As BYU approaches the second half of its second century, preparations to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025 are underway.
On Aug. 28, the BYU sesquicentennial executive committee hosted an information session for BYU employees, giving them a sneak peek into the anniversary’s celebrations, as well as information on how they may prepare and participate in the festivities within their respective areas.
Though specifics on the anniversary celebrations are not yet available to the general public, Natalie Ipson, member of the BYU sesquicentennial executive committee, said planning to commemorate the university’s anniversary has been largely based upon the address President Spencer W. Kimball gave during BYU’s centennial celebration in 1975.
In his remarks, President Kimball detailed a prophetic vision of what BYU should become during its second century, Ipson said. Thus, BYU will be using its 150th anniversary as a type of “mid-term checkup” on President Kimball’s charge, she said.
“We will recognize the progress the university has made in the 50 years since President Kimball’s address, assess where BYU can further improve and continue to aspire to fulfill President Kimball’s charge to ‘Become a unique university in all of the world,’” she said.
Addressing the BYU employees present in the information session, Ipson and committee member Chad Little elaborated on the sesquicentennial anniversary’s theme, goal and desired outcomes.
The theme and goal for BYU’s 150th anniversary, according to Ipson and Little, will center around the concept of cultivating and sharing our light for the benefit of the world as discussed by President Kimball.
“There are many ways in which BYU can tower above other universities — not simply because of the size of its student body or its beautiful campus but because of the unique light BYU can send forth into the educational world,” President Kimball taught.
Aligned with the theme and goal, Little presented the anniversary’s desired outcomes.
“Be inspired, be connected and be engaged,” he said. “Every single engagement that is happening at the sesquicentennial will come back to one of those three.”
According to Ispon and Little, there will be ongoing and date specific engagements to commemorate the university’s anniversary throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.
These engagements will include traditional university events, such as homecoming and graduation, as well as other engagements created for the anniversary year, Ipson said. A sample of those engagements include:
- Beacons of Light: Departments and colleges across campus will highlight how they are a unique light within their fields and expertise.
- Share Your Light: Students, employees and alumni will be challenged to perform service in their local communities all around the world during the anniversary year.
- Nights of Light: Select evenings throughout the fall and winter semesters where the campus community and general public can come together for a unique experience on campus.
Interlaced by a theme of light, these engagements will seek to inspire participants with BYU’s light and knowledge, connect them with BYU’s worldwide community, and engage them in serving and edifying others.
Looking forward to BYU’s sesquicentennial anniversary, Advancement Vice President Keith Vorkink said he hopes students will grow in familiarity with the university’s unique mission and prophetic vision as laid out by President Kimball.
“We hope that the sesquicentennial celebratory year will be an inspiring year of activities and events that draw us closer to our university mission which will also enable us to move further down the path of ‘Becoming BYU’ as described by President Reese,” Vorkink said.
