BYU Speeches

Dean of undergraduate education, Richard A. Gill, delves into the covenantal journey of disciple-scholarship, emphasizing spiritual observations, divine guidance, embracing wonder in nature, building a covenant community, and integrating discipleship with scholarly pursuits.

Ellen S. Knell, associate director at the Center for Language Studies, talks about finding light in small spiritual experiences, her language learning journey, embracing incremental progress, finding comfort in grief, and the value of personal growth.

Kimberly O. Jenkins discusses finding healing light by recognizing miracles, putting in effort, and serving others. She shares stories of overcoming challenges in academia, infertility, and personal struggles during chemotherapy. Learn how to bring light and faith into life amid challenges and find inner peace and purpose.

Bradley P. Owens, a professor of business ethics, discusses the parallels between running a race and facing life's challenges with faith and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's path, finding strength in covenants, and drawing closer to Christ through temple worship.

AliceAnn Crandall, an associate professor of public health, delves into taking hold of Christ by overcoming fear, forming relationships, listening, using gifts, protecting children, and trusting God. She emphasizes making and keeping covenants to strengthen one's relationship with Christ.

Eric N. Jellen, a professor of genetics, discusses the spiritual significance of temples on Temple Hill, the pursuit of truth in various disciplines, and the genetic behaviors of alopolypoid crops like oats and quinoa. He emphasizes integrating faith into daily work, collaborative research at BYU, and the harmonious relationship between spiritual and scientific enlightenment.

Michelle H. Bennett, assistant vice president of information technology, discusses finding belonging at BYU, achieving mastery through practice and spiritual progression, embracing vulnerability and the power of prayer, and finding eternal joy through balancing secular and spiritual life in her inspirational talk.

C. Shane Reese, President of BYU, delivers commencement address urging graduates to be the 'sine qua non' in others' lives. He reflects on BYU's unique mission, shares a transformational journey, and inspires embracing faith and perseverance in becoming influential figures.

Grant J. Jensen, Dean of the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences, discusses the blessings of families from God. Topics include the Abrahamic covenant, divine blessings during persecution, life as an experiment of faith, and cherished family moments. Emphasis is placed on the importance of marriage, family bonds, and parenting.

Gerrit W. Gong encourages individuals to be their best BYU selves through faith and service. He reflects on memorable experiences at BYU, emphasizes personal development, and highlights the importance of nurturing faith and building communities of belonging.