I am grateful for the opportunity to be with you today on the campus of BYU-Idaho, here in the BYU-Idaho Center. I am grateful for the music and the prayer that have brought peace to our hearts. I invite the Holy Ghost to teach us today what He would have us know, feel, and do. My hope is that each of us will leave not just inspired but directed.
My topic today can be framed with a simple question:
How can I use the rich, deep blessings of attending BYU-Idaho to bless the lives of others—now, and wherever I go in the world after this?
That question has guided much of my life, and it connects directly to the title of this message: “Become Legendary.”
As President Henry B. Eyring said, “[The] graduates of BYU-Idaho will become legendary for their capacity to build the people around them and to add value wherever they serve.” [1]
Personal Beginning, Roots, Reflection
I am a native of Idaho. I grew up in a small town called Menan, just outside of Rigby, a little south and west of here. I am a farm and ranch kid. I was raised on land that was originally homesteaded by my great-great-grandfather, land that is still being farmed today by my older brother.
I grew up with hay fever and asthma, which made some parts of farm life more challenging. But I am deeply grateful that I was raised here. Those experiences shaped my work ethic, my patience, and my gratitude—and helped prepare me to be where I am today.
I look at this campus and often ask why the Lord has preserved a place like BYU-Idaho. My life has been deeply blessed because of this institution.
I have been part of this campus in many seasons of my life, from the time I came here as a student in the 1980s, through the creation of the activities programs in the 2000s, to today. What an incredible opportunity for students to be out in front, to teach, and to lead.
The experiences I’ve had on this campus have helped guide, redirect, and shape my life. Maybe you’ve noticed that happening to you, too. As you reflect on your experience here, you could ask yourself:
- How did I get here?
- Why attend BYU-Idaho?
- What have I been blessed with (opportunities, talents)?
- Am I a builder of those around me?
- Do I add value wherever I serve?
These are not casual questions. They are questions that shape your capacity. As you think about these questions, I want to share with you how our experiences at BYU-Idaho can help us become legendary.
#1: Become Legendary by Placing Yourself in the Right Environment
As a boy, I came to Ricks College for a Boy Scout merit badge powwow in the 1970s. I didn’t know it then, but seeds were being planted. I saw how students who were volunteers acted with youth like me and that made me feel good. They were kind and patient, and I felt I could accomplish what they were teaching me.
My parents brought me to Ricks College basketball games. Watching those teams, I thought, "Could I do that? What would I need to do to get there?”
I can testify that the environments we place ourselves in play a big role in being able to accomplish our dreams. This is my team that went to the national tournament. My first roommates at Ricks college were returned missionaries and were excellent examples to me as I prepared to serve. What opportunities are you being given that are helping you magnify your talents and your discipleship?
My dream of coaching basketball came true, and one of the greatest blessings was being able to include the gospel of Jesus Christ in my coaching.
Whether at Ricks College, BYU-Idaho, or BYU, we represented the Church everywhere we went—how we dressed, how we spoke, and how we treated people.
On airplanes, buses, restaurants, hotels—these became missionary opportunities. Practices and apartments became places of teaching and growth.
#2: Become Legendary by Helping Others
Legendary capacity is not about outcomes alone.
Results matter—but people matter more.
As a coach, I learned that confidence must be built in every member of a team, not just the starters or key players. Heavenly Father wants all His children to have confidence and joy. “For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” [2]
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox states how important the Savior is: “You’ve got this because Jesus Christ has got you!” [3]
The best teams—and the strongest communities—are those where everyone understands their role and helps others succeed in their own lives. That is one aspect of a Zion community: “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” [4]
I have learned through managing success, through enduring struggle, living within constraints, giving service, attending funerals, reading obituaries, studying other people's lives, and staying faithful through loss. What matters most is how we lift others or build others.
#3: Become Legendary by Being Intentional
You don’t need a title to add value. You need intention. Why has the Lord blessed me (us) to be here? To be here where we have affordable tuition and extraordinary facilities that are paid for by sacred tithing funds used to build places some will never physically attend. These blessings are not accidental. They come with responsibility. Ask yourself: How am I deliberately using my abilities to bless others and intentionally lifting those who need support? The question is not if but how?
#4: Become Legendary by Being Ready
I met these two students for the first time Friday, November 21, 2025. They work at the Activities and Involvement desk in the Manwaring Center. I randomly saw them there the day the First Presidency announced the age change for sister missionaries.
They told me they were both working on their missionary papers and had them ready to send in and that they would be turning 19 in a few months. But with this announcement that day, they were eligible now.
My question to you: Are you ready? Are you eligible now for any opportunities that might pop up in your life?
That question has stayed with me. These sisters set a great example for me and helped me to think I need to be ready now for whatever might come my way. They were building me just by how they acted that day.
Since that day, the sisters have reported back to me that they were both called to serve Spanish-speaking missions, one in the Georgia Atlanta North Mission, and the other in the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission. One is in the MTC already! The other enters the MTC next week!
