Life's greatest achievements are not the outward manifestations such as degrees and other honors, but the qualities of character and devotion and skill by which those degrees and honors have been attained, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks.
He spoke June 11 at the 105th Commencement Exercises of LDS Business College, in which more than 170 students graduated at exercises held in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square.Elder Oaks of the Council of the Twelve gave the commencement address, and LDS Business College Pres. Stephen K. Woodhouse conducted the exercises and offered remarks as well.
In his address, Elder Oaks gave students suggestions for the world of work.
"As graduates of a professional college, you have the advantage of specialized training and certifiable skills for particular employment," he said. "That advantage will provide you employment in jobs for which some liberal arts graduates are unable to compete.
"You are the beneficiaries of a strong current shift toward occupational and career training rather than the traditional liberal education. The prestige of degrees from universities and liberal arts colleges is still there, but that prestige is now forced to share its place with the practical reality of the question: `What can you do today?' Thus, the disadvantage of the liberal arts education is its failure to respond to specific job requirements."
Elder Oaks counseled graduates, however, to not be lulled into a false sense of security but to remember the importance of individual growth. "Individual growth through continued learning is the imperative precondition to continued employment and effective performance in any field," he said.
The importance of honesty and truthfulness is another necessary quality for success in the work force, he added.
"These qualities are the foundation of all personal relationships and all organizations," Elder Oaks commented. "Be absolutely honest in all your work relationships and truthful in all your communications. You will win affections and respect from everyone, and the door of new opportunities will open before you."
He also spoke about the benefits of good old-fashioned hard work. "The long-run consequence of being known as a good worker is reliable employment and prosperity," Elder Oaks said.
"If you would be successful, put yourself among those willing men and women who are not afraid to work, who will put their shoulders to the wheel and concentrate their best efforts on the job to be done."
But cherishing human connections and putting family first is even more important than the professional subjects he addressed, Elder Oaks concluded.
"Life is a succession of challenges. If the end of this life is the growth and development of the human soul - as I believe - then the common experience and opportunity of all our lives is to measure ourselves against requirements and to achieve."
In his remarks, Pres. Woodhouse said: "Study and the quest for knowledge are a way of life. If you continue to fill the reservoir of your mind, you will make yourself a more capable person. Seek after the difficult tasks, take these opportunities to use your talents and stretch yourselves."
Laurie Rae Barnes, a 1981 graduate of the college, was honored with the 1992 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the exercises. The LDS Business College Institute Choir provided music for the graduation.