PROVO -- The largest summer graduating class in Brigham Young University history was told Thursday by one of the world's richest men that one's true wealth is represented by selfless service to others.
Jon M. Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Chemical, the largest privately owned chemical business in the world and a renowned philanthropist, was bestowed with an honorary doctoral degree of Christian Service by BYU President Merrill J. Bateman."Let us go forward now, as graduates, with the hope, determination and personal commitment that whatever we do from this point on, it will involve the lifting and loving of others," Huntsman said.
The 2,678 graduates also received a surprise visit from LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was not listed on the program but took time out of his schedule to attend commencement exercises at the Marriott Center.
Toward the end of the ceremony, President Hinckley offered brief, impromptu remarks. He called BYU "a crown jewel" and expressed his pride in the school and the graduates. "Take with you the great values that you lived since you've been here," he said.
Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve focused his address on Huntsman, who is his son-in-law. Elder Haight praised Huntsman for his genuine willingness to assist the needy.
President Hinckley also paid tribute to Huntsman. "Among the men I've known and met," he said, "I don't know any to equal John Huntsman. He's a man of tremendous accomplishment."
When Huntsman and his wife, Karen, were married, they decided to set aside $50 a month to give to those less fortunate than themselves. The couple's initial monthly earnings were only $322.
President Hinckley urged students to follow that selfless example.
In addition to enjoying great success professionally, Huntsman has made hefty financial contributions to relief efforts worldwide.
He also gave $100 million to the University of Utah to establish the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The graduate of the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania is a avid supporter of University of Utah athletics, and a donation to the U. led to the school to rename the basketball arena the "Huntsman Center" in his honor.
Soon after being conferred with the honorary degree, he said, "It's great to be a Cougar!"
Also honored was former Mormon Youth Chorus director Robert C. Bowden, who was given a Presidential Citation. Bateman admonished graduates to continue their education as they move ahead to new challenges.
"Regardless of the degree received today," he said, "the world offers far more to learn than anyone can assimilate in a lifetime. I challenge each of you to commit to a life of excellence as you leave BYU."
Graduate Kenneth Westover recited a humorous and reflective poem about what BYU meant to him. "BYU meant cranes and fences; a mile-long walk to class. BYU meant construction done but time to leave! Alas," he said, to which the audience responded with chuckles and cheers.
Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women's General President and a member of the BYU Board of Trustees, conducted the exercises. She told female graduates to make home and family their number one priority and not to apologize for "following the traditions that have made our society strong."
"The world has enough men and women who know how to be brilliant," Nadauld added. "It needs some who will be brave. The world has enough men and women who are popular. It needs more who are pure."
Bateman said the graduating class of 1999 was the largest the school has ever had. Last April, 5,830 students graduated and the summer graduates brought the total to 8,508 for the year.
Thursday's graduation also marked the first time in 50 years that more women graduated than men.
In all, 2,297 received bachelor's degrees, 346 received master's degrees and 35 received doctorates.
The youngest bachelor's degree was recipient was 18 and the oldest was 58. The graduates came from 48 states, the District of Columbia and two territories as well as 51 foreign countries.
Nearly 53 percent were transfer students and 97.5 percent are members of the LDS Church.