In celebration of BYU’s sesquicentennial, President C. Shane Reese and previous BYU presidents Kevin J Worthen, Cecil O. Samuelson and Merrill J. Bateman shared insights in a presidents panel at a BYU forum on Nov. 18.
Academic Vice President Justin Collings conducted the forum, which began with a video of President Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland sharing the impact BYU has had on their lives. Following the video, each president shared experiences regarding the uniqueness, mission, love and spirit of BYU.
Dedicated House of Learning
Bateman was president from 1996-2003 and spoke of the unique spirituality of the students at BYU and its potential to become one of the greatest universities.
As he was serving in the year 2000, the Palmyra Temple was to be dedicated and the First Presidency wanted the BYU student body to watch the services. Bateman said that even though there were concerns about whether there would be a reverent atmosphere if it was broadcasted in the Marriott Center, they received permission to do so.
On the day of the dedication, Bateman entered the Marriott Center and immediately noticed how quiet the room was. He was impressed by the spirituality of the students who held onto their scriptures and listened in reverence.
After the dedicatory prayer was given and the thousands of students in attendance participated in the Hosanna Shout, Bateman said that the Spirit pervaded every corner of the room.
“The sea of handkerchiefs were like fields of grain, waving in the wind. I’ve attended a number of temple dedications, but not one like that,” Bateman recalled. “It was one of the greatest spiritual moments of my calling at this university.”
Bateman said that the buildings on campus have been dedicated as houses of learning, making BYU like a temple.
In the Lord’s Way
Samuelson served as president from 2003-2014, and he shared how experiences at BYU taught him how to lead in the Lord’s way, including the hard work and inspiration that led to the construction of the Gordon B. Hinkley Alumni and Visitors Center.
Samuelson shared that working with the First Presidency and with the help of thousands of donors, the vision for the center became a reality.
“With the blessings of heaven and the very hard work of many we were able to break ground,” he said. The building was completed on President Hinkley’s 97th birthday.
He said that he didn’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many circumstances fell into place to make this addition to campus possible.
Love of BYU Students
Worthen served as President from 2014-2023 and reflected on his love for BYU, which he developed from a young age.
He said that while on campus for the first time as a boy, he felt like it was one of the most wonderful places on earth — even better than Disneyland.
Worthen attributed this greatness to the divine direction the university receives through its students and leaders. He also mentioned that the lives of the students and the happiness they exude contribute to the reasons why he loves BYU.
Quoting 2 Nephi 1:6, he said that each student was brought to BYU for a reason.
“There shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord,” he said.
Worthen said that each person has something to contribute to BYU’s story.
“God brought us … each of us individually for some reason,” he said.
Maintaining the Flame of BYU’s Past
President Reese spoke of maintaining the “flame of BYU” that its students carry by looking back at its history and the people who made it what it is today.
“When I look back at history and when I want to learn something from history, it’s the people that have made the difference,” he said.
President Reese shared three lessons he has learned from the historical figures of BYU that he hopes students will implement in their lives.
The first lesson was that of gratitude, including an appreciation for other people.
Next, he said that he hopes students will have a clear sense of the mission of BYU.
“I hope you can see yourself in that mission,” he said.
Lastly, he shared that the people of BYU’s history had a deep desire to serve Jesus Christ.
To close the forum, each president shared their testimony.
“The gospel is true, and you are true, and BYU is true,” Samuelson said.