BYU Speeches

Hal R. Boyd, Chief of Staff to the President of BYU, passionately discusses the vital role of maintaining a bonfire of faith through repentance, service, and charity. He draws a compelling comparison between BYU’s unique spiritual identity and secular institutions, emphasizing the importance of embodying spiritual light. Listeners are inspired by anecdotes of personal growth through challenges, highlighting the balance between faith and reason. Ultimately, Boyd calls for a commitment to charity and truth, urging everyone to embrace their divine identities.

J. Clifford Wallace, Senior Judge and Chief Judge Emeritus of the United States Court of Appeals, shares powerful insights on prioritizing family and church service. He emphasizes that true success is defined not by career achievements but by meaningful relationships and personal integrity. Through personal stories, Wallace urges listeners to find balance in their lives, encouraging a heartfelt approach to faith and aspirations, while looking forward to future reunions with loved ones.

Even as students leave BYU, they are called upon to simultaneously maintain spiritual integrity and be a light to the world. Clark G. Gilbert, commissioner of the Church Educational System, delivered this commencement address on April 24, 2025. You can access the talk here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explores the duality of joy and sorrow in faith. He reflects on the poignant events of Palm Sunday and the unexpected nature of Jesus as Messiah. Uchtdorf encourages listeners to embrace the discord between their spiritual ideals and the harsh realities of life. Through prayer and reflection, he highlights the importance of maintaining a personal connection with God amidst life's challenges.

Teresa R. Bell, a faculty member at BYU, shares her insights on recognizing divine presence in everyday life. She emphasizes the power of morning and evening prayers, journaling, and understanding patriarchal blessings. Through amusing anecdotes from her freshman year and a memorable BYU basketball game, she illustrates how these practices can transform one’s perception of joy and gratitude. Bell encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences to strengthen their connection with God, making faith an active part of daily life.

Ilana M. Horwitz, an assistant professor at Tulane University specializing in Jewish studies and sociology, discusses the intriguing connection between religion and academic success. She introduces the concept of the 'abider advantage,' showing how structured faith practices can enhance discipline and promote perseverance in students. Horwitz shares inspiring stories of support found in religious communities, especially for working-class youth. Her insights highlight how shared values and communal bonds significantly contribute to educational achievements and personal growth.

Gabriel W. Reid, the second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares insightful reflections from his time at BYU. He emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and responding with courage to spiritual prompts. Reid discusses how work can transform faith, drawing from his mission experiences. With heartfelt anecdotes, he illustrates his journey from football to spiritual calling, encouraging listeners to trust God’s plan while pursuing their personal goals.

Kalani Sitake, head football coach at BYU, shares his inspiring journey from Tonga to coaching, emphasizing God's plan amid adversity. He recounts a touching moment when a hug from a favorite athlete offered healing during tough times. Sitake discusses how dreams can shift, like when an injury ended his football aspirations, yet faith and resilience enabled him to find purpose. He encourages listeners to embrace divine guidance and community support, reminding us that even small gestures can have a profound impact on our lives.

Michael A. Dunn, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares profound insights on the concept of being 'fools for Christ.' He humorously encourages embracing one's own foolishness to pursue seemingly impossible dreams. Reflecting on Don Quixote, Dunn highlights the beauty of idealism against societal skepticism. He draws inspiration from the journeys of trailblazers like Martha Hughes Cannon and Steve Young, emphasizing unwavering faith amid doubt and the importance of prioritizing meaningful pursuits over superficial distractions.

In this insightful discussion, Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs and a leading voice at the American Enterprise Institute, emphasizes the crucial role of institutions in shaping our social fabric. He argues that institutions should be formative rather than performative, pointing to the need for a cultural shift towards idealism and community engagement. Levin also addresses the alarming decline of trust in these entities and calls for a renewed focus on personal responsibility to combat societal divisions and restore civic harmony.