Fall 2007

Welcome, students. I wanted to tell you, as we started this new school year, the President had a fall workshop for all the faculty and staff—basically, everyone that works within these walls. And he titled it “Cultural Transitions—from Good to Great.” We had a facilitator come and help us define our cultural beliefs. After much soul searching, tough questions were asked and answered, opinions given and debated, and there was a consensus, a coming together of these cultural beliefs. Not an easy task, you might say, with all of the diverse minds and backgrounds of all those of us who work within these walls. But surprisingly, it was wonderful to see how similar our thoughts, our feelings about the College were.

I’m delighted to be here. I should tell you all that I was concerned that nobody would come. When I was a newly called stake president, I was asked to speak to the young single adults in our stake. It is my recollection that only three or four people showed up, and that included me and the people who organized the event. Had I known that there was going to be a choir bringing at least 40 or 50 of you, I would have slept much better last night. I would not have worried at all. Although had only three or four of you showed up, we would conduct this discussion in a small circle, and it would be a little bit more like a symposia than a lecture, which we’ll do our best to keep it from being that.

Ye Must Build a Firm Foundation

Becoming Scholar Disciples

Do Right: Honoring Our Commitments