Because of donations from approximately 150 generous individuals and families, President Henry B. Eyring was able to dedicate two new buildings on BYU campus Friday.
BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson welcomed members of the Quorum of the Twelve and of the Seventy, donors and other guests to the dedication via a closed broadcast in both buildings.
A small group of about 270 people, including Elders Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks and M. Russell Ballard, joined President Eyring in Studio C of the new Broadcasting Building.
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Generous donors paid for the entirety of the IT building, President Samuelson said, and helped to make the Broadcasting Building a reality. Because of these two buildings, BYU’s ability to share messages through television, radio and the Internet has received an upgrade.
“Our content is improving and our progress, while impressive, is just beginning,” President Samuelson said. “We’re able to support the Church in its mission to spread the gospel around the world.”
In President Eyring’s address before the combined dedicatory prayer, he reminded all present that technology was a miracle from the Lord.
“The Lord’s plan is to advance ever more rapidly his work and the effects of his gospel throughout the world,” he said. “He has revealed the technology that enables the Church to take full advantage of these advances.”
Owen S. Rich founded KBYU Radio in 1946 and had one word to describe the progress BYU had made since his first station — unbelievable.
“Radio was started [at BYU] primarily for the purpose of training students in dramatic arts,” Rich said. “This is a dream beyond my dreams.”
Steven Sorenson, director of finances for BYU Broadcasting, said the building can do more than just train students in broadcasting and information technology.
“The building itself … wasn’t built just to be a neat building,” Sorenson said. “In reality, it’s going to be the content that touches people, that introduces the Church to them and what some of our beliefs and doctrines are.”
President Eyring reminded those present to use these new buildings as a way to bless the lives of others, because they hold more than just audio-visual equipment.
“Never forget that while we have computers, cameras, microphones, fiber-optic networks, clouds and satellites we will have failed if we do not rely on the Holy Ghost,” President Eyring said. “Technology does, and can, bless lives.”
