Almost exactly a year after a change in leadership, former president of Brigham Young University Cecil O. Samuelson returned to the university’s campus to receive an honorary degree alongside this year’s graduating class of more than 5,000 graduates on Thursday afternoon.
Samuelson’s warm welcome to the podium included a “whoosh Cecil” — a cheer the student section would do during basketball games when he was university president — and an applause from students and faculty.
Among those in attendance were thousands of graduates and their supporters gathered in the Marriott Center for spring commencement exercises. The 5,648 graduates include students from 50 states, six territories and 63 foreign countries. Elder Steven E. Snow of the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave the keynote address, and BYU President Kevin J Worthen also addressed graduates.
President Worthen recognized Samuelson for his service to BYU, his furthering of “the healer’s art” and for his service as a leader in the LDS Church, and conferred a degree of doctor of education and Christian service.
Also awarded an honorary degree was Robert P. George, professor at Princeton University known for his persuasive writings and support of religion and morality remaining an important topic in public conversation.
In his remarks, George told graduates that “Faith and reason do not work separately or independently of one another, but rather they work together in harmony."
“Today, more than ever, we need universities … in which faith and reason work in harmony, accomplishing what could never be accomplished by faith or reason apart from one another.”
Drawing from the words of Pope John Paul II, George said that “faith and reason are the two wings on which the human spirit ascends to contemplation of truth.”
“The ‘two wings’ are not two separate but equal ways or paths to truth,” he said. “Just as both wings are necessary, and must be in working order, for the dove or eagle to fly, both faith and reason are necessary for the intellectual and spiritual quest and for the intellectual and spiritual life.”
In his remarks, Elder Snow, who serves as historian and recorder for the LDS Church, encouraged graduates to record the journey and adventures of their lives by keeping journals.
“Some of the most inspiring history comes from the diaries and journals of everyday people like you and me,” he said. “You need not be a prominent church leader and a copious journal keeper … but your story is important. Contribute to our body of history by keeping your own story.”
Although one’s journal may not be highlighted in some future display, it will be treasured by one's posterity for generations to come.
“Truth of the matter is if you don’t write your story it may not get written,” he said. “Worse still it may be told by someone else in a way you do not desire. The one who has the last word is the one who writes it down. Remember to keep a journal.”
Elder Snow also encouraged graduates to be grateful, to serve — in their family, neighborhood and community — and to remember the importance of faith in their lives.
“Don’t let the demands of the world lead to compromises when it comes to your faith. … When it comes to faith, remembering is not enough,” he said. “It is essential you live so you are entitled to receive new spiritual experiences.”
Other speakers included Terry Seamons, president of the BYU Alumni Association, and Ryan Timothy Barrett, a graduate. The BYU Women’s Chorus performed “Psalm 100” by Rene Clausen.
mholman@desnews.com, @marianne_holman