Approximately 380 students participated in the BYU–Hawaii commencement exercises on April 9, 2011. As the distinguished guest speaker, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his vision of the future with graduates. The audience laughed at his observation, "There is good news and bad news," and listened intently to his hope for the future.
"You enter a world caught in a steep slippery slide of diminishing moral values. Against that backdrop, your character and integrity will let you stand out and shine like a lighthouse. If you are true and faithful, you will stand out in stark contrast to the surrounding masses mired in mediocrity. You will be anchored to eternal truth. You, your families, and your homes will be become beacons of hope in a darkened world. You will be seen as citadels of stability wherever you live. Your faith and optimism will make you leaders in your communities, in your countries, and in the kingdom of God on earth."
Elder Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner for the Church Educational System, encouraged graduates, "Whether you make your contributions to the world in an operating room, a board room, a classroom or most importantly, in your own living room, you can and will make a difference in the world and the kingdom if you move forward with a righteous life. … If we live righteous lives, the Lord will help us reach our eternal potential."
Also speaking at the ceremony were BYU–Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright and graduate Christopher Bresee. President Wheelwright encouraged graduates to be diligent in the "small and simple things" and to be patient in learning "line upon line [and] precept upon precept." Bresee expressed his gratitude to parents, his wife, friends, faculty, and most importantly to the Savior for their investments in him. He encouraged his fellow graduates to do the same.
Text and video of the commencement speeches can be found here.
Photos by Monique Saenz and Meimei Yin