After my mission, I came back to Ricks College as a sophomore and met a basketball player on the women’s team named Jean Lawrence. Our coaches introduced us to each other on the Hart Gymnasium Court. Playing together, serving together, and learning together on this campus shaped our marriage and our family. Did I have any idea how special my companion would be to me and our family and molding and teaching our children? There have been many marriages and relationships brought together from the blessing of Ricks College, BYU-Idaho, and the Rexburg community.
I am so glad I was ready for the invitations that came to me for the different opportunities I have had on this campus. Are you ready for any invitations that might come to you that will bless your life?
#5: Become Legendary by Being Teachable
Over time, I’ve learned some principles that go far beyond that basketball court.
First, I’ve learned that everything is spiritual unto the Lord. The Lord reminds us that all things are spiritual to Him. [5] That has changed how I see everything I do—not just church-related things, but school, work, relationships… all of it matters to Him.
I’ve also learned that competition is part of our earthly experience—and it prepares us. Athletics and sports have taught me that. Setting goals is a form of competition. It gives us something to focus on, something to work toward. And that process has helped me grow not just physically, but spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Con petire is a Latin root of the word “compete,” translating to “to seek together” or “to strive together”. Rather than a cutthroat battle, this phrase suggests a collaborative effort where competitors help each other reach their highest potential focusing on mutual growth, improvement, and the pursuit of excellence. [6]
I’ve learned that following impressions—and acting on them—really matters. Heavenly Father wants to bless us, and often He blesses others through us. And I’ve found that when I act on the impressions I receive, I’m blessed to receive even more.
BYU-Idaho is such a unique place to learn how to focus. There are a lot of distractions in the world. But when we learn to set those aside and focus on what really matters, the Lord can use us more effectively to build others and add value wherever we serve. We all focus in different ways—sometimes it’s quiet time, sometimes it’s prayer, scriptures, temple worship, music, or service.
President Russell M. Nelson taught, “As you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now . . . you will be blessed with additional power to deal with temptation, struggles, and weakness. . . . And I promise that your capacity to feel joy will increase even if turbulence increases in your life.” [7]
And finally, I’ve learned the importance of letting everyone contribute. When everyone has a voice, and when we truly listen to each other, something powerful happens—our capacity multiplies. The Lord taught the Prophet Joseph Smith that when all speak at their appointed time and all listen at their appointed time, all may be edified of all. [8]
If I could go back in time as a coach, I would involve my assistants and players even more in planning, teaching, and leading. I’ve learned that through the student activities program here. It’s an incredible model—students learning to act, to lead, and to counsel together.
I love the principle taught by Russell T. Osguthorpe, former Sunday School General President, about being able to do things we think are impossible thanks to the help of others. He said that after an experience of forgetting the lines in his talk, "I made a firm resolve never to speak in any Church meeting again. And I held to that resolve for some time. Then one Sunday, Sister Lydia Stillman, a Primary leader, knelt down at my side and asked me to give a short talk the following week. I said, ‘I don't give talks.’ She responded, ‘I know, but you can give this one because I’ll help you.’ I continued to resist, but she expressed so much confidence in me that her invitation was hard to refuse. I gave the talk.” [9]
My primary teacher, LaNae Poulter did the same thing. She told me after putting her arm around me, “You can do this because I’ll help you”. She did this while helping me give a talk in primary. I did it! She gave me confidence. She didn't just help me give a talk—she helped me believe I could. She is now retired from BYU-Idaho, but she did the same things when she was serving here on this campus in the scheduling office and in many other areas on campus. I see this same principle being done by my co-workers, faculty, administration, staff and students all over campus.
#6: Become legendary by Having Faith
One of the very first teachings we receive as members of the Church is the principle of faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not passive—it is active. It moves us to listen, to trust, and to act.
Becoming legendary in capacity begins with learning to listen to the Spirit and then having the courage to follow those promptings.
I have learned that the Spirit often guides us by quietly nudging us toward people, toward opportunities, and toward changes we need to make. The question is not whether the Spirit is speaking. The question is whether we are listening.
Trusting God is not always comfortable, but it is always worth it. The Lord teaches Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned.” [10] These are the very qualities that build people and add value wherever we serve.
#7: Become Legendary by Watching, Listening, and Seeing
As I've looked back on my life, I've realized something important: I have come to believe deeply that there are angels among us.
Often, they do not announce themselves. They show up quietly—in a roommate, a professor, a coach, a staff member, a friend. If we are not intentional, we can miss them. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” [11]
Legendary capacity grows when we learn to watch, listen, and see.
Watch for quiet acts of goodness. Listen for words of encouragement and truth. See people not just as they are, but as they are becoming.
Jesus Christ taught this pattern perfectly. He noticed individuals. He lifted the overlooked. He caught people doing good and invited them to rise higher.
