PROVO -- From a spot on top of Squaw Peak, 4,000 feet above Brigham Young University, President Merrill J. Bateman didn't hesitate when asked by a reporter if the LDS Church will ever build another BYU.
The answer, he said, is no.Instead, the school's Board of Trustees wants to increase BYU's influence.
"The goal is to lengthen our reach around the world," Bateman explained. "We're improving what we do on campus and extending blessings to others."
Accomplishing that task requires money, however. In 1996, the school kicked off the public phase of the "Lighting the Way" capital campaign with a goal to raise $250 million. To date, BYU has eclipsed its lofty aim, having secured more than $312 million -- all of which is in the bank -- and months ahead of schedule.
'It's a major milestone in the history of Brigham Young University," Bateman said.
Last week, Bateman, 62, was flown by helicopter to Squaw Peak. Against a picturesque backdrop of Utah Valley, Bateman stood near a cliff and endured scorching temperatures and the relentless sun to be filmed as part of a brief video production that will be shown at the Marriott Center Sept. 24 during an event celebrating BYU's successful fund-raising efforts.
A camera mounted to the helicopter shot aerial footage of the president on the peak. The idea behind the film is that the school has climbed to great heights, but there are greater heights to scale in the future.
During the "Lighting The Y" campaign, donations have come from a variety of sources (145,000 in all), including non-members of the LDS Church, BYU alumni, students, corporations and friends of the university. Contributions ranged from $1 to $25 million each.
Of the total amount, $38 million will bankroll special programs. One, for instance, involves internships that will send returned missionaries who are exceptionally fluent in a foreign language back to the country where they served to help native returned missionaries capitalize on abilities they learned on their missions so they can secure good jobs to support their families.
"By lifting them, we will be able to increase and solidify their faith and help them find skills that will make them in demand in the workforce," Bateman said.
A portion of the funds are being utilized to improve technology (such as Internet courses) and facilities on campus. The monies will also provide more scholarships for students and research grants for undergraduate students, graduate students and professors alike.
In all, $33 million will go toward the university and college endowment; $40 million is earmarked for scholarships and grants; $68 million will go to learning enhancement; and $40 million will help construct buildings.
The campaign's impact on BYU has been felt and will be for years to come, Bateman said. "Lighting The Way" has allowed the school to establish the Freshman Academy, helping new students become better acclimated to college life.
Student enrollment has also been expanded, from 27,000 to 29,000, and the School of Family Life has been created.