This week Mormon Times focuses on smaller institutes across the country, each with its own unique flair, in a series of profiles.
EDINBURG, Texas — In this South Texas city, finding an institute class is a matter of knowing where to look.
There are two day classes at the University of Texas-Pan American and one at South Texas College, all through the on-campus Latter-day Saint Student Association. On Thursday evening at a local chapel, the class is taught concurrently in English and Spanish followed by a devotional, treats and usually a little basketball, said Gary Nelson, the institute director.
"We want to unite the group," Nelson said of the 70 students who enroll.
Most of those who come to institute are students, have jobs and many still live at home or close to one of the schools, Nelson said. A young single adult ward is being organized, but for now they are in family wards in neighboring stakes, Nelson added.
"They are used heavily in their own wards with callings," said Nelson, adding that some serve in Primary presidencies and ward clerks. "But they still squeeze in institute."
"It's an easy way to learn more about the scriptures," said 24-year-old Aileen Gutierrez, who has been home from a mission to Peru and Boliva for about year and is now studying nursing at South Texas College.
And it's nice to go to institute, whether the day or night classes, and be around other young single adults who share the same values.
"It's an easy way to help receive revelation for my life," added Gutierrez, who serves as a nursery leader in her ward.
Roel Reyna, 22, heads to institute at both the University of Texas-Pan American, where he studies music, and the evening classes because of the gospel lessons. And the social aspect doesn't hurt, either.
"It's helped my study habits in the scriptures," added Reyna, a returned missionary who was an Especially For Youth counselor this summer and is the executive secretary in his ward.
e-mail: rappleye@desnews.com