Stories of faith, sacrifice and persistence filled the Reynolds Auditorium on Thursday, April 16 as faculty and staff, both men and women, gathered for “Light Through Generations: 150 Years of BYU Women.”
Heather Belnap spoke at the event, which was hosted by the Office of Belonging and the Kennedy Center and centered on a broader effort to recognize women whose contributions have forever changed and shaped the university.
Associate Vice President Julianne Grose said the event was designed to give voice to those who are often missing from everyday conversations.
“We were celebrating 150 years of BYU women, really learning about those who have contributed to BYU, especially early founders that many of us don’t hear about very often,” Grose said. “It was an opportunity to be inspired by them in what we’re doing now.”
Belnap said her research into BYU women has revealed a more complex and human story than is often portrayed.
“One thing I feel strongly about is that the women who came before us were inspirational, but they were also very human,” Belnap said. “They felt discouraged, frustrated, overworked. That part doesn’t always make it into the historical record.”
According to Belnap, there is much left to be told about women's history.
“Women’s history is often the history of the omitted,” Belnap said. “There are so many who worked behind the scenes or were never given the chance to be center stage.”
For Belnap, telling those stories is about helping current staff and faculty see themselves in that legacy, and inviting them to shine their light as those before them did.
“My students need to know theirs is a rich heritage,” Belnap said. “There are women who came before them who made space for them, even if their names aren’t widely known.”
Event organizer, Amanda Hughes, said the gathering was also about creating unity among women currently on campus.
“We’re excited to bring women together and celebrate the role they’ve played in building up BYU,” Hughes said. “We’re really hoping this is the first of many events like this.”
She said one of the biggest challenges was gathering people at such a busy time in the semester. However, the response from willing participants stood out.
“It was actually amazing how many people just said yes,” Hughes said. “That doesn’t always happen, especially with how busy everyone is.”
For student coordinator Noelle Otis, the event created an environment and sense of personal connection despite generational differences.
“I think it’s the knowing of connection,” Otis said. “There’s a lot to gain from knowing the history of people and places that are important to us.”
Otis said seeing her professor speak and friends contribute to the research made the experience feel even more meaningful.
“It reminded me that even as a student, I can contribute,” Otis said. “We can also be examples.”
Grose said she hopes attendees left not only informed, but connected to one another.
“These opportunities to talk to each other and share what touched us are what I hope for most,” Grose said.
As BYU reflects on 150 years of history, Belnap said the responsibility is now in our hands.
“We light our candles and place them next to others,” Belnap said. “Together, we create more light.”
The event ultimately emphasized that the legacy of BYU women is not just something to remember, but something being built continually.