be able to feel the love of the Lord daily as you seek to do His will with faith."

In his remarks, President Clark suggested graduates look ahead for the opportunities that will come into their lives. "You remind me of a Primary song in which the chorus goes: ‘We are as the army of Helaman, we have been taught in our youth. And we will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth.' You really are as the Army of Helaman. Alma 57:27 speaks of characteristics that set Helaman's army apart-and you have these same characteristics," he said.

"You now represent the university," President Clark said.  "I hope and pray that wherever you go, whatever you do, you will act in such a way that people around you will see in you the principles, the purposes, and the spirit of BYU-Idaho."

A total of 705 students received diplomas at summer commencement. Of those, 492 received bachelor's degrees and 219 were presented associate degrees. Nearly half of the graduates, 334, were married students and 292 were returned missionaries.