BYU Student Alumni hosted its 12th annual “The Summit” event from Feb. 6-7.
The event spanned two days and consisted of BYU alumni sharing their experiences alongside uplifting messages.
The Friday night lineup was held in the Wilkinson Student Center Ballroom as speakers shared their journey from BYU to their professional careers.
Ryan King, chief financial officer of Thread Wallets, shared that through the highs and lows in life, we should serve as we go.
“Think and find ways where God can use you,” King said.
Whitney Johnson, a business thinker and bestselling author, shared her personal experiences from Provo to Uruguay and the streets of New York City. Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping God in the equation and building new moral pathways.
“Why is the growth mindset possible? It’s because of Jesus,” Johnson said. “Take a step back of who you are and slingshot into who you want to be.”
The final speaker of the evening was Dave Checketts, sports executive and businessman. He began by sharing about his life as a prominent figure in many sports franchises, including the Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake.
Checketts recounted his recruiting process while working as an NBA executive and a decision he had to make regarding a controversial player.
“Second chances are part of championship culture,” Checketts said. “Brothers and sisters, the best championship culture on earth exists in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.“
Saturday morning featured the second set of speakers as attendees gathered at the Hinckley Center.
The first speaker of the day was Jani Radebaugh, a planetary scientist. She described her adventures to the deep ends of the earth and all seven continents.
“Find your own passion as you move forward,” Radebaugh said.
Jamal Willis, a former NFL player, followed. He shared his experiences of his recruiting process that led him to playing football under LaVell Edwards and how it was an opportunity to inspire so many people through his God-given talents.
“I’m so grateful for my BYU experience,” Willis said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to actually be here. You students are so blessed to be in a place to inspire you to become more.”
The final speaker of the event was Jennifer Rockwood, BYU women’s soccer coach. She shared about her firsthand experience of coaching the team from its inaugural season in 1995 to now, being Big 12 tournament champions.
She encouraged the crowd to find their passion and develop friendships and relationships.
“It’s funny how different opportunities and people you meet can lead you in amazing directions you never thought possible,” Rockwood said.
The event concluded with a Q&A session with the Saturday speakers.
For more information on this event and other events from BYU Student Alumni, visit their website.