Graduates, at this much anticipated and significant milestone in your life, Sister Meredith and I extend to you our congratulations, our love, and our admiration. You have worked hard and sacrificed much to reach this point. To achieve something of this magnitude is nothing short of remarkable. You should feel good about what you have done.
Can I invite you to think back on the journey that has led you to this graduation day? Many of you began your studies here fresh from high school or a mission. Others started your university education later in life, some much later. We extend a special congratulations to all of you.
Think of what you were blessed with here at this special, sacred, and set apart place. [1] You have learned at the feet of expert faculty who have made you and your learning their highest priority. Your teachers know you by name and have invited you to be active learners in the classroom. Not only have you been taught by the faculty, but you also have been mentored by employees and staff because everyone at BYU-Idaho is a teacher. You have had opportunities to lead in the classroom, in activities, and in your Church units. You have benefited from free tutoring, mentoring, advising, and counseling. A top-notch career center has helped you prepare for internships and employment after graduation. For those of you on campus, you have participated in Date Nights, Spirit Weeks, and a host of other activities. Many of you have explored Southeastern Idaho’s epic landscape and countless outdoor activities. And because of the tremendous investment from the Church, you have received this excellent education at an exceptionally low tuition.
Most importantly, you have had countless opportunities to grow in your discipleship. We just heard Elder Bednar refer to BYU-Idaho as a disciple preparation center. [2] You have attended weekly devotionals, began each of your classes with prayer, and had opportunities to serve in the temple and elsewhere. As you well know, our mission at BYU-Idaho is to “develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.” [3] While we hope that you go on to be great biologists and lawyers and doctors and nurses and teachers, or whatever it is you put your mind to, our greatest hope is that you will leave here as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
Where much is given, much is required. What is required of you now is to go forward and do what His disciples do.
President Nelson has said that “true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire.” [4] True disciples do what Jesus did—they go about doing good.
As you go forward, I hope you have a vision of the good you can accomplish.
The Savior’s plea to His disciples of old was, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [5]
He later said, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up.” [6]
You have been called to be a light to the world and to reflect His light in what you do and how you do it.
My dear brothers and sisters, Sister Meredith and I love you and believe in you. We pray that you will always feel the joy and peace of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I share my witness with you of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. President Nelson is the Lord’s prophet today. Follow his counsel. You have a marvelous destiny and a great work to do. May the Lord’s choicest blessings be upon you and your families this day and always. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] David A. Bednar, “Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center,” BYU-Idaho Speeches, Aug. 31, 2004.
[2] David A. Bednar, ““Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center.”
[3] “BYU-Idaho Mission Statement,” BYU-Idaho.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98.
[5] Matthew 5:16.
[6] 3 Nephi 18:24.