Presidents Panel - BYU 150: Presidents Panel - 2025

Introduction to BYU Sesquicentennial Forum Assembly

  • Host: Justin Collins, BYU's Academic Vice President
  • Purpose: Celebrate BYU's past, envision its future, and highlight the divine gifts of light cultivated at BYU.
  • Speakers: Four past or current BYU presidents:
      - Elder Merrill J. Bateman (1996-2003)
      - Elder Cecil O. Samuelson (2003-2014)
      - President Kevin J. Worthen (2014-2023)
      - President C. Shane Reese (2023-present)
  • Acknowledgment of absent presidents who sent messages.

Personal Testimony by Elder Merrill J. Bateman

  • Life-Changing Decisions:
      - Serving a mission
      - Enrolling at BYU
  • Inaugural Experience: Memories of the inaugural dance and emotional connection to the university.
  • Impact of Education:
      - Profound influence of a freshman English class (instructor: Oria B. Tanner).
      - Essential skills learned: reading, writing, and critical thinking.
      - Valuable religious education through various classes.

Importance of BYU’s Mission

  • Belief in BYU:
      - Church's university established and led by prophetic guidance.
      - Emphasis on serving students, faculty, administration, and community.
  • Gratitude for Leaders: Thanks for leaders like President Dallin H. Oaks and President Jeffrey R. Holland, maintaining high standards.
  • Honoring Rex E. Lee: Recognition of President Rex E. Lee who passed after battling cancer, alongside other first ladies who have made contributions.

Unique Prophetic Mission of BYU

  • Prophetic Counsel from Leaders:
      - Quotes from:
        - President Spencer W. Kimball, 1982: Vision for BYU to lead among world universities.
        - President John Taylor: Testimony of divine approval of BYU's teaching and mission.
  • Spiritual Significances: The Palmyra Temple dedication experience, indicating BYU's spiritual ambiance.
      - Over 20,000 students attended the dedication, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere.
  • BYU as a Temple of Learning: All buildings are considered houses of learning dedicated to the Lord.

Reflections on Doing Things the Lord's Way

  • President Cecil O. Samuelson's Contributions:
      - Discusses the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitor Center’s construction as a tribute to the prophet.
      - Fundraising efforts involving passionate supporters and collaboration with church leaders.
      - Importance of honoring church leaders through naming buildings after them despite institutional policies.
      - Notable successes in raising funds and experience of receiving heavenly guidance.

President Kevin J. Worthen's Reflections

  • Love for BYU: Reminiscent of personal experiences as a child on campus, creating a foundation for lifelong affection.
  • Heavenly Direction: Recognizes the importance of divine guidance in university leadership, especially during crises like COVID-19.
  • Student Happiness: Importance of student joy and fulfillment at BYU, relating experiences of students feeling happiness as they engage with their faith.
  • Mission and Service: Emphasis on individual students’ roles in fulfilling the university's mission and their contributions toward the Lord's plan.

Reflections on History & Legacy of BYU

  • President C. Shane Reese on History and Student Influence:
      - Acknowledges that legacy shapes students' futures and underscores the need to preserve BYU's spirit.
      - Sharing guidance from previous presidents and the role of personal experiences in shaping future leaders.
  • Three Essential Lessons for Students:
      1. Gratitude: Recognizing influential figures in their lives and developing a mindset of thankfulness.
      2. Sense of Mission: Students should see themselves embodying BYU's mission in their individual journeys.
      3. Desire to Serve Christ: Cultivation of strong spiritual roots to guide their actions and values.

Closing Messages from the Presidents

  • Final Remarks by Each President:
  • President Worthen:
      - Emphasized identity as children of God and the leadership experience at BYU.
  • President Samuelson:
      - Affirmed BYU's status as the Lord's university and the importance of hard work and doctrines.
  • President Bateman:
      - Praise for contributions to BYU’s growth and continued ranking improvements.
  • Communal Closure: Expression of gratitude for the panelists' leadership and contributions to BYU's cherished history and mission.

Conclusion

  • Feeling of Community and Legacy: Appreciation for the connection between past and present leaders and their vision for future students.
  • Encouragement for Students: To embody the spirit of BYU and continue nurturing its divine mission.