#8: Become Legendary by Discovering Our Talents
That leads to another responsibility we all share—The Lord has given each of us talents—some obvious, some hidden.
Our responsibility is not comparison; it is discovery.
The parable of the talents teaches us clearly: do not hide what God has given you. Use it. Multiply it. Share it.
Talents grow when they are exercised in service.
#9: Become Legendary by Building Others
Sometimes becoming legendary looks very small.
A smile. A kind word. A random act of kindness.
Our presidents of this university, current and past, have reminded us that simple acts of goodness can change hearts.
We invite our current sports participants to pick up the players from the opposing team when they have been knocked down. That sometimes is hard to do in the thick of competition when you have had a friendly elbow to your face. It is also hard to receive sometimes when you feel that the person may not be genuine in offering that hand to lift you. Giving and receiving are both principles of discipleship that can be learned and gained as builders and adding value wherever you serve.
One of the most powerful principles I learned as a coach was to catch players doing good or doing things right.
Positive teaching builds confidence. Confidence invites growth.
The Savior led this way. He corrected when needed, but He consistently taught through love, encouragement, and belief. Pure love—the pure love of Christ—never fails.
When people feel like they have been noticed, observed, and believed in, they stretch. They try again. They grow.
#10: Become Legendary by Having Faithful Role Models
I think often of people who quietly model legendary capacity. My wife’s grandpa, Ezra Stucki, was one of them. He was a Patriarch and worked for many years in the Dean of Students Office at Ricks College. In his later years, because of his health, he could not leave his home on his own. Yet every Sunday, he dressed up (Sunday clothes) and listened to General Conference on cassette tapes. He did this because he wanted to show the Lord he loved him; He wasn’t able to attend church. Nobody saw him—but heaven did. His faith, discipline, and devotion taught me that capacity is not limited by circumstances. Remembering people like him helps me stay grounded.
Ending Thoughts/Remarks
BYU-Idaho has taught me powerful additional principles that extend far beyond this campus. Many of these principles are in the Student Activities program talking points. You may have heard of some of these. They include: Everyone here is both a student and a teacher. Asking inspired questions can benefit us in learning and acting. We are meant to act, not simply be acted upon. Invitation is more powerful than compulsion. Counseling together multiplies wisdom. We learn so much by being the participants rather than the spectators. One by one. It’s not about you. We can also learn by watching and being a spectator.
These principles expand capacity.
Student activities programs, academics, student wards and stakes, volunteering, employment all matter. They teach teamwork, discipline, and discipleship.
These activities and the gospel work together to teach eternal principles.
The best teams—and the strongest communities—are those where everyone knows their role and helps others succeed in it. That is the Spirit of Ricks!
Invitation
I’d like to give you an invitation today: to write down three or more things that have blessed your life here at BYU-Idaho. You might be grateful for your roommate, your teacher, or someone who smiled at you. By keeping a record of your blessings and gratitude, the Lord will give you more thoughts of what he is teaching you and what he has blessed you with.
Closing
So, what will you do with your time here and after BYU-Idaho? Will you build others? Will you add value? Will you act when the spirit prompts? Because there are people only you can help. There are lives only you can bless. Choose faith. Listen to the spirit. Act with love. And as you do, you won't just pass through BYU-Idaho. You will become exactly what President Eyring promised: “Legendary for [your] capacity to build the people around [you] and to add value wherever [you] serve.” [12] I testify that Jesus Christ lives. He knows you. He will guide you. And he will magnify you as you seek to lift and build others. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Henry B. Eyring, “A Steady, Upward Course,” Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional, Sep. 18, 2001.
[2] 2 Nephi 25:23.
[3] Bradley R. Wilcox, “O Youth of the Noble Birthright,” Liahona, Nov. 2024, 95.
[4] Moses 7:18.
[5] See Doctrine and Covenants 29:34.
[6] Google AI Overview, “Con Petire,” con petire - Google Search.
[7] Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 90.
[8] See Doctrine and Covenants 88:122.
[9] Russell T. Osguthorpe, “Teaching Helps Save Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 16.
[10] Doctrine and Covenants 121:41
[11] Garrett H. Garff, “Spencer W. Kimball: Man of Action,” Liahona, Jan. 2007, 32.
[12] Henry B. Eyring, “A Steady, Upward Course,” Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional, Sep. 18, 2001.
About Trent Shippen
Trent Shippen played basketball for Ricks College while earning an associate’s degree in arts and sciences. He later graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science, and from the University of Utah with a master’s degree in sports management.
Trent began his career with the Church Educational System in the Ricks College Admissions Office while coaching men’s and women’s basketball. Later, he coached the BYU women’s basketball team for five years. He has been working in Student Activities since 2002.
Trent enjoys spending time with family, playing and watching sports, faculty noon hoops, and being outdoors. He and his wife, Jean, have six children and one grandchild. Trent has served in almost every organization in the Church and currently serves with Jean as a valiant activity leader.