BYU-Idaho’s new president, Alvin F. Meredith III, and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed students to the opening devotional of the new semester, especially the freshmen. They acknowledged they “are freshmen too.”
The Merediths opened the devotional together at the pulpit. They invited students to make devotional a regular part of their week and to attend in their Sunday best. They also invited them to attend the temple regularly, which will help them grow closer to Jesus Christ.
“The world desperately needs consecrated BYU-Idaho graduates who are disciples of Christ,” President Meredith said. “You will achieve great things with the Lord's assistance in the years to come.”
Sister Meredith reminded students that BYU-Idaho’s mission is to “develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.” She shared that she has seen advertisements from actors, artists and others who offer master classes to anyone who is interested in learning. She invited students to take a “master class” from Jesus Christ, whom she called the Master.
“Be His student. Make Him your priority. When we are intentional in learning from the Master, He will help us master our learning,” she said.
President Meredith addressed the updated Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards, which he called “Dress and Grooming Principles.” He said the Honor Code can help students draw closer to Jesus Christ in three ways. 1 - Help them build spiritual muscles to draw closer to Christ. 2 - Give them the opportunity to act with integrity. 3 - Help them learn to walk by faith.
“At BYU-Idaho, we humbly strive to maintain the highest standards of personal conduct and appearance,” he said. “We all understand that we're not trying to mimic what's acceptable in the world, nor do we judge anyone for dressing and grooming differently than we do here at BYU-Idaho. But these standards help us step away from the world and remind us that we’re in a different kind of place here at BYU-Idaho. A special, and sacred and set apart place.”
President Meredith shared his and Sister Meredith’s love for the students. He encouraged them to be kind to themselves and to ask for help when they need it.
“We are rooting for you, we believe in you … and most importantly, stay close to the Master. Keep Him first,” he said.