Elder Dwayne J. van Heerden recently participated in BYU-Idaho’s commencement ceremony to receive his bachelor's degree in applied business management from BYU-Idaho in association with BYU-Pathway Worldwide. He enjoyed celebrating this milestone with his wife and three children.
Elder van Heerden’s higher education journey began nearly 20 years ago when he studied law at a local university in his home of South Africa until 2004. Shortly after beginning his time at college, he dropped out to support his family. He has been the owner and director of Unique Express since 2003 and TEC Group since 2004.
Elder van Heerden was called as an Area Seventy and member of the Third Quorum of the Seventy at the April 2024 general conference.
In 2015, BYU-Pathway became available in East London, South Africa. Its flexible online program has made certificates and degrees an option for thousands around the world and continues to be an inspired source of education. Elder van Heerden jumped at the opportunity and was among the first to enroll in his country.
Elder van Heerden balanced his education, family, work, and church service during his years of study at BYU-Pathway and is grateful for the blessings of the program.
“It allows you the opportunity to get an education while still being able to work and serve in the Church,” he said.
Along with the academic benefits, Elder van Heerden has enjoyed BYU-Pathway for its Christ-centered learning.
“One of the things that’s stood out to me from BYU-Pathway is how we’ve taken the secular world of studies … and bringing in the spiritual aspect thereof, using the gospel to teach you how to actually succeed,” he said.
Despite challenges, Elder van Heerden is grateful for his educational journey and his time spent at BYU-Pathway.
“It’s given me a testimony that you can live anywhere in the world and … you can get an education in your home country,” Elder van Heerden said. “That’s what BYU-Idaho with BYU-Pathway offers you.”