You know this much better than I do, but you have been blessed beyond measure to be here at this exceptional university under the leadership of President and Sister Eyring.
My interactions with President Eyring have been few but cherished. In February, we were assigned to be together in our capacities as Seventy to reorganize a stake presidency in Rexburg. I was impressed by President Eyring’s unique combination of intellect and humility. That is a rare pairing in the world today.
It is well known that President Eyring is a world-class innovator and a scholar. Just as admirable, perhaps even more so, is his humility. It is uncommon for someone with his talents and accomplishments to shy away from praise and attention. When President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency spoke at the inauguration of President Eyring, he began by greeting the long list of dignitaries in attendance. At the very end of that list, he read the name of President Henry J. Eyring. President Henry B. Eyring said this as he referenced his son: “I mentioned Henry’s name last because I knew he would prefer it. . . . President Henry J. Eyring knows . . . [that] great joy comes from building confidence in others and seeing growth in their ability to think and to do.”1
In just a few interactions with him, I have learned that President Henry J. Eyring is a builder of people. He is a lifter. He leaves a wonderful legacy of disciple leadership, innovation, inspired teaching, and frugality. He has not only guarded the Spirit of Ricks, but he epitomizes it. Most importantly, he is, as Paul of the New Testament would say, an example of a believer in Christ.2
At the press conference following the announcement of his presidency, President Eyring said that he would “stand on the shoulders of giants” who had preceded him.3 He is one of those giants of this great university, and I will count it as a blessing and privilege to strive to stand on his shoulders.
We stand in awe of the uniqueness of this university. As Sister Meredith said, we could feel the distinct culture when we first came to campus in February. We are still learning about what contributes to the culture here. There is not enough time today to mention all the things that we have observed thus far, but I would call out two things that we find remarkable.
First, the faculty’s focus on students and teaching them creates an unparalleled learning environment here. We are inspired by the administration and faculty’s commitment to remain student-focused and singular in the emphasis on teaching. I look forward to learning from these disciple leaders.
The second observation, the thing that makes this institution so special, is that the litmus test for all that happens here is how it affects each student’s testimony of and conversion to Jesus Christ.
President Henry B. Eyring, in his seminal address, “A Steady, Upward Course,” said, “The first goal [of this university], stated boldly and plainly in the prospectus, is to ‘build testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage living its principles.’” He went on to say that: “Every innovation, every change, will be measured against this test of the heart. How would this proposed change build testimony and true conversion to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart of a student?”4 I can promise you that my wife and I will do all we can to join with you to honor that charge.
I have to tell you that you will love Sister Meredith! You may only tolerate me, but you will love her. And we love you already. There is a culture of service here, so you know from personal experience that you can love those that you are called to serve, even before getting to know them. Well, Sister Meredith and I love you already!
I testify of a Father in Heaven who loves all of us beyond measure. I witness that His Son, Jesus Christ, is not only our Savior and Redeemer, but is also the source of eternal love, joy, and peace. I look forward to being His disciple alongside each of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
- Henry B. Eyring, “The Spirit of BYU-Idaho,” BYU-Idaho Foundational Addresses, Sept. 17, 2017, https://www.byui.edu/speeches/the-spirit-of-byu-idaho.
- See 1 Timothy 4:12.
- Henry J. Eyring, “FULL VIDEO: Prospective BYU-Idaho president Henry J. Eyring,” East Idaho News, February 10, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYqV6H_cYp0.
- Henry B. Eyring, “A Steady, Upward Course,” BYU-Idaho Foundational Addresses, Sept. 18, 2001, https://www.byui.edu/speeches/a-steady-upward-course.