I am honored to be with you today and particularly pleased that so many descendants of Thomas E. Ricks have been able to join us—here and in the various overflow locations. It seems fitting that the person most singly responsible for this institution’s beginning and early survival would be remembered in perpetuity by the single most identifiable garden on campus and the single new building constructed specifically to address academic needs related to the transition from Ricks College to Brigham Young University-Idaho.
In fact, on the several occasions I have been in this building, I have been impressed with what I have perceived to be intriguing similarities between this building and the transition itself.
It is clear to me that this soon-to-be dedicated Thomas E. Ricks Building is, by intent and design, a structure without any vestige of opulence or hint of elegance. The nature of this building might better be described as sinewy and enduring. It manifests the spirit of need as opposed to lure of desire. In terms of construction, technology, and furnishings, it is impressive and adequate, but not beyond the mark.
The transition manifests similar characteristics. In spite of the vast sums of money that have gone into upgrading and expanding the physical campus, the real engine of change has been and will continue to be people—faculty, other employees, and especially students. We have faculty who are first and foremost teachers. They have set aside many of the more exotic assignments and sought-after perks that more traditional faculty might anticipate as being part of their professional world. We are blessed by staff and administrators who, in addition to their respective professional tasks, also regard themselves as teachers. Our students come mostly from Latter-day Saint homes across the world—each reflecting their individual family circumstance with regard to lifestyle, financial and social opportunity, and depth of discipleship; yet they become bonded as a student body by commonly held values of industry, hard work, thrift, and faith. President Hinckley once referred to them as “. . . just simple kids” (Dedication of the Gordon B. Hinckley Building, October 22, 2002). They are eager and bright and capable. They are ordinary, with an inspiring capacity to yield extraordinary results (to paraphrase the late President John L. Clarke). They, coupled with the building, then become the perfect joining. “Simple kids” learning and growing in a somewhat ordinary building—a joining which will yet produce the sought-after extraordinary and meaningful outcomes.
The core intent of Ricks College becoming Brigham Young University-Idaho was to extend the advantages available here to more students. The number served has already risen significantly and will continue to increase as we mature and reach our previously announced target of 11,600 students. We offer incentives for them to come, earn their baccalaureate degree, and leave within the eight semesters typically required. We do that, not because we weary of their presence, but, rather, in order that more students may enter in at the front end of the educational stream flow. This new building seems in harmony with that notion of throughput. It makes easy the way for students to come and go as their schedules dictate. There is space provided here for them to wait between classes, to appropriately socialize, to progress with essential study, to ponder truths taught, or to quickly move on to the next requirement of their day.
As with the students themselves, the real beauty of this building will be defined by that which will occur within. It will be within these walls, as within the minds and hearts of students, that teachings will inspire, experience will prepare, history will become perspective, practiced values will install parameters, and worship will become faith and devotion and commitment and demonstrated testimony.
I express appreciation for those who have contributed in so many ways to the completion of this facility. To those who represent the architectural and construction firms, as well as the various subcontractors and consultants, we thank you for your excellent work. We likewise thank our employees in the Physical Plant, those who participated on the building committee, and all who have made this dedicatory service possible.
We note, on behalf of the university, our gratitude to the unrecognized tithe payers of the Church for their offerings, large and small—some of which were appropriated for the construction of this, the Thomas E. Ricks Building. I particularly thank the Brigham Young University-Idaho Board of Trustees for their vision of what we might become and for their generous and patient support of our efforts to pursue the “charted course.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.