Graduates, well done! This long-awaited accomplishment required real effort, steady resolve, and more than a little sacrifice. Perhaps Paul was speaking for you when he said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my [courses].” [1] He didn’t actually say “courses,” but if he were graduating today, I suspect he might have said it that way. He did add, “I have kept the faith.” [2]
Jennifer and I congratulate you for finishing your course, and your courses, but especially for keeping the faith in Jesus Christ, who has enabled you to reach this cherished and long-awaited milestone. The convocations held today are a celebration of your academic accomplishments to this point. Commencements, like this one, are primarily held to acknowledge the beginning, or commencement, of the rest of your life forward. And here you stand, the fruit of your labors shining brightly. To accomplish something so profound is a testament of what you have become. We honor your journey and offer our continued love and deep admiration.
I invite you now to look back on the path that has led you to this graduation day. Some of you arrived fresh from high school or a mission. Others began your university experience later in life, and some much later. Wherever your starting line was, you have all reached this same remarkable finish line.
As you think about the road that brought you here, it’s worth remembering who and what helped you along the way. None of us makes this journey alone, and your time at this remarkable university has been shaped by blessings both seen and unseen.
Consider the blessings of studying at this special, sacred, and set-apart place. 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 thanks to the Church’s remarkable investment, you have been blessed with a world-class education at a cost far below its true value.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has placed education among its great priorities. Education is vital in our progress through this life and into the eternities. As we know, “The glory of God is intelligence.” [3]
President Dallin H. Oaks has said, “As Latter-day Saints we believe in education, and we have a philosophy about how and why we should pursue it. Our religious faith teaches us that we should seek learning by the Spirit and that we have a stewardship to use our knowledge for the benefit of mankind.” [4]
While here at BYU-Idaho, you have had countless opportunities to increase your learning and grow in your faith and in your discipleship. We just heard Elder Bednar refer to BYU-Idaho as a disciple preparation center. 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.” While we hope you go on to become outstanding biologists, excellent accountants, skilled lawyers, compassionate nurses, inspiring teachers, gifted artists, soulful musicians, and civic leaders—whatever noble path you choose—our greatest hope is that you carry from here an identity far greater than any profession, that of a devoted life-long disciple of Jesus Christ, and that you apply your discipleship in everything you do.
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 as you strive to do what He would do.
In our most recent general conference, President Oaks said, “Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model. We will be blessed if we model our lives after His teachings and self-sacrifice. Following Christ and giving ourselves in service to one another is the best remedy for the selfishness and individualism that now seem to be so common.” [7]
My dear brothers and sisters, Sister Meredith and I express our deep love for you and our confidence in you. We pray that the joy and peace that come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ will abide with you always.
I bear witness of Jesus Christ—our Savior, our Redeemer, the Light and Life of the World. I testify that President Dallin H. Oaks is the Lord’s living prophet.
May the Lord pour out His choicest blessings upon you and your loved ones—today and throughout your lives. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] 2 Timothy 4:7.
[2] 2 Timothy 4:7.
[3] Doctrine and Covenants 93:36.
[4] Dallin H. Oaks, “Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Liahona, April 2009, 26.
[5] Matthew 5:16.
[6] 3 Nephi 18:24.
[7] Dallin H. Oaks, “The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Liahona, October 2025.
About President Alvin F. Meredith III
Alvin F. Meredith III became the 18th president of Brigham Young University-Idaho on August 1, 2023. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 3, 2021, and continues to serve in that role today.
Prior to his call as a General Authority, President Meredith served as president of the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission. He also served as an Area Seventy in the North America Southeast and Asia Areas, and in a number of other Church callings including as a full-time missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission.
In his professional career, President Meredith worked as a senior executive of Asurion in Tennessee, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He also worked for The Boston Consulting Group and GE Capital.
President Meredith earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.