Students laughed during the Devotional on Tuesday as President Cecil O. and Sister Sharon Samuelson firmly asserted their allegiance to BYU even though both graduated from the University of Utah.
BYU campus gathered to listen to the inspiring words of President and Sister Samuelson. Each expressed their appreciation for BYU and encouraged students to live up to their potential as they spoke about their experiences with the university. As LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley called them to serve seven years ago, he expected them to put on a blue coat.
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This challenge has grown into a faithful allegiance as they uphold and appreciate the unique features of a BYU education. Sister Samuelson said she felt BYU’s mission statement places the university above most, as it strives to be spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging and build character leading to lifelong learning and service.
“We believe the mission and AIMS to be true and reflective of what BYU is and tries to be,” Sister Samuelson said. “They also represent so much of what we observe, feel and appreciate about Brigham Young University.”
President Samuelson explained his appreciation for the Honor Code because each person is committed to uphold those standards as they enter BYU. President Samuelson said he believes that supporting the Honor Code through obedience will result in blessings for all.
“By signing our names we have promised not only our conformity, but also that we understand the BYU standards of honor and will willingly live them,” he said.
Sister Samuelson echoed this belief and advised students to follow the code of conduct and modesty guidelines. She said she believes modest dress and appropriate conduct should not be taken lightly as it reflects respect for ourselves and the university as a whole.
“Please remember that modesty is much more a matter of attitude and respect than it is of hair length, necklines, hem line or spandex stretching,” she said.
President Samuelson also reminded students of their commitment to their education and the unique opportunities they have to attend church and interact with other LDS members. He and Sister Samuelson capitalized on this combination during their college careers with frequent library dates. Even though students’ workloads will vary, every student should seek an education that enhances knowledge of temporal and spiritual topics.
“My advice to you students, whatever your major or your interests, is to do all you can to get to know your professors better and learn all you can from them about life and the gospel and not just narrow curricular topics,” President Samuelson said.
Both President and Sister Samuelson expressed their gratitude for BYU and the Spirit that is felt in all of its activities. Past presidents have prophesied of the great learning capabilities of BYU that is still progressing today to be appreciated across the world.
This is a very special place,” President Samuelson said. “We have not yet achieved our full possibilities but we have made progress.”
