REXBURG—For BYU-Idaho alumni Myles Primm and Dale Spaulding, working at the campus radio station offered more than broadcasting experience. It helped them build a lasting friendship and develop skills they continue to draw on as they navigate careers, raise families and live their faith.
As BYU-Idaho celebrates its 25th anniversary, the two alumni joined BYU-Idaho Radio’s Brandon Isle to reflect on the university’s influence on their lives.
Both met their wives and became fathers while attending BYU-Idaho. Beyond those milestones, they said their experiences helped them develop faith, resilience and skills they continue to use.
Primm, who studied broadcast journalism, now works in marketing for a telematics company that provides technology such as GPS trackers and dashboard cameras. His responsibilities include writing and interviewing customers for testimonials and writing blogs, website copy and emails — work he connects directly to his time at the radio station.
“I just think the experience and the disciple leadership you develop at BYU-Idaho really prepares you to bring a breath of fresh air to the workplace," Primm said.
Spaulding has worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helping maintain its professional buildings in Utah. He also worked with the church’s human resources team to develop an internship program that gave custodial employees experience teaching new hire orientation and exploring other professional opportunities.
Alongside that work, Spaulding pursued voice-over projects and became an announcer for general conference. His is the voice people hear when they tune in to the semi-annual conferences. His experience recording at BYU-Idaho Radio and providing the university’s devotional announcements helped prepare him for the role.
Inspired by the welcoming feeling he experienced hearing Lloyd Newell introduce general conference as a child, Spaulding hoped to offer listeners that same connection.
“I want someone to listen to the living prophets and say, ‘I’m home,’” Spaulding said.
Neither alumnus described a predictable path after graduation. Primm said navigating career uncertainty, including the pandemic, required resilience. Spaulding emphasized curiosity, seeking mentors and helping others develop their abilities.
"The Spirit of Ricks, when we really get down to it, if we can, is just the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. We're talking about the Spirit of the Lord. If this is a dedicated campus, what other spirit could it be?" Spaulding said.
Through those changes, their friendship has remained steady. They continue discussing shared interests, celebrating growing families and cheering each other’s accomplishments. For both, the relationships and lessons formed at BYU-Idaho continue to shape life beyond campus.