OREM — It was 68 years ago that Paul Boyer took the podium to speak as valedictorian of his class at Provo High School.
Now, many years and one Nobel Prize later, Boyer again took the podium to wish a fresh graduating class the best for the future.
Hundreds of proud and excited parents gathered at UVSC's McKay Events Center to see their daughters and sons don their mortarboards and gowns in this right of academic passage.
Britany Gutzman asked her fellow students to think to the future. "Think about this question: What do you want out of life? If you want to achieve your goals you can — but it takes dedication."
Russell Wilcox talked of the four years of sweat and diligent toil — "but enough about you parents," he said.
Wilcox asked his fellow students to consider: "Are we really educated?"
That questioned was echoed by Boyer, who in 1977 received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his groundbreaking research in molecular biology.
Boyer recalls how his biology and chemistry teachers at Provo High coaxed him and gave him encouragement.
"Know what talents you have and use it to benefit society," Boyer told graduates.
Boyer also spoke of the marvels the future holds in science and technology but also warned of their "disturbing effect" on the environment.
He urged students to think about humanity's role in protecting the environment. "Humanity is on a collision course with itself," Boyer added.
After about 20 minutes, parents in the audience cut Boyer's speech short in mid-sentence with applause. "I guess that's my cue that I'm done," Boyer said.
He wished students well and took his seat.
Principal Stephen Oliverson announced that a special plaque, bearing Boyer's name and picture, would be placed in the school's Wall of Fame near the main entrance.
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