BYU students filled the Marriott Center to watch the Homecoming Opening Ceremony on Oct. 14.
President C. Shane Reese roused cheers from the audience as he welcomed students to the kickoff event.
Mentioning BYU’s 150th anniversary theme, President Reese spoke of the light that BYU alumni and students carry throughout the world.
“That light is a reflection of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” he said.
The Cougar Marching Band started the celebration off with an arrangement from “Mama Mia” while the color guard waved yellow flags in the air.
Winners of the Brimhall Essay Contest were announced at the ceremony. 566 students entered the competition. Spencer Anderson, Michele Walker and Ruth Soucie were awarded $1,000 as honorable mentions. Ogi Erdenbaatar won $2,000 in third place, Kimberly Aliaga won $3,000 in second place and Liam Robinson won $5,000 in first place.
Musical trio GENTRI sang with Vocal Point and Noteworthy. They performed “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” “Dare” and “A Million Dreams.”
Having sung together for 10 years, GENTRI is also celebrating an anniversary. Trio members Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever encouraged BYU students to dream big.
“From day one, our mantra has always been one of daring to dream,” Robins said.
He also spoke on the impact BYU had on him as a student.
“This place gave me the courage to dream big and to dare greatly,” Robins said.
The BYU Folk Dance Ensemble, Ballroom Dance Company and the Cougarettes showed their spirit at the ceremony on the dance floor.
BYU Radio’s Sam Payne shared stories from President Spencer W. Kimball’s life. He explained that although President Kimball was a very small boy, he became a basketball player and later did things that others may not have expected from such a little man.
“Like so many who are among the mightiest, he at first felt unequal to the enormity of the things he had been called to,” Payne said.
Payne referenced President Kimball’s Second Century Address and encouraged students to let their light shine.
“That unique light that President Kimball called a 'special glow' shines in you,” Payne said. “Like President Kimball, you are not small. You are a child of God engaged in the work of the Lord.”
To close the homecoming kickoff, Payne sang “This Little Light of Mine” with the BYU Jazz Legacy Band.
