“As you go forth now to make your mark on the world, remember that fame and fortune should not be your primary motive,” said Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during LDS Business College’s 129th commencement exercises on April 15.
Gaining wisdom is crucial “to go beyond merely making a living to where you are making a life,” the LDS leader taught.
Graduates of LDS Business College and their supporters filled the Tabernacle on Temple Square to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s unique class. The grads — consisting of students ages 18 to 67 from all of the U.S. states and some 60 foreign countries — earned a total of 567 two-year degrees and 135 certificates.
LDS Business College President J. Lawrence Richards conducted the event, and Lynn J. Ames was named the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus.
Speaking on the topic “Knowledge vs. Wisdom,” Elder Robbins shared ways individuals can combine intelligence and wisdom to become more like Christ.
“Wisdom is more than knowledge,” he said. “It is also understanding, good judgment, prudence and common sense — which, by the way, isn’t all that common. Some of its antonyms are folly, foolishness, misguided, imprudent, unreasonable, unteachable, stupidity, to name a few.”
Rather than focusing on what a person wants to do for a living when they “grow up,” Elder Robbins encouraged listeners to focus on who they want to become. By developing righteous habits, strong moral character and Christlike attributes, individuals are able to accomplish goals and gain wisdom.
“You graduates are goal oriented," he said. "Receiving your diploma today is evidence of you accomplishing a major goal in your life. As you go forward, setting more goals for your future, remember that the ultimate objective of every goal is to help you further develop a Christlike character — which is wisdom’s path."
During the event, Richards introduced Ames and honored him as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus — the highest recognition the college bestows.
“Each year, the administration of the college selects a former student who earned an outstanding record while at the college and has made exceptional contributions to family, church, profession and community,” said Richards.
Ames attended the college from 1980-81, and studied in the accounting program. Since that time he has had a successful career as a certified public accountant and has participated in many ways in his church and community.
In brief remarks, Ames shared ways to help an individual find balance between their family, church responsibilities and work.
“It is important for you to know that work life balance is a choice,” Ames said, adding that in life a person must make difficult choices and sacrifices. Crucial to finding a proper balance is including God in one’s life.
“When making priorities and sacrifices sometimes you have to give up good things for the best things,” said Ames.
Two graduates, Giliani Guardia and Mauricio Kiyama, spoke during the event and the BC Choir, conducted by Richard Decker and accompanied by Linda Margetts on the organ, provided musical selections.
mholman@desnews.com, @marianne_holman