At this cherished and long-awaited milestone in your life, Sister Meredith and I offer our warmest congratulations, our abiding love, and our heartfelt admiration. The path you have walked has not been easy, paved with effort, faith, and quiet sacrifice. Yet here you stand, the fruit of your devotion shining brightly. To accomplish something so profound is a testament to your spirit. We honor you. Well 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 their 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 and 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 “every person at [BYU-Idaho] is a teacher.” [2]
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.
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. [3] You have attended weekly devotionals, begun 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.” [4] Though we hope you go on to become brilliant biologists, devoted doctors, wise lawyers, compassionate nurses, inspiring teachers, gifted artists, soulful musicians, civic leaders, mothers and fathers, whatever noble path you choose—our deepest desire is that you leave this place as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
You have been given much. And where much is given, much is required. [5] 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.” [6] True disciples do what Jesus did—they go about doing good.
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.” [7]
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.” [8]
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.
In April’s general conference, President Nelson said, “The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.” [9] God needs you to be a light; the world needs you to be a light.
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. We pray that others will recognize the light of Christ in you.
I bear witness of Jesus Christ—our Savior, our Redeemer, the Light and Life of the world. I testify that President Russell M. Nelson is the Lord’s living prophet.
Your brightest days are still ahead. 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] David A. Bednar, “Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center,” BYU-Idaho Speeches, Aug. 31, 2004.
[2] David A. Bednar, “Inaugural Response,” BYU-Idaho Speeches, Feb. 27, 1998.
[3] David A. Bednar, “Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center.”
[4] BYU-Idaho Mission Statement.
[5] Luke 12:48,
[6] Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023,
[7] Matthew 5:16.
[8] 3 Nephi 18:24, emphasis added.
[9] Russell M. Nelson, “Confidence in the Presence of God,” Liahona, May 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.