A Zion University Part III

 This is our third and final Cougar Friday focusing on a speech given by former BYU President Merrill J. Bateman.  I began my college career at a state university.  There were many things I liked, but something was definitely wrong.  Very shortly after entering my program, I realized, I would be required to compromise my LDS standards, if I wished to continue in my chosen major.  I knew I could get a good education at my state university, but how would my testimony be doing by the time I had my diploma?

Brigham Young University is unique in that it offers a world class education, yet throws the worldly out of the process.  I have worked in my field for almost 30 years and my memories of my education are clean and uncompromising.  BYU provided me with a great foundation to build upon.

President Bateman shared a person testimony moment, at the conclusion of his address, "A Zion University."

A Message to the Students

"May I paraphrase an earlier president of Brigham Young University: 'Our reason for being is to be a university.  But our reason for being a university is the students.'  For more than 120 years this campus has had a distinctive character.  Strangers who visit are struck by the cleanliness and orderliness of the buildings, the grounds, and especially the people. . . .It was so refreshing to return to this campus, to see the clean young people, and to feel the peace that prevails here.

May I share with you a flash of insight given me by the Spirit twenty years ago in which I learned about this university's major role in building the kingdom . 

. . . .I realized that 27,000 students were being prepared to enter the world.  Every year approximately 6,000 would leave Provo, scattering across North America with some going on to Europe, others to Asia, some to Africa, and a number to South America.  Some might even go Down Under.  If the university performed its roles well, deepening spiritual roots and providing a first-class education, in the course of time strong Church families would grow up in hundreds and thousands of communities all over the world.  These BYU families would be waiting when later missionaries arrived.  My earlier experiences in London, Boston, Colorado Springs, High Wycombe, Lancaster, Bedminster, Accra and Lagos had pointed to the importance of just one or two strong families to form a core around which the Lord could build a branch, then a district, and finally a stake.  The BYU families would be good neighbors; have strong relationships with business associates; and, if well-trained, be leaders in their communities.  These strong families, by example and invitation, would open doors for missionaries to enter. 

. . . .This institution will not fail.  As Daniel prophesied, the kingdom will not be left to other people.  Joseph's and Brigham's vision that the spiritual can be combined with the secular without the latter overcoming the former will prove true because of faith and priesthood power.  Brigham Young University will continue to be a light to the world, dispensing truth for the public good and for individual happiness." (Merrill J. Bateman. Learning in the Light of Truth. Deseret Book. 2005 pgs. 24-6)

BYU Officers Bee

One of the purposes of the Brigham Young University Former Student Officers Society is to open up a dialog on important leadership issues that are of interest to our members and friends.  Let's face it, how do we accomplish that when we have members all over the world and we only meet with a small fraction of you each year during our Homecoming events?  This blog will be our humble attempt to get a meaningful dialog going.  Feel free to join in, maybe make a few waves, but always keep in mind that the purpose of this site is to develop a thoughtful, challenging and uplifting discussion on what it means to be a leader.  We are alumni of Brigham Young University and in no way do we speak for or in behalf of the University or its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So, lets get going!  The first question you might ask is, "What's with the name--Officers Bee?"

Answer:  The Bee represents industry.  A hive functions as a single unite, despite the amazing diversity in work assignment.  There is a strong, predictable structure in the function of the hive and every member depends on another to fulfill its shared goal of providing food, shelter and safety for the rising generation.  The way Bees communicate is amazing.  They don't waste time with endless memos, or unnecessary board meetings, they communicate by being of one mind.  They share a vision and that vision creates a link between the members of the hive.  I think that when we are doing a good job of leading, those around us often seem to "know" what is the right thing to do, because it "feels" right; it is something that is in harmony with the vision of our organizations.